"Offbeat Sports" Series: Action Pistol

Author's note: Here's another installment in the "Offbeat Sports" series—that interesting collection of lesser known competitive events you won't read about or watch in the mainstream media outlets. This time, Action Pistol...

"...Pulse noticeably increasing now, his steely eyes scan the area to the left and to the right. He locks onto the position of the perceived threats, instantly judging distance and size.  Instinctively he reaches for his holstered Glock while simultaneously determining which bad guy gets the first bullet.

Six rounds are fired. Six figures fall. Off in the distance, to the right, another threat looms. He releases an empty magazine as he scrambles to the cover of a well-placed oil drum. Slamming a fresh clip into the hungry Glock, he quickly dispatches the gang of heartless impostors. Threat ended..."

A scene from the latest cop thriller?  Naw. Just another go-around at the range in the fun and competitive sport called Action Pistol.

Action Pistol is an NRA sanctioned event which stresses the importance of accuracy, speed and safety. As the name implies, it requires movement on the part of the shooter through a particular course of fire. Under NRA rules, there are over a dozen different courses of fire.

The shooter, using a real, live pistol (autoloader or revolver) moves from station to station, engaging targets of varying size and shape, negotiating the course as swiftly and as accurately as possible.

Props such as cars, buildings and fences serve as cover or barriers in the various courses. The competitor may be required to shoot from standing, kneeling or prone positions. A course of fire always begins with a holstered gun and includes at least one re-load of ammunition.

The accepted minimum caliber in Action Pistol is 9mm although some special rimfire classifications use a .22 caliber projectile. In the more advanced and professional competitions, shooters often load their own "special recipe" ammo which can be more accurate than the commercial product. 

Not just any "loose cannon" is able to find his way onto a sanctioned Action Pistol course. Getting started requires the shooter to pass a prescribed course of fire,  demonstrating a thorough knowledge of safety disciplines such as keeping the trigger finger off the trigger until ready to fire and keeping the gun pointed downrange at all times when unholstered.

Competition in Action Pistol is enjoyed at every level from beginner to professional. No gender gap exists as women have well demonstrated their competence in the sport. Most local ranges have an Action Pistol club which is where virtually all competitors get their start. At the top levels, prize money runs in the $6000 to $7000 range—which is barely enough to cover travel expenses, let alone ammunition and gun tuning/repair. Still, the family atmosphere and competitive camaraderie surrounding the sport is the real draw.

Action Pistol  is a physical stress-reducer combining movement, coordination and reflex with the fantasy "cops and robbers" games of our childhood. It provides an arena of competition where one can hone his marksmanship skills in an environment of fun and safety. That is, until those "heartless impostors" begin to fire back.

watch video clip:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guKd1lWokCQ

photo:  www.davesevignyperformance.com