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Marcus Armed — Match Guide

Matt Wolff Competition Safety Guide

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Mandatory Reading It is mandatory to read this guide in its entirety before attending your first practical pistol match. No exceptions. Range Officers are here to help guide you — our primary goal is the safety of all participants.

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Introduction

Welcome to Action Pistol Shooting Matches — Marcus Armed

These matches are designed for seasoned handgun shooters attending their first action pistol match to learn the critical safety, etiquette, and procedures of competing in practical pistol competitions. Experienced action pistol enthusiasts competing in USPSA, IDPA, PCSL and other hit factor matches are also welcome to participate.

Important Note These matches are not for new or inexperienced shooters. We encourage and embrace new handgun enthusiasts to continue renting range time and attending training classes.
Your Goals — In Order
  • 1
    Be safe. Understand and adhere to every safety expectation outlined in this guide. Individual gun handling, spatial awareness, understanding RO commands — all critical.
  • 2
    Avoid DQ. Avoid being disqualified for any breach of safety protocol while shooting, and adhere to all range rules throughout the match.
  • 3
    Have fun. Performance improvement will be fostered and encouraged — as a secondary point of focus to your safety and the safety of all participants.
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What Is Action Pistol / Practical Pistol Shooting?

USPSA, IDPA, PCSL — hit factor competition explained

Competitors move through a course of fire (with their finger on the frame of the gun), engage multiple targets, shoot from unconventional positions, and perform rapid reloads.

Core Concept Action pistol matches are a great outlet for training: use stress inoculation through "competition" in a controlled environment to test practical marksmanship on demand. Simultaneously shooting faster AND more accurately is a benefit to any practical marksmanship application.

Not everyone needs to become immersed in the competition world. The goal is for handgun enthusiasts to use these structured matches to assess their own strengths and weaknesses.

These Action Pistol Matches follow many guidelines for safety, scoring, and rule set of the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) — the national governing body and official region for the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) in the United States.

Reflection — Think of It Like a CrossFit Class Everyone in the group is presented with the same stage of challenge. Each person's skill level determines their outcome. You will likely redefine the ceiling of what YOU are capable of by watching an experienced competitor run the same stage. That's the point.
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Stage Scoring Basics

Hit Factor — the formula that balances speed and accuracy

The Short Version Shoot 2 rounds at the center of all brown cardboard targets — unless the stage brief specifies otherwise. Keep shooting until you've engaged ALL designated targets. Make-up shots are fine unless noted.
Hit Factor Formula
HF = Total Target Points ÷ Total Time "How fast, and how accurately, can you shoot all the targets on the stage?" Hit Factor is king — it tests your on-demand efficiency, balancing speed and accuracy. When someone asks which is more important — the answer is "yes." A proficient shooter executes both.
Cardboard Target — 2 Rounds Required
Standard USPSA cardboard target showing A, C, D zones Standard Target
No-shoot penalty target Hard Cover Target
Partial target with hard cover showing exposed scoring zones No-Shoot Target
Alpha (A)5 pts
Charlie (C)3 pts
Delta (D)1 pt
Miss (Mic)−10 pts
No-Shoot / Penalty−10 pts
Steel Target (1 round)5 pts

Always listen to — and fully understand — the written stage brief (WSB) before shooting.

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Pre-Match Prep — What to Bring

Everything you need to show up ready on match day

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Safety Glasses + Ear Protection Plugs, muffs, or electronic — all fine.
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Gun Bag / Gun Box Separate bag just for your firearm to transport to the Safe Table. No live ammo in the bag.
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Gun: Safe, Reliable, Semi-Auto Pistol 9mm, .380, .40, .45 ACP, 10mm — all fine. No .22 or rimfire. Must be New York State compliant, safe, and reliable. Run what you have. Optics or irons — both welcome. Bone stock or modified — just keep it NYS legal.
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Magazines: Qty. 3–5 (10 round max — NYS) Most stages run 6–20 rounds total. Three 10-round magazines will generally cover you. More is always better.
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Kydex Holster — OWB or IWB Must be rigid, durable, and allow a safe draw and re-holster.
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NO: Pocket / Sticky / Soft / Leather Holsters No exceptions. You must be able to safely draw and re-holster with a rigid, reliable holster.
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Magazine Pouches: Qty. 2–4 Most stages only require a single reload. Minimum 2 pouches recommended. USPSA competitors typically run 4–5 pouches.
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Separate Sneakers Don't track snow, mud, or water into the range.
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Ammo: 75–100 Rounds Most matches run under 75 rounds. Ammo is typically available for sale at the range front counter — no background check required for match ammo shot on site.
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Ziplock Bag / Container for Brass Save it or give it to a reloader.
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Range Rules During the Match

Check-in, Safe Table, and general range conduct

Arrival
  • ①
    Check in at the front counter. State your name and pay $10 cash. Ensure you've completed the match waiver and read this guide.
  • ②
    Unload CCW before entering the range. Look for the designated "Unload Here" sign. Point muzzle at the sign and slowly and safely unload. Store in your range bag. You may also do this in your car. This protocol ensures no one in the room has a loaded gun until they are the single shooter running a stage.
  • ③
    Claim a bench/table for your gear. Space is limited — optimize.
Safe Table
The Safe Table Is the ONLY Place to Handle Your Gun Unbag your gun and lock the action open — this shows all competitors the gun is clearly unloaded. You may holster an unloaded pistol and walk around during the match. You CANNOT unholster or handle your gun anywhere except the Safe Table.
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    The only exception is when you're up to shoot the stage and the Range Officer gives the "Make Ready" command.
Etiquette

Say hello to the Range Officer, Match Director, and your fellow competitors. These are your squadmates for the day.

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Match Flow

Safety meeting → Stage walk → Shoot → Score → Repeat

3 Main Points
1

Up-Front Safety Meeting

ROs introduce themselves and cover emergency protocol — 911, medical kits, and the safe gun handling procedure for the day. "Make Ready" and "Show Clear" commands are explained. Ask questions upfront — don't hesitate.

2

Stage Walk + Written Stage Brief (WSB)

The RO reads the WSB for the stage. Shooters then have 5 minutes to walk the stage, identify all targets, establish target order, plan reloads, and mentally rehearse. You shoot each stage once only — no warm-ups, no do-overs.

Stage Walk Checklist ① Start position + hand/gun start details  ② Total round count + target count  ③ Identify all targets  ④ Establish target order and movement path  ⑤ Note any special criteria (mandatory reload, weak hand, etc.)  ⑥ Mental rehearsal
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Shooting the Stage — Order of Operations

Shooter approaches start position. RO gives "Make Ready." Timer initiates with "Stand by." Shooter runs the stage.

At the end, the RO issues "Show Clear." Once verified safe and holstered, RO calls "Range Is Clear" — this is the signal for all competitors to enter and work.

  • A
    Pasting: Grab pasters, stand next to a target. WAIT for the RO to verbally call the score before pasting any hole.
  • B
    Brass + Mag pickup: Collect all brass and mags into one container, hand to the shooter who just finished.
  • C
    Scoring: Scorer shows the shooter their Hit Factor. Shooter must follow the RO to verify hits and approve the score on the tablet. Then go reload for the next stage.
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Shooting Safety Rules

Make Ready · Show Clear · 180 Rule · Trigger Awareness

If the RO Calls "STOP" at Any Time Take your finger off the trigger and rest it on the side of the gun. Take a breath. WAIT for the RO to instruct you. Do not move or act until directed. A stop may result in a reshoot (stage issue) or a DQ (safety violation).
Make Ready — Loading Your Gun for Your Stage

The "Make Ready" command signals the start of the course of fire — you may unholster, load, and prepare your firearm under RO supervision. You must face downrange and assume your designated start position.

1
With gun unloaded, practice a draw and verify your optic is on with adequate brightness.
2
Load your firearm. Take a breath. Place your hand on the grip (signals to RO you are not ready) and mentally rehearse your stage plan.
3
When ready, take your hand OFF the grip and move to the required start position — this signals the RO to proceed.
4
RO says "Are You Ready?" → "Standby" → timer beeps. Go.
Etiquette Aim to complete Make Ready in 30–60 seconds. Exceeding 60 seconds slows down match flow for everyone.
Show Clear — After Your Last Shot

When the RO says "If You Are Finished, Unload and Show Clear," follow this sequence deliberately. There is zero need to rush.

1
Take a breath. The timer has stopped. The race is done.
2
Remove the magazine and place it in your pocket or on your belt.
3
Rack the slide to eject the chambered round and lock the slide open. Let the round hit the floor — don't chase it. Focus on confirming the chamber is clear.
4
Present the open chamber to the RO for inspection. You must also visually verify it is empty.
5
RO says "If clear, hammer down, holster." Pointing downrange, pull the trigger (dry fire) to confirm empty, then holster.
6
RO says "Range is clear." All competitors may now enter.
Critical Responsibility It is 100% the shooter's responsibility to ensure the gun is unloaded — regardless of the RO's inspection. If you are not actually finished shooting when "Show Clear" is given, you may continue engaging targets.
The 180 Rule — Muzzle Awareness
180°
The muzzle must point generally downrange toward the backstop at all times.
180 Rule diagram showing safe shooting direction vs. uprange

Breaking the 180° plane — pointing the gun uprange, behind you, or parallel to the berms — results in an immediate match disqualification. Pointing your muzzle at yourself or the Range Officer is also an instant DQ.

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Breaking the 180 Rule = Immediate DQ. No exceptions. Practice your reloads and movement at home (dry fire) to build the habit before match day.
Home Practice Tip In a safe area at home, dry fire your unloaded pistol. Practice movement and reloads WITH the gun. Evaluate what you must do with your hands, wrist, and body to ensure you are never breaking the 180 or flagging yourself.
Left-handed competitor 180 rule reload diagram Right-handed competitor 180 rule reload diagram
Trigger Awareness — Finger Discipline

In USPSA, the trigger finger must be visibly outside the trigger guard whenever moving between positions, reloading, or not actively engaging a target. This prevents negligent discharges.

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    Movement: Finger straight and completely outside the guard when transitioning between positions.
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    Active Engagement Only: Finger enters the trigger guard only when the firearm is on target and a conscious decision to fire is made.
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    Reloading: Finger must be outside the guard during any magazine change.
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    Post-Shot: Immediately after finishing a position, return the finger to the indexed position along the frame.
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Results + Scoring

How your performance is ranked on Practiscore

First Match Goal Focus on being SAFE and shooting "Alphas" as efficiently as possible. Be smooth and safe with your reloads, movement, and spatial awareness. Everything else is secondary.

Results are posted on Practiscore by dinner time the day of the match — visible in your profile and searchable under the Scores section.

How Stage Points Work

The shooter with the highest hit factor on a stage receives 100% of that stage's points. Every other shooter receives a proportional percentage. Example: a stage worth 100 total points — if the top hit factor is 10.0 HF, a shooter who ran a 9.0 HF earns 90 stage points. This is calculated for every stage, and the cumulative total determines the overall match winner.

Practiscore shows your percentage finish relative to the entire field, plus your time, hits, and penalties broken out by stage — a powerful tool for identifying exactly where you can improve.

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Other Clubs in Western New York

Additional opportunities to shoot action pistol in WNY

There are significant opportunities to shoot action pistol / hit factor matches spanning from Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. Research each club on Practiscore for their specific rules before attending.

Ontario Rod & Gun (ORGC)

📍 Ontario, NY
  • Weekly practice Tuesdays (Spring/Summer)
  • Monthly match — 2nd Sat/Sun

Genesee Conservation League (GCL)

📍 Penfield, NY
  • Weekly practice Wednesdays (indoor, all year)
  • Monthly match — 1st Saturday (all year)

Rochester Brooks (RBPS)

📍 Rush, NY
  • Weekly practice Thursdays (Spring/Summer)
  • Monthly match — 3rd Sunday

Tonawanda Sportsmen's Club (WNYPPL)

📍 North Tonawanda, NY
  • Weekly practice Thursdays, indoor (contact first)
  • Monthly match — 4th Sunday

Cortland Pistol Club

📍 Groton, NY
  • Monthly match — 2nd Saturday

Pathfinder Gun Club

📍 Fulton, NY
  • Monthly match — 3rd Sunday
Additional Resources

Experts to Follow (YouTube / Instagram)

Podcasts, Books + Dry Fire

Dry Fire Reminder Dry fire costs zero cents per round. You can practice virtually all required fundamentals, movement skills, reloads, and trigger discipline without firing a single live round.
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Safety Knowledge Quiz

10 questions — test what you've learned before match day

Question 1 of 10

Questions? Contact the Match Director

Marcus Armed, LLC — 716.352.8622

✉️ Email GregDaniel 📱 Call