North Valley Shooting Association

North Valley Shooters Association operates a shooting range at 1098b E. Gridley Rd, Gridley, CA 95948 that hosts four distinct competitive shooting formats. The range runs on a cold range policy—no ammunition loaded unless supervised by a certified safety officer.

USPSA (3rd Sunday Monthly)

United States Practical Shooting Association matches run on the third Sunday. USPSA events have you shoot targets while moving through stages with walls, fault lines, and props. You're racing against the clock while maintaining accuracy. Competitors are separated by gun division (Open, Limited, Limited 10, Production, Revolver) and skill class (Grand Master, Master, A, B, C, D, Unclassified). First-timers start Unclassified and move up after shooting 4 classifier stages. Registration via PractiScore.

IDPA (4th Sunday Monthly)

International Defensive Pistol Association matches use practical self-defense scenarios. Founded in 1996 as an alternative to IPSC, IDPA stresses equipment that's actually useful for self-defense rather than competition-only gear. You can be competitive with a stock service pistol and standard holster. Scoring is time plus penalties. Matches start with a new shooter briefing at 8:45–9:00 AM. Arrive by 8:30 AM to get set up. Registration via PractiScore.

IDPA was founded because competition shooting had become too focused on heavily modified guns and specialized equipment. The founders—Bill Wilson, John Sayle, Ken Hackathorn, Dick Thomas, Walt Rauch, and Larry Vickers—wanted a sport where a standard defensive pistol was competitive.

ICORE (2nd Sunday, December–May)

International Confederation of Revolver Enthusiasts competition runs revolver-only matches December through May on the second Sunday. ICORE was founded in 1991 by Mike and Sharon Higashi to provide an alternative to the equipment arms race in action shooting. Semi-autos and PCCs are now welcome. Scoring uses time plus penalties/bonuses. NRA D-1 paper targets and falling steel plates are used. Charlie Severance serves as interim Match Director. Registration via PractiScore.

NVSA Steel Matches

NVSA Steel is designed as an accessible entry point for families, casual shooters, and serious competitors alike. These "shoot-what-you-brung" events accept most handgun calibers (.45 ACP 1911s, 22LR, revolvers, semi-autos) and rifle types (lever action, pumps, semi-autos, single shot). Stages are designed to be safe and simple—not trick courses. Match directors set their own courses within safety guidelines. You typically shoot each stage 5 times. Having 5 magazines per gun helps, but loaner magazines are usually available. The focus is fun and safety, not complexity.

• •Important: Gate cards cannot be shared between vehicles. No tailgating or following other cars through the gate—the gate is video monitored. Every person in a family membership needs a gate card for their vehicle.

New shooters should contact the match director before arriving to arrange entry with a guest pass. Current members renewing should handwrite "Activate July 1st" on the Boat Ramp Application if they want the card active the same dates as membership.

• •General Email: [email protected]
• •Range Master: Ben Retual
• •IDPA Match Director: Charlie Severance
• •ICORE Match Director: Charlie Severance
• •Treasurer/Secretary: Aaron Moe
• •Vice-President: Ben Retual

Yes—if you can handle your firearm safely. You need to:

• •Demonstrate safe gun handling skills
• •Control your muzzle at all times
• •Load and unload your weapon
• •Show up with a desire to have fun

All new shooters are welcome to watch matches free of charge. Come early to help with setup. Each discipline has its own classifications and skill levels, so beginners shoot alongside experienced competitors in separate categories.

All matches use PractiScore for registration and scoring. Signup links for USPSA, IDPA, ICORE, and Steel matches are available through the NVSA website.