Action Match

Action Match is widely regarded as one of the most demanding handgun competitions in the world. The discipline was developed in 1979 by John Bianchi, a former LAPD police officer and CEO of Bianchi International.

The original Bianchi Cup Invitational Pistol Tournament quickly became famous as the world’s richest handgun event, attracting elite competitors from around the globe. In 1985, the NRA assumed control of the event and continues to host it annually in Missouri.

The SSAA regularly sends Australian teams to compete internationally, and Action Match remains a pathway for Australian sporting shooters to participate in world-class competition. Nationally, the discipline culminates in the SSAA Action Match National Championships, with the overall winner awarded the Smith & Wesson Cup.

Action Match requires commitment, discipline and a clear understanding of Australia’s handgun regulations.

Before participating, shooters must:

• Join an approved handgun club
• Complete probationary attendance requirements
• Satisfy state or territory firearms licensing requirements
• Meet all legal obligations for secure firearm storage
• Maintain required club attendance levels

Your local handgun club plays an important role in guiding you through this process and helping you build the skills needed for Action Match competition.

The 2002 Australian National Handgun Agreement established the framework under which sporting handgun shooting operates today. While the discipline demands dedication, many competitors find it deeply rewarding both technically and personally.

View the NRA Action Pistol rule book for international rules.

Action Match permits the use of revolvers and self-loading pistols within clearly defined firearm classes.

Australian legislation limits handgun calibres to .38 / 9mm for Action Match. As a result, competitors may use:

• 9mm Parabellum or .38 Super in self-loading pistols
• .38 Special or .357 Magnum in revolvers

International rules specify a minimum calibre of 9mm and a minimum power factor of 120,000 (bullet weight × muzzle velocity).

Holsters must be safe, serviceable, practical, and capable of securely retaining the handgun throughout all courses of fire.

Firearm classes

Open

The Open class allows highly modified firearms, including optical sights. These pistols often feature extensive customisation and are typically used by competitors chasing maximum performance at elite levels.

Metallic Sight

Metallic Sight class prohibits optical or electronic sights, compensators, ported barrels and orthopaedic grips. Barrel lengths are limited to 6.25 inches for self-loading pistols and 8.625 inches for revolvers.

Many shooters use modified service pistols or IPSC Standard firearms in this category.

Production

Production class is designed for pistols that are or have been catalogue items readily available to the general public and fitted with metallic sights.

Custom shop models are prohibited. While optical sights are not permitted, Production offers an accessible and cost-effective entry point into Action Match competition. IPSC Production handguns commonly suit this class.

While multiple courses exist internationally, Action Match competition is traditionally built around four core stages.

Practical

The Practical stage is shot at 10, 15, 25 and 50 yards, with competitors engaging two targets under varying time constraints.

Barricade

The Barricade stage introduces the use of a barricade at distances of 10, 15, 25 and 35 yards, requiring careful positional shooting and transitions.

Moving Target

In the Moving Target stage, a target emerges from cover and travels 60 feet in six seconds before disappearing again. Shooters engage the target at 10, 15, 20 and 25 yards, working within the limited exposure time.

Falling Plates

The Falling Plates stage is one of the most recognisable and visually engaging Action Match events. Shooters engage 6 × 8-inch steel plates from distances of 10, 15, 20 and 25 yards, under strict time limits.

Each miss results in a 10-point penalty, making accuracy critical. Forty-eight rounds are fired for a possible 1920 points, with winners often decided by X-ring counts.

In 2009, the SSAA entered an agreement with the United States Practical Shooting Association to manage Steel Challenge as a subdiscipline of Action Match.

Steel Challenge focuses on speed and precision using steel targets, providing instant feedback and strong spectator appeal. Events cater to both rimfire and centrefire handgun shooters.

There are two selection methods for SSAA International Teams:

Invitational Team

The National Board or President may appoint an Invitational or Presidents Team, with advice from the National Coaching and Discipline Supervisor and National Discipline Chairman.

Selection Criteria

The National Discipline Chairman submits a team selected according to the Selection Criteria to the National Board for approval.

To qualify, a competitor must:

• Be a current financial SSAA member
• Hold or be eligible for a valid Australian passport (or exemption)
• Meet all requirements outlined in SSAA Inc Information and General Requirement for SSAA Team Members

Discipline selection criteria

Selection is based on results from the discipline’s Annual National Championship, involving competitors from at least two SSAA State or Territory Associations.

Additional details are outlined in the official Selection Policy document.

Approved by the SSAA National Board on 18 November 2018, effective 1 January 2019.

• Steel Challenge Rule Book Jan 2025
• Steel Challenge Rule Book 2025 Rules Copyright Permission
• SSAA official practice targets
• Action Match discipline posters 2019
• SSAA Standard Rules No 9.2 Rev Nov 2022