JUNE 10, 2010

Stoeger Handguns Approved for USPSA Competition

Stoeger's Cougar 8000 Series handguns, which include guns chambered in 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP, have recently been added to the list of production guns approved for United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA)-sponsored shooting competitions. To meet USPSA's compliance for competitive shooting, production handguns must be of 2000 manufacture or later, and be available to the general public. Furthermore, there can be no magwell attachments or external flaring of the magwell and the National Range Officers Institute (NROI) must view all handguns suitable for USPSA competition for final acceptance.

The USPSA is a non-profit membership association that promotes safe, fair and fun participation in practical shooting competition through effective leadership, education, and communication. More than 15,000 USPSA members of all ages and skill levels belong to and regularly compete at one of the nearly 400 affiliated clubs located across the United States. USPSA is affiliated with the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC), and represents the American region of IPSC, comprised of 67 nations.

Starting at just $469 MSRP, Stoeger's Cougar-series pistols are affordable double-action semi auto pistols that feature a rotating barrel that locks with the slide, meaning extra strength. Because the barrel stays on the same plane for each shot, greater accuracy is achieved. The barrels are cold hammer-forged and the bores are hard chrome-lined for exceptional durability and promoting longer barrel life. Additional features include rounded-edges for snag-free drawing; removable front-sight, ambidextrous safety, and combat-style trigger guard.

"We've incorporated the finest technology and maintained proven semi auto features, to make the Cougar series light, compact and extremely reliable pistols," said Keith Heinlein, Stoeger Product Manager. "Accuracy, reliability and manageable recoil make the Cougars the ideal choice for target competition, or for home defense."