Gun Laws And 2a
Results: 2025 USPSA Factory Gun Nationals
Results: 2025 USPSA Factory Gun Nationals
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Marengo, Ohio
The USPSA Nationals returned to Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, Ohio, for the 2025 Factory Gun Nationals from June 25-29, marking the fourth USPSA Nationals to be held at the range since 2023. The central location, along with the surrounding area’s amenities, makes it easy for competitors to get to the match.
This year’s format no longer had Carry Optics as a stand-alone division Nationals. A decision was made last year to reduce the number of national events, which in turn put a premium on slots for the 2025 matches. The Factory Gun Nationals was no exception, with a sold-out match within minutes of open registration. To help offset the demand, a pre-match was included into the squad options; competitors could choose to shoot the match in two days, Wednesday and Thursday, instead of the main match three-day schedule. The two-day option allowed competitor squads with embedded Range Officers to shoot the 20 stages in two full-day flights instead of the main match’s three half-day flights. Competitors in the prematch were shooting the same stages for score, like the main match. (This is the same option for the USPSA Race Gun Nationals in Utah in October.)
Factory Gun divisions were Carry Optics, Production, Single Stack, and Revolver. The name “Factory Gun” implies the style of firearm format that has a more restrictive ruleset as far as customization, compared to the other “Race Gun” divisions. The four divisions that made up this match more closely resemble the type of firearm that you would get from the “Factory,” compared to customized higher end race guns. Carry Optics and Production guns, the two most popular divisions at this Nationals, have the same equipment rules, including accessories and gear, with Carry Optics requiring the use of a slide-mounted optic, whereas Production is an iron-sighted gun.
There were 412 competitors in Carry Optics, 53 in Production, 38 in Single Stack, and 22 in Revolver. The mix of these four divisions comprised about 50% of the overall reported activities from 2024 and allowed a more even distribution of section- and club-earned activities credits for slots, with 532 scored competitors, making this the largest national event so far. Additionally, seven competitors ended up in Open due to gear compliance issues that didn’t meet their chosen division requirements.
The role of Match Director necessitates careful consideration regarding the wide range of divisions represented. Combining popular divisions like Carry Optics with more traditional divisions requires strategic stage design; you must avoid designing all high-capacity stages that could disadvantage lower-capacity divisions. Instead, stages should challenge all competitors equitably, allowing them to leverage their specific firearm's characteristics to their advantage.
The stage designs for this match came from a team of experienced match directors and competitors, showcasing a range of innovative ideas tailored to the diverse capabilities of the competitors. Shannon Smith and Drew Coleman, assistant match directors instrumental in the setup, contributed significantly, along with several others, to create a set of stages that would push participants to excel.
As the match progressed, competitors faced 20 distinct stages, split across three zones at Cardinal Shooting Center's elaborate facilities. These stages were designed to test various skills, from speed and precision to tactical movements. Noteworthy stages included “Delta Queen,” which offered unique engagement challenges, and “I Shot the No Shoot,” where competitors had to navigate complex target arrays under time pressure.
The integration of activated targets and unconventional shooting sequences kept participants engaged and testing their limits. Many competitors adapted their strategies depending on their firearm capacity and stage demands, highlighting the importance of both skill and adaptability in competitive shooting.
The final day of competition brought together the results of previous days’ efforts, revealing not just technical skill but also the camaraderie that makes USPSA events special. With many smiles and mutual support evident among competitors, the event epitomized the spirit of competition and community in the shooting world.
As we reflect on the outcomes of the 2025 USPSA Factory Gun Nationals, it’s clear that the strategic evolution of the event format is catering to a growing desire for competitive diversity and efficiency. With a significant turnout at this year's match, it’s evident that interest in competitive shooting remains vibrant. The lessons learned and friendships forged during the match are a testament to the enduring strength of the shooting community. As we look forward to events like the Race Gun Nationals in Utah, it’s worth considering how such changes will affect participation and competition dynamics in the future. The emphasis on adaptability and engagement continues to grow, shaping a promising path for the shooting sports community.