Targets
Being an open-source format, PCSL highly encourages experimentation by match directors. Virtually any target that can be engaged safely and consistently by all competitors in the match can be used at the MD’s discretion. The following target types (10.1-10.8) are considered “standard” and will be what competitors regularly encounter at PCSL matches:
10.1 PCSL Paper Targets
10.1.1 PCSL Practical Target
10.1.2 PCSL Mini Practical Target
10.1.3 PCSL Competition Target
10.1.4 PCSL K-Zone Target
10.1.4.1 K-Zone legacy usage
The K-Zone Target was the standard PCSL Target until 2025. They may still be used at Level 1 PCSL matches (outside of classifier stages) with the K-Zone functioning identically to the T-Zone.
10.2 PCSL Paper Target Zones and Target Color
10.2.1 Scoring zones
The PCSL paper targets have 4 designated scoring zones (T, A, C, D), delineated by perforated lines.
10.2.2 Brown side - handgun
The brown side will always be a designated handgun target (or PCC target in the case of PCSL Pistol matches)
10.2.3 White side - carbine
The white side will always be a designated carbine target. Note that in PCSL 2-Gun and Pistol Caliber 2-Gun, you will only engage white paper with your PCC, as the PCC can only replace your carbine, not your handgun.
10.2.4 Shotgun targets
In the case of paper shotgun slug or buckshot targets in PCSL 3-Gun or Shotgun events, match directors can define either the brown or white side as a slug or buckshot target.
10.3 Paper Penalty Targets (No-Shoots)
10.3.1 No-shoot designation
A “no-shoot” or paper penalty target will always be designated by solid red with a black “X” across the target. While it is recommended, these targets do not have to be PCSL T-Zone targets. Any similar paper target with a clearly defined perforated non-scoring border may be used as a no-shoot target.
10.3.1.1 PCSL Rifle exception
In PCSL Rifle matches where competitors only shoot the white side of the targets, the black X may be omitted due to the obvious contrast between white and red targets.
10.4 Falling & Reactive Steel
10.4.1 Steel target selection
The MD is encouraged to use their best judgment when determining what type of falling steel targets to use on the stages. Targets that are minimally affected by wind and fall easily when hit are recommended.
10.4.2 Prohibited rotating steel
Falling steel that is not prevented by its base or mounting system from turning in place without falling is not permitted at Level 2 or higher matches, and is highly discouraged from use at Level 1 matches.
10.4.3 Falling steel scoring
Most reactive types of steel fall when hit, but some (like a spinner) are neutralized in other ways. In general, a falling steel target is always worth one steel hit unless otherwise specified by the WSB.
10.4.4 Non-falling reactive steel
A non-falling reactive steel target (such as a spinner) does not have any standard scoring in PCSL and its value is left up to the MD or stage designer to determine. This must be specified in the WSB.
10.5 Static Steel
10.5.1 Static steel scoring
Unless otherwise defined in the WSB, static steel targets need to be hit once to be neutralized and are worth one steel hit each.
10.6 Color of Steel Targets
10.6.1 Handgun steel color
Handgun steel targets will be painted blue.
10.6.2 Carbine steel color
Carbine steel targets will be painted white.
10.6.3 3-Gun steel colors
In 3-Gun only, handgun/birdshot option targets will be painted yellow, and birdshot only targets will be painted gray or left unpainted for convenience. Slug and buckshot targets have no defined color, although orange, gray, or another distinct color not in use on the rest of the stage are recommended.
10.6.4 Alternate steel colors
Alternate steel target colors may be used on a per-match or per-stage basis as long as the non-standard colors are clearly defined by the WSB and the following conditions are met:
10.6.4.1 Level 1 events
The match is a Level 1 event, or
10.6.4.2 Level 2 with approval
The match is a Level 2 event with prior written approval from PCSL for the planned alternate target colors, or
10.6.4.3 PCSL-run matches
The match is run directly by PCSL
10.7 Frangible Targets
10.7.1 Frangible target scoring
Typically seen as clay pigeons, frangible targets may be used in matches and are generally worth one steel hit unless otherwise specified by the WSB.
10.8 Steel or Frangible Penalty Targets (No-Shoots)
10.8.1 Steel no-shoot designation
Steel no shoots will be painted solid red. Adding a black X across the face is optional. Frangible no-shoots do not have to be any specific color, but they must be clearly defined in the WSB, and must differ significantly in color from any frangible scoring targets on the stage, if applicable.
10.8.2 Falling no-shoot scoring
Falling steel and frangible no-shoots must fall or be broken/chipped by the competitor’s gunfire in order to score. If another target or prop knocks them over or breaks them rather than a projectile fired by a competitor, they will not earn any penalty.
10.9 Maximum Target Distances, and Minimum Target Sizes
10.9.1 PCSL Pistol
50 yard maximum for all target types, 16 MOA minimum size of the largest circular area that can be fully inscribed inside the target’s face completely unbroken. Note that 16 MOA is 8 inches at 50 yards, 4 inches at 25 yards, and 2 inches at 12.5 yards.
10.9.2 PCSL Rifle
600 yd maximum for all target types. 3 MOA minimum size of the largest circular area that can be fully inscribed inside the target’s face.
10.9.2.1 MOA reference
3 MOA is 18 inches at 600 yards, 12 inches at 400 yards, 8 inches at 267 yards, 6 inches at 200 yards, and 3 inches at 100 yards.
10.9.3 PCSL 2-Gun
10.9.3.1 Handgun
Identical to PCSL Pistol
10.9.3.2 Carbine
200 yards for all target types, 8 MOA minimum size of the largest circular area that can be fully inscribed inside the target’s face.
10.9.3.2.1 MOA reference
8 MOA is 16 inches at 200 yards, 12 inches at 150 yards, 8 inches at 100 yards, 6 inches at 75 yards, and 4 inches at 50 yards.
10.9.4 PCSL Pistol Caliber 2-Gun
10.9.4.1 Handgun
Identical to PCSL Pistol
10.9.4.2 PCC
100 yards for all target types, 8 MOA minimum size of the largest circular area that can be fully inscribed inside the target’s face.
10.9.5 PCSL Shotgun/3-Gun
No target distance or size restrictions.
10.10 Non-standard target types
For non-standard targets, it’s important for the WSB (or match book, if the target is used repeatedly throughout the entire match) to clearly communicate exactly how the target shall be engaged and scored in the particular course of fire.
10.10.1 MD judgment considerations
MDs are encouraged to use their best judgment on types of targets used, and keep the following questions in mind:
10.10.1.1 Safe engagement
Can the target be engaged safely?
10.10.1.2 Consistent presentation
Can the target be consistently presented to every shooter in the match?
10.10.1.3 Efficient scoring
Can the target be scored efficiently and accurately by match staff?
10.10.2 Disallowed non-PCSL paper targets
Non-PCSL paper targets are disallowed at any Level 1 or higher match of the following types:
10.10.2.1 PCSL Pistol
10.10.2.2 PCSL Rifle
10.10.2.3 PCSL 2-Gun or Pistol Caliber 2-Gun
10.10.3 Buckshot paper targets
Paper printouts or simply blank sheets of 8.5x11 paper may be used and are recommended as buckshot targets to assist in timely reset.