Under a scorching sun, two rivals square off. Tumbleweeds roll and hands twitch over holstered guns as they stare each other down. A distant crow punctuates the silence.
Those were the days of the showdown. Thankfully, with modern gun safety measures, those days are long gone. For those looking to test speed and accuracy in the modern age, the Steel Challenge is the way to go.
This blog lays foundational knowledge on Steel Challenge for those new to the sport or simply looking for a refresher. We cover what the sport is, its origins, rules, common terms, and how to get started.
What it is
Steel Challenge is a shooting sport where competitors hit metal targets from a stationary position. There are various “stages,” or layouts, of 5 steel targets. Time is the primary measure of performance. Competitors enter according to the type of firearm they have.
The Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA) was founded in 1981. Its founders, Mike Dalton and Mike Fichman, sought to standardize and promote speed shooting as a sport. This accessible, fair competition quickly attracted a global community. The sport has steadily grown over its 40-year history and developed into a well-recognized competition.
Get the basics
Rules
The rules are simple. Shooters complete eight stages consisting of four or five targets. The target shapes, size, height, and spacing are standardized for fair competition.
Each sequence, or “string,” goes as such: the timer starts, the shooter takes a pass at all targets, and the timer stops. Shooters complete five strings for each stage, taking the top four strings for their total stage time.
Beginners typically start out in Level 1, completing only four stages. Accomplished marksmen often compete against others throughout all eight. This simple and flexible process makes it fun and fair for everyone, no matter how new or experienced.
Stages
Shooters can fire as many shots as needed to hit each target. However, depending on the match rules or event organizers, this may result in time penalties.
You may only move to the next target after recording a “hit,” identified by the unmistakable and satisfying “ping” sound. Missing a target incurs a three-second penalty, emphasizing the importance of both speed and accuracy.
A designated “stop plate” must be shot last in sequence on the stage. In most Steel Challenge stages, the plates must be engaged in a specific order.
Each stage has a designated shooting sequence, usually outlined in the stage briefing or match rules. Shooters must adhere to the prescribed sequence to ensure safety and fairness during competition. Deviating from the specified order could result in penalties or even disqualification, depending on the event’s rules.
Strings
A “string” is a single attempt or run at completing a stage. A shooter is usually allowed five different strings to complete each stage. The time of their top four strings is then added to calculate their total time. Competitions may award shooters in each stage or their overall score for the total of all eight stages combined.
Ammo
Each stage usually requires a minimum of 25 rounds of ammo to complete. Completing all eight stages requires at least 195 rounds. Prepping extra ammo is best, as you may miss some shots. As you can imagine, Steel Challenge can be an expensive sport to take part in, but any cost is offset by the thrill and excitement.
Steel Challenge Stages
Each Steel Challenge stage tests a different combination of speed, target acquisition, precision, and other shooting aspects. Below are the standard Steel Challenge stages.
5 to Go
5 to Go is simple: shooters engage four targets in a straight row, increasing in depth. The last target is closest in depth.
Showdown
Shooters engage two groups of plates, transitioning between them with the stop plate in the center. It requires quick target acquisition and transitions.
Smoke & Hope
In Smoke & Hope, shooters engage outside to inside, targeting one to two on the left and three to four on the right. The round is completed by coming back to the middle stop plate.
Outer Limits
Outer Limits is the stage with the most shooter movement. The shooter starts in the first position, shooting targets one and two. They move to the second position, shooting three and four. Then, they move to the last position to get the stop plate.
Accelerator
Accelerator requires participants to hit four targets placed at two distances – two near and two far. Starting from a central position, shooters engage the closer targets before transitioning to the farther ones. The stop plate rests in between the two pairs, both in terms of distance and width.
Pendulum
Pendulum is a tougher stage, requiring shooters to span across a wide range of motion. Two 12-inch plates frame the outer posts with two 10-inch plates surrounding the center stop plate.
Speed Option
Speed Option is a deep and wide stage, with a rectangular stop plate. The closest target is 8 yards away, and the final stop plate is 35 yards away. Most shooters swing from right to left, although that’s the reverse order of the plate numbering.
Roundabout
In Roundabout, four targets are arranged in a round formation around the center stop plate. Shooters have the freedom to engage the targets in any order before finishing with the stop plate.
Outlaw Stages
Some local matches include “outlaw” stages in competitions. Outlaw stages feature an unconventional target layout and are often distinct from one of the eight sanctioned Steel Challenge stages. These can be fun to shoot, but they don’t count toward SCSA classification.
Steel Challenge Shooter Classifications
Each competitor receives a classification based on their best stage times from a minimum of four SCSA-sanctioned stages. Classifications range from “D” on the low end to “Grand Master” or “GM” at the highest level.
Divisions
Steel Challenge offers 13 divisions based on the type of firearm and equipment used by each participant. Beginners can typically use their own existing firearm. Starting with a rimfire division, either pistol, rifle, or both, is usually best if you’re just starting the sport. It’s also recommended to focus on one division per match.
Rimfire Divisions
Each rimfire pistol and rifle division has two subdivisions. Iron sights are noted as RFRI (Rimfire Rifle Irons) and optic sights are noted as RFRO (Rimfire Rifle Open). An assortment of optic sights is permitted in the open division.
- Rimfire Rifle Irons (RFRI)
- Rimfire Rifle Open (RFRO)
- Pistol Caliber Carbine Irons (PCCI)
- Pistol Caliber Carbine Open (PCCO)
It’s best to start in a rimfire division, as this doesn’t require drawing your weapon from a holster. The start position is a simple “low ready” stance where shooters point the firearm downward. Rimfire divisions are usually more popular because .22LR ammo is relatively cost-effective.
Centerfire Divisions
A wide range of centerfire divisions within Steel Challenge are packed with challengers across various regions. Competitors in centerfire pistol divisions must start with holstered firearms, ensuring safe drawing, firing, and re-holstering. These include:
- Open
- Limited
- Production
- Single Stack
- Revolver Optic Sights
- Revolver Iron Sights
- Carry Optics
- Pistol Caliber Carbine Open
- Pistol Caliber Carbine Iron Sights
Beginners are best suited to Limited or Carry Optics (CO), where you can mount a holographic red dot optic on their firearm.
Common 9mm carry guns compete in Production or Limited. Production has a 10-round limit and minimal modifications, while Limited places no restrictions and unlimited capacity. Limited tends to be the division where seasoned shooters compete against one another in a more stringent competition.
You can read the rules and guidelines for each division in the SCSA Rule Book, or ask the match director or competition organizers for guidance.
Range Officer Commands
It’s vital to understand and obey the commands given by the Range Officer (RO) during the competition. Once you reach the firing line, you’ll be expected to follow the RO’s commands.
“Make Ready” – The RO will give this command at the beginning of each string. Once stated, you’re free to get ready to shoot: place a fresh magazine into your firearm, chamber a round, or adjust your optics.
Once your gun is loaded and in its holster, you place both hands in the air in the “surrender” position. This prompts the RO to deliver the next command.
“Shooter, Are You Ready?” – This confirms your readiness. If you’re not ready, you must verbally inform the RO. If you’re ready, remain silent.
“Stand By” – The RO will state this ahead of a loud “beep” signal, allowing you to engage the targets. After you’ve hit all targets, the RO stops the timer and reports the time to the scorekeeper.
“Unload and Show Clear” – The RO gives this command once you’ve shot all five strings. Remove the magazine from the firearm, eject any round in the chamber, and show the RO your weapon is empty.
“Hammer Down” – This will be the next command. If you’re sure your gun is empty, let your bolt or slide forward before pointing the firearm down range in a safe direction and pulling the trigger. This confirms that your weapon is unloaded. Rimfire divisions are not required to do this as it may damage their firearm.
“Holster” – The RO will deliver a command to either holster or return your firearm. Be careful when doing this, as pointing the gun at yourself can result in a disqualification.
Shooting Etiquette
Safety is the foremost priority for all shooters in the Steel Challenge. Be sure to learn and understand the Steel Challenge Rule Book, especially those in the Safety Rules and Disqualification section.
Arrive early, ensure your gun is unloaded, and make sure to inform the Match Director it’s your first match. If it’s possible, they’ll pair you with an experienced shooter to show you the ropes and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience.
How to Get Started
Once familiar with Steel Challenge, you’re ready to find a competition and get started. Each participant must have their Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) issued by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Be sure to study all of the laws regarding firearm storage, transportation, and any other legal restriction or authorization needed to enjoy the Steel Challenge in Canada.
The Canadian National Steel Challenge Shooting Association features several prominent clubs across Canada. Anyone interested is encouraged to contact their nearest club and begin their journey in the Steel Challenge. It’s best to register online before each match to avoid registration filling up. This also makes it easier for event organizers to plan ahead for new shooters.
Once you’ve located and contacted your nearest Steel Challenge club, you’re ready to grab your gear, hit the range, and experience the adrenaline rush of hitting the mark in Steel Challenge Shooting.
We hope this blog serves as a primer and reference for the basics of the Steel Challenge. Happy shooting!
