BUG (Backup Gun)

BUG (Backup Gun) matches are a home-grown sport at Pima Pistol. It's a chance to shoot the gun you might carry for self-defense, but don't get enough practice with.

There are no minimum caliber requirements for BUG matches. All guns must fit into a 5.25" x 7" x 1.5" box in carry condition with a magazine inserted. There are four divisions:

  • Backup Pistol: Semi-automatic pistols.
  • Backup Revolver: Compact revolvers.
  • Hideout Gun: Subcompact pistols that fit in a 4" x 5.25" x 1.5" box.
  • Cowboy: Single-action revolvers, or any firearm available in 1910 or earlier. Not required to fit in the size box.

Holsters are not required, but dress so that you can carry your pistol in your pocket or tucked into your waistband if you don't have one.* You'll need one extra magazine or reloader (speedloader, full-moon clip, speed strip--or reload loose rounds out of your pocket if you have to).

* For safety, most BUG stages start with a "simulated draw and blue gun exchange". The loaded gun is placed safely on a table or other surface, and the competitor starts with non-firing simulated gun of the right size and shape in pocket, waistband, etc. He or she will draw the simulated gun, exchange it for the real gun, and continue with the stage.

Download a list of backup guns (PDF, 14K): Backup gun list.
Download the scoring rules (PDF, 19K): BUG match scoring.

Matches are held the first Saturday of every month.

  • Four or five stages.
  • About 50 rounds of ammunition.

New shooters are welcome.

What You Need

  • Ear and eye protection.
  • The smallest gun you carry! Anything, even a .22, can enter. The gun must fit in one of the divisions listed above.
  • One extra reload method--spare magazine, speedloader, etc. Loose rounds are acceptable for revolvers.
  • Holsters are optional. Dress so that you can tuck the gun into a pocket or waistband.
  • Water and sunscreen.

Schedule

  • 7:30 am - Stage setup
  • 8:30 am - Registration
  • 9:00 am - Match briefing and walk-through
  • 9:15 am - Shooting starts

Fees

  • $10 Pima Pistol Club member
  • $15 Non-member

Contact

Aaron Brudenell
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Match Scores

See the Match Scores library.