COSSA Practical Shooters
Safety
Training Manual
April 2009
Welcome to the safety
training manual for COSSA Practical Shooters (CPS) competition. The CPS
competition program includes International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA),
United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA/IPSC) and Mixed Steel
matches. All of these competitions test the shooter's ability to draw a handgun
from the holster and shoot accurately and quickly. While these matches are not
intended to instruct or prepare you for self-defense, regular participation in
practical shooting may improve your ability to handle firearms safely and
confidently under stressful conditions.
THE SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAM
COSSA Practical Shooters have
a simple, three tier safety training program for new shooters. The first tier
in the program is to read this manual and take a written exam. Both this manual
and the exam are on the COSSA web site (www.oregonshooting.com). You should
print the exam, answer the questions and present the completed exam to the
range officials at your first CPS match. Pretty simple so far, huh?
The second tier is a
formalized safety briefing for new shooters immediately prior to each match. The
purpose of the pre-match safety briefing is to explain what the shooter must do
to be safe at that day's match, and answer any questions the shooter may have. CPS
encourages each shooter to ask questions about any rule or match requirement
that he or she does not understand.
The third tier is successful
completion of your first CPS match under the mentorship of an experienced
competitor. At your first match you will be partnered with a knowledgeable
shooter who can advise you on the best and safest way to shoot the match. REMEMBER, SHOOTING THE MATCH SAFELY SHOULD
BE YOUR ONLY GOAL AT YOUR FIRST MATCH. DON'T WORRY ABOUT GOING FAST UNTIL YOU
ARE CONFIDENT IN YOUR ABILITY TO FOLLOW THE SAFETY RULES.
If you complete the match
safely (going fast is not the goal at your first match), you will receive a CPS Safety Card, which will allow you
to compete with confidence in practical shooting matches at COSSA and other
clubs.
PURPOSE AND GOAL OF THE SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAM
The purpose of the Safety
Training Program is to provide you with the knowledge necessary to safely begin
practical shooting competition. IDPA and USPSA/IPSC have common roots in
practical shooting competition and they share many similarities. Both
disciplines and Speed Steel require the shooter to draw from a holster and
safely engage various targets often moving from one firing point to another.
These activities are potentially dangerous if not done safely. As a
consequence, the rules of these shooting sports provide for match
disqualification for unsafe gun handling or other unacceptable conduct.
WHY ARE THE RULES SO STRICT?
If the following rules seem overly strict and uncompromising, please
take a moment to consider the consequences of an "accidental"
shooting to you, your family and your shooting friends. Think about living with
these consequences. The rules will be enforced… no fooling around.
The most important goal of
this training is SAFETY. Safety must
be the primary principle and objective that guides every competitor and range
official. Practical shooting competition has an excellent safety record
world-wide because of the culture of safety that is an integral part of the
sport. Every shooter is expected to know and observe the safety protocols and
rules, and every range official is expected to enforce those safety
requirements. Practical shooting is fun and safe because SAFETY always takes
precedence over all other concerns.
This manual is not intended
to replace the official rulebooks for either IDPA or IPSC. CPS recommends
highly that you join IDPA (www.idpa.com) and/or USPSA/IPSC (www.uspsa.org) and
learn the rules specific to each discipline. Each organization publishes a
magazine and provides services that will help you realize your potential as a
competitor. Knowing the rules makes for a more productive and fun shooting
experience.
NOTE: You do not have to join
USPSA to shoot in USPSA or CPS Mixed Steel club matches. IDPA does require
membership to compete in its matches; however you may shoot your first IDPA
match as a non-member.
GLOSSARY OF COMMONLY USED WORDS OR TERMS
BAY - Designated area of the
range for shooting a course of fire.
BERM - Earthen embankment
separating shooting bays.
CHL - Concealed Handgun
License.
COURSE OF FIRE (COF) - Scored
shooting event that is a component of a match.
CPS - COSSA Practical
Shooters
CYLINDER - Cylindrical part
of a revolver that stores 5-8 cartridges.
DISCHARGE - To fire or shoot.
DIVISION - Specific category
in which a shooter may compete.
DOWN-RANGE - Forward of the
shooter.
DQ - Match Disqualification.
DUMMY ROUND - Inert or
facsimile cartridge that is used to practice gun handling skills (loading,
reloading, unloading). Also: snap cap, practice round or training round.
ENGAGE - Act of aiming and
shooting at a target.
FAULT LINE - Designated
boundary, usually a length of lumber on the ground, beyond which the shooter
may not fire.
HEEL OF THE BUTT - Extreme
rearward portion of the grip or grip frame.
IDPA - International
Defensive Pistol Association.
IPSC - International
Practical Shooting Confederation.
MAGAZINE - Detachable,
box-like assembly that stores cartridges for firing in a semi-automatic pistol.
MAGAZINE WELL - Opening in
the grip frame of a semi-automatic that accepts the magazine.
MATCH - Competition event
comprised of several stages or courses of fire.
MATCH DISQUALIFICATION - Penalty
imposed on a shooter who commits an unsafe or unacceptable act during the
match. The disqualified shooter may not continue shooting in the match.
MUZZLE - Foremost end of the
barrel from which the bullet is propelled.
MUZZLE SAFE POINTS - Visible
reference points on an IDPA course of fire beyond which the muzzle may not
point up-range.
NROI - National Range Officer
Institute. Certifying body for USPSA range officials.
"180" VIOLATION -
Allowing the muzzle to point rearward or up-range on a USPSA/IPSC course of
fire.
POWER FACTOR - Minimum power
requirements for ammunition used in USPSA/IPSC competition.
POWER FLOOR - Minimum power
requirements for ammunition used in IDPA competition.
RANGE OFFICER - USPSA/IPSC
range official responsible for the safe administration of a course of fire. Also: RO
RANGE OFFICIAL - CPS member
serving as the match director, rangemaster or range officer at a CPS match.
SAFETY (SAFE) AREA -
Designated location at which the shooter may handle an unloaded firearm.
SAFETY OFFICER - IDPA range
official responsible for the safe administration of a course of fire. Also: SO
SPEED-LOADER - Device for
quick insertion of fresh ammunition into a revolver cylinder.
SQUAD - Group of shooters who
will compete together on each stage of the match.
SQUIB ROUND - Defective
cartridge that has a very low or non-existent powder charge.
STAGE - Individual
competitive event within a match. Also: course of fire.
UP-RANGE - Rearward of the
shooter.
USPSA - United States
Practical Shooting Association, which is the
HANDGUN, AMMUNITION AND HOLSTER REQUIREMENTS
You must have the proper gun
and equipment to compete, so let's talk about that first. Practical shooting
competition allows a wide variety of guns, calibers and holsters, but generally
speaking each discipline (USPSA/IPSC and IDPA) provides specific divisions in
which shooters may compete based on the type of gun, its caliber, ammunition power
factor and holster. In CPS Mixed Steel matches shooters generally shoot the
guns and gear they use in IDPA or USPSA/IPSC matches.
CPS range officials will help
you determine which division you should compete in when you register for the
match. It is recommended that you come to your first match before buying
equipment that you don't already have. You should talk to the experienced
shooters to find out what works best and what is most economical.
USPSA/IPSC and IDPA tend to vary
widely in this area, but there is some common ground for the new shooter to get
started and shoot both disciplines with the same gun and equipment. Since it is
not the purpose of this manual to cover the equipment provisions in the rule
books, let's look at what equipment is
needed for a new shooter to compete in a USPSA/IPSC and/or IDPA match.
Handgun
1. Semi-automatic pistol or double action revolver.
2. The minimum caliber allowable in handguns is 9mm Luger.
You may use a .22 LR semi-automatic pistol or revolver in CPS speed steel
matches. If you have a larger caliber handgun, that's fine. Bring it.
3. Standard "notch and post" sights. Open Division is
available in USPSA/IPSC for optical / electronic sights.
4. Safe and serviceable condition.
Bottom line for new shooters:
Bring a reliable service pistol or revolver.
Ammunition
1. Must be safe and reliable. Factory manufactured ammunition is
always a good choice. Reliable reloaded ammunition from a known, reputable
source can be very good. You should avoid "gun show" reloads. Most
ammo problems can be traced to such reloads.
2. Must meet the Power Factor or Power Floor requirements. These
requirements differ between IDPA and USPSA/IPSC, and they vary among the
divisions of each discipline. Consult the rule books or talk to an experienced
competitor for more information.
Bottom line for new shooters:
Just bring reliable ammo. Buy the less expensive factory generic full
metal jacket ammo if you do not reload or have access to good reloads. Don't
worry about the Power Factor at first.
Holster
1. The holster must be worn at waist level.
2. The holster must cover the trigger / trigger guard.
3. The holster must NOT allow the muzzle of the handgun to point
further than three feet from the competitor's feet.
4. All retaining straps or snaps on the holster must be engaged.
5. The holster must:
a) Position the
heel of the handgun's butt above the top of
the belt (USPSA/IPSC), or conceal the handgun under a garment (IDPA).
b) Reasonably
retain the handgun during normal activities.
6. The holster must be positioned on the waist:
a) Behind the
forward prominence of the pelvic girdle (USPSA/IPSC).
b) Behind the
center-line of the body as viewed from the side
(IDPA).
7. Shoulder holsters, small of the back and cross-draw holsters
are prohibited.
Bottom line for new shooters: An inexpensive, safe holster will get you
started. Leather, Kydex or polymer is best. A paddle holster will also work. Expect
to invest in more specialized holsters as you gain experience.
Belt
The holster belt must be
securely fixed at the waist or secured by at least three trouser belt loops.
The belt may NOT exceed 1-3/4" in width (IDPA).
Bottom line for new shooters: Use
a sturdy leather work belt or nylon tactical belt. A dress belt won't do the
job.
Magazines
You should have at least
three magazines or speed-loaders. Four or five is better.
Bottom line for new shooters: You have to have several magazines or
speed-loaders. No way around it.
Pouches
Magazine or speed-loader
pouches are positioned on the belt as described above (see HOLSTERS #6). Two
magazines on the belt are needed for IDPA. At least four magazines on the belt
should be carried for USPSA/IPSC.
Bottom line for new shooters: An inexpensive leather, Kydex or polymer double
magazine pouch will get you started. Get two for USPSA/IPSC.
EYE AND EAR PROTECTION
All persons, shooters and non-shooters, must wear
shock resistant eye protection (shatter-proof safety glasses) and ear
protection while on the firing facility whether actually firing or not. Ear protection may be foam ear plugs or muff-type
hearing protectors designed for shooting applications. Cotton balls, tissue
paper and empty cartridge cases are examples of unacceptable ear protection. If
you forgot your eye and ear protection, contact a range official to borrow a
set for the match.
SAFE GUN HANDLING WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT THE RANGE
COSSA practical shooting
competitions are "cold" ranges. That means that you may not handle your
handgun or other firearm except at the line when it is your time to shoot or in
the Safety Area. Handling your gun anywhere else will result in a match disqualification
(DQ).
1. You should transport your handgun to the range unloaded, no
magazine inserted and stored in a pistol case. A soft padded zipper pistol case
works well, or you may use a hard case (your pistol may have been sold to you
with its own hard case).
2. Leave your handgun in the case. Do not take it out or handle
it at your car. This violation will result in match disqualification.
3. At COSSA each practical shooting bay has a SAFETY AREA, which
is a yellow table marked Safety Area that faces into the side berm. If you do
not see a Safety Area, please ask a range official. Do not assume that just any
table is a safety area.
4. You may handle your handgun at the Safety Area. This is
the only place you may handle your handgun except when you have been called up
to shoot the stage AND the range official gives the command to "Make
Ready". Otherwise it stays in its holster or case.
You may bring your cased pistol to the Safety Area in order to place it
in your holster, dry-fire or otherwise inspect, clean or work on it. The Safety Area is the place to practice your draw or
show your buddy your new gun. At the end of the match you may bring your unloaded,
holstered pistol to the Safety Area and place it in its pistol case. Gun
handling any place else is prohibited. Violation is a match disqualification.
5. If you bring a loaded handgun to the match because you are a
law enforcement officer or CHL holder, please contact a range official
immediately before unloading or doing any gun handling. The range official will
take you to a safe location and supervise your unloading of the handgun. NOTE: CPS STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU
BRING YOUR PISTOL TO THE MATCH UNLOADED AND CASED. 6. You may not handle any ammunition in the
Safety Area. This is a strict prohibition that includes loose rounds, dummy
rounds, empty casings, loaded magazines or revolver speed-loaders (whether
loaded with live or dummy ammo). You may handle empty magazines and practice
magazine changes with them. Violation is a match disqualification.
7. You may handle ammunition at any other location at the
range. You can, for example, load magazines or speed-loaders at your car or
while you are waiting to shoot.
8. When you carry your handgun in its holster, the magazine
well must be empty (no magazine in the pistol) and the hammer or firing pin
(Glock-type) must be down in its most forward position. If you mistakenly
have a magazine in your handgun when you are not shooting, contact a range
official who will supervise unloading the handgun. Be warned that if the
magazine has any ammunition, live or dummy, a match disqualification will
result.
SAFE GUN HANDLING WHILE WAITING TO SHOOT
1. While you are waiting to
shoot, your handgun must be unloaded in the holster or pistol case with no
magazine in the magazine well and the hammer down. If you wish to handle
your gun, you must take it to a Safety Area. Remember, you may not handle any
ammunition, live or dummy, at the Safety Area.
2. If you drop your handgun for any reason (as an
example, maybe you knocked it against a stage prop and it fell out of the
holster), raise your hand and call for an RO. The RO will clear the range and
pick your gun up for you. Under no circumstances should you pick up your gun
yourself. This rule applies whether
you are actually shooting a stage or simply waiting in between stages. Violation
will result in match disqualification.
3. Remember, you may handle ammunition and load magazines or
speed-loaders while waiting to shoot as long as you are not at a Safety Area.
SAFE GUN HANDLING WHILE SHOOTING THE COURSE OF FIRE
The individual shooter is
personally responsible for safely shooting through the course of fire. This responsibility
boils down to three simple, but very important safety requirements:
1. The shooter must keep
the muzzle of the handgun pointed down-range at all times. This requirement
applies while shooting, loading, unloading, reloading, moving, negotiating
obstacles, maneuvering through or around props, falling down or clearing
malfunctions. To put it another way: the muzzle can never point up-range (to
the rear) for any reason.
In USPSA/IPSC matches this requirement means that the muzzle must never
point rearward of an imaginary 180 degree plane across the shooting bay that
moves with the shooter.
In IDPA matches the muzzle must not point rearward of designated
"Muzzle Safe Points", which will probably be at or near the 180
degree plane.
2. The shooter must keep the
finger outside the trigger guard at all times. This requirement applies
while loading, unloading, reloading, drawing, holstering, clearing malfunctions
and moving (unless actually aiming at and engaging targets). The only exception
is loading a selective single/double action semi-automatic handgun (i.e. CZ 75
or clones) immediately following the "Load and Make Ready" command,
in which case the trigger may be pulled to allow the hammer to be lowered.
3. The shooter must be sure
that the handgun, ammunition, holster and related equipment is safe,
serviceable and complies with the requirements of the division in which the
shooter is competing. This means that your handgun must be reliable
(consistently functions and does not malfunction) and in proper shooting
condition with all safety devices operable. Your ammunition must be safe and
reliable. Your holster must be of a safe design (see section on Safe and Proper Equipment) and hold the
handgun securely. It is your responsibility to know the rules and make sure
your gun, ammo, holster and other equipment are legal for your division.
COURSE OF FIRE COMMANDS
When it is your turn to
shoot, you will be called to the start location. Move directly to the start
location. Do not touch your handgun. At the start location the RO will give you
a series of commands to prepare you to shoot.
The commands differ slightly between IDPA and USPSA/IPSC. Remember, you must wait for the RO to give
the command before you can draw your gun and load it.
The commands are:
"Make Ready." (IPSC)
"Load and Make Ready" (IDPA)
This command means that you
may load a magazine into your pistol, chamber a round and holster it. Handling your gun before the range official
gives this command will result in a match disqualification.
"Are You Ready?" (IPSC)
"Shooter
Ready" (IDPA)
The RO is asking you if you
are ready for the Start Signal. You may indicate your readiness by saying
"Ready" or nodding your head or simply not moving.
"Stand-By" (IPSC and IDPA)
If you have indicated that
you are ready for the Start Signal, the RO will give you the signal within one
to four seconds.
Start Signal
The Start Signal will usually
be a sound (i.e. electronic timer beep), but may be visual or shooter initiated
(i.e. pushing a button).
"Finger" (IDPA)
"Muzzle" (IDPA)
These are warnings issued by
the RO to the shooter if the shooter starts to move the trigger finger into the
trigger guard while not shooting or starts to point the muzzle in an unsafe
direction. The shooter must immediately correct these errors. NOTE: There are no
warnings for these violations in USPSA/IPSC competition. The shooter will be
stopped and receive a match disqualification.
"STOP!" (IPSC and IDPA)
The RO may issue this command
at any time during the course of fire. The shooter must immediately stop shooting,
trigger finger out of the trigger guard, muzzle in a safe direction. The RO may
require the shooter to unload, show clear and holster. You should follow all commands
without delay or dispute. Once you have holstered and the range is declared
clear/safe, you can discuss the situation with the RO.
"If You Are Finished, Unload and Show Clear"
(IPSC)
"Unload and Show Clear" (IDPA)
This is the command at the
end of the stage to completely unload your handgun in safe manner, hold or lock
the slide to the rear (open cylinder on revolvers) and allow the RO to visually
inspect your handgun. IMPORTANT: It is
your responsibility, not the RO responsibility, to ensure that your gun is
unloaded.
"If Clear, hammer down, holster" (IPSC)
"Slide Down" or "Cylinder Closed"
(IDPA)
"Hammer Down" "Holster" (IDPA)
This is the command to close the
slide or cylinder, press the trigger to absolutely ensure that no round remains
in the chamber, and safely holster. If your handgun fires during this process,
you will be subject to a match disqualification.
"The Range Is Clear" (IPSC)
"Range Is Safe" (IDPA)
This command informs the
shooter, score-keeper and other
shooters that the course of fire is ended, and it is safe to move forward to
score and re-set the stage.
WHAT IS CONSIDERED UNSAFE GUN HANDLING?
Match Disqualification
Unsafe gun handling is a
safety violation that will result in a match disqualification. Match
disqualification means that you are prohibited from any further shooting in
that match. In a nutshell, you are done for the day. If
this happens to you, don't feel too bad. Match disqualification happens to
almost every competitor at one time or another. It is a somewhat painful, but
valuable part of the sport. Match disqualification helps ensure the safety of
practical shooting competition, and it is an important learning experience for
every shooter. If you ask experienced practical shooters, you will find that
many of them have been "DQ'ed" at some point in their shooting
career. It is not a disgrace.
No one likes to be DQ'ed, but
it is important to handle it with grace. It shows good sportsmanship and class
to stick around and help run the match for your fellow shooters.
Unsafe gun handling as defined by IDPA rules
Includes, but is not limited
to the following:
1. Endangering any person including yourself.
2. Pointing the muzzle beyond "Muzzle Safe Points".
3. Handling a loaded firearm except while on the firing line. Unloaded firearms may be handled
only in designated "safe areas".
NOTE: In IDPA competition there are only three instances in which the
gun may be removed from the holster:
1. While engaging targets
in a course of fire under the supervision of a safety officer.
2. Upon verbal instruction
from a SO.
3. When in a designated
"safe area".
4. Dropping a loaded firearm. Remember, do not attempt to pick up
the gun yourself. Wait for the SO to pick it up, unload it and return it to you
for holstering.
5. Dangerous or repeated "finger in trigger guard"
violations during loading, unloading, reloading, drawing, holstering or
remedial action.
6. A premature shot fired in the holster, or striking behind the
firing line, or striking the ground downrange closer to the shooter than two
yards, or fired over a berm.
Unsafe gun handling as defined by USPSA/IPSC rules
Including, but not limited to
the following:
1. Firing a shot accidentally which:
a) Travels over a
berm or in any other direction specified as unsafe
by the written stage briefing.
b) Strikes the
ground within 10 feet of the competitor.
c) Is fired while
loading, reloading or unloading a handgun.
d) Is fired while
clearing a malfunction.
e) Is fired while
transferring the handgun between hands.
f) Is fired
during movement, except while actually shooting at targets.
2. Handling a firearm at any time except when in a designated safe
area or when under the supervision of and in response to a direct command
issued by an RO.
3. Allowing the muzzle of a loaded or unloaded gun to point up-range
or to the rear of 180 degrees at any time during a course of fire
NOTE: A course of fire begins at
the "Make Ready" command and ends at the "Range Is Clear"
command.
4. Dropping the handgun at any time during a course of fire.
5. Allowing the muzzle to point at any part of the competitor's
body (i.e. "sweeping") except while drawing or holstering and only
then if the fingers are clearly outside the trigger guard.
6. While facing down-range, allowing the muzzle of a loaded
handgun to point up-range beyond three feet from the competitor's feet while
drawing or re-holstering.
7. Failing to keep the finger outside the trigger guard during
loading, unloading, reloading, clearing malfunctions or moving (unless actually
aiming and shooting at targets while moving).
8. Holstering a loaded handgun in the following conditions:
a) A
single-action semi-automatic pistol (1911-type) with the safety not applied.
b) A double
action pistol (Beretta-type) with the hammer cocked.
c) A selective
action pistol (CZ 75-type) with the safety not applied.
d) A revolver
with the hammer cocked.
9. Handling live or dummy ammunition (to include practice or
training rounds, snap caps and empty cases), loaded magazines or speed-loaders
in a Safety Area. The word "handling" does not include possession of
loaded magazines or speed-loaders on the belt, in the pockets or in the range
bag if the shooter does not physically remove
or handle those items while
in the Safety Area.
10. Possessing a loaded handgun other than when specifically ordered
to by the RO.
11. Picking up a dropped handgun. A dropped handgun must always be
retrieved by an RO. The RO will, after checking and/or clearing the gun, place
it directly into the competitor's holster, gun case or gun bag. This rule
applies whether the handgun is dropped during a course of fire or anywhere on
the range outside a course of fire.
12. Using ammunition deemed unsafe by a range official (exception for
multiple squibs. See Glossary).
13. Drawing a handgun while facing up-range.
14. Shooting at a metal target closer than 23 feet, or firing at a
metal target after violating a fault line.
15. Exhibiting Unsportsmanlike Conduct. This violation includes, but
is not limited to cheating, dishonesty, foul and disrespectful language,
abusive harassment, failing to comply with the reasonable directions of a match
official, or any other behavior likely to bring the sport into disrepute.
16. Being visibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED TO RUN A SAFE AND FUN MATCH
Practical shooting is
especially enjoyable because it provides an opportunity to socialize with
fellow shooters. A very important requirement in this social interaction is the
need for each squad to work as a team to conduct the competition in an
efficient and fair manner. Every shooter should strive to jump in and help.
Practical shooting is work
intense, and one or two people cannot set-up and conduct a match without the
help of the shooters. It is very true in practical shooting that you get out of
it what you put into it. Your help is invaluable and will contribute greatly to
the success of the match and your own enjoyment.
Here are some examples of what you can do to help:
Arrive in time to sign in. If the match starts at 9:00 AM, it is good to arrive
about 8:15 or 8:30 to register for the match and look the stages over. New
shooters should especially try to arrive early.
Arrive early to help with set-up. Set-up is the hardest part of running a match and your
help is much appreciated. Helping out shows that you care about your sport, and
it gives you an opportunity to gain insight into how to shoot the stages.
Volunteer to help run the stages. You will be assigned to a "squad" of
shooters. Your squad will rotate through the stages of the match and each
shooter in the squad will shoot each stage. It takes the efforts of several
people to run a shooter through a stage.
A well-experienced or NROI/IDPA certified shooter may
serve as the RO or SO on a particular stage. The RO is responsible for issuing the range commands, ensuring that
the shooter safely fires the stage, recording the shooter's time, scoring the
shooter's targets and noting any procedural penalties.
Even if you are not very experienced you can serve as
the Assistant RO or scorekeeper on a stage. This job requires that you call out the shooter who is up to shoot
("BOB IS THE SHOOTER"), the shooter who is next in line ("TIM IS
ON DECK") and the shooter who is third in line ("JEFF IS IN THE
HOLE"). You will also record the shooter's time and score as announced by
the RO or SO and obtain the shooter's initials on the score card.
Every shooter can help out by taping the targets and
re-setting metal targets after they have been scored by the RO or SO.
NOTE: Please do not approach, touch or tape the paper targets until
they have been scored by the RO. Those actions may result in penalties for you
or the shooter, or may invalidate the shooter's score. If a metal target did
not fall when hit, do not touch it, but wait for the RO to rule on it before
re-setting.
Help pick up the other shooters' brass. They will re-pay the favor to you. Brass is expensive
these days and most shooters would like to recover at least some of their fired
brass. Each squad will have a plastic container in which to place brass before
the squad moves to the next stage. Shooters can recover brass from the bucket
during and after the match. Be fair and share the wealth. Do not expect to
recover all your specific casings, and do not be disappointed if you don't get
all your brass back. The darn things like to hide!
THANKS FOR READING THIS SAFETY TRAINING MANUAL. YOU
SHOULD NOW BE READY TO TAKE THE SAFETY TRAINING EXAM. GOOD LUCK!