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Competition Shooting

Which Shooting Sport Is Right for You?

Browse the discipline comparison grid or explore individual sports. 50,574 upcoming matches across 22 shooting disciplines with live calendars and getting-started guides.

Browse Disciplines Find a Match

01 // COMPARE

#01

Discipline Comparison Grid

Quick side-by-side of the most popular shooting sports. Click any sport for a full breakdown.

Sport	Cost	Gear Needed	Time/Match	Physical	Learning Curve
USPSA	$$	Pistol + holster	3-4 hrs	Medium	Medium
IDPA	$$	Pistol + concealment	2-3 hrs	Medium	Medium
Steel Challenge	$$	Pistol or rifle	1-2 hrs	Low	Easy
3-Gun	$$$$	Rifle + shotgun + pistol	4-6 hrs	High	Steep
Trap / Skeet	$$	Shotgun	2-3 hrs	Low	Easy
PRS	$$$	Bolt rifle + scope	Full day	Low	Steep
Cowboy Action	$$$	Period firearms	3-4 hrs	Low	Medium

View All 22 Disciplines →

01b // LIVE

#01b

Upcoming Matches Near You

Congratulations to the students of the latest ARC NRA Basic Pistol Course of

Sinnissippi Rod & Gun Club · Sterling, ILmatch

East Aurora HS Clay Target League

West Falls Conservation Society · West Falls, NYmatch

Pine Island High School Trap

Pine Island White Pines Sportsman's Club · Pine Island, MNtrap shoot

CMP Team Practice

Western Reserve Fish and Game Preservation Association · Warren, OHmatch

1,000 Yard Long Distance Shooting Course

Top Shot Maryland, LLC · Lutherville Timonium, MDmatch

CCW/CPL Class MONDAY. 10am-6pm Southfield

Action Impact Firearms and Training Center · Eastpointe, MImatch

View All 50,574 Upcoming Matches →

02 // START

#02

Getting Started Is Easier Than You Think

Every shooter was a first-timer once. Here's what to know before your first match.

Your First Match

→Most clubs run beginner/intro nights monthly

→Tell them it's your first match — they'll pair you with an experienced shooter

→You don't need match-grade gear. Any safe, functional firearm works

→Show up 30 min early for the safety briefing

What You'll Need

→Your firearm (pistol for USPSA/IDPA, rifle for PRS, shotgun for trap)

→200+ rounds of ammunition (more for 3-gun)

→Holster (for pistol sports — check if OWB required)

→Eye and ear protection

→Closed-toe shoes, hat with brim

What It Costs

→Match fees: $15-40 per match (typical)

→Ammunition: $30-100 per match depending on caliber/count

→USPSA/IDPA annual membership: $40-80

→Total first year: $500-2,000 depending on sport

→STILL cheaper than golf

03 // EXPLORE

#03

If You Like X, Try Y

Not sure where to start? Match your personality to a shooting discipline.

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If you like video games... Steel Challenge — fast, reactive, instant feedback

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If you like hiking/outdoors... PRS — field positions, natural terrain, all-day events

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If you like strategy/tactics... IDPA — scenarios, problem-solving, concealment

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If you like going fast... USPSA — speed + accuracy, run-and-gun

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If you like history... Cowboy Action — period firearms, costumes, characters

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If you already hunt... 3-Gun — shotgun + rifle + pistol, varied stages

04 // TOOLS

#04

Related Tools

Ammo for Your Sport — Caliber requirements & prices→Ranges with Match Facilities — Nearby→Getting Started Guides — Per discipline→Gear & Accessories — Holsters, optics, shotguns→New Gun Owner's Guide — Start from scratch→Campfire — Find shooting buddies→

Ready to Compete?

Explore 22 shooting disciplines with gear guides, getting-started tips, and live match calendars near you.

Browse Disciplines Find a Match