Performance Shooting Sports
Performance Shooting Sports operates monthly competitive shooting matches in Deerfield, Ohio, just outside the Akron area. Founded and run by Bobby Walla, a competitive shooter and lead instructor at Performance Shooting School, PSS has become the hub for active shooting sports in NE Ohio. PSS hosts...
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01 // OVERVIEW
Overview
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Performance Shooting Sports operates monthly competitive shooting matches in Deerfield, Ohio, just outside the Akron area. Founded and run by Bobby Walla, a competitive shooter and lead instructor at Performance Shooting School, PSS has become the hub for active shooting sports in NE Ohio.
PSS hosts multiple competition formats:
- •3-Gun matches - Pistol, rifle, and shotgun in the same event. Stages vary each match, mixing multiple weapon systems with movement and target transitions.
- •2-Gun competitions - Various combinations depending on the match.
- •IDPA matches - Defensive pistol competition format.
- •USPSA matches - United States Practical Shooting Association events.
- •Service Rifle matches - Including M1 Garand competitions at Camp Perry.
Bobby Walla (Owner, Match Director, Lead Instructor) is a Boardman resident who's been competing since 2007. He's won multiple state titles across IDPA, USPSA, Steel Challenge, and 3-Gun. Walla runs Performance Shooting School and brings that training mindset to every match.
John Fetchet (Director of Operations) is a 31-year-old from Austintown and former police academy graduate. He handles match planning, setup, and range officiating. Fetchet is known for lending his own gear to new shooters and spending time teaching fundamentals.
The blogger team—Erica Spencer (Akron native, USPSA and 3-Gun competitor) and Sara Hill (currently Shaker Heights, competitive shooter and new shooter liaison)—handle community outreach and regularly feature competitor spotlights.
New Shooter Friendly: PSS actively encourages beginners. The crew will loan firearms, magazines, and gear if you don't have your own. As John Fetchet puts it: "Everybody sucks when they start. It's ok, everybody sucks. You won't know how to not suck until you shoot a match."
Matches are comprised of different stages, each with targets specific to the firearms being used. Not every stage uses all weapons. Movement between positions and target transitions are a core part of the competition—many stages require running to access targets.
Before each match, PSS specifies: - Recommended round counts - Ammunition types needed - What equipment to bring
They recommend bringing extra ammunition and magazines/ammunition to minimize downtime.
Based on PSS shooter experience, here's what competitors bring:
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Eye Protection | Standard for all shooters |
| Ear Protection | Electronic muff-style for pistol matches; foam or electronic inserts for long gun matches |
| Firearms | Your pistol(s), rifle, shotgun depending on match type |
| Ammunition | Bring more than the recommended amount |
| Magazines/Clips | Extra magazines minimize loading time during matches |
| Accessories | Tape, staple gun, speed loaders, batteries, cleaning supplies, tools |
PSS attracts shooters at all levels—from first-timers to experienced competitors working on advanced techniques. Matches focus on:
- •Target transitions and stage planning
- •Pistol, rifle, and shotgun handling under pressure
- •Malfunction clearing and weapon management
- •Speed with accuracy
Competitors regularly note that PSS matches teach practical skills applicable to defensive shooting and professional law enforcement training (several PSS members are Ohio Highway Patrol officers).
Address: 1500 Alliance Road, Deerfield, OH 44411
Phone: 330-881-9086
Match Hours: Saturday-Sunday, 9am-5pm
PSS has acquired multiple sponsors over recent years, allowing them to reinvest in the community and provide better resources to competitors.
If you're interested in shooting a match but hesitant:
- •You don't need your own gear—ask and someone will loan you equipment
- •Everyone starts as a beginner
- •Disqualifications happen to everyone; it's a learning moment
- •Show up, tell people you're new, and the crew will walk you through it
- •Check the 2016 2-Gun/3-Gun schedule for upcoming matches
The PSS philosophy: Be safe, have fun. You'll get better.
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