Polk County Gun Club introduced a new shooting discipline in 2022 – Long Range Handgun (LRH). This activity is for individuals wanting to compete with handguns in matches at longer than normal handgun ranges – distances usually considered “rifle” ranges.

In the PCGC competition, Long Range Handguns are shot off a bench, typically using a front rest or bipod. Although steady rests are allowed and encouraged, equipment rules are devised to emphasize hunting-style handguns and avoid making this simply a “pistol benchrest” match. The competition is divided into classes for factory and custom handguns, as well as centerfire and rimfire handguns– shot simultaneously at different ranges from different ends of the firing line. The top shooter in each class is awarded a cash prize drawn from the registration fees.

The event is designed to evoke the relaxed atmosphere of an evening groundhog hunt on a family farm. It is simple and short, consisting of two sequential 20-round matches, each shot in a time period of fifteen minutes. After the first match, targets are quickly replaced for a second match. Scoring is done after the second match. The entire event is completed in an hour or less.

The Long Range Handgun match is held on a weekday evening (first Tuesday of the month) from April through October, taking advantage of the late-day sunlight available during daylight savings time. From April through August, the safety briefing begins at 6:30 pm. In September and October, the safety briefing starts at 6:00 pm.

Polk County Gun Club currently divides its long-range handgun competition into a variety of classes to provide a long-range shooting opportunity to virtually any handgunner. Classes are:

• Center Fire Factory (shot at 300 yards)
• Center Fire Specialty and Custom (shot at 300 yards)
• Center Fire Intermediate 200 yard (shot at 200 yards)
• Small Bore Intermediate 200 yard (shot at 200 yards)
• Bullseye Small Bore (shot at 100 yards)
• Small Bore Specialty and Custom (shot at 100 yards)
• 100-yard Revolver

Equipment rules are as follows:

Center Fire Factory: This class is intended for center fire handguns that maintain their original factory configuration. It includes (but is not limited to) firearms such as the Thompson-Center single-shot pistols, Savage Striker, Magnum Research Lone Eagle, Nosler M48, Remington XP-100, Remington/Bergara/Savage Chassis Pistols, and pistol versions of AR design. Trigger work and replacement parts are acceptable as long as they maintain the same general configuration as the original. Maximum weight with all attachments (except bipod) is 8.0 lbs. Maximum overall firearm length is 26 inches. Maximum scope power is 12X. Shot at 300 yards.

Center Fire Specialty and Custom: This class takes in custom-built and chassis pistols that do not maintain an original factory configuration. The class also can include “factory” handguns whose weight or scope power exceeds that permitted in factory class. Maximum weight with all attachments is 10.0 lbs (not including bipod). Maximum overall firearm length is 26 inches. No limit on scope power. Shot at 300 yards.

Center Fire Intermediate 200 yard: This class primarily is intended for (but not limited to) revolvers that shoot pistol cartridges capable of good 200-yard accuracy. It is fired on a special buffalo (bison) target in keeping with the hunting theme for this class of handgun. The class may include other handgun designs that shoot pistol cartridges. Chamberings used in this class must be standard handgun cartridges, calibre .32 or larger. Maximum barrel length is 12 inches (not including muzzle brake, if any). Maximum weight with all attachments is 8.0 lbs (not including bipod, if any). No limit on scope power. Braces are not permitted. Shot at 200 yards.

Small Bore Intermediate 200-yard: This class primarily is intended for small bore handguns that exceed the barrel length and weight limits of the Bullseye small-bore class. It is optionally interchangeable with the Small Bore Specialty and Custom class, and is offered as a 200-yard match to provide greater challenge to small bore competitors. Maximum weight with all attachments is 10 lbs (not including bipod). Maximum overall firearm length is 26 inches. No limit on scope power. Shot at 200 yards.

Bullseye (Small Bore): This class primarily is intended for (but not limited to) semi-automatic target handguns such as those produced by S&W, Colt, Ruger and Hi-Standard. It also may include other handgun designs that meet the class barrel length, weight, and scope power limits and do not offer a significant inherent advantage. Maximum barrel length is 6 inches. Maximum weight with all attachments is 4.5 lbs. Maximum scope power is 12X. Braces are not permitted. Shot at 100 yards.

Small Bore Specialty and Custom: This class primarily is intended for small-bore handguns that exceed the barrel length and weight limits of the Bullseye small-bore class. It is optionally interchangeable with the Small Bore Intermediate 200-yard class. Maximum weight with all attachments is 10.0 lbs (not including bipod). Maximum overall length of the firearm is 26 inches. No limit on scope power. Shot at 100 yards.