Everything You Wanted To Know About 3D Stage Builder

by
posted on March 6, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
4-3dstagebuilder.jpg

When I started to design stages, I used Excel Stage Designer, then moved to SketchUp. SketchUp is a powerful tool, but the learning curve for me was steep and it took many tries to get the hang of it. Even after years of experience, I need to take a deep dive back into YouTube videos to relearn parts of the program that I don’t use very often.

3D Stage Builder
There are advantages to using physical models for stage design instead of a design program.


Early last year, I started seeing stage descriptions that included SketchUp-like graphics but done differently—they almost looked like artwork. Subsequently, I learned that this was 3D Stage Builder (3DSB). If you understand Legos, you will understand 3DSB. The inventor, Pedro Braz, had the idea to use 3D printing to develop props for USPSA, IPSC and other shooting disciplines.

After I purchased the starter kit I got right to work building stages. The parts are high quality and are good representations of the targets and props used in practical shooting. Uprights, targets, stands and walls are separate pieces. The parts fit tightly and I learned the best approach is to build and glue the targets, uprights and stands together and keep them as units. Pliers are helpful in getting the uprights into the stands and in snapping the targets on, which should be the last step. Also included is a convenient small parts carrying case to keep everything organized, and a sheet of green felt to use as a backdrop.

3D Stage Builder for stage design
With 3D Stage Builder, you can design a stage, plan shots and observe it from multiple angles—all before actually building the stage.


When the stage is completed, take a photo with your smartphone for an easy import into the stage description.

The parts are offered piecemeal and also in kit format for the various disciplines. For example, the 3D Stage Builder USPSA master design kit includes the following props and accessories:

  • 12 blue barrels
  • 14 fault lines
  • 2 starting boxes
  • 1 Texas star
  • 1 plate rack
  • 2 activators
  • 1 activator box
  • 16 USPSA targets
  • 5 hardcover targets
  • 16 target stands
  • 32 target sticks
  • 1 Bianchi barricade
  • 12 Colt poppers
  • 6 popper stands
  • 16 walls (8 feet, 6 feet and 4 feet with solid, center and port options)
  • 20 wall stands
  • 2 tires
  • 4 no-shoot targets
  • 4 double targets
  • 1 table
  • 1 chair


It’s easy to be creative with the system, and fun to use—I highly recommend 3D Stage Builder. The USPSA master design kit mentioned above is available for $150. Best of all, if you use the code MATCHDIRECTOR at checkout, you can save when purchasing a kit or individual items.

3D USPSA Stage Design kitty
The 3D-printed props are high quality and include lots of details. This cat approves.


Article from the March/April 2020 issue of USPSA’s FrontSight magazine.


See more: Designing Action Pistol Stages

Latest

Williams Colt Ipscminiriflepccworlds 3
Williams Colt Ipscminiriflepccworlds 3

Colt Pro Team’s Justine & Jalise Williams Help Spark Team USA’s Gold Rush At 2025 IPSC World Shoot

Justine and Jalise Williams, representing Colt and Team USA, captured team gold and top individual finishes at the 2025 IPSC PCC/Mini Rifle World Shoot.

Results: 2025 Hillsdale College World Shooting Para Sport Grand Prix

Zachary Jones and Albert Fiori earn gold medals in respective Para Trap events at 2025 Hillsdale College WSPS Grand Prix in June.

WATCH: Aridus Industries Imperium Handguard For Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotguns

Aridus Industries unveils the Imperium handguard—a lightweight aluminum upgrade for the Beretta 1301 Tactical shotgun with improved grip and modularity.

The True Spirit Of Competitive Shooting

Competitive shooting is more than a sport—it’s a nationwide network of connection and encouragement that supports its members far beyond the range.

NRA Names Kyle Lamb As Brand Ambassador For America’s Rifle Challenge

Kyle Lamb joins NRA America’s Rifle Challenge as brand ambassador, bringing elite tactical expertise to enhance AR-15 competition, training and civilian marksmanship.

Review: Savior Equipment x Tam Specialist Covert Case

This versatile rifle case offers high-level protection and low-profile looks for serious competition shooters and frequent travelers.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.