25,000 and 11,000 members respectively. In 1977 the UKPSA was formed to promote and regulate practical pistol shooting in the UK, and became England's regional affiliate of the IPSC. The association proved very popular, gaining international respect within the practical shooting community, and hosted many National, European and International competitions. Despite the 1997 Firearms Amendment Act in the UK, worldwide practical shooting is currently the second most popular international target shooting discipline and now the fastest growing. Most pistol shooting in the UK suffered severely after the handgun ban, which wiped out many shooting disciplines by removing the ability to participate. Practical shotgun has gained much popularity since the handgun ban, with numerous graded matches each year, and large entries to the European Practical Shotgun Championships. Scoring methods Various scoring methods are used: Comstock, sometimes called hit factor scoring Time plus Points down Virginia count Fixed time (par time) See also Safety area Combat pistol shooting References External links Video: 1980 Norwegian Practical Handgun Championship in Sveio, Haugesund (NM i Stridsskyting) Shooting sports