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 5 targets in total, 4 of which can be shot in any order, and 1 stop plate. Each stage consists of 5 timed strings. The stage score is the total time it takes to shoot all 5 strings, plus any penalties or procedurals, minus the worst string. The match score is the total of all 5 stages. Round count is 125rds/firearm with a maximum of 2 firearms from different divisions for the match. Bringing more ammo is highly recommended. Sometimes it’s “accuracy by volume.”

Handgun divisions include all USPSA divisions, observing holster placement for each specific division, plus rimfire (22 LR) pistol and rifle with iron sights or optics. Holsters must be outside the waistband (OWB) and must cover the trigger guard. No thumb break or drop leg 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:
2024-SCSA-Rulebook.pdf (uspsa.org)

Centerfire handguns will start from the “surrender position”, which is wrists visible above the shoulders when viewed 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 on the Upper Pistol Range on the third Saturday of the month, March thru October. We set up the morning of the match beginning about 7am and appreciate all the help we can get. Depending on the number of participants, we’re done sometime between 12:30 and 2:00, any help with tear down is also greatly appreciated.

Registration on Pratiscore (PS) is preferred and opens at 5am on the 1^st of the month and closes at 6pm on the Friday before the match. Use this link https://practiscore.com/search/matches to direct you to PS and in the search bar type “MRPC SCSA.” If necessary, registration is also available at the match, closing at 9:15 SHARP. The main gate closes between 9:15 and 9:30. 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 pick your own squad. 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 collected by PS to register and should be paid when checking in at the match.

Match fees are $5 per firearm. If you are registering on PS and want to shoot 2 firearms, you will need to register twice. Don’t forget to squad yourself.

So what do I need to try it?

• A centerfire handgun or rifle (PCC), or rimfire pistol or rifle
• Appropriate holster for handgun (not necessary for rimfire) (no thumb breaks or drop leg holsters. Must cover trigger guard and be OWB)
• 5 magazines
• Ammo (I usually have about 200 rounds per firearm)
• 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 email the Match Director:
Mike Hoge
steelchallenge@miamirifle-pistol.org