GLOCK Sport Shooting Foundation

How a match works

1. An outdoor entry has three stages. Five to GLOCK has five paper targets and 3 separately timed strings (series of shots). Most divisions require two shots per target per string; Major Subcompact and Pocket GLOCKs require one. [7] [4] [11]
2. GLOCK ’M normally combines four paper targets with one scored steel hit per string, over 3 strings. Most divisions require two shots on each paper target per string; Major Subcompact and Pocket GLOCKs require one. A paper-only option is also published. [8]
3. GLOCK the Plates has six steel plates and 4 strings. Steel normally must fall to score, but the G42 in Pocket GLOCKs, G44 in Rimfire and entries using the G28 use ring-and-paint scoring. Plates are usually 8 inches in diameter; actual size and shape may vary with the host club’s equipment. [9] [12]
4. Outdoor targets range from 3 to 25 yards; steel is at least 11 yards away. Layouts can change for range conditions. There is no timed holster draw: start at low ready (arms more or less straight, pistol at a 45-degree angle) or compressed ready (forearms touching your torso, angled slightly down), following the range officer’s directions. No reloading is permitted during a string. [10] [57] [7] [8] [9]
5. Indoor League is a different format: a series of three matches over 3 months or a time frame chosen by the host. Contact the host range to register. The host uses one of GSSF’s published courses throughout the series; shoot in two of the three matches to qualify for plaques and prizes. [35] [36]

Where to compete

Use GSSF’s state/month finder for outdoor matches, or the separate Indoor League Match Schedule and register with the host. As checked October 4, 2026, Green Top Shooting Range in Ashland, Virginia, lists October 10, November 14 and December 12, 2026. These are one host’s series dates, not a national calendar; confirm with the host before traveling. [41] [44] [35] [56]

• GSSF match finder ↗
• Find a shooting range

No upcoming events for this sport are listed here. Check the official match finder; our coverage is not a complete schedule.

Run a club? Host a match ↗

Your first match

1. Choose outdoor or Indoor League. Find the format you want in the outdoor finder or Indoor League Match Schedule. For an indoor series, contact the host to register and confirm the dates, available divisions and fee. [41] [44] [35] [36]
2. Check your pistol and class. Use section 170 for your model and division, section 40 for stock modifications, and the Amateur/Master definitions for your class. A modified pistol may need Unlimited, but that division still excludes specific models and parts. Ask GSSF about an uncertain setup before selecting entries. [20] [18] [15] [4]
3. Join and register. GSSF membership is required. The rulebook recommends outdoor pre-registration through your account; membership and match entry have separate fees. Confirm the selected event’s hours, and arrange the parent/guardian document in advance for anyone under 18. [4] [25] [24] [6]
4. Pack and read the briefing. Bring the eligible GLOCK, ammunition, magazines, eye and ear protection, and an accepted case or bag. Use the rulebook’s minimum-of-150-rounds recommendation per outdoor division. First-time competitors should read the written briefing and take questions to the Range Master or Match Registrar. [31] [21] [22] [4]
5. Check in, then sign in at all three stages. Collect the entry labels, confirm eligible special categories and sign in at all three different outdoor stages with your name, entry number and time. Return to the same setup where you signed in, mark yourself present and stay for squadding. Preload your magazines before being called to the firing position. [4] [5] [48]
6. Let the range officer guide your first strings. Do not handle the pistol until directed. Ask about the ready position and commands before shooting, and say “Not Ready” if you need more time. Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until the start signal and you are safely on target and ready to fire. GSSF’s beginner advice is accuracy before speed. [48] [49] [57] [51]
7. Check your scores before leaving. Review and initial each scoresheet, keep the copy when available, and resolve a discrepancy with the stage officials or GSSF staff before you leave. Compare your copies with the official preliminary results when published. [13]
8. For Indoor League, plan your return dates. To qualify for series prizes, compete in two of the three matches. If entering multiple divisions, shoot each division at two or more matches to place in it. The two best scores count if you attend all three. [35] [39]

Never fired a gun at a range? Start with your first range visit.

What to bring

Bring eye and hearing protection to your first match, even where a league only recommends it. Check the host’s requirements before you arrive.

Eligible GLOCK pistolRequired

The model, sights and modifications determine eligible divisions. Stock generally means components currently or previously available from GLOCK, with specific exceptions in section 40. Unlimited still requires a GLOCK-manufactured frame. [20] [18]

Eye and ear protectionRequired

Required for everyone at GSSF matches, including spectators. [23]

Closed pistol case, bag or permitted holsterRequired

Transport the pistol unloaded. A closed GLOCK box or suitable bag is allowed; a holster is optional. If holstered, the slide must be locked to the rear. Follow section 70 and the match briefing. [22]

Ammunition for every entryRequired

Pack at least 150 rounds per outdoor division, GSSF’s recommendation rather than a mandatory shot count. The rulebook warns that ammunition almost certainly will not be available to buy at the match. [21]

Extra magazinesOptional

The GSSF FAQ lists 4+ magazines to bring. If you have fewer than the stage’s number of strings, rule 130.22 describes arranging help reloading magazines to limit delays. [31] [10]

Snacks and drinksOptional

Lunch is sometimes available for purchase; GSSF recommends packing snacks and drinks as a backup. [31]

What it costs

Individual membership

1 year: $35 new, $25 renewal. The membership page also lists multi-year and Life options. [30] [32]

Family membership

For 3–6 family members, the FAQ lists $90 for the first year and $70 for renewal. The rulebook limits family memberships to immediate family, including grandparents, with children under 21. [30] [33]

Guardian membership

The membership page lists $25 for 1 year, new or renewal, and offers this membership to firefighters and emergency medical technicians. Division eligibility is separately defined in the rulebook. [32] [16]

Outdoor match entry

$30 per division. Membership is required in addition to the entry fee. [25] [4]

Outdoor team entry

$25.00 per team entry; a team consists of 3 competitors in a division. Team scores cannot combine Civilian and Guardian competitors. [26]

Indoor League entry

The Indoor League guide recommends $10.00–$20.00 per person, administered and retained by the host range. Ask the host for its actual fee and additional-entry policy. [36] [35]

Membership purchase benefit

GSSF also offers a discounted pistol purchase program through participating Blue Label Dealers, using the original GSSF Pistol Purchase Coupon. Members under 21 are not eligible. Consult the program page for current terms; it is separate from match entry. [34] [25]

How scoring works

Outdoor GLOCK scoring adds target penalties to the time of each string; the lowest aggregate time across all stages wins the division. Indoor League instead awards points for hits within fixed-time strings. [11] [38]

• Outdoor paper uses the GSSF AC-1 target. A hit touching the scoring line receives the higher hit value. Five to GLOCK and GLOCK ’M also specify +10 seconds for procedural penalties and extra shots on paper. [11] [7] [8]
• Ring and paint means the steel is scored when hit rather than when it falls. GLOCK ’M uses this as its standard steel setup, with knockdown steel optional. The stage’s scoring mode matters; follow the published stage description and range officer’s explanation. [12] [10]
• Outdoor ties are broken first by the lower aggregate time of all 4 strings on GLOCK the Plates, then by the combined strings on GLOCK the Plates and GLOCK ’M. [12]
• Indoor hits score 10 points in the X and inner scoring zone, 8 in the next zone and 5 elsewhere on the target. A line-cutting shot receives the higher value. Stock, Unlimited, MOS and Rimfire have a maximum of 500 points; Pocket GLOCK has a maximum of 250. Missing or unfired shots have no additional penalty. [38] [39]
• Indoor strings have fixed time limits. With static targets, a shot more than 0.30 seconds over the set time is an overtime shot, penalized 15 points. The host’s chosen course determines distances and time limits. [38] [36]
• For excess indoor shots, remove the number of excess hits from the target score, starting with the highest-scoring hits. [55]
• For Indoor League standings, only the first course of fire per division counts. At the end of the series, average the two scores if you shot two matches, or your two best scores if you shot all three; do not round. You must shoot each division in two or more matches to place in multiple divisions. Equal final scores are separated by X count. [39]

Divisions and classes

Civilian — outdoor

Amateur competitors only. Rule 170.90 lists eligible stock, noncompensated pistols, including the G17, G19, G26, G43X, G45, G47, G48 and G49. Factory-compensated C models need a GLOCK-produced noncompensated barrel; juniors have additional allowances. [14] [16]

Guardian — outdoor

Amateur competitors in eligible hazardous public-service roles or qualifying retirees. Rule 170.80 covers law enforcement, armed services, certain armed security roles, firefighters and paramedics. Eligible pistols can use their respective MOS variant with a functional optic; a functional rail light is permitted in this division. [14] [16]

Subcompact — outdoor

Stock G26, G27, G28, G29, G30, G33, G39 and G43X pistols. Amateur and Master competitors have separate prizes. This is not the same as Major Subcompact: paper receives two scored hits per target per string. [14] [17]

Major Subcompact — outdoor

G36, with G29, G30/S and G39 also allowed. The limit is seven rounds per string regardless of the pistol’s capacity; paper receives one scored hit per target per string. Amateur and Master competitors have separate prizes. [14] [17]

Heavy Metal — outdoor

Stock G20, G21, G29, G30, G37, G38, G39, G40 and G41 pistols. Open to Amateur and Master competitors with separate prizes. [14] [17]

Competition — outdoor

Stock competition pistols, including the listed long-slide and factory-compensated models, plus eligible stock models from other divisions. Amateur and Master competitors have separate prizes. In Competition, rule 170.125 requires MOS models to use iron sights, not an optic. [14] [18] [52]

Unlimited — outdoor

GLOCK pistols with components or modifications not allowed in stock divisions; eligible stock pistols may also enter. G36, G42, G43 and G44 are excluded. A GLOCK-manufactured frame is mandatory, and Unlimited still has prohibited parts under rule 45.0. Amateur and Master competitors have separate prizes. [14] [18] [20]

Master-Stock — outdoor

Both Amateur and Master competitors can enter with eligible stock pistols under rule 170.90. They compete together for one set of prizes, without special-category awards; the name does not mean Masters only. [14] [18] [16]

Pocket GLOCKs — outdoor

Designed for the stock G42 and G43. Seven-round strings and one scored hit per paper target per string distinguish it from Subcompact. Amateur and Master competitors have separate prizes. [14] [19] [7]

Rimfire — outdoor

The stock G44 .22 rimfire pistol. Both Amateur and Master competitors can enter, with separate prizes. It is a GLOCK-specific division, not an allowance for any .22 pistol. [14] [19]

GLOCK Girls — outdoor

Female Amateur and Master competitors using eligible stock competition pistols, with separate prizes. The listed long-slide and factory-compensated models are included; G36, G42, G43 and G44 are excluded. [14] [19]

GLOCK MOS — outdoor

Stock GLOCK MOS (Modular Optic System)/ORS (Optic Ready System) pistols or an otherwise stock GLOCK slide with an aftermarket optic cut, used with an optic. Aftermarket adaptor plates are allowed. Amateur and Master competitors have separate prizes; section 40 defines stock-equipment compliance. [14] [19] [20]

Indoor League divisions

Stock, Pocket GLOCKs, Rimfire, GLOCK MOS and Unlimited. Pocket is for stock G42/G43 pistols and Rimfire for the G44. MOS uses a stock pistol with the competitor’s choice of optic. The host decides whether to offer modified pistols in Unlimited and the additional divisions; confirm availability before registering. The Indoor League overview excludes the G36. [37] [36] [35]

Classification

Outdoor classes are Amateur and Master, separate from equipment divisions. Master status includes professional shooters, competitors with three high-overall GLOCK firearm wins, Master-or-higher classification in another recognized discipline, members of armed-forces or non-GSSF law-enforcement pistol teams, and a MatchMeister win in a match with at least three Masters; GSSF can also adjudge a competitor’s status. Random firearm wins do not count toward promotion. Indoor Stock uses the Lewis system instead: eligible series scores are ordered and split into A, B and C thirds for awards, not a permanent skill classification. [15] [40]

Safety rules

• Follow the match briefing and range officers’ directions. Officials can refuse entry to anyone unable to handle and fire the pistol safely. Safety-rule violations can mean disqualification and removal; a negligent discharge specifically results in disqualification. Anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol cannot participate, and gross unsportsmanlike conduct can lead to removal. [23] [50]
• Outdoor matches are cold ranges. The restriction on carrying loaded firearms includes law-enforcement officers and concealed-carry permit holders. Handling is limited to range-officer supervision, the GLOCK armorer or designated safety zones; ammunition handling is not allowed in safety zones. [22] [23]
• At the outdoor firing position, leave the pistol in its container until the range officer directs you to handle it and everyone is behind the firing line. Keep the muzzle toward the targets/inside the berms; unsafe muzzle direction disqualifies you. Keep fingers outside the trigger guard until the start signal and your sights are aligned on a safe target with the decision to fire. [48] [57]
• “Make Ready” authorizes preparing the pistol under the range officer’s direction. Answer “Not Ready” if you are not ready when asked; silence is treated as readiness. “Standby” is the last command before the audible start signal. On “Stop,” instantly stop firing, freeze in position and wait for directions. After shooting, follow the instruction to unload and show clear, then secure the pistol before anyone goes downrange. [49] [48]
• GSSF has no general age restriction, but the host range’s age policy takes precedence. Competitors, range officers and spectators under 18 need the specific document signed by a parent or legal guardian; GSSF says to arrange it well in advance. [23] [24]

Match levels and major events

• U.S. outdoor matches have performance awards and random awards. The number and types depend on valid entries in the classification, division and match. Random awards are distributed across the match rather than being division-specific; winning an outdoor firearm does not always mean winning the division. [27]
• The outdoor MatchMeister award recognizes the single best performance among Civilian, Subcompact, Competition, Heavy Metal, Master-Stock or GLOCK Girls, by an Amateur or Master competitor. GSSF awards a firearm certificate, subject to the rulebook’s award conditions. [27]
• Special-category awards are not extra equipment divisions. The linked 2026 rulebook lists $75 awards with no extra fee: Guardian Female; Civilian Adult Female (18 and over), Junior Female and Junior Male (under 18); and Civilian/Guardian Senior (55–65), Super Senior (65 and older) and Challenged (physically handicapped). Indicate eligibility when registering. The other official 2026 copy instead combines the Civilian junior category and adds a Rimfire junior award. Confirm the applicable category with GSSF, including the overlapping published age-65 boundaries. [53] [54]
• Indoor Stock awards use A, B and C groups. Pocket GLOCKs, Rimfire, MOS and Unlimited award first-place plaques. The firearm is awarded by drawing among eligible participants who shot two of the three matches, not simply to the highest-scoring shooter. [40] [39]
• GSSF’s linked rulebook provides 1 New Member firearm certificate per outdoor match. It defines eligible new members as those who joined within the preceding year and have not attended an outdoor match during that time. Another official 2026 copy instead defines a new member as someone who has never competed in an outdoor GSSF event, without the membership-age window. Confirm your eligibility with GSSF before relying on this drawing. [45] [47]

Major events

GLOCK Annual Shoot and Gunny Challenge ↗

GLOCK describes the Annual Shoot as an outdoor match using the usual three stages, with the Gunny Challenge as a separate match within the match. Its 2024 account describes a shoot-off for MatchMeisters, issued a pistol and ammunition for a surprise course. Consult GSSF’s schedule for the next edition. [42] [41]

GSSF CMP National Challenge ↗

CMP lists Tuesday, July 13, 2027, at Camp Perry. This is an Indoor League course shot outdoors as one match instead of a three-match series. CMP says GLOCK supplies free-to-use loan pistols for participants without access to one, but borrowers must bring or purchase their own 9 MM ammunition. [43]

Common questions

Glossary

Entry

Payment and registration for one division at a GSSF match. [28]

Division

A competition grouping such as Civilian, Subcompact, GLOCK MOS or Rimfire. Pistol and competitor eligibility are defined separately for each. [14] [19]

Class

Outdoor ability status: Amateur or Master. Indoor Stock’s A/B/C award groups instead use the Lewis system. [15] [40]

Stage

One of the three courses making up an outdoor entry: Five to GLOCK, GLOCK ’M or GLOCK the Plates. [28] [4]

String

One continuous series of shots within a course of fire. Five to GLOCK and GLOCK ’M have 3 strings; GLOCK the Plates has 4. [28]

AC-1

GSSF’s proprietary paper target. [11]

Cold range

A range where loaded firearms are not permitted except under the range officer’s direction. [22] [29]

Squad

A group of entries assigned to shoot a stage by a range officer; outdoor squad times are not pre-assigned. [28] [4]

Range officer

The range volunteer who immediately supervises safety and the competitor during the stage. [28]

Range Master

The GLOCK employee overseeing volunteers, procedures and safety, and judging disputes. [28]

Ring and paint

Steel scoring by a hit on the painted target rather than requiring the target to fall. [12]

Lewis system

Indoor Stock award allocation: order eligible aggregate scores, then divide the field into A, B and C groups. [40]

DNF

Did Not Finish: an outdoor entry that did not complete all three required courses. [28]

Stacking

Firing more than the allowed shots per target per string to reduce target transitions; GSSF does not permit it. [28]

MatchMeister

The best qualifying outdoor performance across the divisions specified in rule 190.25, not a synonym for every division winner. [27]

Watch and read

• GSSF | GLOCK 35th Anniversary — official match footage ↗Video · GLOCK, Inc.
• New Competitor Safety & Match Procedures Briefing ↗Page · GLOCK Sport Shooting Foundation
• Indoor League Match Schedule ↗Page · GLOCK Sport Shooting Foundation

Related sports

• Practical shooting (USPSA)
• Steel Challenge
• IDPA defensive pistol
• ICORE revolver competition
• NRA Action Pistol (Bianchi Cup)
• NRA Precision Pistol
• Compare every league

Sources

Facts checked October 4, 2026 against the sources below. Each bracketed number on the page links to its source.

1. [1]
   Match Rules: introduction and formatsgssf.pro
2. [2]
   Match Rules: current competition-rule downloadgssf.pro
3. [3]
   2026 Rule Book: title and introductionglock.stylelabs.cloud
4. [4]
   2026 Rule Book: rules 90.80, 100.10 and 110.10glock.stylelabs.cloud
5. [5]
   2026 Rule Book: rule 110.20 sign-in and squaddingglock.stylelabs.cloud
6. [6]
   2026 Rule Book: rules 110.10 and 120.20 match durationglock.stylelabs.cloud
7. [7]
   2026 Rule Book: Five to GLOCK, pages 29–30glock.stylelabs.cloud
8. [8]
   2026 Rule Book: GLOCK ’M and paper option, pages 33–39glock.stylelabs.cloud
9. [9]
   2026 Rule Book: GLOCK the Plates, page 41glock.stylelabs.cloud
10. [10]
    2026 Rule Book: rules 130.10–130.60glock.stylelabs.cloud
11. [11]
    2026 Rule Book: rules 150.10 and 160.10glock.stylelabs.cloud
12. [12]
    2026 Rule Book: steel scoring and ties, page 19glock.stylelabs.cloud
13. [13]
    2026 Rule Book: rules 130.85–130.90 scoresheetsglock.stylelabs.cloud
14. [14]
    2026 Rule Book: rules 170.10–170.20 division eligibilityglock.stylelabs.cloud
15. [15]
    2026 Rule Book: rules 170.30–170.50 Amateur and Masterglock.stylelabs.cloud
16. [16]
    2026 Rule Book: rules 170.80–170.95 Civilian and Guardianglock.stylelabs.cloud
17. [17]
    2026 Rule Book: rules 170.100–170.111glock.stylelabs.cloud
18. [18]
    2026 Rule Book: rules 170.120–170.140glock.stylelabs.cloud
19. [19]
    2026 Rule Book: rules 170.150–170.180glock.stylelabs.cloud
20. [20]
    2026 Rule Book: stock definition, inspection and Unlimited limitsglock.stylelabs.cloud
21. [21]
    2026 Rule Book: rules 50.30 and 50.40 packing ammunitionglock.stylelabs.cloud
22. [22]
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23. [23]
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24. [24]
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25. [25]
    2026 Rule Book: rules 90.15 and 90.40 entry and pre-registrationglock.stylelabs.cloud
26. [26]
    2026 Rule Book: rules 180.10–180.20 teamsglock.stylelabs.cloud
27. [27]
    2026 Rule Book: rules 190.20–190.25 U.S. outdoor awardsglock.stylelabs.cloud
28. [28]
    2026 Rule Book: range lingo, pages 51–54glock.stylelabs.cloud
29. [29]
    New Competitor Safety & Match Procedures Briefingglin-p-001-delivery.stylelabs.cloud
30. [30]
    GSSF FAQ: yearly membershipgssf.pro
31. [31]
    GSSF FAQ: what to bringgssf.pro
32. [32]
    Membership: individual and Guardian optionsgssf.pro
33. [33]
    2026 Rule Book: family membership eligibility (alternate official copy)glock.stylelabs.cloud
34. [34]
    GSSF Pistol Purchase Program: eligibility and dealer requirementgssf.pro
35. [35]
    Indoor League: format, membership and host registrationgssf.pro
36. [36]
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37. [37]
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39. [39]
    How to Score an Indoor League Match Seriesglock.stylelabs.cloud
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41. [41]
    Outdoor Matches: state and month findergssf.pro
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44. [44]
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45. [45]
    2026 Rule Book: rule 190.80 New Member Drawingglock.stylelabs.cloud
46. [46]
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47. [47]
    Alternate official 2026 Rule Book: different rule 190.80 eligibilityglock.stylelabs.cloud
48. [48]
    2026 Rule Book: firing-line handling, muzzle direction and clearingglock.stylelabs.cloud
49. [49]
    2026 Rule Book: Make Ready, readiness, Standby and Stop commandsglock.stylelabs.cloud
50. [50]
    2026 Rule Book: rules 20.30, 20.60, 20.80 and 20.90glock.stylelabs.cloud
51. [51]
    2026 Rule Book: rule 30.50 accuracy before speedglock.stylelabs.cloud
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53. [53]
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54. [54]
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    How to Score an Indoor League Match Series: excess shotsglock.stylelabs.cloud
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    2026 Rule Book: rules 20.20.3 and 130.60 safe start positionsglock.stylelabs.cloud

Inclusion is not an endorsement. Send a source or correction.