Competing in Your First PA Steel League Match

So you’ve decided to join us and give our League a try! Here are some questions you’ll want to answer and items you’ll want to pack for your first match. This page is intended to provide an overview.

For complete rules regarding firearms, see the 2024 League Rules.

For questions not covered in the rulebook, please reach out via our instagram or facebook.

Safety First

Everyone attending a match, even if they are just observing MUST be wearing:

  • Ear Protection
  • Eye Protection

Firearm

Depending on the type of firearm you intend to compete with, you’ll need slightly different equipment.

Rimfire Pistol (Open or Stock)

  • Pistol
  • Chamber Flag
  • 5-6 magazines

You’ll want to make sure your pistol is in a bag and flagged when you arrive at the match.

Rifle (Rimfire or PCC)

  • Rifle
  • Chamber Flag
  • 2-3 20+ round magazines OR 5-6 10 round magazines

You’ll want to make sure your rifle is in a bag and flagged when you arrive at a match.

Centerfire Pistol (Open, Stock, or Revolver)

  • Pistol
  • Holster (if shooting for score)
  • 2-3 20+ round magazines OR 5-6 10+ round magazines OR 5-6 Moon Clips/Speed Loaders

Other nice-to-haves

  • Spare Batteries for any optics
  • Wrenches for adjusting/affixing optics
  • Any other tools required for field-stripping your firearm in the event of a malfunction

Ammunition

A perfect match, with zero misses or malfunctions, will require 125 rounds. Most shooters bring at least twice that to account for misses/malfunctions/etc.

Attire

All of our matches are outside! Be sure to dress for the weather.

Food and Drink

Some matches may offer food/beverages for sale before or after a match, but there is rarely time to step away from your squad once a the competition is started. Bring light snacks you can eat quickly.

Most matches will have water available gratis.

Weather/Season Dependent

  • Bug Spray
  • Sunscreen
  • Umbrella

Most Importantly

A positive mental attitude! Many people are intimidated their first time at match. As long as you are comfortable with safe gun-handling fundamentals, and work with the experienced shooters and Range Officers that are there to make sure everyone has a safe and fun experience, there is nothing to worry about.