TroyMcManus, DNROI
dnroi@uspsa.org
USPSA published the board approved rule sets for Competition; Rifle, Shotgun, and Multigun; and Steel Challenge Shooting Association on February 3rd, 2025. NROI training materials and test questions have been updated to reflect the new rules.
Here is a short summary of the major changes in each rule set. Please go to www.uspsa.org/rules or www.scsa.org/rules for complete rule sets along with the change logs detailing what was changed or added.
Competition Rules:
1.1.5.3: Stage designers may now stipulate strong- or weak-hand shooting in Short courses of no more than 8 rounds if Weak Hand is specified.
1.1.5.5: At level one matches only, the WSB may require competitors to always stay within the fault lines.
2.6.2: Moves the PCC handling requirements to this rule FROM 10.5.19
5.1.8: Changes the consequences of changing or modifying a firearm to a possible disqualification, not an automatic DQ. RM would make the decision based on the circumstances. Many gun swaps are innocently done without knowledge of the rules and have no significant consequences in the outcome of the match.
5.2.4.2: Specifically allows the RO on a stage to remind a competitor of non-standard magazine placement requirements.
5.3.7: simplifies the wording on prohibited holsters, as does 5.2.7.2
6.2.4.1: allows competitors at level one matches to enter the match in multiple divisions for match recognition, but not again in the same division.
8.1.6: New rule prohibiting propping guns on any stage unless allowed in the WSB. Objects on the gun are still allowed, but not external objects.
8.3.1.1/8.7.1: changes language to “make ready” location instead of “start location”. This allows competitors to request an alternate make ready location. The RO must still grant permission.
9.4.5.2: requires number of hits/extra hits be defined in the WSB for clarity.
10.5.5.2: New rule outlining PCC carry requirements and allowances, specifically sweeping and moves the rule to the proper location.
10.5.19: Simplifies the wording for Unsafe PCC Handling.
11.1.2/11.1.3/11.1.3/11.1.5: Allows digital (video, photo, audio, app-based data, etc.) in appeals, including arbitration and clarifies the requirements/prohibitions for its use.
Appendices: Several definitions added, embellished, or removed, including appearing/disappearing targets (removed), and additions for Make Ready Position, Match Recognition, Movement, and reloading.
D1-D7: adds lasers to the list, but they are still specifically allowed or disallowed
D3: Allows optical sights in L-10.
D9: Limited Optics Division as no longer provisional; fully recognized division.
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Steel Challenge Shooting Association
2.5: New section outlining Uncasing/Casing areas
2.5.2: New rule allowing the same handling for long guns as USPSA rules; checking optics, turning them on and off, removing covers, etc., are allowed at the berm or long gun staging area. Long guns must remain flagged during these actions.
4.1: Allows for non-painting of plates at level one matches only, and defines scoring consequences of not painting.
5.1.4: Spells out cart use and handling from carts for long guns.
5.3.2: Clarifies the standard practice of placing magazines on a table or barrel, regardless of division.
5.6.1: defines the Range Officers responsibility regarding scores if the competitor must correct a malfunction and return to shoot remaining strings
6.1-6.8: renumbered to add several new rules concerning competitor status, including a rule allowing competitors to be barred from competition and the criteria for that action.
6.6.1-6.8.1: Changes the word “Open” to “Optics” to accurately reflect the divisions, and renumbers the rules.
8.2.2: defines gun condition for centerfire divisions, i.e., “loaded and holstered”.
8.2.3: defines aiming point requirements, changes measurements to inches
10.3.6.2: Defines sweeping rules
10.3.9: Defines use of safety on handguns
10.3.13: Simplifies and clarifies long gun handling requirements
11.4: Defines digital evidence usage in appeals
Appendices: Spell out awards, defines “holstered”, changes in terminology from “Open” to “Optics”.
Appendix D10 adds Limited Optics as a provisional division for SCSA competition.
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Rifle, Shotgun and Multigun Rules
10.2.1: Changes the allowance to use objects outside the shooting area for support from YES to NO, and clarifies faulting.
11.1.2-11.1.5: Allows digital evidence to be used in appeals and specifies how it’s used.
Appendix D6: Makes Modified Division permanent
Appendix D6, #11: Allows for compensators on shotguns
For additional questions or clarifications, please email rules@uspsa.org