Steel Challenge Targets

Browse our collection of AR500 SC stages and steel challenge targets

It doesn't matter if this is your first steel challenge competition or fiftieth we have the steel challenge target for you.

We sell all of the eight complete steel challenge stages that the SCSA uses in their competition, so if you want to practice one stage or all of them you can get your steel gong shooting targets here.

If you aren't finding the steel pistol targets you are looking for or don't want a steel challenge target, please use the search bar above to explore our other AR500 steel targets.

The Basics of Competition

  • SC is a speed shooting competiton where you have to shoot steel targets at different stages. Each stage will have a different combination of these target plates for example the Outer Limits stage has 3 of the large 12" target plates and 2 rectangular target plates.

  • This is not a team sport so you are scored solely on your performance on each stage. Each of the target plates will need at least one hit per run before your time runs out, and your last target you hit needs to be the stop plate otherwise there is a 3 second penalty per target you hit.

  • You do get an unlimited number of rounds per stage but the maximum time permitted for each stage of 30 seconds. Also you get to shoot each stage 5 times with your slowest run dropped on each stage.

Common Questions

What is the Steel Challenge Shooting Association?

For those of you looking to compete in your first steel challenge competition.

The SCSA is an organization that puts on steel challenge matches for shooters of any level to compete in.

What are the different divisions for SCSA competitions?

- Rimfire Pistol Open & Rimfire - Pistol Iron Sights

- Rimfire Rifle Open & Rimfire - Rifle Iron Sights

- Pistol Caliber Carbine

- Open

- Limited

- Production

- Single Stack

- Revolver

- Carry Optics

What are the competition rules?

2021 Downloadable Steel Challenge Competition Rule Book

Want to compete in SCSA competitions but don't know the rules, stage scores, or start position?

No problem, download the rules HERE for more information.

How to get a competitor's match score?

Your score is the total sum of each stage score to get a total score, and the lowest overall time or score is the match winner.

Your match score is from all eight standardized stages.

Your stage score the score from that stage after any competitor shoots the stop plate.

What target is the stop plate?

A Stop Plate are the steel targets that will end your run on a stage. You can shoot the other plates in any order, but these steel targets must be last you shoot in all of the standardized stages.

Can you give me a breakdown of SC?

The Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA) was founded in 1981 by Mike Fichman and Mike Dalton as a way to promote the sport of shooting steel targets.

The goal of the organization was to create a set of standardized rules and regulations for steel challenge shooting competitions, as well as to provide a forum for shooters to connect and compete with one another.

The SCSA held its first official competition in 1981, with a complete line of eight different stages with five targets each.

The stages were designed to test a shooter's speed and accuracy, with a focus on challenging the shooter to move quickly and accurately engage multiple steel targets.

Over the years, the SCSA has continued to evolve and grow, with more and more shooters joining the organization and participating in its competitions.

In 1991, the SCSA became a member of the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA), which helped to further promote the sport and bring it to a wider audience.

Today, the SCSA is a thriving organization with thousands of members and hundreds of competitions held each year.

The organization continues to focus on promoting the sport of steel challenge shooting, and providing a fun and exciting forum for shooters to connect and compete with one another.

In addition to its regular competitions, the SCSA also hosts a number of special events and competitions throughout the year, including the Steel Challenge World Speed Shooting Championships, which is considered the premier event in the world of steel challenge shooting.

Overall, the Steel Challenge Shooting Association has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1981.

Through its dedication to promoting the sport and providing a fun and exciting forum for shooters, the SCSA has become an important part of the shooting community and a major force in the world of steel challenge shooting.

In steel challenge shooting, competitors engage a variety of steel targets using handguns or rifles. These targets come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including round plates, rectangular plates, and knock-down targets.

One of the most common types of targets used in steel challenge shooting is the round plate.

These plates are typically made of steel and come in a range of sizes, from small plates that are only a few inches in diameter to larger plates that are several feet in diameter.

The round plates are often used in pairs, with the shooter engaging one plate and then the other in quick succession.

Another type of target commonly used in steel challenge shooting is the rectangular plate.

These plates are similar to round plates, but are shaped like a rectangle instead of a circle.

They are often used in the same way as round plates, with the shooter engaging them in pairs or groups.

In addition to these stationary targets, steel challenge shooting also often involves knock-down targets.

These targets are mounted on stands and are designed to fall over when hit by a bullet.

The shooter must engage the target and knock it down in order to score a hit.

The stages in steel challenge shooting are designed to test the shooter's speed and accuracy.

They typically involve a series of targets arranged in a specific pattern, with the shooter moving through the stage and engaging the targets in a specific order.

The goal of each stage is to complete it as quickly as possible while still maintaining accuracy.

Some examples of common steel challenge stages include the "Five to Go" stage, in which the shooter must engage five round plates in a specific order, and the "Smoke and Hope" stage, in which the shooter must engage a group of rectangular plates and a knock-down target.

These stages provide a challenging and exciting test for shooters of all skill levels.

The Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA) has a set of standardized rules and regulations that govern its competitions.

These rules are designed to ensure fairness and safety, and to provide a consistent framework for all competitors.

One of the key rules of steel challenge shooting is that all firearms must be handled in a safe manner at all times.

This means that guns must be kept pointed in a safe direction, and that shooters must always be aware of their surroundings and the people around them.

Another important rule is that all competitors must use the same type of ammunition in a competition.

This ensures that all shooters are on a level playing field and that no one has an unfair advantage due to the type of ammunition they are using.

In addition to these general rules, the SCSA also has specific rules for each stage of a competition.

These rules dictate the order in which targets must be engaged, the number of shots that must be fired, and the time limits for each stage.

The rules for each stage are designed to provide a challenging and exciting test of a shooter's speed and accuracy.

Overall, the rules of steel challenge shooting are designed to ensure that competitions are fair, safe, and exciting for all participants.

By following these rules, shooters can compete with one another on a level playing field and enjoy the thrill of steel challenge shooting.

In order to achieve a good score in steel challenge shooting, there are several key strategies that a shooter can use.

These strategies can help a shooter maximize their speed and accuracy, and put them in a strong position to compete against other shooters.

One of the most important strategies is to practice and become familiar with the stages that will be used in the competition.

This will help the shooter understand the layout of the targets and the order in which they must be engaged, which can save time and improve accuracy.

Another key strategy is to develop a smooth and efficient shooting technique.

This involves finding a comfortable and stable shooting position, and using consistent and controlled trigger pulls to engage the targets.

A smooth and efficient shooting technique can help the shooter maintain a high level of accuracy even when moving quickly through a stage.

It is also important to maintain a strong focus and concentration during the competition.

Steel challenge shooting can be physically and mentally demanding, and it is essential for the shooter to stay focused and avoid getting flustered or distracted.

Finally, it is important for the shooter to manage their time wisely during the competition.

This means staying within the time limits for each stage, and making smart decisions about when to take shots and when to move to the next target.

Overall, a combination of practice, efficient shooting technique, focus, and good time management can help a shooter achieve a good score in steel challenge shooting.

By implementing these strategies, a shooter can put themselves in a strong position to compete against other shooters and achieve success in the sport.

Safe Shooting Distance

The safe distance for firing at steel challenge targets is specific to each gun, hinging on the bullet speed which needs to be under 2850 FPS. Since different bullets exit the barrel at varying speeds, it alters the safe distance accordingly.

For more guidance, visit our Tips & Care page and Thickness Guide.

Following these guidelines will give you the best shooting experience.

If you aren't shooting steel challenge we recommend you explore some of our other product categories you'll get better value for your money.