Getting Started in NRA Action Pistol

by
posted on September 1, 2015
** 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. **
fullsizerender.jpg (1)

Are you interested in getting involved in Action Shooting? The NRA offers a free downloadable guide that will help give you a better understanding of NRA Action Pistol, as well as the Bianchi Cup National Action Pistol Championship.

NRA Action Pistol is a dynamic discipline within the shooting sports. It is a combination of speed and accuracy, weighing more on the accuracy aspect, although speed still plays a major factor in shooting a good score. All shots are fired static (no moving while firing) from a set distance, and all the courses of fire are run on par times where all shots must be fired within the set par time. This combination is what makes NRA Action Pistol such a fun, challenging and exciting discipline.

The guide features chapters on the sport itself, courses of fire, equipment and ammunition, targets, classification and how to find competitions near you. The equipment section may be especially helpful to newcomers in Action Pistol, highlighting the fact that if you are a novice shooter you do not need a lot of specialized, high price equipment to compete. It also outlines the three divisions, including the popular production division which is intended for competitors to use an “out-of-the-box” pistol.

Drawing a pistol from the holster and firing six rounds in five seconds into a scoring area the size of a paper plate can be very challenging. The confidence gained in your marksmanship from shooting NRA Action Pistol will be noticed when shooting other popular Action Pistol shooting disciplines offered around the country such as USPSA, IDPA, ICORE and PPC.

Keep practicing, and you might be on the firing line at the MidwayUSA & NRA Bianchi Cup!

 

Latest

2026 NRASBR 3 P Results Lede
2026 NRASBR 3 P Results Lede

Erin Gestl Erases Four-Point Deficit to Win NRA Smallbore Three-Position Championship

Erin Gestl overturns a four-point deficit on any sight day to win the 2026 NRA National Smallbore Three-Position Championship with 2360-137X.

USPSA Executive Director Alan Turner on Building for the Future

USPSA Executive Director Alan Turner, II, details new bylaws, a CTO promotion and a formal Nationals selection process supporting record growth.

Dewar International Match: A Rivalry Fought by Mail for 100 Years

A 1952 photo highlights that year’s Dewar Team, a U.S.-Britain smallbore rivalry fought entirely by mail since 1909 and still contested today.

Team Winchester/White Flyer’s DeMichiel Wins FITASC Title at NSCA North Central Regional

Kevin DeMichiel took the FITASC title and finished runner-up in both the Main Event and Five-Stand at the 2026 NSCA North Central Regional.

Palmyra Duo Takes High Junior Title and a Pair of Ruger 10/22s at NRA Smallbore 3-Position Nationals

Rain, wind and razor-thin margins mark team day at the 2026 NRA Smallbore 3-P Nationals.

Walton County Sweeps 2026 Daisy BB Gun Nationals

Violet Combs tops an all-girl podium and Walton County posts a perfect team test score to sweep the 59th Daisy BB Gun Nationals.

Interests



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