Q: Do I need to be a member of the Santa Clara Valley Rifle Club?
A: No
This activity is open to the public. However, do we encourage SCVRC membership.If you would like to become an SCVRC member please refer to the SCVRC Membership Guidelines.
Q: What are the requirements to become a new shooter at Action Pistol?
A: Basic safety and firearm manipulation.
To participate in the New Shooter Group you must meet the following criteria:
- Must be able to safely operate your firearm.
- Must understand and be able demonstrate the rules of NRA Gun Safety.
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ALWAYS Keep The Gun Pointed In A Safe Direction.
ALWAYS Keep Your Finger Off The Trigger Until Ready To Shoot.
ALWAYS Keep The Gun Unloaded Until Ready To Use.
- Must be able to follow directions.
- Must be over the age of 18.
- Must be allowed to legally use the firearm and equipment you are using.
- Must know what all the buttons, knobs, and levers do.
- Must have safely shot at least 200 round through the firearm you will be using.
We will cover range safety procedures when you arrive. However, it is your responsibility to understand and demonstrate basic firearm manipulation and safety. If you can not demonstrate safety, we may ask you to come back at a later date, after you have become more acclimated to your firearm.
Q: I have never shot a before should I come to Action Pistol?
A: Please talk to us, but probably not.
Although, we emphasize the fundamentals, this is not an introduction to firearms course. We are a club that enjoys active shooting. If you have not shot before it would be starting in the deep end of the pool and safety may be at risk.
If you need help, there are many training courses available outside of Action Pistol. Please check out our Links page for a local trainer or contact us for information.
Q: What do I need to bring the first night?
A: The first night you will need.
- A pistol in good condition
- A good quality holster designed for the pistol you will be using
- Four to five spare magazines or speed loaders for a revolver
- Magazine pouches or speed loader carriers
- A sturdy belt
- Eye and ear protection
- 50 rounds of ammo for your pistol
- Range appropriate clothing
Q: What is a "good quality holster"?
A: The holster must meet the minimum requirements described below.
Good holsters don't need to be expensive, but cheap holsters can be costly and can even be painful. While it is difficult to cover all the parameters, these are a few features that you should look for when shopping for a good quality holster.
- Hard sided, non collapsible holster
- At least one retention mechanism (friction lock, lever, backstrap)
- Must cover the trigger completely and not allow access to the trigger while holstered
- The shooter must be able to use the holster safely with a single hand
- Should not cause the shooter to alter the operation of the gun while shooting
- The firearm should fit properly into the holster
What is not allowed
- can collapse after the gun is removed.
- requires two hands to remove or re-holster the firearm.
- is made of only from nylon, canvas or other soft materials.
- that has loose, unsecured, or deficient mounting systems.
- is not design for that specific make and model of firearm.
- attaches to anywhere but the belt or thigh.
- requires a hand to cross the body (cross draw).
- is designed to attach to the ankle or shoulder.
- is inferior build quality, may break, faulty, or may cause a safety issue.
- does not generally point the muzzle downwards
- has another function like a "fanny pack", breif case, cell phone case, etc...
Any holster that:
The use of all equipment is at the Match Directors discretion. If you show up with questionable equipment, expect to get some questions. This may mean that you won't be able to shoot that day.
This article may help you find a good quality holster. If you have doubts, ask. Questions are always free.
Q: I'm a Navy Seal Firearms Instructor, do I need to come to Group 1?
A: Yes.
While we respect your time serving our country and your training, you still need to be there at 1800. No matter whom you are, or what you have done, we want to talk to you personally before we let you run around with a live firearm. Every range runs differently. We would like to take a little time to ensure that we are all on the same page.
Q: I want to practice my stuff I learned at some school. Can I do that with your group?
A: Yes and no.
It depends on what it is. We are bound by certain physical and safety restrictions of the range. For example shooting at angles has restrictions, because there may not be sufficient background and rounds may impact other than the backstop. However, we may be able to modify the scenario or drill to fit into our range. Other drills may just be inappropriate. All drills that are run are at the discretion of the Match Director(s).
Q: Do you do anything else besides pistol?
A: Yes.
We try to mix up the scenarios, and occasionally work shotgun and carbine. These events will be announced as the are scheduled and are for Group 2 only.
Q: Can I bring my AK-47, M4, Berretta CX4 Storm, etc...?
A: Yes with restrictions.
It must either be event appropriate gun or approved by the Match Director. Do not expect to run a carbine for a pistol event.
To shoot your carbine it must meet the following criteria
- You must be able to legally posses the firearm and equipment you bring.
- Use of any firearm is at the Match Director's approval.
- Use of a carbine is only allowed on a designated carbine night for Regular Shooters.
- Semi-Auto only with the ability to quickly reload.
- Select fire (anything), pump action, bolt action, tube feed, lever action rifles do not meet our criteria
- The ammunition must align with the range rules.
Please note we shoot with the public at public ranges. We often have members of law enforcement shooting with us or occasionally they "drop in" unannounced.
With that in mind, California gun laws are very complex. Many courts cannot tell you what is a legal configuration and we cannot either. We are depending on you to be an upstanding citizen and follow the law as you understand it and don't be the test case. Nobody wants the trouble.
Q: I do not own a gun can I rent one?
A: No, we are not a business.
We do not rent/sell guns or ammunition. If you borrow a gun you are still bound by all the legalities associated with possession and transport of a firearm. This is your responsibility to understand all the aspects of borrowing a firearm. Also you must meet our safety criteria for basic firearms manipulation, so make sure that our event is not the first time you have seen that firearm.
Q: I'm an Officer with Anytown USA/I have a CCW, can I carry hot at your range?
A: It depends on the range rules and circumstances of the day.
The range always has the ability to dictate specfic range rules, including the ready condition of a firearm in the holster. It's their range and their rules.
Even if the range allows this there are days which we may elect not to run a cold range. There are a vast number of reasons this decision.
Q: Can I take my brass home with me?
A: Yes, unless the range prohibits it
Policing your brass is a common range etiquette. Please follow the instructions of the Range Officers for the timing of brass collection. It may be done after people shoot or at the end of event. Keep in mind that other's may want brass as well.
Q: I am a new shooter, what if I couldn't find the range, had a brain fart, etc. and couldn't get there on time?
A: You will not shoot that day.
If you arrive after we have read the safety briefing; unfortunately, you will not be allowed to shoot. However, you are still welcome to spectate.
The rest of group made the effort to show up on time and it is unfair to interrupt their practice time to backtrack with information already covered.
Please plan to be there on time. If you need to arrive 15-30 minutes early to be on time, then please do so. That will give you some time to socialize with the staff and assist with setup.
Q: If I need to sight in my gun or test loads what is the best way to go about it?
A: This is not the time or place to “test” your gun and/or loads.
If you have work done to your gun or new ammo, it may take several trips to the range to dial in the accuracy. It can be time consuming and will detract from the event for others. This falls under the “please come prepared” request.
Q: What do I need to do to become a "regular shooter"?
A: Complete the criteria below
We have two groups at our event. Group 1 is the new (to our event) Shooters and Group 2 are shooters that have demonstrated the criteria outlined below.
Everyone starts in Group 1. Group 1 time is dedicated to help new people get up to speed and prepare their skills to participate in the next part of the activity (Group 2). The people in Group 2 have demonstrated the following skills.
- Have attended two APC G1 Events
- Have the match director's approval
- Have demonstrated range entry and exit procedures
- Have demonstrated tactical and emergency reloads
- Have demonstrated safe holster work
- Have demonstrated a type I malfunction clearance
- Have demonstrated the ability to follow instructions
- Understand and have demonstrated the fundamental NRA rules for safe gun handling
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ALWAYS Keep The Gun Pointed In A Safe Direction.
ALWAYS Keep Your Finger Off The Trigger Until Ready To Shoot.
ALWAYS Keep The Gun Unloaded Until Ready To Use.
After demonstration of the skills above, you will be asked to shoot an evaluation course of fire. One of the evaluees will given the opportunity to select the course of fire for the group. The passing criteria varies for each COF and you will be informed before you start the COF. Each COF requires, you must be able to demonstrate safety, follow directions, ask questions if you need clarification, and meet the accuracy criteria for that course of fire. Instruction and accuracy information will be given at the time.
Q: I'm an IPSC Grand Master. Do I need to attend the New Shooter Orientation?
A: Yes
We are not IPSC. Everyone must attend the New Shooter Orientation. Please see the Navy Seal Firearms Instructor question for more details.
Q: Can I use my Laser Sight, Red Dot, Gun Light, or other attachment?
A: Yes
Additional equipment attached to your firearm is allowed.
- The equipment must be securely attached to the firearm.
- The holster must made to specifically accept that equipment.
- The holster may not be used without the equipment.
- Attended Group 1 twice.
- Have Match Director approval.
- The ability to operate your firearm safely.
- The ability to follow instructions.
- The ability to ask question if you need clarification.
- The ability to shoot with reasonable accuracy.
Q: What is a "typical" event?
A: The Group 2 event is pretty similar each time and will vary for Group 2.
Group 1 (New Shooters)Arrive on time, have a safety briefing, followed by some discussion, dry fire, and live fire drills. This standard live fire section runs through about 40-50 rounds at one event. We try to end this section around 1.5-2 hours start to finish.
Group 1 participants that are qualified to run the evaluation course of fire will be given the opportunity to shoot it. The evaluation requires four magazines and up to 30 rounds of additional ammunition.
On occasion we may have extra time for Group 1 where some practice will be available. Please pack your ammunition accordingly.
Group 2 (Regular Shooters)Typically starts after Group 1 with a safety briefing the live fire.
The actual round count will vary by the location, time allocated and specific drills. A typical minimum round count for a 4 hour event is around 100-150 rounds; however, this does not account for misses, shooting the COF more than once or practice.
Q: What is the Evaluation Course of Fire?
A: This is a slow fire drill that everyone must successfully complete to qualify for Group 2.
This is to ensure that everyone in Group 2 has demonstrated safety, the ability to follow instructions, and achieved a reasonable degree of accuracy. To advance to Group 2 you must successfully complete the evaluation course of fire.
To complete this you must have:
To assist with the accuracy, please use the guide below. If you can meet this criteria, the accuracy portion should not be an issue.
Target: IPSC Silhouette Target
Distance: Variying distance up to 15 yards
Scoring: Cumulatively scoring A-zone hits (75%) and headshots (50%)
Target: NRA B-8C Target
Distance: 5 yards
Scoring" Cumulatively scoring 5 ring hits (95%) and 9 ring hits(20%)
Target: 5" & 20" Circles
Distance: 7 yards
Scoring" Cumulatively scoring 20" circle (85%) hits and 5" circle (15%) hits