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What is Steel Challenge?

Steel Challenge is the friendliest competition shooting sport there is. You shoot at five steel plates per stage, as fast as you can hit them, and the clock is your only opponent. There are eight standardized stages used at every match in the country — learn them once and you can shoot anywhere. No tactical experience required, no pressure: just you, the steel, and a timer. Bring a .22 and you’re in.

Beginner-friendly

Brand new to competition? This is the place to start. Squads are welcoming, the rules are simple, and someone will walk you through your first stage.

.22 welcome

A rimfire pistol or rifle is one of the best (and lowest-cost) ways to play. Centerfire pistol, PCC, and open divisions are all welcome too.

Fast & low-cost

Ten dollars, a couple hours on a Thursday evening, and a few boxes of ammo. Shoot, reset, repeat — you’ll be hooked by your second stage.

2026 Summer Series

Match schedule.

Every Thursday through August. Register on Practiscore — registration closes at 4:30 PM the day of each match. Match starts at 5:30 PM. $10 entry.

June

4Jun

Register →
11Jun

Register →
18Jun

Register →
25Jun

Register →

July

2Jul

Register →
9Jul

Register →
16Jul

Register →
23Jul

Register →
30Jul

Register →

August

6Aug

Register →
13Aug

Register →
20Aug

Register →
27Aug

Register →

Full club calendar & live squad counts: Practiscore club page →

Your First Match

What to bring.

Less than you’d think. If you’ve got a pistol or a .22 and some ammo, you can shoot tonight. Need any of it? We’ll set you up in-store.

• A pistol or rimfireAny reliable handgun, PCC, or .22 rifle/pistol. A .22 is the perfect first-match gun.
• Eyes & earsEye and hearing protection are required. Electronic muffs from $34 →
• 3+ magazines & a holster (or case)Mag-fed is easiest. New shooters can start from a low-ready table — no holster required.
• ~150 roundsPlenty for a full match with extra. Stock up on 9mm & .22 →
• $10 & a good attitudeThat’s it. Show up a few minutes early, say hi, and we’ll handle the rest.

Gear up at Elk River Guns

Eyes, ears, ammo, mags, optics, or your first .22 — we’ve got the whole checklist on the shelf in Steamboat.

Shop the Range Gear

On the Line

From the range.

Where

Routt County Rifle Club.

Routt County Rifle Club

28610 US Hwy 40
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Plus code: G456+27 Steamboat Springs

routtcountyrifleclub.org →

Get Directions

Good to Know

Questions, answered.

I’ve never shot a match. Can I come?

Absolutely — that’s who this is for. Tell your squad it’s your first match and they’ll walk you through the safety brief and every stage.

What gun should I bring?

Whatever you have. A .22 pistol or rifle is the easiest, lowest-cost way in. Centerfire pistol, PCC, and optics divisions all run too.

How much does it cost?

$10 per match, paid through Practiscore at registration. Plan on roughly 150 rounds of ammo for the night.

Do I need a holster?

Not to start. New shooters can begin from a low-ready position at the table. Once you’re comfortable, a good holster speeds you up.

How do I sign up?

Register on the YVPS Practiscore page. Registration closes at 4:30 PM on match day — sign up early, squads fill.

Where is it?

Routt County Rifle Club, 28610 US Hwy 40, Steamboat Springs. See the map above for directions.

See you Thursday.

Pick a date, register, and come shoot steel. Questions? Stop by Elk River Guns — we’ll get you ready.

Register on Practiscore