RULES

General Conduct & Dispute Resolution

1.1 It is the competitor’s responsibility to read and understand the rules set forth for this match and agree to be subject to these rules while participating in this match.

1.2 Written Stage Briefing: (WSB)

It is the competitor’s responsibility to read and understand the Written Stage Briefing (WSB) and obey any special conditions or requirements stipulated therein, any rule differences from this rulebook shall be written in the WSB and will be the governing rules as stipulated for that particular Course of Fire (COF).

1.3 Federal and State Law

It is the competitor's responsibility to know, understand and adhere to all Federal, State and Local Regulations regarding the use and transportation of rearms, including all applicable National Firearms Act (NFA) regulations related to the construction, transportation and use of any rearm regulated by NFA rules.

1.4 No participants or spectators shall consume or be under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs at the event site. Any participant found to be impaired because of legitimate prescription drugs may be directed to stop shooting and requested to leave the range.

1.5 Participants and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous and sportsmanlike manner at all times. Any person who violates this rule may be ejected from the event site at the Match Director’s discretion.

1.6 Clothing with any offensive or obscene logos, sayings, pictures, or drawings must not be worn or displayed while at the event site.

2. Safety

2.1 All events will be run on cold ranges. Participants’ firearms will remain unloaded at the event site except under the direction and immediate supervision of an Event Official

2.2 Eye protection is mandatory for participants, spectators, & officials at the event site. It is the competitor’s responsibility to put eye protection back on if they come off during the course of fire. A re-shoot will not be granted.

2.3 Ear protection is mandatory for participants, spectators, & officials while on or near a stage. It is the competitor’s responsibility to put ear protection back on if they come off during the course of fire. A re-shoot will not be granted.

2.4 Participants’ firearms will remain unloaded at the event site except under the direction and immediate supervision of an Event Official.

2.5 Firearms may be transported to, from and between stages only in the following conditions:

2.5.1 Handguns must be unloaded, cased or holstered, de-cocked and with the magazine removed.

2.5.2 Rifles and shotguns must be unloaded, cased, secured muzzle up or muzzle down in a stable gun cart/caddy, or carried slung with the muzzle up or down. Actions must be open, or a chamber flag inserted, and detachable magazines removed. The use of high-visibility chamber flags is recommended as a courtesy to other event participants.

2.6 If an UNLOADED firearm is dropped during the course of fire, (between the Load and Make Ready command and Range is clear command) the competitor must retrieve it before proceeding with the Course of Fire. When it’s retrieved, the competitor will point the muzzle down range in a safe direction, show the RO it’s clear and then re-holster or sling the gun.

2.7 Firearms may only be abandoned in one of the following conditions:

2.7.1 Loaded, safety catch fully engaged, muzzle pointed down.

2.7.2 Completely unloaded (no ammunition in the firearm), detachable magazine removed, muzzle pointed down.

2.7.3 Abandoning a gun in any other condition will result in a Prohibited Action Penalty, at minimum.

3. Ammunition

3.1 Handgun ammunition shall be 9mm Parabellum (9x19mm NATO) or larger, unless otherwise stipulated under equipment division rules.

3.2 Rifle ammunition shall be .223 Remington (5.56x45mm NATO) or larger, unless otherwise stipulated under equipment division rules.

3.3 Shotgun ammunition shall be 20 gauge or larger, unless otherwise stipulated under equipment division rules.

3.3.1 Birdshot must be no larger than #6 birdshot and max velocity of 1,400 feet per second and be made from lead or bismuth only. Iron/steel/tungsten birdshot is unsafe and prohibited.

3.3.2 12 ga. buckshot must have no more than 9 pellets and be 00 buck or 000 buck.

3.3.4 20 ga. buckshot must have no more than 20 pellets and be #3 buck

3.4 Ammunition containing tracer, incendiary, armor piercing, steel jacketed or steel/tungsten/penetrator core projectiles is unsafe and prohibited.

3.5 Magnets may be used to inspect ammo at any time while on the venue property. Participants found in violation of possessing/using prohibited ammo will receive a Match DQ and will not receive a refund.

3.6 Max Velocity of Rifle ammunition is 3,000 feet per second. Faster than this can cause damage to steel targets and is prohibited.

4. Firearms

4.1 All firearms used by participants must be serviceable and safe. No prototypes are permitted. Event Officials may inspect a participant’s firearms at any time to check they are functioning safely. If any firearm is declared unserviceable or unsafe by an Event Official, it must be withdrawn from the event until it is repaired to the satisfaction of the Range Master.

4.2 Firearms capable of fully automatic- or burst-fire (“machine guns”) may be used only in semi-auto mode (i.e. not more than one (1) round fired with each pull of the trigger). Violation of this rule will incur a Prohibited Action Penalty penalty per occurrence.

4.3 Participants must use the same firearms for the entire event.

4.4 If a participant's firearm becomes unserviceable, that participant may replace their firearm with another of a substantially similar model, caliber, and sighting system only with the approval of the Match Director.

4.5 Participants generally may not reconfigure any firearm during the course of the event. Explicitly prohibited acts include changing caliber, barrel length, shotgun magazine tube length, sighting systems and/or stock style. Explicitly permitted acts include installing or removing support devices (e.g. bipods), slings and other minor accessories (e.g. scope covers).

5. Equipment Divisions

5.1 Participants will declare one equipment division at the beginning of the event.

Equipment divisions are as follows: Open, Tactical Optic, Limited, and Heavy Optic.

Failure to meet all the equipment and ammunition requirements for the declared division shall result in the participant being charged a Prohibited Action Penalty PER SHOT FIRED while using prohibited equipment.

5.2 Handgun holsters must safely retain the handgun during vigorous movement, and must completely cover the trigger. Revolver holsters must completely cover the trigger and the cylinder.

5.3 The belt upon which the handgun holster is attached must be worn at waist level. Shoulder holsters and cross-draw holsters are prohibited.

5.2 Open division

5.2.1 Handgun

Permitted:

170mm or less magazine length.

Electronic sighting devices.

Compensators.

5.2.2 Rifle

Permitted:

Any man made supporting devices (bipods, tripods, bags, etc.)

As many optics/irons you want.

Drum Magazines

5.2.3 Shotgun

Permitted:

Speed loading devices (Tubular speed loading devices must feature a primer relief cut.)

Detachable box magazines.

Compensators

As many optics/iron sights as you want

5.3 Tactical Optic & Ladies Tactical Optics Division

5.3.1 Handgun

Permitted:

Magazines length up to 140mm

Iron Sights

Prohibited:

Magazines length over 140mm

Electronic/Holographic Sights

Compensators

5.3.2 Rifle

Permitted:

One (1) electronic or optical sight.

A supplemental magnifier may be used with the permitted optical sight provided the magnifier does not contain an aiming reticle, cannot be used as an aiming device by itself, and remains mounted in the same location on the rifle for the duration of the event. A participant may use the magnifier in either the magnified or the unmagnified mode without restriction.

Prohibited:

Supporting Devices (Bipods, tripods, bags, etc.)

5.3.2 Shotgun

Permitted:

Tubular magazines.

You can load the tube to full capacity. Max overall length of 56”

Iron Sights

Semi-Automatic Or Pump Action

Prohibited:

Electronic sights and optical sights.

Barrel devices designed/intended to reduce recoil or muzzle movement (e.g. compensators, barrel porting).

Speed loading devices and/or detachable box magazines are prohibited.

5.4 Limited division

5.4.1 Handgun

Handgun

Permitted:

Magazines length up to 140mm

Iron Sights

Prohibited:

Magazines length over 140mm

Electronic/Holographic Sights

Compensators

5.4.2 Rifle

Permitted:

One (1) Non Magnified electronic or optical sight or iron sights.

Prohibited:

Supporting Devices (Bipods, tripods, bags, etc.)

Electronic or optical sights originally designed to be capable of any magnification (whether used or not).

Drum magazines.

Magazines that can hold more than 32 rounds.

Oversized or extended magazine base pads.

Coupled magazines.

5.4.3 Shotgun

Permitted:

Tubular magazines only.

Not more than nine (9) nine shells total may be loaded in the shotgun at any time during the match. Shotgun tubes may not physically hold more than 8 shells. Tube plugs are allowed.

Iron Sights

Semi-Automatic Or Pump Action

Prohibited:

Electronic sights and optical sights.

Barrel devices designed/intended to reduce recoil or muzzle movement (e.g. compensators, barrel porting) are prohibited.

Speed loading devices and/or detachable box magazines are prohibited.

Not more than nine (9) nine shells total may be loaded in the shotgun at any time during the match. Shotgun tubes may not physically hold more than 8 shells. Tube plugs are allowed.

5.5 Heavy Optics Division

5.5.1 Handgun

Permitted:

Magazines length up to 140mm

Iron Sights

Prohibited:

Magazines length over 140mm

Electronic/Holographic Sights

Compensators

5.5.2 Rifle

Permitted:

One (1) electronic or optical sight.

Any man made supporting devices (bipods, tripods, bags, etc.)

Prohibited:

Anything less than the minimum caliber of .30” (300 Blackout or 300 Whisper is excluded).

Anything less than the minimum power factor of 320. (bullet weight x velocity/1000)

5.5.3 Shotgun

Permitted:

Tubular magazines.

You can load the tube to full capacity.

Iron Sights

Semi-Automatic Or Pump Action

Prohibited:

Electronic sights and optical sights.

Barrel devices designed/intended to reduce recoil or muzzle movement (e.g. compensators, barrel porting).

Speed loading devices and/or detachable box magazines are prohibited.

5.6 Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC) Division

5.6.1 This division follows the Open division rules with the addition that you can substitute (1) one gun per stage with your PCC. It is up to the shooter which gun they want to substitute. It can substitute your pistol on one stage, your shotgun on the next and your rifle on the next. It’s completely up to the shooter. You are still required to engage every target and regular penalties will be used.

5.6.2 There is no length on the magazine for the PCC only. All other Open Division magazine rules are applied.

5.6.3 PCC is prohibited from engaging clays.

5.6.4 The Match Director has the right to prohibit PCC on any complete or portion of a stage for safety reasons. i.e. Can’t have pistol bullets going a certain direction.

5.7 2 Gun Open Division

5.7.1 Handgun

Permitted:

170mm or less magazine length.

Electronic sighting devices.

Compensators.

5.7.2 Rifle

Permitted:

Any man made supporting devices (bipods, tripods, bags, etc.)

As many optics/irons you want.

Drum Magazines

5.8 2 Gun Tactical Optic

5.8.1 Handgun

Permitted:

Magazines length up to 140mm

Iron Sights

Prohibited:

Magazines length over 140mm

Electronic/Holographic Sights

Compensators

5.8.2 Rifle

Permitted:

One (1) electronic or optical sight.

Prohibited:

Supporting Devices (Bipods, tripods, bags, etc.)

5.9.1 Modified

5.9.2 Handgun

Permitted:

Magazines length up to 140mm

Iron Sights or a SLIDE MOUNTED Electronic Sighting Device

Prohibited:

Magazines length over 140mm

FRAMED MOUNTED Electronic Sighting Device

Compensators or Porting

5.9.3 Rifle

Permitted:

One (1) electronic or optical sight.

Short Bipod. Must stay on during the entire stage

Prohibited:

Supporting Devices other than a short bipod

5.9.4 Shotgun

Permitted:

Tubular magazines.

May start fully loaded.

Iron Sights or Electronic / Optical sights.

Semi-Automatic Or Pump Action

Barrel compensators and ports

Prohibited:

Speed loading devices and/or detachable box magazines are prohibited.

6. Scoring

6.1 Stage points will be calculated separately for each equipment division.

6.2 Stage points will be awarded to participants according to their stage time relative to the fastest time on that stage, using the equation STAGE_POINTS = ( FASTEST_TIME / PARTICIPANT_TIME ) x 100.

6.3 Total points accumulated for all stages will determine the event placement by division. Highest score wins.

6.4 Stages are assigned 100 points per stage unless noted in the WSB.

6.5 Cardboard Targets

6.5.1 Unless otherwise stipulated in the stage briefing, cardboard “shoot” targets must be neutralized by receiving either one (1) A-zone hit, one (1) B-zone hit or two (2) hits anywhere in the scoring area.

6.5.2 Slug paper targets will require only 1 hit inside the scoring area to neutralize a paper target.

6.5.3 Heavy Optics division will require only 1 hit inside the scoring area to neutralize with a rifle. Pistol still requires 6.5.1.

6.5.4 The hit or hits only need to touch or break the perforation to avoid penalty.

6.5.5 Only holes made by bullets/slugs/pellets will count for score/penalty. Evidence that the bullet made the hole must be present on the target (i.e. crown or grease ring/mark). Holes made by shrapnel, fragments, wads or flying debris will not count for score/penalty.

6.5.6 Paper or cardboard targets are considered impenetrable, and shoot-through shots that impact a target after passing through a paper or cardboard target will not count for score or penalty.

6.5.7 Shots that are not completely inside the scoring area of a paper target may hit another target for score.

6.6 Steel Knockdown

6.6.1 Steel Knock-down targets (e.g. Pepper Poppers, knock down steel, etc.) must fall to score or receive a penalty.

6.6.2 There is no calibration. Props will be set and maintained at a reasonable resistance.

6.7 Static/Swinging Steel

6.7.1 Static/Swinging targets must react in the manner that the RO sees or hears an impact or make the target move.

6.7.2 Electronic flashers may be used to aid the RO in calling your hits. The RO must still call your hit for it to count. If a flasher falls off, it will stay off for the duration of the day or match and does not constitute a re-shoot.

6.8 Frangible Targets

6.8.1 Frangible targets (e.g. clay pigeons) must break by gunfire to score. A target with a significant piece visibly detached is considered “broken”. A clay that falls from the stand while being engaged but does not break will be scored as a hit.

6.9 “No Shoot” Targets

6.9.1 Scoring hits on designated “No Shoot” targets will incur a penalty per hit. The hit or hits only need to touch or break the perforation to incur a penalty. Steel “No Shoot” targets must fall/react/leave an impact mark to score.

7. Penalties:

7.1 99 yards or less

Paper Failure to neutralize (FTN) (only 1 hit in C or D zone) = +5 seconds

Unhit = + 10 seconds

Aerial Clay Unhit = +5 seconds

7.2 100 yards or more

Steel Unhit 100-299 yds = + 20 seconds

Steel Unhit 300+ yards= +30 seconds

7.3 Other

No Shoot (per hit) = + 5 seconds

Procedural = + 5 seconds

Prohibited Action Penalty = + 45 seconds

Fail to Rotate Spinner = +60 seconds

*There are no Failure to Engage penalties.

7.4 Steel Color Codes – General guidelines, may vary, see WSB to confirm

Black= Pistol

White= Rifle Only

Green= Slug Only

Orange= Birdshot Only

Yellow= Drop mag then shoot target. Magazine can not be touching the gun.

7.5 Minimum Distance to Engage Steel (this includes props, walls, etc.)

Impacting steel targets or steel closer than the following minimum safe distance will result in a Prohibited Action Penalty plus the cost of the target, if it is damaged. The Match Director sets the target cost and payment is due immediately.

Pistol - 7 yards

Birdshot - 7 yards

Slug - 35 yards

Rifle - 35 yards

7.6 At no point may the participant shoot a firearm while holding a second firearm. A Prohibited Action Penalty per shot fired will be applied plus any targets hit during that time will not count.

7.7 A participant trying to gain a competitive advantage on Stars or similar targets by purposely shooting the center or arms will be assessed a Prohibited Action Penalty. This penalty is at the sole discretion of the Range Officer.

7.8 Damaging a wall or prop is (2) procedurals- 10 seconds total.

8. Match Disqualifications

8.1 A violation of the following rules will result in a Match Disqualification. Competitor will not be eligible to walk the prize table or continue to shoot. Depending on the shooter's mentality, they may have to vacate the property.

8.2 A participant who causes an unsafe discharge. Unsafe discharge includes but not limited to: Discharge that travels over a backstop, a berm, or in any other direction deemed by Event Officials to be unsafe. Note that a participant who legitimately fires a shot at a target, which then travels in an unsafe direction, will not be disqualified.

8.3 A shot which goes in a direction that does not impact within 10’ of a target.

8.4 A shot which occurs during remedial action in the case of a malfunction.

8.5 A shot which occurs while transferring a firearm between hands.

8.6 A shot which occurs during movement, except while engaging targets.

8.7 A participant who performs an act of unsafe gun handling.

8.8 Use of any unsafe ammunition as described within these rules.

8.9 Abandoning a firearm during a stage in any location other than a designated safe abandonment location (dump barrel for long guns and dump bucket or re-holster for pistol).

8.10 Allowing the muzzle of a firearm to break the 180-degree safety plane, designated safety plane, or prohibited muzzle safe direction in the stage briefing.

8.11 Allowing the muzzle of a firearm to point at any part of the participant’s or anyone's body during a course of fire (i.e. sweeping).

8.11.1 Exception - sweeping of the lower extremities (below the belt) while drawing a handgun, provided that the participant’s fingers are clearly outside of the trigger guard.

8.12 Using a tube-type shotgun speed-loading device without a primer relief cut.

8.13 Pointing a firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, down range while people are down range or in any direction deemed by Event Officials to be unsafe at certain times.

8.14 Driving faster than the posted or verbally stated speed limit on the range.

8.15 Unsportsmanlike conduct. Examples of unsportsmanlike conduct include:

8.15.1 Cheating, such as: Intentionally altering a target prior to the target being scored to gain advantage or avoid a penalty.

8.15.2 Altering or falsifying score sheets.

8.15.3 Altering the configuration of firearms or equipment without permission of the Match Director.

8.16 Threatening or assaulting other participants or Event Officials.

8.17 Disruptive behavior likely to disturb or distract other participants while they are shooting.

8.18 Willful disregard of Event Official instructions.

8.19 Not Resetting. Everyone is expected to reset except the shooter that just finished, the current shooter, the on deck shooter and the in the hole shooter. One warning will be given. The second offense will result in a Match DQ.

8.20 Dropping a LOADED gun anytime between the Load and Make Ready command and the Range is Safe/Clear command from the Range Officer. Loaded is defined as one or all of the following: Magazine inserted, round in the chamber or any ammo in the tube or gun.

8.21 Shooting in a restricted area of the range. Competitors may shoot in the zero range, when open, or on a stage under the instruction of an event staff. All other areas are off limits without expressed permission from event staff.

9. Stage Procedures

9.1 Pre-Loading Shotguns. You may pre-load your shotgun at your convenience at your vehicle or in a dedicated spot at the stage, if you choose. Pre loading is defined as loading the tube to division capacity, BUT NO AMMO IN THE CHAMBER. A shell on the lifter is fine. Any gun that takes a magazine is not included. DO NOT put a magazine in the gun until instructed by the RO.

9.2 Commands (these may vary based on the RO, but have the same meaning)

9.2.1 Make Ready: Take a sight picture if desired and allowed and load your guns per the stage description or leave it unloaded, which is no magazine inserted or any ammo in the gun. This is the shooter's choice, as an empty gun falls to the ground, pick it up and keep going. If a loaded (as defined in these rules) gun falls to the ground, it’s a Match DQ.

9.2.2 Unload and Show Clear: Unload all guns and show an empty chamber to the RO, once confirmed, point at a berm or safe direction, and pull the trigger as a redundancy safety check.

9.2.3 Range is Clear: This means everybody will start the reset.

9.2.4 Stop: Just stop, point your gun in a safe direction and wait for further instructions.

9.3 Once a competitor abandons a firearm and moves 3’ (or more) forward of the dump barrel, that gun is out of play and can not be retrieved or used anymore on that stage. If you try to retrieve it, the RO will remind you. If you continue and retrieve it, the RO will stop you and score the stage as is.

9.4 Reshoots will not be given if an item doesn’t perform and the competitor brought it or had it brought to the range.

9.5 If a target falls over or wasn’t reset and the shooter hasn’t fired at it yet, the shooter will fire a shot at where the target should have been. Reshoots will not be issued for this.

9.6 It is the shooters responsibility to designate a squad mate to walk with the RO when scoring your targets and clearing your guns. For the sake of match efficiency, we won't wait on the shooter to verify a target.

9.7 All shots must be shot within the shooting area to be scored. The shooting area can be fault lines, rope, path or per the stage brief. Any static target engaged outside the shooting area can be re-engaged from the shooting area. Your best hit on steel or two best hits on paper will not count for score. If it’s a falling/reacting target, you will receive an unhit target penalty because it’s no longer there for you to engage.

10. Other

10.1 Participants may not touch or hold any firearm-loading device or ammunition after the “Standby” command and before the “Start Signal” (except for unavoidable touching with the lower arms).

10.2 If your division allows supporting devices, they must be on your person or carried by a coach at the start of a stage, unless it's within 10' of the start position. No staging equipment down range or farther than 10' of the start position unless attached to the gun and/or can COMPLETELY fit in the dump barrel.

10.3 Hot reholstering of the pistol is permitted. It must be returned to the holster in a legal condition as follows: Unloaded, or in the case of single-action autos or double-action autos with manual override safeties, the safety catch must be in the “safe” position. In the case of double-action autos & revolvers, without safeties, the hammer must be down/forward.

10.4 Any rule not explicitly covered by this document will be resolved with a ruling by the Match Director or his designee. Rulings by the Match Director or his designee will be final, and will serve as a precedent for the duration of the event.

10.5 Prize Table: Up to the top 3 in each division will receive a prize and trophy based on the number of competitors in that division. One trophy per 10 competitors.

10.5.1 Additionally there are the following categories in which the top person in each category will receive a trophy. You must claim this category when you register.

10.5.1.1 High Lady- Must be a female since birth.

10.5.1.2 High Junior- Must be 17 years of age or younger as of the last day of the match.

10.5.1.3 High Senior- 55 years of age or older on the last day of the match.

10.5.1.4 High 1st Responder- You’re full or part time profession is Law Enforcement, Military, Fireman or EMT.

10.6 Weather rules and corrective measures may include but are not limited to:

10.6.1 Postponing during periods of lightning strikes. Bagging paper targets to protect from moisture, paster loss and replacement. Adding inert material to the shooting area to improve dangerous footing conditions. Using rubber bands, clips or other devices to secure knock down steel targets, and clay targets.

10.6.2 Match officials may have to take actions to ensure completion of the match such as removing stages from the competition and any other measures deemed necessary to complete the competition.

10.6.3 In extreme circumstances, if the competition cannot be completed, match officials reserve the right to end the competition and distribute the prizes via a random draw instead of order of finish.

10.7 Coaching is allowed. Only RO’s can call hits. Coaches are required to stay behind the RO. Coaches can hand you anything but a loaded gun. See 10.7.1.

10.7.1 If they’re handing you a gun it must meet the following requirements:

Come from the pre-designated area marked by the RO.
Confirmed by an RO that it is completely empty (no magazine inserted, no ammo in the chamber, tube or gun). This will be done prior to the shooter starting.
Carried muzzle straight up to the shooter.
Not exceed the requirements of the division you’re shooting in.
Not meeting the requirements of the above a, b and c rule will result in a Match Disqualification for the person handling the gun and the shooter can not use it.

10.8 Walls, props and banners can not be shot over, under or through unless stated differently in the WSB. If this happens, it is a Prohibited Action Penalty plus the targets engaged will be scored as a Miss.

10.9 The Match Director has the right to change or alter rules as needed. Any topic not covered in this ruleset is completely up to the match director.

10.10 There is no changing divisions during the match unless done so by the Range Master or Match Director

10.11 Mulligans can be purchased when you register online or at the range check in. A Mulligans allows you to re-shoot a stage for score. It can’t over turn a Match DQ. Anytime between the Make Ready command and the last shooter on your squad pressing approve on the scoring tablet, you can stop and tell the RO you’d like to use your Mulligan. After the last shooter on your squad presses Approve on the tablet ,it can not be used. Only one Mulligan can be used per competitor.