The Complete Guide to Getting Started in The Tactical Games
By Shawn Nelson, Action Gunner
Shawn Nelson brings over 10 years of competitive shooting experience to Action Gunner, including match directing, running Tactical Games skirmishes, competing in The Tactical Games since 2019, and providing media coverage for the past 5 years.
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to push your body to its breaking point while trying to place precision shots on target, The Tactical Games might be exactly what you’re looking for. This isn’t your typical shooting competition where you run through a stage and smash the trigger. This is where fitness meets marksmanship in the most demanding way possible.
Whether you’re coming from CrossFit wondering about the shooting side, or you’re a seasoned shooter curious about adding some challenge and punishment to your game, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to show up prepared, compete safely, and maybe even enjoy the suffer-fest.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand exactly what The Tactical Games is, how to find your first event, what gear you need, how to train for it, and what to expect when you step up to that start line with your heart already pounding.
What is The Tactical Games?
The Tactical Games is a competition format that blends physical fitness with marksmanship under stress. It’s designed to test not just how well you shoot, but how well you shoot after you’ve been smoked by a sandbag sprint, a sled drag, a series of axle bar carries, or rope climbs. You don’t just stand and deliver here. You run, carry, lift, sweat, and shoot all in one continuous grind until you’ve shot the prescribed round count or completed the assigned work.
The Basic Format That Changes Everything
Each stage combines physical tasks and shooting challenges. There’s usually a set of workouts – think farmer’s carries, sandbags over a bar, or box step-overs; followed by a shooting element with rifle, pistol, or both. Time is the main scoring factor, but penalties are added for missed shots, procedural errors, or failure to complete a task to standard.
This creates a format where both your fitness and shooting fundamentals are on display. You can’t rely on just being fast, just being strong, or just being accurate – you have to bring it all to the table if you’re looking to podium.
Understanding the Targets and Stage Design
Targets are predominantly paper at fixed distances, with specific scoring zones or shapes depending on the intended stimulus. You’ll also see short to mid-range rifle steel (out to 400 yards or more depending on the host range), and unique shooting aggregates that test manual of arms, reloads, and shooting on the move.
Stages are built to test your shooting from awkward positions, engaging with strong or weak side only, and your ability to follow shooting sequence instructions while on the clock. Every element is designed to test your ability to work through physical challenges while maintaining a high degree of marksmanship.
What Makes The Tactical Games Different
What makes The Tactical Games different is the emphasis on practical fitness under measurable shooting standards. This isn’t a tactical simulation, and it doesn’t mimic real-world engagements. While the sport may have started with that in mind, the modern format is now strictly focused on testing physical capability and shooting skill through well-defined, repeatable challenges.
It punishes weakness without mercy. If your fitness is lacking, you’ll be gassed with an irrecoverable heart rate before you can aim. If your fundamentals aren’t solid, you’ll miss what are seemingly simple shots under fatigue. It’s humbling, gritty, and incredibly rewarding for competitors who want to push their limits in every domain.
Finding Your First Event: Where to Start Your Journey
If you’re ready to test yourself in The Tactical Games—or just curious what it’s all about—the first step is getting on the calendar. The good news is that events happen regularly across the country, and there are options for every experience level.
Where to Start Looking
The best place to find official events is the Tactical Games website. They host a full schedule of regional events that take place across the country. These are two-day sanctioned competitions where scores count toward qualification for the National Championship at the end of the season.
If you’re just getting started, look for Skirmish events. These are local, single-day matches run by Tactical Games affiliates. While the format still hits all the same components, grueling workouts and tough shooting stages, they are more approachable for new shooters. No multi-day travel, lower entry fees, and generally a more relaxed environment. But make no mistake, seasoned competitors show up to these too, using them as training grounds to sharpen their edge.
Additional Resources Worth Checking
While the official site is the main hub for registration, a few other spots are worth checking:
PractiScore: Some matches may post on PractiScore, especially Skirmishes, so it doesn’t hurt to search there.
Social Media: Many hosts run their own range pages or Tactical Games affiliate accounts. Instagram and Facebook are where most announcements, updates, and behind-the-scenes content get posted.
Facebook Group: Join the Tactical Games Athletes group. It’s the most active community hub for competitor Q&A, event announcements, gear setups, and training insights.
Not Ready to Compete Yet?
No problem. Spectating is a great first step. Events are open and extremely spectator-friendly, much like a local CrossFit comp. Friends and family line the course, cheer for their athletes, and get a front-row seat to the action. It’s a great way to learn the flow of a match, how competitors approach different challenges, and what gear and fitness levels are actually in play.
Better yet? Volunteer. Every event needs extra hands for tasks like target resetting, score running, and range setup. If you’re not quite ready to compete, working an event puts you inside the ropes and gives you a full view of how things work—stage flow, rules enforcement, common mistakes. You’ll learn more in one weekend of volunteering than in weeks of browsing social media.
Reaching Out to Match Directors
If you have questions about an upcoming event, don’t be shy, reach out to the event organizers. Contact info is usually posted on the registration page or affiliate social media. Most directors are happy to help new shooters get started and can offer advice on divisions, gear, and what to expect.
Safety and Match Etiquette: The Non-Negotiables
Before anything else, The Tactical Games is a firearms competition, and safety needs to be treated with the highest priority. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned competitor, knowing and respecting the rules is non-negotiable. It’s what keeps these events running smoothly and everyone safe.
Understanding the Cold Range Policy
All Tactical Games events operate under a cold range policy. That means no loaded firearms unless you’re actively on the firing line, under a Range Officer’s command.
Rifles must have a chamber flag inserted at all times until you’re instructed to remove them by a Range Officer or Stage Coordinator.
Pistols remain unloaded, hammer or striker down, and either holstered or bagged with no magazine inserted.
Magazines can be loaded to their prescribed round count and stored in your gear or pouches, but the guns themselves stay clear until it’s go-time.
Designated safe tables or areas will be available for handling firearms without ammo present.
When transporting firearms between stages:
- Rifles must be chamber flagged and either carried muzzle up/down or transported in a case
- Pistols should be holstered or stored in a case or bag
Range Commands and Stage Procedures
Each stage starts with a Range Officer briefing. There are two primary types of stage formats you’ll encounter:
Workout/Shoot Stages (Heats of 5 Athletes)
These stages typically begin with rifles staged (empty) at the firing line and pistols holstered (also empty). On the RO’s “Go” command, athletes begin the physical work portion, then move into their shooting sequences as described in the stage brief.
Once you’ve completed your firing sequence, you must properly clear your firearm:
Pistol Clearing Procedure:
- Remove the magazine
- While pointed downrange, cycle the slide and visually verify an empty chamber
- Drop the striker/hammer by pressing the trigger on an empty chamber
- Holster the pistol
- Raise your hands and audibly acknowledge “clear” with your lane judge
Rifle Clearing Procedure:
- Remove the magazine
- Cycle the bolt and visually verify an empty chamber
- Drop the hammer by pulling the trigger while aiming at a target downrange
- Ground the rifle in the designated rifle box
- Raise your hands and audibly acknowledge “clear” with your lane judge
These steps must be done methodically and with intention. Failing to verify an empty chamber and negligently discharging a round during this process will result in a match DQ.
Once cleared, continue with the rest of your physical work and repeat firing sequences until the stage is complete.
Single-Shooter Stages (Tac2Gun, Aggregates)
These stages follow a more traditional shooting sports format:
- You’ll arrive with clear firearms and ammo in your mags
- RO will give a final brief, confirm you understand the stage, and instruct you to “Load and make ready”
- You’ll take sight pictures, load both rifle and pistol as prescribed, then move to the designated start position (low ready, hands at sides, etc.)
Standard RO commands:
- “Shooter ready?” Nod or respond audibly
- “Stand by…” Prepare for the timer beep
- TIMER BEEP – Start the course of fire
- After completing the course of fire: “If you’re finished, unload and show clear”
- “If clear, hammer down and holster”
Timer stops on your last round. Take a breath and clear your guns carefully and confidently.
Most Common Safety Violations and Disqualifications
Understanding what gets competitors disqualified helps you avoid these costly mistakes:
Drawing Too Early: The most common DQ happens when competitors draw their firearm before reaching the designated firing line. Wait for the clear instruction from the RO.
Breaking the 180-Degree Rule: Your muzzle must never point uprange (behind the firing line) when the gun is loaded. This applies during movement, transitions, and reloads.
Negligent Discharge During Clearing: Rushing through the clearing procedure and pulling the trigger without confirming an empty chamber. Slow down, verify clear, then drop the hammer.
Equipment Failure: Having your pistol fall out of its holster during movement or physical work. Your gear must retain your firearm securely throughout the entire stage.
Unsafe Gun Handling: This covers a range of violations including sweeping other competitors, handling firearms in safe areas, or generally demonstrating poor muzzle or trigger discipline.
Squad Responsibilities and Reset Etiquette
The Tactical Games is built on a peer-judged structure. Each stage has a Range Officer to run the clock and oversee safety, but athletes act as lane judges for rep counts, penalties, and clearing procedures.
You’ll be a lane judge immediately after you finish your heat. That means:
- Download your gear quickly
- Get back to the start/finish line and be ready to judge the next athlete in your lane
- Once that’s done, your job is finished until the next stage
For Tac2Gun and dynamic shooting stages, you’re expected to help reset targets and props between shooters. This includes:
- Taping or pasting paper after it’s scored
- Resetting steel
- Helping keep the stage flowing
Don’t disappear or stand around while others do the work. If you’re able to shoot, you’re able to help. Pitch in, rotate roles, and be a good squadmate.
Also, encourage each other. The work is hard, the stages are humbling, and support from your squad makes a big difference.
What Happens If You Get Disqualified
Disqualifications (DQ) happen. If it happens to you, own it. Match staff will explain what went wrong. You’re done competing for the rest of the match, but don’t just pack up and leave.
Stick around, help your squad, and absorb everything you can. Everyone who’s been around this sport long enough has caught a DQ. It stings – but it’s also a lesson you’ll never forget.
Understanding Stage Formats: What You’ll Face on Competition Day
At a typical two-day regional event, you’ll take on 6 to 8 stages over the weekend. Each one is crafted to test a different mix of grit, marksmanship, and physical ability. Some stages favor speed, others reward endurance and control. The variety is what makes The Tactical Games such a unique test.
How Scoring Works
Stages are scored either as:
Time-based: Fastest athlete (after penalties) earns 100% of the stage points.
Performance-based: Top performer in reps, work completed, or shots on target earns 100%. Everyone else is scored as a percentage based on their output.
Each stage will be worth either 50 or 100 points, so consistent performance across all formats matters more than dominating just one.
Traditional Workout + Shoot Stages
These are the core of most Tactical Games events. You’ll run in a heat of five athletes, each in their own lane, over a stage lasting 8 to 12 minutes. These are multi-round grinders that alternate between physical work and precision shooting.
A typical round might look like:
- Farmer carries
- Fire 10 rounds from rifle at paper
- Sled drag
- Fire 10 rounds from pistol at paper
- Repeat 4 times
The goal isn’t just to finish, it’s to keep your shooting clean while your body is screaming for a break. That balance of composure and effort is where matches are won or lost.
Movement and Standard-Based Stages
These focus on how much work you can do or how cleanly you can shoot under tight time constraints.
Examples include:
- Max reps in 90 seconds (sandbags over bar, burpees over box)
- Shooting standards with time splits at different distances
- Positional drills that challenge flexibility, movement, and recoil control
These stages are often individual runs, not head-to-head, and require a combination of focus and self-pacing.
Tac-2-Gun Stages
While not included in every match, Tac-2-Gun stages are becoming more common and they’re a crowd favorite.
These are single-shooter courses of fire that resemble what you’d see in a 2-Gun or 3-Gun match. The athlete navigates a stage solo, transitioning between pistol and rifle while engaging both paper and reactive steel targets.
Expect target transitions, movement between shooting positions, and stage planning to play a bigger role here than in the typical workout stages. This is where marksmanship and stage strategy take center stage.
The Long Movement: The Ultimate Gut Check
Almost every regional includes a long movement stage – an infamous gut-check that separates the prepared from the hopeful.
This is a timed run or obstacle course completed in full kit: plate carrier, duty belt, rifle, and pistol. Distances can range from 1.5 to over 4 miles, depending on the venue.
Some matches substitute kit for a 40 to 60-pound ruck. Either way, it’s all about sustainable movement under weight. It’s also where a lot of competitors either make up ground or fall way behind.
Gear Requirements: What You Need to Compete
The Tactical Games doesn’t require exotic kit, but there’s a baseline you must meet to stay safe, functional, and in compliance with the rules. Below is a complete rundown of what’s required, what’s recommended, and what you’ll probably wish you had by the end of Day One.
Weapons & Ammunition
You’ll run two weapon platforms at every event, and both must be dialed in and competition-ready.
Required:
Primary Weapon: A rifle chambered in .223/5.56 or larger, with an approved muzzle device.
Secondary Weapon: A reliable semi-auto pistol.
Ammunition: At least 250 rounds per platform, but this can vary. Match directors will confirm the count via email prior to the event.
Magazines: Bring at least 5 mags per weapon. Certain stages may require full rotations of all five.
Magazine Pouches: Must be worn to carry loaded mags during the stage.
Holster: Must securely retain your pistol through vigorous movement. Hip-level or drop-leg is fine.
Rifle Sling: You must have a functional sling attached throughout the event. It’s part of your loadout, not just a stage requirement.
Chamber Flag: Must be inserted in your rifle anytime you’re not at the firing line.
Optics & Sights
You don’t need anything fancy, but you do need to be able to see what you’re shooting at.
Slide Mounted Pistol Red Dot Sights are permitted in all divisions and offer fast/accurate target acquisition under stress.
Primary Rifle Optics are pretty much unrestricted. Most commonly you will see Low Power Variable Optics up to 10x, with some competitors moving into Multi Power Variable Optics for better target clarity.
Secondary Optics are no longer restricted on your rifle, you can mount an offset red dot if desired.
Key considerations: Choose optics that hold zero under recoil and movement, offer clear glass in various lighting conditions with a reticle or stadia lines that makes sense to you.
Required Gear
Plate Carrier:
- Men’s carriers must weigh at least 15 lbs
- Women’s must weigh 12 lbs
- Measured slick—no pouches, hydration bladders, med gear, etc.
Ear and Eye Protection: Mandatory for all shooting stages. Competitors favor in-ear protection to avoid getting snagged up on equipment.
Belt & Holster: Your pistol must ride at the hip or on a drop leg. No small-of-back, appendix, or under-arm setups.
Make sure everything fits, functions, and stays secure while moving. There’s no break in the action to fix your kit mid-stage.
Recommended Gear (Not Required, But You’ll Want It)
Clothing & Footwear
Tactical Pants: You’ll be kneeling in gravel, dragging sleds, and crawling under obstacles. Bring something durable with reinforced knees and flexible fabric.
Moisture-Wicking Shirt: You’re going to sweat. Choose synthetic materials or merino wool that moves moisture away from your skin.
Boots or Trail Shoes: Stable, supportive, and rugged. Look for aggressive tread patterns, ankle support, and materials that can handle varied terrain.
Gloves: Essential for sleds, ropes, and sandbag work. Choose gloves that provide grip without sacrificing dexterity for trigger control.
Knee Pads: Not mandatory, but your knees will thank you after hours of kneeling on concrete and gravel.
Comfort & Support
Hat or Cap: Sun protection is key at all-day outdoor events.
Sunscreen: Essential for long outdoor competitions.
Tent/Canopy: There’s rarely shade at matches. Bring your own and you’ll have a comfortable base between stages.
Folding Chairs: Rest between stages matters for performance and recovery.
Hydration System: Bladders, bottles, or jugs—just make sure you’re sipping constantly throughout the day.
Food: Matches run long. You’ll need easily digestible carbs, salt replacement, and protein throughout the day.
Pro Tip: Don’t show up with brand-new gear you’ve never worn or shot with. Train in your kit. Know your sling. Test your belt and mag retention. The stages are hard enough—your gear shouldn’t be part of the challenge.
A Typical Competition Weekend: What to Expect
A Tactical Games weekend is a full-body, full-schedule kind of experience. It blends high output and hard resets with long days, big efforts, and a surprising amount of downtime in between. Whether it’s your first event or your fifth, here’s what to expect from start to finish.
Before the Weekend Begins
In the weeks leading up to your event, keep an eye on your email. You’ll receive:
- Event-specific information (venue address, gate codes, maps)
- Schedule matrix for squads and heat times
- Stage briefs with movement and shooting instructions
That information won’t be fully useful until Saturday morning when you’re assigned a heat or lane number, but review it early so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Friday – Registration and Gear Check
Expect check-in to run from around Noon to 7:00 PM depending on the venue.
What to bring:
- Rifle cased with chamber flag inserted
- Pistol cased or holstered, unloaded
- Plate carrier stripped down (no mag pouches, TQs, hydration bladders—just the carrier and plates)
Staff will inspect your weapons, gear, and verify that your plate carrier meets weight requirements (15 lbs for men, 12 lbs for women). If you bought the media package, you’ll get a bright armband for your plate carrier so photographers know to capture your suffering in HD.
Check Your Zero
Seriously—don’t skip this. Head to the zero bay and make sure both rifle and pistol are dialed. There’s usually paper at 50 yards. Know where your rifle hits, verify your pistol, and change those batteries if you’ve been putting it off.
You can wander the facility after that, but unlike other shooting sports, walking stages doesn’t offer much insight. The Tactical Games doesn’t reward “gaming” a stage. You’re either ready for the work, or you’re not. Use that time to hydrate, socialize, and settle your nerves.
Saturday – The Action Begins
You’ll have a short window for late check-in if needed, followed by the mandatory athlete briefing and safety meeting. Pay attention—this is where they’ll review location-specific protocols, emergency procedures, and how the day will run.
After the brief, you’ll be assigned to a squad:
- Squads consist of 5 athletes per lane
- Your athlete number is a combo of your squad and lane (e.g. Squad 3, Lane 2 = Athlete 3-2)
- Using the event schedule, you’ll now know exactly where you need to be and when
Stage Flow and Judging
Once squads are locked in, you’re either:
- Shooting the first stage
- Judging the first stage for the other squad
If you’re in the first squad up, you go straight from the brief to hammering out your first stage. If not, you’ll start the day by judging. After that, the protocol is simple: judge the heat behind you, then shoot your own stage.
This cycle continues all day:
- Judge the heat before yours
- Compete in your heat
- Reset and rotate
It’s a team-driven rhythm that keeps things moving. And yes—those first-stage nerves will hit hard. But don’t worry, by lunch you’ll be too gassed to feel anything but hunger and purpose.
Managing Downtime
Depending on your schedule, you might rotate quickly from one stage to the next—or you might sit idle for 90 minutes. Be ready for either.
Downtime tips:
- Eat and hydrate regularly
- Use the break to stretch, foam roll, or reset your gear
- Hit the vendor row—food trucks, fitness gear, apparel, and other gear vendors are usually onsite
- Keep an eye on match staff and announcements
Stages can shift or run ahead/behind schedule depending on weather or performance bottlenecks.
Sunday – The Final Push
Day two runs almost the same as Saturday, starting with a brief and squad recheck. They usually gather all athletes for a group photo before kicking off the final day.
There’s no warm-up stage here—you’re diving right in. Keep your gear tight, show up early to your stages, and bring whatever gas you’ve got left.
Wrapping Up
After the last shots are fired, there’s an arbitration period for scoring disputes, followed by the awards ceremony. Plan to stick around into the evening if you want to see the final results and cheer on podium finishers.
Other Tips for the Weekend
Weather matters: Hot, cold, windy, raining—be ready for anything.
Treat it like a tailgate: Pop-up tents, coolers, grills, massage guns, stretch bands—it’s all fair game. Bring what makes your weekend better.
Sleep matters more than hype: You don’t need to carb-load like it’s the Boston Marathon. You do need rest, clean nutrition, and hydration.
Get the media package: Seriously, it’s the only proof you didn’t just sit in a tent for two days. And the photos usually capture the intensity perfectly.
Training for Success: Building Your Foundation
Ask anyone who’s done a match and they’ll tell you: you can’t fake your way through this. The Tactical Games demands real-world fitness and solid marksmanship under pressure—and the only way to deliver that on the clock is to train like it matters.
Whether you’re coming from the gym side or the shooting side, here’s how to bridge the gap.
Build Real-World Work Capacity
This isn’t about having a massive bench or elite-level VO2 max—it’s about being able to work hard, recover fast, and keep going. Your training should prioritize functional strength and repeatable output.
Key physical training elements:
Carries: Farmer carries, sandbags, axle bars. Train grip endurance and posture under load.
Sled Pushes/Drags: Load it heavy, keep it moving. It builds total-body grit and teaches you to work through discomfort.
Box Step-Overs: Weighted or bodyweight, this simulates stage movements under fatigue.
Burpees, Rope Climbs, Overhead Holds: These movements pop up often and crush the unprepared.
Intervals & EMOMs: Push your heart rate up, then work on controlled movement—or at least maintain good form.
Suggested workouts:
- 4 rounds: 100-foot sled drag, 10 sandbag cleans, 10 burpees over bag
- 10-minute EMOM: 3 pistol dry fire draws, 5 push-ups, 50m sprint
- 15-minute AMRAP: 50-cal row, 10 box overs, 20m farmer carry
Marksmanship Under Fatigue
It’s not enough to shoot well on a flat range. You need to shoot well when your hands are shaking, your chest is thumping, and sweat is dripping into your eye.
How to train it:
- Dry fire after a short conditioning circuit
- Practice reloading and clearing while elevated (heart rate over 140 bpm)
- Alternate between strong-hand and weak-hand shooting drills
- Practice transitioning between rifle and pistol smoothly—then do it while moving
- Simulate clearing procedures under time pressure
Example session:
- 5-minute assault bike sprint intervals (30s on, 30s off)
- Transition into 3-round rifle dry fire at 25 yards (par time)
- Simulated clear with verbal “clear” call
- Repeat for 3-5 rounds
This builds the exact skills you’ll need mid-stage when your judgment is compromised by effort.
Suggested Weekly Training Structure
You don’t need to train 7 days a week, but you do need consistency. Here’s a basic 5-day format:
Monday: Strength + Rifle dry fire Tuesday: Metcon + Pistol manipulation Wednesday: Recovery or movement work (sled, carries, yoga) Thursday: Long duration workout + shooting standards dry fire Friday: Range day or full match-style scenario Saturday/Sunday: Off or optional ruck/run in kit
Add in:
- Core strength for stability under load
- Grip training (fat grips, towel holds, hangs)
- Mobility for knees, shoulders, and hips
- Target transitions, stage memorization, and stage movement drills
Simulate Match Conditions
As match day approaches, shift from general fitness to match simulations:
- Wear your full kit during training
- Time your dry fire reps
- Use audible shot timers or beeps to trigger your drills
- Work in adverse weather conditions if possible—rain or shine, the match will go on
The more familiar you are with your gear, your fatigue threshold, and your shooting mechanics under pressure, the better you’ll perform when it counts.
Training for The Tactical Games isn’t just about getting in shape—it’s about learning to move and shoot under stress, recover quickly, and repeat without falling apart. If you build a training plan that mirrors those demands, you’ll show up more confident and more competitive than you thought possible.
Choosing Your Division: Finding Your Starting Point
One of the most common questions new athletes ask is, “Which division should I sign up for?” The Tactical Games is structured to give everyone—from absolute beginners to seasoned athletes—a fair, challenging, and rewarding competition experience.
Here’s how the divisions work and how to pick the one that fits your background and goals.
Tactical Division
This is the standard division for most competitors and where the majority of first-timers land.
Who it’s for:
- Solid baseline of fitness and shooting ability
- Comfortable with basic weapon handling and safety
- Can handle moderate to heavy weights with good form
What to expect:
- Standard weights (plate carrier, sleds, carries)
- Full-length stages with a mix of strength, endurance, and accuracy
- No frills, no shortcuts—just the work
Good fit if: You’ve trained a bit, feel confident running a rifle and pistol under stress, and are ready for a challenge.
Intermediate Division
Think of this as Tactical’s training ground, not a watered-down version—just a slightly more accessible one.
Who it’s for:
- Newer competitors
- Folks coming from the gym who are still getting comfortable with firearms
- Competent shooters returning to fitness or testing the waters
What to expect:
- Slightly reduced weights and distances
- Same stage designs, but scaled challenges
- Same required gear (plate carrier, sling, holster, etc.)
Good fit if: You’re still building confidence under pressure or you want to get a feel for the competition format before stepping into Tactical.
Elite Division
This is the top tier—a place for proven performers.
Who it’s for:
- Highly fit and experienced competitors
- Those with extensive match history or tactical/fitness backgrounds
- Athletes aiming for podiums, sponsorships, or qualifying for Nationals with impact
What to expect:
- Heavier implements, longer stages, and more technical demands
- Less margin for error—both in physical work and shooting performance
- You’ll likely be competing alongside national-level athletes
Good fit if: You’ve placed high in Tactical or Intermediate, crushed the physical and shooting aspects, and want to test yourself against the best.
Masters Division
For competitors age 40 and up, this division allows you to compete against peers while still running full-weight stages and demands.
- Open to Tactical and Intermediate-level athletes
- Great option if you’ve still got gas in the tank but want to square off with others in your age group
Good fit if: You want the challenge but also appreciate age-based comparison for scoring and rankings.
Women’s Divisions
Every division—Tactical, Intermediate, and Elite—has a Women’s category with appropriately scaled weights and performance standards.
Women in The Tactical Games consistently show up, crush it, and push the standard. If you’re on the fence about competing as a female athlete, don’t be. The culture here is supportive, and the competition is fierce in the best way.
Still Not Sure?
Here’s a quick self-check:
- Do you train 3-5 days a week and shoot regularly? Start in Tactical.
- Still building consistency in the gym or on the range? Intermediate is your move.
- Looking to test yourself against national-level athletes? Elite is waiting.
- Over 40 and still hungry? Check out Masters.
Whatever division you choose, the work will be hard, the stages will test you, and the community will support you every step of the way.
Common Mistakes and Hard-Learned Lessons
Nobody walks into The Tactical Games perfectly prepared. Every match is a chance to learn, adapt, and get better. But there are a few mistakes that come up again and again—many of which are 100% preventable.
Whether it’s your first event or your fifth, here’s what to avoid and what to focus on.
Critical Preparation Mistakes
Skipping Zero Check
The mistake: Not verifying your optic and point of impact during Friday check-in. The fix: Use the zero bay. Confirm rifle at 50 yards, double-check pistol if possible, and change batteries if needed.
Overmagnification on Rifle
The mistake: Cranking your LPVO to 6x or higher and losing your target or field of view. The consequence: Wobble is magnified, shots are rushed, and transitions are slower. The fix: Use only as much magnification as needed to see the target clearly, not to fill your glass with it. Stay flexible with your settings based on the stage.
Poor Gear Setup
The mistake: Wearing a brand-new belt or carrier with zero reps in it. The fix: Train in your match gear. Know where your mags are, how your rifle rides, and how your pistol draws. Function matters more than fashion.
Competition Day Errors
Rushing the Clear Procedure
The mistake: Fumbling the unload process in a hurry. The consequence: DQ for ND or unsafe gun handling. The fix: Slow down. Mag out, cycle the action, confirm clear, drop hammer on an empty chamber, holster or ground, and say it out loud to your judge.
Not Reading the Stage Brief Closely
The mistake: Missing reps or shooting the wrong target. The fix: Read the brief. Ask clarifying questions. Memorize your lane and sequence. No assumptions—only confirmations.
Not Showing Up to Your Stage Early
The mistake: Arriving at the last minute and missing the brief or other competitors’ runs. The fix: Be there 15 minutes early. Catch the walk-through. See how others attack the work. Mentally rehearse before you’re in the box.
Pacing and Mental Game Mistakes
Going Out Too Hot
The mistake: Blowing out your heart rate in the first 30 seconds of the stage. The fix: Pace yourself. Find a sustainable rhythm early so you can shoot clean and finish strong.
Dwelling on a Bad Stage
The mistake: Letting one rough run mentally hijack the rest of your weekend. The fix: Shake it off. The best performers are consistent, not perfect. Every stage is a reset button—treat it that way.
Support and Recovery Mistakes
Mismanaging Downtime
The mistake: Not eating, hydrating, or resetting between stages. The fix: Fuel early and often. Keep your schedule handy and monitor calls from ROs or volunteers. Downtime is a gift—use it wisely.
Neglecting Recovery
The mistake: Skipping cooldown, hydration, or proper food. The fix: Stretch, rehydrate, and fuel smart. Treat Saturday night like mission prep, not happy hour.
Final Prep & Competition Checklist
You’ve trained. You’ve checked your gear. You’re signed up, dialed in, and ready to throw down. Now it’s time to make sure you don’t forget something obvious—or something critical.
This packing list covers everything you’ll need for a successful Tactical Games weekend, from required gear to nice-to-haves that make life easier between stages.
Essentials (Do Not Show Up Without These)
Recommended Gear (Strongly Advised)
Match Weekend Comfort Kit
Final Checklist Before You Hit the Road
Match Mindset Reminders
- Get to your stages early
- Stay hydrated and fed
- Help your squad
- Be respectful to staff and volunteers
- Judge clearly and fairly
- Compete hard, but don’t forget to have fun
After the Match: Learning and Growing
When the dust settles and the soreness kicks in, the real work begins. Post-match analysis is where you figure out what worked, what didn’t, and what needs more attention before the next go.
Review Your Performance
Take a moment to walk through each stage while it’s fresh:
- What did you execute well?
- Where did you struggle physically?
- Did your shooting fall apart under fatigue?
- Were there gear issues that slowed you down?
Write it down while the experience is fresh. A short debrief with yourself will help make improvements stick and give you clear training priorities.
Watch Your Media Package (If You Got It)
Your event footage isn’t just cool content—it’s a goldmine for improvement. Watch your transitions, your pacing, and your movement between tasks. You’ll catch things you didn’t feel in the moment, like inefficient movement patterns or shooting positions that cost you time.
Audit Your Gear
Did anything break or fail? Was your sling setup annoying? Did your holster shift, bounce, or get in the way?
Now’s the time to fix it, upgrade, or streamline it before you build bad habits. Small gear issues become big problems under fatigue and time pressure.
Set Training Priorities
Based on your notes, shift your training to fill in the gaps:
- Weak grip? More carries and hangs
- Missed pistol shots? Increase dry fire volume
- Gassed on long stages? Add interval runs and metcons
- Slow transitions? Practice weapon manipulation drills
Talk to Other Competitors
Find someone who crushed the stage you struggled on. Ask questions. Most competitors are more than happy to share insight about their approach, pacing strategy, or gear setup. Learning from your squad mates is part of what makes the community special.
Commit to the Next Match
Don’t let the soreness fade without setting a goal. Find your next event. Register. Build your training around it.
The Tactical Games is about growth. Every match teaches you something new about your limits, your gear, and your approach to challenges. Reflect, reset, and come back better.
Ready to Test Yourself?
The Tactical Games will test every aspect of your preparation—your fitness, your shooting, your gear, and your mental game. It’s not easy, and it’s not supposed to be. But if you’re looking for a competition that demands everything you’ve got and rewards the work you put in, this is it.
Whether you’re coming from the fitness world curious about adding marksmanship, or you’re a shooter ready to add some serious cardio punishment to your game, the format has a place for you. Start with a Skirmish if you want to dip your toes in, or jump straight into a regional if you’re ready for the full experience.
The community is welcoming, the challenge is real, and the lessons you learn about yourself will stick with you long after the last round is fired. Find an event, start training, and see what you’re really made of.
Want more tactical shooting insights and gear reviews tested under real competition conditions? Follow Action Gunner for in-depth coverage of competitive shooting sports, training tips from experienced competitors, and honest gear reviews that help you make informed decisions for your next match.
