CRAWFORD COUNTY (KFSM) — More than 50 people competed in a “Practical Pistol” match at the Old Fort Gun Club Sunday (Feb. 21). Match Director Loren Pender...

CRAWFORD COUNTY (KFSM) -- More than 50 people competed in a “Practical Pistol” match at the Old Fort Gun Club Sunday (Feb. 21).

Match Director Loren Pendergrass said the match is designed to simulate real-life situations, adding that shooters must think ahead of time.

"It is based on a real life scenario, something we dream up,” he said. “Stages are kind of based on where you may [have] invaders in your house, invaders in a convenience store. There is a lot of moving, a lot of decision making, and it's all under stress.”

Austin Chamberlain is from Springfield, Mo. He's 16 years old and has been shooting for one year, but some competitors have been shooting for decades.

“There’s some people here who have been shooting for over 20 years,” he said. “I think there's a lot to learn from them, and the way they set the stages up, there's a lot of new things that I can learn from too."

Pendergrass said even though there are no prizes or awards in the match, the competition will pay off.

“It really helps build your skill a lot faster than just coming out here and shooting by yourself,” Pendergrass said. “It forces you to get better.”

About 65 competitors came from throughout the region, including Little Rock, Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

Pendergrass said match at the Old Fort Gun Club is sanctioned under the United States Practical Shooting Association rules and bylaws.