Steel Challenge

Steel Challenge, is one of the fastest growing shooting sports across the country. Why? Because it takes minimal equipment to get started, and it has something to offer for everyone, from the youngest of competitors on up to the most experienced sharp shooter.

How does it work? DSA sets up five official classifier stages as outlined by the Steel Challenge Association. Each stage consists of 5 steel plates of various sizes, heights and distances. Participants will shoot each stage 5 times, with the simple goal of hitting all plates as fast as you possibly can!

It's not only fun, but a great way to improve accuracy and speed.

Want to learn more? Just click on the "FAQs" & "Our Matches" tab and we will see you soon!

For additional information,

contact a match director:
Michael Fisher: Email

Chuck Stence: Email

Who can participate?

Almost anyone! As long as the participant can safely handle a firearm, they may participate. All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

What organization must I belong too?

DSA membership required: NO, however all participants & guests must sign a DSA waiver upon arrival and must follow all DSA range and SCSA rules.
Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA): NO, however if you find yourself bitten by the steel challenge bug, you may want to join so you can keep track of your progress.
Practiscore: although not required, we do suggest a free practiscore account as it allows participants to follow their stage scores without having to join SCSA.

What equipment is required?

Properly fitting eye & ear protection IS REQUIRED for all participants and guests.
Firearms: Steel Challenge offers 13 competition divisions, from .22 pistols, revolvers & rifles, to Pistol Caliber Carbines (PCC) and handguns (9mm, .38 special, .40 S&W, 10MM, .357 Sig, .45 ACP). Not to mention there are even categories to accommodate those which choose to shoot with iron sites or optics. If you are a experienced shooter wondering if your gear will work, check out the SCSA site for details. If you are a relatively new shooter, our recommendation would be to select a .22 either pistol or rifle of our choice, it's the cheapest way to test the waters.
Ammo: Our matches contain 5 stages; each stage has 5 plates, at minimum that is 125 rounds. We recommend you bring at least 150 - 200 rounds with you, because regardless of how good you are, you are gonna miss!
Magazines: There is not time to reload magazines once you "enter the box", as such we recommend you come prepared with multiple magazines. For example, if you have 10 round magazines we recommend you have 5 available, if you have a 25 round magazine it is wise to have two. Depending on the division, extended magazines may be allowed.

Can I bring a guest(s)?

Yes, but all non-DSA member participants and guests will be required to signa DSA waiver upon arrival.

Haven't done this before but want to give it a try?

Reach out to one of the match directors listed on the "about" page, they will be happy to provide you with the information you need to make your first experience a fun one.

When: the third Sunday of every month year-round weather permitting. Last minute changes due to weather or other circumstances, can be found on this site as well as the Eastern Shore Practical Shooters Facebook Page.

Cost: $15 for the first gun, $5 for the second which must be in a different division.

Day of Schedule:

7:30 AM – Set up - All help is appreciated.
9:30 AM – Registration
- Pre-registration via Practiscore is encouraged but not required; if utilizing their site, search for SCSA matches in Sudlersville, Maryland. (ESPS SCSA).
- Day of registration is also allowed if you arrive on time. We try not to turn anyone away.
9:45 AM – Safety Briefing
10:00 AM - Match Start
Match Conclusion: we appreciate everyone's assistance in breaking down the stages.

DSA Match Info:

Tier 1 Level Match SCSA Sanctioned (coaching is allowed)
Five SCSA Classifiers (Stages) per match. Most DSA matches will be comprised of official SCSA classifiers.
Every effort will be made to accommodate squad requests, but DSA Match Directors reserve the right to reassign squads as needed.

DSA & Match rules:

All firearms must remain holstered or cased except when under direction of the Range Officer on the firing line or in a safe handling area.
Prior to the match all guns must be cleared.
DSA is a cold range. If you arrive with a loaded carry gun, please contact a range officer.
For Pistol Caliber Carbines (PCC) and .22 Rimfire Rifles an empty chamber indicator or safety flag is required as well as a case for transport.
Open carry carts for PCCs & Rifles are allowed under the following conditions. Firearms must remain in the cart with chamber indictor installed, and muzzle pointed down. When entering the shooters box, cart must be brought forward to the line and only handled under the direction of the RO.