ARC Frequently Asked Questions

The program officially launches on August 4, 2025. Dates for 2026 are already being planned.

The foundation of this program is at the local club level. ARC events were designed to be hosted at a wide variety of clubs and ranges. A standard level 1 ARC match is designed for a 100-yard range. However, we’ve designed allowances to hold event on indoor or outdoor ranges limited to 25 yards using reduced targets. Level 2 events are typically held on outdoor ranges with targets from three to 500 yards.

Be a part of the team that builds a community of likeminded shooting enthusiasts in your area.

Find a local event in your area and sign up. If there isn’’t an event in your area, seek out a local club and ask if they are interested in hosting one. Grassroot efforts will ensure that your freedoms and enjoyment are always local.

Training programs for both level 1 and level 2 are being developed to allow beginner and experienced firearms owners to quickly develop their knowledge, skills, and attitude to safely and effectively participate in ARC matches. These will be exciting and fun courses with skills that participants of all levels of experience will benefit from. Lesson plans will be released for clubs to host training events at their facilities. Announcements will be posted at ARC.NRA.ORG when courses will be presented by nationally recognized industry professionals and our brand ambassadors. Instructor development courses, skill development clinics and specialty events will also be hosted by the NRA.

Participation ages may be limited by the host facilities.

We consulted with the Adaptive Defensive Shooting Summit during the development of the ARC program to ensure accessibility and participation for all. As a result of this collaboration, ADSS is hosting a special adaptive level 1 match as part of the 2025 summit.

Start by getting your range team or club board to review the provisional ARC rulebook. Once you determine that your facility can safely host an ARC event with the level of quality you want to achieve for your membership or the general public, you can follow the steps to register your club’s sanctioned tournament.

The program officially launches on August 4, 2025 nationwide. Although NRA membership and club NRA affiliation are not required, NRA-affiliated clubs and ranges will receive a significant discount on the activity fees for each event. In addition, clubs and ranges will have access to NRA resources, and members will support their Second Amendment Rights. If you have questions, send an email to [email protected].

The NRA wants everyone to enjoy the shooting sports and exercise their Second Amendment rights. At ARC events, all models of semi-automatic, magazine-fed rifles in the approved calibers will be allowed.

Participating in a monthly local club ARC level 1 event can help improve and maintain your skills, and hold you to a measurable standard. You’ll be able to track your performance more often, test firearm configuration or ammunition changes, and compete against your own scores or with friends.

Level 2 events will add a dynamic to your training plans testing your ability to shoot on the move, from barricades, and other various positions, all from point-blank distances out to 400 yards at cardboard, steel, and other precision targets. You won’t be shooting from the booth or the bench much after attending an ARC event.

The NRA is developing an ARC Range Officer training and certification program to assist clubs in building a dedicated team to host and officiate events.

A level 1 event can be safely and effectively hosted by clubs and ranges that offer traditional shooting sports.

When hosting a dynamic :evel 2 event, host clubs and ranges should be very selective in assigning match directors and range officers with high levels of experience across the various disciplines of action shooting sports.

• The NRA is creating a new Distinguished Action Rifle Badge within the ARC program. The provisional rulebook states the requirements on match eligibility, award merit, and other rules. Once the badge and match reporting forms are finalized, the full details will be posted at competitions.nra.org/results-and-records/distinguished-program.

Local clubs will set the fees for their area. Typical fees for a monthly match can range anywhere from $25 to $40. Most offer a small discount if you are a member of the club or if you volunteer to assist with the event.

For larger state, regional, or national championships, expect match fees of $100 or more depending on the complexity of the event and the number of stages and extras offered.

For a level 1 event, you need a semi-automatic rifle, preferably in an AR pattern, in safe working order that meets one of the three divisional requirements as listed in the rulebook. You should arrive with an Empty Chamber Indicator (ECI) inserted into the chamber of your cased rifle. In addition to hearing and eye protection, you’ll need a sling, a minimum of four magazines, and 100 rounds of ammunition. Competitors have the option to bring and use a shooting mat during prone and sitting positions.

For a level 2 event, you’ll also need a magazine holder.

Anyone that can legally own and safely operate their rifle can participate. We are excited that you are interested in becoming more proficient with your rifle and encourage you to take the steps needed to develop the confidence you need. Most clubs allow spectators. if you’d like to watch an event. We hope that you’ll follow up by taking a level 1 course or signing up for your first match. The ARC community is very welcoming and encouraging to all levels of competitors.

ARC programs fully support and encourage the use of suppressors where legally permitted for training and competition. Please refer to the ARC rulebook for additional information specific to suppressors.

You can submit your questions via email to [email protected].