Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • Yes, spectating is allowed at all our matches if you prefer to see an event before participating. Eye and ear protection is required. Please also sign the waiver beforehand for everyone who will be attending.

  • The Practical Pistol Range is a remote location at Ben Avery -- it is NOT at the main range. Please use the links below to navigate to the match location, but we recommend that you enter through the main entrance with the sign that says "Ben Avery Shooting Facility" on the northwest corner of I-17 and Carefree Highway, regardless of where the driving directions might say to turn off Carefree Highway. There are no signs directing you to the range from that point forward, so please use the links below to navigate.

    Google Maps

    Apple Maps

  • Membership is not required to participate, but we offer a $5 discount on match fees for members. Learn more on the membership page.

  • New shooters are always welcome and mentors are available to help you enjoy your first match, so regardless of your skill level you can come out and have a great time. The best matches for a first timer are Steel Challenge or the Thursday Night Practice Match.

    Steel Challenge is a very simple “standing only” match with minimal movement, where the focus is entirely on speed and accuracy, but still with the excitement of time pressure on the clock.

    The Thursday night practice match is the next step up, which incorporates movement and reloading but without being a formally ranked match. At your first Thursday match, you will be required to attend the new shooter meeting at 6 PM, and then select a 7 PM squad. We highly recommend selecting Squad 7 with the mentors your first time, who will walk you through the entire match from start to finish.

    One you get more comfortable, you can then move up to the USPSA match and start working toward national ranking.

  • Generally speaking, you will need the following:

    • A pistol in 9mm, 40 or 45 caliber (or a 9mm pistol caliber carbine)

    • A sturdy belt with your shirt tucked in to prevent clothing from snagging on the trigger and causing a misfire

    • Hip holster that completely covers the trigger guard of the pistol when holstered (except PCC which will need a bag or scabbard and an empty chamber flag inserted between the bolt and chamber)

    • Ammunition

      • Thursday - 150 rounds

      • Steel Challenge - 200 rounds

      • USPSA 150 rounds

      • Bring double the amount of ammo your first time and then adjust (you will miss more targets when you first start, so you’ll need extra)

    • At least 3 magazines are recommended (or 6 if shooting single stack)

    • Mag pouches are highly recommended but you can also carry magazines in your pocket

    • Eye protection

    • Ear protection

    • Weather-appropriate clothing

    • Sturdy, close-toed shoes (no flip flops or sandles)

    • Water and snacks

    • Hat and sunscreen recommended

    You can find further information about the different handgun divisions in Appendix D of the USPSA handgun competition rules at uspsa.org/rules.

  • Most matches require pre-registration on Practiscore.com. You can see which matches require pre-registration on the matches page.

    Practiscore registration always opens on Sunday at 7 PM and fills up quickly, so mark your calendar and be ready to go. We highly recommend creating your free Practiscore account prior to the start of registration.

    Once you create your free account, go to the Cactus page on Practiscore to see our upcoming matches and when registration opens.

  • We run the match as a cold range, which means please enter the range with no ammunition or magazine in your firearm. Magazines can be loaded with ammunition, just not the firearm. We will provide further instructions at the range about the right time and location to load your firearm for each stage.

  • We follow the USPSA handgun competition rules located at uspsa.org/rules along with any other rules posted on our website.

  • The rules and ettiquite are generally the same as a normal shooting range, but there are specific safety rules that must be followed to avoid disqualification.

    If you’re new to competition shooting, please pay close attention to Section 10 of the USPSA Handgun Competition Rules (disqualification rules), and the Appendix related to your chosen division here: uspsa.org/rules