Steel Challenge is a speed shooting competition governed by the Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA) which consists of 8 standardized stages. The steel targets are of three sizes, round 10″ and 12″, and rectangular 18×24″. Each stage consists of five targets total, four of which can be shot in any order, and one stop plate. Each stage consists of five timed strings. The stage score is the total time it takes to shoot all five strings, plus any penalties or procedurals, minus the worst string. The match score is the total of all five stages. Round count is 25 per stage, 125 for the match. Bringing more ammo is highly recommended (unless you’re real good…).

Handgun divisions include all USPSA divisions observing holster placement for each specific division, plus rimfire (22 LR only) pistol and rifle with iron sights or optics. No thumb break holsters are permitted. Rimfire pistols (semi-auto and revolver) do not require a holster. Mag pouches are not required but are permitted, and can be placed anywhere on the belt. Minimum caliber for centerfire (pistol and rifle) is .38 special or 9×19. No armor piercing, fragmenting or tracer ammo. Pistol caliber carbine is limited to 1600 fps max.

Requirements for specific divisions can be found here under Appendix D1: https://uspsa.org/viewer/2021-SCSA-Rulebook-March-2021.pdf

Centerfire handguns will start from the “surrender position”, wrists visible above shoulders from behind. Rimfire (pistol and rifle) and pistol caliber carbine start from low ready, which is indexing on a cone 10′ in front of the shooter. There are no mandatory reloads on the timer but are permitted should you run out of ammo on any string.

Steel Challenge matches are held at the Black’s Creek Shooting Range every Tuesday of the month thru September (or until we run out of daylight!). We set up the afternoon of match beginning about 4p and appreciate all the help we can get. Depending on the number of participants, we’re done sometime between 7:30p and 8p, any help with tear down is also greatly appreciated.

Registration is available on Practiscore: https://practiscore.com/clubs/boise_steel_challenge prior to match day, closing at 6pm on the Friday before match day. Registration is also available at the match, closing at 4:30p. Matches on PS will be listed as MRPC SCSA followed by the date of the match. Registration on PS is free and will afford you the opportunity to squad yourself. It will require you to set up a username and password. It’s also a great place to find other matches you may be interested in. Match fees are not required to register on PS, and should be payed when checking in at the match.

Match fees are $15 for non-members, $10 for members.

So what do I need to try it?

• A centerfire handgun or rifle, or rimfire pistol or rifle
• Enough magazines to shoot five 5 round strings without reloading a magazine (5 mags recommended)
• Ammo (I usually have about 200 rounds)
• Appropriate holster for handgun (not necessary for rimfire) (no thumb breaks, must cover trigger guard)
• Eye protection (mandatory for shooters and observers)
• Ear protection (mandatory for shooters and observers)
• Appropriate dress (this is an outdoor sport)
• Snacks and/or drinks (optional)
• Registration fee

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.