After nearly a year of testing and feedback, the Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA) has officially selected two new stages for provisional status in 2027.
Back in November 2025, we covered the eight provisional stage candidates that clubs were encouraged to set up, shoot, and provide feedback on throughout 2026. Those eight have now been narrowed down to two.
On October 19, 2026, SCSA announced the winning designs:
- TS-002: DVC, designed by Ray Hooper from Area 4.
- TS-006: Peek-a-Boo, designed by Kevin Staberg from Area 6.
Both stages will officially become available for provisional use on January 1, 2027. However SCSA has asked clubs to shoot them in local matches and submit times. Provisional peak times are currently in development. Throughout the year, the Committee will gather real-world performance data from submitted scores to establish official peak times.
At the end of 2027, those peaks will be applied to individual stage times, and official classifications will be adjusted accordingly beginning in 2028Two Different Stage Designs
DVC comes from the group of candidates based on Outer Limits plate geometry, while Peek-a-Boo was part of the Speed Option group.
That gives shooters two different layouts to work with rather than simply adding more of the same.
You can view the official stage diagrams here:
What Happens to Classifications?
Unlike the eight established Steel Challenge classifier stages, the two new additions won’t have finalized peak times when they debut.
SCSA will collect actual match results throughout 2027 to establish official peak times for both stages.
At the end of 2027, those peak times will be applied to competitors’ individual stage results, with classification adjustments beginning in 2028.
That means shooters will have an entire season to get familiar with the new layouts while SCSA gathers the data needed to make them part of the classification system.
A Welcome Change for Steel Challenge
Steel Challenge has relied on the same eight official classifier stages for years, so seeing new designs make it this far is a welcome change.
We like the idea of introducing new stages without immediately assigning peak times based on estimates. Giving clubs a full year to shoot them and collecting real match data should provide a better foundation for classifications.
Now it’s up to local clubs to start setting them up in 2027. We’re looking forward to seeing how DVC and Peek-a-Boo compare to the original eight, especially once shooters start chasing their times.
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