A Practical Pistol Shoot is a competitive shoot where people use pistols to engage various targets in dynamic, real-world inspired scenarios. Emphasis on speed, accuracy and safe firearm handling. Competitors navigate stages with multiple targets, often requiring movement.
CVCC is in the planning stages of preparing to offer these shoots coming this spring. The Match Director coordinating everything will be Ryan Woodhouse, a lifetime member here at CVCC.
We are excited to be holding practical pistol shoots starting in April of 2026!
For those that are familiar, we will be holding “USPSA” style shoots*.
*THESE ARE NOT OFFICIAL USPSA EVENTS.
What is Practical Pistol Shooting?
Practical pistol shooting is one of the most dynamic and rewarding shooting sports you can try.
Unlike traditional “bullseye” shooting where you stand still and shoot tight groups on paper, practical pistol is about shooting multiple targets from different positions quickly and accurately.
Stages feel like action puzzles, combining speed, marksmanship, movement, and decision making.
You will:
- Be drawing from a holster.
- Move to multiple positions while engaging targets (most are paper, some are steel).
- Engage targets that may be partially hidden behind barriers like walls or barrels.
- Perform magazine changes, as a stage often requires more than 15 rounds to complete.
- Be timed and have your shots scored in a very safe environment.
Who is This For?
This sport is for both the experienced shooter and the novice, for the young and old (12-112). If you think standing and shooting at a target bullseye style is boring, then this is probably for you. The community is welcoming and helpful.
Safety and Skill Requirement:
- You must be able to holster/reholster, load/unload, and do other manipulations with your firearm safely, by yourself and on demand.
- If you are new, come to have fun while being safe. Don’t expect to be good, and rest assured, nobody else cares as long as you are safe.
Why Compete in a Practical Shooting Match?
- Personal Skill Test: It allows a person to put their skills to the test, in a safe and measured way.
- Adrenaline and Fun: The fast-paced nature and varied courses of fire deliver an exciting challenge that tests physical and mental agility.
- Community and Competition: It fosters camaraderie among shooters, offering a chance to connect, compete, and improve.
- Personal Growth: Mastering complex stages boosts confidence, discipline, and focus.
- Self Defense: The skills developed—such as weapon handling, draws, reloads, and stress management—can all be directly applicable and even critical in the event of a real life use of force encounter.
What Equipment is Needed?
You may have everything you need already.
Modern Centerfire Pistol
- The vast majority of people shoot 9mm, but some others use .40 or .45.
- While a revolver is possible, many moon clips will be required.
- .22LR will be allowed for children under 14 as long as they can handle and manipulate the firearm on their own, safely.
Good Holster
- Preferably a modern Kydex holster that completely covers the trigger guard and attaches to the hip via a belt.
- Must be easy to safely reholster.
Magazines
- Have enough magazines to finish an individual stage of 36 rounds + makeup shots.
- Generally, 2-3 magazines will be sufficient.
- Individual magazine capacity is limited to 24 rounds.
Magazine Holder
- Have at least one magazine holder, two recommended.
Ammo
- Ball ammo or FMJ, hollow point or frangible is allowed.
- No armor piercing or incendiary rounds allowed.
- Recommend bringing at least 150 rounds to the match.
What to Expect on Match Day
| Time | Event |
| 0800 | Registration starts |
| 0845 | Mandatory Match Briefing (All shooters must attend) |
| 0900 | Match begins |
| 1200-1300 | Match Ends (Time WILL vary) |
- Stages & Rounds: We will be shooting 5 stages of varying round count. Total rounds per match are 120-150.
2026 Match Dates & Cost
| Date | Event | Notes |
| April 25 | Practical Pistol Shoot | Match day |
| May 30-31 | 2-Day Practical Pistol Training | Click here for training link. |
| June 27 | Practical Pistol Shoot | Match day |
| July 25 | Practical Pistol Shoot | Match day |
| Aug 29 | Practical Pistol Shoot | Match day |
| Sept 19 | Practical Pistol Shoot | Match day |
- Cost: $25. $20 for CVCC members.
- We plan on holding 5 shoots. Dates are subject to change, check back here and our Facebook page for updates.
Contact Information
Please contact the Match Director with any questions:
Ryan Woodhouse, Match Director
cvccpsmd@yahoo.com