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Courses of Fire

There are currently 16 recognized courses of fire for record, plus a Tyro course. The Tyro course is designed, as an option, to allow tournament sponsors to test the proficiency of a brand-new shooter, who must complete this course before participating in any of the record courses.   (Download  CFI National Recreational Action Pistol Handbook 2015 for more details)

The following courses of fire have been approved by the CFI.

  • The Tryo

    is divided into three stages with three targets per stage, a total of 24 shots. All firing is from 10 yards. This course of fire must be successfully completed by all newcomers before advancing to record matches.

  •  The Los Alamitos Pistol Match

    is divided into 5 stages for a total of 42 shots fired at 7, 10 and 25 yards.

  • The Flying “M”

    is conducted as man against man: Targets are placed at 7, 10 and 15 yards. The 7 yard target is a metal plate. Four strings are fired, two strings to the right and two to the lift. There is no time limit, and the 7 yard target stops the clock.

  • The Moving Target

    course is shot in three stages, for a total of 24 shots, from 7, 15 and 25 yards.

  • The International Rapid Fire (Modified)

    consists of 30 shots at 25 meters. The course is subdivided into six strings of five shots each; two in 8 seconds, two in 6 seconds and two in 4 seconds.

  • The Advanced Military Pistol

    course is divided into 6 stages for a total of 50 shots fired from 10, 25 and 50 yards.

  • The Practical Event

    consists of four stages, each with three strings and 12 shots per stage (48 shots total) and fired from 10, 15, 25 and 50 yards.

  • The Barricade Event

    is divided into four stages, with two strings per stage and 6 shots per string, for a total of 48 shots. All shots will be fired from behind a barricade.

  • The Moving Target Event (Modified)

    course is divided into 4 stages 12 shots each, for a total of 48 shots. The target will travel 60 feet in six seconds, between two barricades.

  • The Falling Plate Event

    is divided into 4 stages; each stage will have 2 strings, with 6 shots per string, 48 shots total. The targets will be 8 inch round medal plates, fired at 10, 15 and 25 yards.

  • The Speed Event

    is conducted as a man against man match, utilizing speed plate (steel) targets with firing done from 10 yards. The course is divided into two phases; Qualification and Finals. Firing is done from left and right side firing positions each containing a fan of one stationary time stop-place and four knock down plates. Maximum of 6 shots fired at targets. There is no time limit and the stop-plate stops the clock.

  • Crawford Barricade Event

    is divided into four stages, with two strings per stage and 6 shots per string, for a total of 48 shots. During each 6 shot string, shooter must fire 3 rounds at the right target and 3 rounds at the left target from matching sides of the barricade. All shots will be fired from behind a barricade.

  • Combat Event –

    An aggregate of the following stages: Stage 1) 7 yards – 12 shots from the standing without support position; eighteen seconds, time starts with loaded gun in holster and includes reloading for second 6 shot string. Stage 2) 25 yards – 6 shots kneeling, 6 shots standing left side from behind barricade, 6 shots standing right side from behind the barricade; sixty seconds, time starts with loaded gun in holster and includes reloading for subsequent 6 shot strings. Stage 3) 50 yards – 6 shots sitting, 6 shots prone, 6 shots standing left side from behind the barricade, and 6 shots standing right side from behind the barricade; two minutes, time starts with loaded gun in holster and includes reloading for subsequent 6 shot strings. Stage 4) 25 yards – shots standing without support; ten seconds, time starts with loaded gun in holster.

  • The Ambidextrous Match 
  • is shot in three stages, using the 8″ plate target: Stage 1) 10 yards, 6 shots freestyle; 6 shots each, strong hand and weak hand only, unsupported. Stage 2) 15 yards, same as Stage One. Stage 3) 20 yards, two 6 shot strings, freestyle.
  • The Speedload Challenge Event

    is divided into four stages, 2 strings per stage with a reload, six shots per string. There are three D-1 targets, fired at 10, 15, 25 and 50 yards. Shooting includes strong hand and weak hand unsupported.

  • The Unsupported Standard Match
  • is divided into four stages, with two strings per stage and 6 shots per string, for a total of 48 shots. There are three D-1 targets, fired at 10,15, 20 and 25 yards. All shooting is done with alternating strings of weak hand and strong hand unsupported.

All courses require a competitor to start with a holstered pistol and, on command, draw and fire at one more targets. Some of these courses limit the use of only the “strong” hand or use of the “weak” hand. One advantage for new shooters, however, is that a two-hand hold may be used in most of the courses.

Although the Matches start with a draw, safety is stressed at all times. The trigger finger must remain outside the trigger guard during the draw and until in actual fire position (which is generally standing).

While in Action-type shooting the emphasis is on center-of-mass, rather than relying on a specific sight picture (i.e., 6 o’clock hold on standard bullseye), proper sight alignment and basic marksmanship principles are of great importance.

For additional information please contact the CFI at [email protected]