NRA ARC Frequently Asked Questions

The ARC program was relaunched in 2025. Clubs and Ranges can apply to host an event through the Competitive Shooting Web Portal. Interested participants can find a local event in Shooting Sports USA’s Coming Events.

The foundation of this program is at the local club level. ARC events are 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 events on indoor or outdoor ranges limited to 25 yards using reduced targets. Level 2 events can be conducted indoors, but they are typically held on outdoor ranges with targets from 3 to 400 yards.

If you find that there are no local events near you, be a part of the team that builds a community of likeminded shooting enthusiasts in your area. You can present this slideshow to a club or range to showcase what ARC is.

Find a local Level 1 training event in your area and sign up. If there isn’t an event in your area, find a local club and ask if they are interested in hosting a training course. Grassroots efforts will ensure that your freedoms and enjoyment are always local.

Training programs for Level 1 are launching soon, and the training program for Level 2 events are being developed. Both courses will allow beginner and experienced firearm owners to quickly develop their knowledge, skills, and attitude to safely and effectively participate in ARC matches. These courses will help participants of all levels develop new skills.

Level 1 Instructor Guides are available for clubs to host training events at their facilities. Approved training courses are posted on the Coming Events page. Match director summits, instructor development courses, skill development clinics, and specialty events will be posted at arc.nra.org.

Youth competitors may participate, but participation ages may be limited by the host facilities. Clubs and ranges are highly encouraged to promote youth firearms education and the shooting sports.

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 their annual summit in New Hampshire.

Start by getting your range team or club board to review the 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 register your club’s sanctioned tournament.

NRA membership and club NRA affiliation are not required. However, NRA-affiliated clubs and ranges receive a 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. Please have your board review our club PowerPoint presentation. If you have questions, email [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 add a dynamic to your training plans. You’ll be testing your ability to shoot on the move, from barricades, and other positions, all from distances ranging from point-blank out to 400 yards at cardboard, steel, and other precision targets.

The NRA is developing an ARC Range Officer training and certification program to help clubs build dedicated teams 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 Level 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. Match Director Summits will be scheduled to assist clubs and competitors that are transitioning from traditional shooting sports to action shooting sports. Those clinics will cover an in-depth review of the rules, NRA match application, use of the Practiscore match registration and electronic scoring procedures, match setup, running the line, Level 2 stage design, how to build your cadre of staff, and more.

The NRA is creating a new Distinguished Action Rifle Badge within the ARC program. The rulebook states the requirements on match eligibility, award merit, and other rules. Points can only be earned at State, Regional, and National Championships from the Level 1 course of fire. 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 events. Typical fees for a monthly match can range anywhere from $25 to $50. Most offer a small discount if you are a member of the club or if you volunteer to assist with the event.

For larger events, such as 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.

For Level 2 events, you might also want a high-quality magazine holder.

Most clubs allow spectators to watch an event, so come on out and be sure to bring a set of hearing protection and eye protection for everyone in your group. Anyone who 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. We hope that you’ll follow up with your visit 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.

Watch this video to learn more about the Level 1 course of fire.

Additional helpful videos are available at arc.nra.org/resources/videos.

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.

At the club level, you can use either. Some clubs will apply for a specialty match that limits everyone to a Rimfire or a PCC. The goal is to let everyone have fun at a match with what you have.

You can participate in ARC without joining an organization and paying additional fees. Although we hope that you are an active NRA member, it is not required.

To assist us in classifications and tracking of Distinguished points, you must have an ARC Competitor ID number. This is completely free and is automatically generated after you create a login on NRA’s Competitive Shooting Web Portal.

Your ARC Competitor ID is a six-digit number that differs from your NRA membership number, your NRA Instructor number, or your traditional shooting sports 15-digit competitor number. Please do not interchange these numbers.

After logging into the portal, your ARC ID number will be in the upper left-hand corner of the page. As we gather scores from matches, your classification will also appear on this page.

Email your questions to [email protected].

Sgn up for the ARC newsletter to hear about future events or new program updates.