Defensive Carbine Match

There is a new Defensive Carbine Match scheduled for 8/30/25.  It will held on every 5th Saturday of the month.  The matches are currently scheduled for 8/30/25 and 11/29/25. There are only 12 spots available for each match.  The matches will take place at the Special Use Range. Setup starts at 7:30 am sharp and matches start at 8:00 am.

 

 

Fifth Saturday Defensive Carbine Target (Fun) Match

Purpose:

Carbines are owned, by many, for the purpose of providing enhanced firepower in the defense of the home and those in it. Many people own these firearms but don’t actually practice using them in the style that might be needed for home defense. The Defensive Carbine Target Match is designed to offer an introduction into some of the shooting skills one might need, such as engaging multiple targets, multiple rapid shots on a single target, both strong and weak hand shooting, shooting from a position of cover or concealment, and magazine changes.

Unlike more aggressive Match styles, we will not be asking shooters to run from shooting position to shooting position or to overcome obstacles requiring difficult shooting positions.

Carbine Definition:

A carbine is a long gun that has a barrel shortened from its original length. Most modern carbines are rifles that are compact versions of a longer rifle or are rifles chambered for less powerful cartridges. The smaller size and lighter weight of carbines make them easier to handle.

Some definitions offer barrel lengths of between 16 inches to 20 inches. Standard civilian AR carbines have a barrel length of 16 inches, while the military M4 barrel is 14.5 inches. For the purpose of this Match we will use lightweight rifle designs, with barrels less than 18 inches.

By definition, shotguns and pistols are not permitted for this Match.

Bring what you would use at home in the setup you currently have. Suppressors, scopes, red dot sights, lasers, etc. are all welcome. You will learn if what you use works well for this purpose.

This a work in progress. As we gain experience, elements of the Match may change.

Equipment needed:

· Rifle

· 5 Magazines (10-round capacity minimum)

· 42 Rounds of Ammunition (more if you want to repeat the cycle)

· Eye and Ear Protection

· Magazine Pouches/Carrier or Load Carrying Equipment (optional)

· Shooting Mat (optional)

All club safety regulations will apply. The Match Director will be in charge of the range during the Match while a club Range Safety Officer (RSO) will ensure all safety procedures are followed.

Targets:

Paper Targets are 12 inches x 10.5 inches with a 5.25 inch center black circle.

Scoring:

Scoring will be time-based and equal to the sum of the time taken to shoot the 3 positions with time penalties added for inaccurate shot placements.

Hits in the black – zero seconds added.

Hits in the white – one second added.

Hits off the target paper – five seconds added.

Course of Fire:

Set up:

The Match will take place on SCGAA’s Special Use Range.

Current shooter will be able to use the Ready Table, near starting point, to prepare and stage their gear.

The range will be declared hot, to allow the shooter to move to the Ready Table. The range is hot until the shooter completes the cycle.

Participants who have shot, or are waiting to shoot, must keep gear on back tables. No firearm or ammunition handling will be done at these tables, except as directed Match Directors. Firearms must be cased, until it is your turn to shoot.

There are three firing positions. Shooters complete each position in sequence. Between firing positions, firearm must be cleared and bolt open. While we don’t want anyone running between stages, we would like a rapid transition.

Firing positions are marked with orange squares.

Shooter starts course with the five loaded magazines. The shooter must have a way to carry the magazines on their person from position to position. Pockets, inserted into waist line, ammo pouches, vests, and load carrying equipment are suitable.

Firing position 1 is timed separately from positions 2 and 3, which are timed together. Time starts when the shooter takes their first shot, and stops after the last shot.

Position 1: Multiple Close-Range Targets

Two targets placed between 5 to 10 yards distance from shooter, 5 to 10 feet apart.

Two 6-round magazines.

First magazine- 3 shots on each target.

Change magazines.

2 shots on each target, followed by one shot on each target.

Time stops after the 12th shot.

Shooter drops magazine.

Brisk walk to position 2 (approx. 10 seconds), with unloaded firearm.

Time begins with first shot at position 2 and stops with last shot at position 3.

Position 2: Engaging mid-range Targets From Behind Obstacles using Strong and Weak Hands

Two targets placed at 15 yards.

Two 10-round magazines.

Firing position has barrel obstacle.

Shooter engages first target with ten rounds from strong side (right side – right-handed shooter).

Magazine Change

Shooter transitions to weak side (left side – right-handed shooter).

Shooter engages second target with 10 rounds.

Shooter drops magazine and moves to position 3. Once at that position, the shooter can insert magazine to continue.

Position 3: Distant Target – Behind Simulated Cover.

One target placed at 30 yards.

One 10-round magazine.

Shooter may choose to stand or use kneeling or prone firing positions. Simulated cover may be used for support.

Shooter engages final target with 10 rounds.

Time stops after 10th shot.

After shooter completes course, the range will go cold, targets will be scored, and new targets placed. When that task is completed, the next shooter can occupy the Ready Table.

Hot firearms can be placed in rake behind position 2 to allow to cool, and may be recovered, at Match Director’s discretion. when the range is declared hot as a shooter moves to the Ready Table.

Individuals can complete the course multiple times by re-entering the rotation. Best time will be recorded.

The score and time that matters, is not how you do compared to other shooters, it is how you do now compared to how you improve in subsequent and future efforts.

Per SCGAA policy members shoot for free, no-members pay $15.00.

Matches will be scheduled for the fifth Saturday of any month in which one occurs.