COSSA PRACTICAL SHOOTERS

ORIENTATION STUDY GUIDE

IPSC / USPSA MATCHES

January 1, 2006

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to IPSC safety training. This orientation and IPSC safety information will cover safety practices and range procedures / courtesies that are used in IPSC shooting. This training does not cover shooting principles or concealed weapons criteria. Our goal is to show you how to compete in IPSC matches safely and have fun shooting in IPSC competition. You should find, however, that the regular shooting in IPSC type matches will improve your ability to handle firearms safely under stressed conditions.

IPSC shooting is not intended to put you in “real life” situations or simulate potential scenarios where you may have to use a firearm. IPSC shooting tests your skills and abilities to shoot fast, accurately. Take your time during training and your first few matches, speed will come, as you feel more comfortable and with time. The single biggest mistake that new shooters make is trying to go TOO FAST.

The letters IPSC, stand for “International Practical Shooting Confederation”. IPSC is the governing organization that covers our type of practical shooting worldwide. USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association) is the governing organization that covers our type of practical shooting within the United States. Whenever possible we follow IPSC rules, unless superseded by USPSA rules. In addition to defining IPSC rules, USPSA also sets policy, procedures, markets out type of shooting, oversees the National Championships and keeps the records and statistics for everyone who becomes a member of USPSA. You do not have to be a member of USPSA to shoot in IPSC, but we recommend that you join. The advantages will be explained later in this manual. You do not have to be a member of either the Central Oregon Sport Shooting Association (COSSA) or any other club in Oregon in order to shoot IPSC matches at their clubs. A list of regular club matches is listed at the end of this manual along with some helpful web sites, names, phone numbers and email addresses. We have also included an application for USPSA and COSSA at the end of the manual.

This training manual is designed for you to study at your leisure. It DOES NOT replace the official USPSA Rules and Regulations; it is only an orientation and tool for safety. Please read a section, answer the questions at the end, check your answers at the end of the manual and then go on to the next section. There is a final test at the end of the manual.

Now, Sit Down, Buckle Up and Hang On because you are going to feel the excitement that is IPSC shooting.

Questions from the Introduction Section:

Be sure to answer all the questions. If you are not sure about an answer, turn back one page and review, then answer the question. Check your answers on the master answer sheet. If you missed the answer, correct your original answer. Please be sure to write down any questions that you would like to ask one of the experienced shooters.

1. What is the biggest mistake new shooters make?

2. What do the letters USPSA stand for?

3. Do you have to belong to COSSA to shoot in an IPSC match at any club in the United States?

4. What is the goal of this training program?

HERE IS A LIST OF COMMONLY USED WORDS AND PHRASES AND WHAT THEY MEAN. .

180 LINE – The imaginary line that extends right, left, up and down parallel with your arms and body, if you stick your arms straight out to your sides while facing downrange at the targets

ARO - Assistant Range Officer

CATEGORY – Special shooting groups i.e. ladies, juniors, and seniors

CLASS – Shooting level assigned by USPSA, based on Classifier stage scores

CLASSIFIER – Shooting stage used to measure a competitors shooting level

COMSTOCK – Method of scoring where no limits are placed on time or number of rounds fired.

CREEPING – Moving between the “Standby” command and the start alarm

DIVISION – Shooting category defining the type of equipment being used

DOWNRANGE – Facing the targets. The far end of the shooting bay.

DQ - Match Disqualification

DVC - “Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas” in Latin, “Accuracy, Power, Speed” in English.

FAULT LINES – Foot barriers set up to show the limits of movement towards targets.

FREESTYLE – Your choice in how you hold the handgun and engage the targets.

HARD COVER – Target coverings that are considered impenetrable by a full bullet diameter hit

IN THE HOLE – Two competitors down the list from the shooter, follows on deck competitor

IPSC - “International Practical Shooting Confederation”

JUNIOR – Category of a competitor who is under 18 years old.

LIMITED – Division describing type of firearm used in competition

LIMITED 10 – Division describing type of firearm limited to 10 rounds in magazine

MAGAZINE – Clip holding extra rounds and inserted in handgun

MATCH – Shooting event consisting of 4 stages or more

NO SHOOT – Non shooting target that results in a penalty if hit

ON DECK – Next competitor to shoot after the shooter

ON THE LINE – The start position at a shooting stage

OPEN- Division describing type of firearm that can have major modifications

POWER FACTOR – Indicates what power level you are shooting. It is a momentum equation pertaining to mass times velocity. For those of you mathematically inclined, it is bullet grains x velocity (fps) divided by 1000.

PRODUCTION – Division describing type of firearm that is double action on the first shot and has holster and magazine pouch position requirements.

RO - Range Officer

SENIOR – Category of a competitor who is 50 to 59 years of age

SOFT COVER – Target obstructions that can be shot through

STAGES – Individual course of fire

STRONG HAND – The trigger hand that you normally hold the pistol with

SUPER SENIOR – Category of a competitor who is 60 years or older

SWEEPING – Passing a portion of your body in front of the firearm muzzle

UPRANGE – Standing with your back to the targets

USPSA - “United States Practical Shooting Association”

VIRGINIA COUNT – Method of scoring where there are limits on the number of rounds shot

WEAK HAND – The non-trigger hand with which you normally hold the pistol.

Questions from the Terminology Section:

Be sure to answer all the questions. If your not sure about an answer, turn back one page and review, then answer the question. Check your answers on the master answer sheet. If you missed the answer then correct your original answer. Be sure to write down any questions that you would like to ask the staff.

5. What is an “RO”?

6. What does “Virginia Count” mean?

7. What is a “Magazine” in IPSC shooting?

8. When your on the line, where are you?

9. What does “Comstock” mean?

10. When your back is to the targets, and the far end of the shooting bay, what direction are you facing?

11. What does “Freestyle” mean?

12. What is “Soft Cover”?

13. Does “DQ” mean Dairy Queen? If not what does it mean?

14. What is a “Stage”?

15. What category are you when you are 60 years old?

SAFETY

The most important goal of this orientation manual is SAFETY. IPSC ranges are considered cold ranges, no handgun handling except at the line and the Safety Areas. There are only two places that you can handle your handgun, at the line when the Range Officer says “Load and Make Ready” and in the Safety Areas. Handling your handgun anywhere except in the previously mentioned areas will result in a match DQ. We take safety very seriously.

You can handle your ammo anywhere on the range EXCEPT at the Safety Area. Stop and think about this, you can handle your handgun but not your ammo in the safety area. Yes, we do not want anyone loading a handgun in the Safety Area. Safety Areas, at most ranges, are tables facing dirt berms and marked Safety Area. If you don’t see one at the range you are competing at, ask. Do not assume you know where the Safety Area is if it is not marked.

Answer these questions with a yes:

1. Can you load your magazines with ammo at your car?

2. Can you load your magazines with ammo when waiting to shoot?

3. Can you take your handgun out of its gun bag in the Safety Area?

4. Can you practice drawing your handgun in the Safety Area?

5. Can you show your buddy your handgun in the Safety Area?

You should not see any competitors walking around with a magazine in their handguns or hammers locked backed. If you do, mention it to the nearest Range Officer.

When it is your time to shoot, wait for the RO to give you the command to “Load and Make Ready”. Handling your handgun before the RO gives you this command will result in a match DQ.

Let me give you another scenario. If you are “On Deck” and testing out a shooting position, and you turn around and hit your handgun on a prop and knock it out of your holster. What should you do? Raise your hand and get the RO’s attention. The RO will clear the range and pick up your handgun for you. DO NOT pick up your handgun, it will result in a match DQ.

More safety issues will be covered later in this manual.

Questions from the Safety Section:

Be sure to answer all the questions. If your not sure about an answer, turn back one page and review, then answer the question. Check your answers on Page 20 if you missed the answer then correct your original answer. Be sure to write down any questions that you would like to ask the instructor.

16. What are the two places that you can handle your handgun on the range?

17. Where CAN’T you handle ammo?

18. What is the penalty for handling your handgun in the wrong place?

19. What is the single most important goal in this training program?

20. Your picking up some brass, you bend down and your handgun falls out on the ground, what do you do?

EQUIPMENT

Now let us talk about what equipment you will need to compete in IPSC competition. Let’s start with safety again. You will need ear protection in the form of ear plugs, ear muffs, special electronic ears or any combination of all. Eye protection can be in the form of glasses, shooting glasses or safety glasses. Eye and ear protection is mandatory in all IPSC competitions.

IPSC has special requirements for holsters. Here are some of the most important:

1. Holster must cover the trigger

2. The belt carrying the holster and all allied equipment shall be at waist level. Either the belt or the inner belt or both must be permanently fixed at the waist or fixed with a minimum of three belt loops. Female competitors may be permitted to wear belts carrying their holster and other equipment at the hip level.

3. Tie down rigs, shoulder holsters or a holster with the heel of the butt of the pistol below the top of the belt are prohibited.

4. A holster, with the muzzle of the handgun pointing farther than 1 meter from the competitor’s feet while standing relaxed is prohibited.

Other holster requirements are listed in the latest edition of the IPSC Rule Book.

Handguns are divided into 5 different US divisions based on the type of gun, modifications and position of the holster. Here is a list and description of each division.

1. Revolver – Minimum 9mm, production gun only, maximum weight of 2 ounces above factory weight, no external modifications (porting, compensators, optical sights). Replacement sights, replacement grips, replacement cylinder releases, internal modifications to improve function and reliability are allowed. Minimum major power factor is 165 and minimum minor power factor is 125. Power factors will be discussed in the section on Targets, Scoring and Power Factors.

2. Production – Minimum 9mm, production gun only, maximum barrel length of 5”, minor power factor of 125 minimum only, double action, holster and allied equipment must be worn behind the center of hip bone. Action work to enhance reliability and replacement sights are allowed. Maximum 10 rounds in magazine.

3. Limited 10 – Minimum 9mm, production gun only, minimum major power factor is 165 and minimum minor power factor is 125. Internal modifications to improve accuracy, reliability and function are allowed, external modifications such as weights, or devices to control or reduce recoil are specifically not allowed. Maximum of 10 rounds loaded in magazine. No ports, optics or compensators are allowed. Magwells and other external modifications are allowed as per Rulebook.

4. Limited – Minimum 9mm, production gun only, minimum major power factor is 165 and minimum minor power factor is 125. Internal modifications to improve accuracy, reliability and function are allowed, external modifications such as weights, or devices to control or reduce recoil are specifically not allowed. Maximum magazine length is 140mm.

5. Open - Minimum major power factor is 165 and minimum minor power factor is 125. Maximum magazine length is 170mm. Optics, ports, compensators, external modifications are allowed. These are “all out” race guns.

Questions from the Equipment Section:

Be sure to answer all the questions. If your not sure about an answer, turn back one page and review, then answer the question. Check your answers on Page 22, if you missed the answer then correct your original answer. Be sure to write down any questions that you would like to ask the instructor.

21. What is the round limit loaded in Limited 10 handgun magazines?

22. Can optics be used on Open guns?

23. Is Ear and Eye protection required in shooting an IPSC match?

24. Where is the holster worn when shooting Production Class?

25. Can a competitor modify a limited handgun?

26. Can recoil reducers be used on limited handguns?

27. Production handguns can be single action on the first shot. True or False?

TARGETS, SCORING AND POWER FACTOR

Here is where the fun begins, the bottom line, the measuring stick, the place where the bullet meets the target. Remember DVC (Accuracy, Power, Speed)? IPSC has put together a unique way of measuring a competitor’s shooting ability through measuring accuracy, power and speed. Lets talk about accuracy first.

The standard IPSC targets used in competition are IPSC paper, Steel Pepper Popper, US (small) Steel Pepper Popper and 8” Round Steel Plate. The most common target used, in stages, is the standard IPSC paper target. It is divided into 4 scoring areas, A, B, C, and D zones by very fine cuts in the target. Please take a look at the 1/3 size IPSC target at the end of the handout. A bullet hole breaking a line always gets the higher score. Example; a bullet hole in the “C” zone that breaks the “A-C” line is counted as an “A” hit. An “A” hit is always worth 5 points; B, C or D hits are worth different values depending on what Power Factor your shooting. Take a look at the scoring chart below, and then we will talk about Power Factors.

Hit Value (Major) Value (Minor)

A 5 5

B 4 3

C 4 3

D 2 1

Steel 5 5

IPSC has put in the Power Factor formula to equalize the scoring between larger and smaller handguns. It stands for reason that a 45 caliber handgun will recoil more and take longer to bring the sights back on target than a 9mm handgun or a normally loaded 40 caliber handgun. Thus, IPSC put into place a Power Factor formula to even up the competition. Here is the formula: Bullet Weight times Bullet Speed divided by 1000. If the Power Factor falls in the area of 125 to164, then that handgun is considered to be MINOR (for scoring purposes). If the Power Factor falls in the area of 165 or higher, then the handgun is considered to be MAJOR (for scoring purposes). If the Power Factor is under 125 then the handgun cannot be used in competition. Here is an example: a 45 caliber handgun is shooting a 200grain bullet at 850 feet per second. Using the formula (200 X 850 divided by 1000) the Power Factor is 170 and considered MAJOR. 9mm, 38’s, 40’s in Limited, Limited 10, Production and Revolver are normally considered MINOR. 45’s, 10mm and 40’s (that are pushed hotter with additional powder) are normally considered MAJOR. Most regular matches do not have a Chronograph set up to check Power Factors and we take the competitor’s word for Power Factor. Matches above the regular monthly level will check Power Factor. When you sign up at the beginning of a match you will be asked what Power Factor you’re shooting. The computer will automatically score your hits according to Major or Minor.

Here is the Third part of DVC. Speed is measured by a timer that measures your shots out to the hundredth of a second. When the RO pushes the start button and the buzzer sounds, you begin shooting, the timer measures every shot taken including the last shot. The last shot measured is your total time for that stage. Now we add another IPSC

measuring tool called the HIT FACTOR. The hit factor is a formula put in place to even out the faster competitors verses the more accurate competitors. Here is the formula: Total Points Scored (minus penalties) divided by Time = Hit Factor. All competitors are ranked, by Hit Factor, on each stage fired. Stage points are given by this ranking and Match totals are figured by adding up these stage points. Take a look at this example:

Shooter #1 scores 100 points (total hits) in 10 seconds, their Hit Factor (using the above formula) is a 10.

Shooter #2 scores 90 points (total hits) in 9 seconds, their Hit Factor (using the above formula) is a 10.

This sounds good, but in reality you will see experienced competitors who both shoot good and do it fast. This is a sport and people do practice to be the best they can be at shooting IPSC.

If you noticed in the above paragraph that (minus penalties) was put in the formula, so what are the penalties? The Stage Description will tell you how many rounds score on paper and if steel has to be knocked down to score. It is your responsibility to read and understand the course description, if you have a question ask the RO before you shoot. If the Course Description states that the best two hits on paper score, then you have to put two hits on paper otherwise there is a penalty for each round missed. Here is a list of penalties and their values:

Miss -10 points

No Shoot -10 points

Failure to engage a non-disappearing target -10 points

Extra shot (Virginia Count or Timed Fire) -10 points

Extra hit (Virginia Count or Timed Fire) -10 points

Failure to follow course description (called a procedural) -10 points or Match DQ

Please remember that you can never score below a zero on anyone stage and it does not affect your scores on another stage. We will explain Virginia Count, Timed Fire and Procedurals later in the manual. A miss does not score a penalty on disappearing targets.

Here is an example of scoring where penalties apply. Most paper targets require at least 2 hits on paper. Many times you will see a No-Shoot target partially covering a regular target, this tightens up the scoring area on the regular target. If you shoot twice and put one round in the good target (A zone hit) and one round in the No-Shoot, here is your score on that target array. 5 points for the good hit, -10 points for the miss and –10 for hitting the No-Shoot.

Questions from the Targets, Scoring and Power Factor Section:

Be sure to answer all the questions. If your not sure about an answer, turn back one page and review, then answer the question. Check your answers on Page 20, if you missed the answer then correct your original answer. Be sure to write down any questions that you would like to ask the instructor.

28. A hit in the A zone is worth how many points?

29. If a hit is on the line between the A and C zone, what score do you get?

30. If your shooting a 200 grain bullet at 800 feet per second, what is your power factor and are you shooting Major or Minor?

31. When you knock down a steel target, what score do you get ?

32. What is the formula for Hit Factor?

33. What is the penalty for a miss on a non-disappearing target?

34. What is the penalty for hitting a No-Shoot target?

35. How do you know how many rounds score on paper on a particular stage?

36. Who do you ask if you don’t understand the course description?

37. If you fail to follow the course procedures, do you loose scoring points?

38. Does the fastest shooter win the stage?

STAGES

Stages or courses of fire are designed to challenge the competitor and not give advantage or disadvantage to physical differences in people. Stages should be neither too easy nor too hard, but fun to shoot. Stages should be 8 round neutral, which means that targets are arranged in arrays that require 8 rounds or less to be fired from each shooting position and then there is some movement (time to reload) before the next array of targets. Each stage has a written course description and it is the shooters responsibility to understand that course of fire before they shoot. Any questions should be directed to the RO. Please take a look at the attached course description. The major parts of a course description are; Starting Position, Scoring Section, Stage Procedure and Stage layout.

The Starting Position makes sure that all competitors start the same way and at times this can be challenging.

The Scoring Section indicates the Type of Scoring, round count, points available, number and types of targets, scored hits, how the stage starts and ends; and possible penalties or procedurals. There are three types of stages, Comstock, Virginia Count and Timed Fire. The most common type is Comstock, which means that you can shoot as many rounds as you want to accomplish hitting all the targets. The time it takes from the starting buzzer to the last shot fired is the Total Time.

Virginia Count means that you have to shoot the exact round count (as stated in the course description) and there are penalties for extra shots and extra hits on targets. The time it takes from the starting buzzer to the last shot fired is the Total Time.

Timed Fire is exactly what it sounds like. You have a fixed amount of time to engage as many targets as the course description states. There are penalties for extra rounds fired and extra hits during the course of fire plus penalties for going overtime on the stop buzzer.

The Stage Procedure tells you what to do in the stage and how to complete it. If there are special procedures to follow, like mandatory reloads, this is where you will find them. Read it carefully because failure to follow these instructions can lead to –10-point procedural penalties. In some cases, special penalties are described in this section.

The approximate layout of the stage is shown in the Stage Layout Section. Due to one-dimensional drawings, these drawings only indicate approximately how the stage is designed.

Questions from the Stages Section:

Be sure to answer all the questions. If your not sure about an answer, turn back one page and review, then answer the question. Check your answers on the master answer listing. If you missed the answer then correct your original answer. Be sure to write down any questions that you would like to ask one of the Range Officers.

39. What are the three types of stages?

40. Are you limited to the number of rounds fired in a Comstock Stage?

41. Whose responsibility is it to understand the course description?

42. What happens if you fire a round after the buzzer has sounded ending a Timed Fire stage?

43. What type of stage is a Virginia Stage?

44. What section on the course description tells you how many rounds count on paper targets?

CLASSIFIER STAGES AND CLASSIFICATIONS

Within most matches there is one stage called the Classifier. It comes from the USPSA National Classification Book and has to be set up according to the instructions in the book, exactly. All clubs across the United States use Classifier Stages, out of this book, and USPSA keeps on file the scores of each USPSA competitor for each Classifier Stage. All scores are compared to a HHF (High Hit Factor) which is an average of the top ten scores shot by Grand Master level competitors. Each USPSA member, who shoots that same stage, is given a percentile figure based on how their hit factor compares to the best. When you join USPSA and shoot at least 4 classifiers you will be given a card with a classification level on it. Here are the levels and their percentages:

Unclassified – not enough classifiers in. Less than four classifiers submitted.

D – 2 to 40%

C - 40 to 59.9%

B – 60 to 74.9%

A – 75 to 84.9%

Master – 85 to 94.9%

Grand Master 95 to %100

New members who do not have enough classifier stages in and non-members are unclassified shooters. After you receive your first classification, each classifier score that is sent in to USPSA moves your average either up or down. You can not go down in classification once you obtain a higher level, even if your average percentage drops unless you petition USPSA. Example: once you become a “C” class shooter and your average drops to 39%, you still stay a “C” class shooter, however, if your average goes up to 60% then you move up to a “B” class shooter. Why do we have these Classifications? This allows competitors with similar shooting abilities to compete against each other. Example: “B” Class Limited Shooters compete against all other “B” Class Limited Shooters. This is the same for every Division and every Class.

Once you have your initial classification and continue to shoot classifiers USPSA will look at the average of the highest six of the 8 most recent percentages, on a monthly basis, to see if they need to move you up. As you score better with the Classifiers, the lower scores will drop out and your average will move up.

USPSA Classified Competitors can go anywhere in the United States and compete against shooters in their own class. The Classification system is not perfect, but it is surprisingly accurate in estimating a shooters skill level.

All Classifier Stage scores must be sent to USPSA; however, scores that are above a shooters class bracket by more than 15% are not counted. Scores that are more than 5% below the bottom of the member’s class bracket are not counted. This keeps the average from jumping up and down too fast and gives a more accurate percentage. It also eliminates issues associated with data entry errors.

Questions from the Classifier Section:

Be sure to answer all the questions. If your not sure about an answer, turn back one page and review, then answer the question. Check your answers on the master answer sheet. , if you missed the answer then correct your original answer. Be sure to write down any questions that you would like to ask the instructor

45. Why do IPSC competitors shoot Classifier Stages?

46. Can an IPSC competitor be classified if they don’t belong to USPSA?

47. How many Classifier Stages do you need to shoot to be classified?

48. What is the highest Classified Position a competitor can reach?

49. Once you become a “C” class shooter can you go down to a “D” class shooter?

50. If you have a 70% Classifier average, what class are you?

51. After your initial classification, how often does USPSA look at your averages?

STAGE COMMANDS

The Range Officer is the Match official in charge of competitor action on a stage. This official ensures that competitors comply with the stage instructions. The Range Officer stations himself/herself in close proximity to the competitor to observe correct procedure and issues the range commands and oversees safe competitor behavior. Now it is your turn to shoot, you step up to the line and wait for the Range Officer’s commands. Here is what you should hear.

1. “Load and Make Ready” The competitor will face down range and prepare the handgun in accordance with the stage description. The competitor will then assume the required ready position. At this point, the Range Officer shall proceed. If you have any questions about the stage, ask the Range Officer before you prepare your handgun, this is also the time to take a sight picture with an unloaded handgun. Good protocol is to ask the RO if you can take a sight picture.

2. “Are You Ready?” You have several options at this point. First, if there is a lack of any negative response, the RO will assume you are Ready. Second, you can say ready or nod your head up and down. Third, you must shout “Not Ready” if you’re not ready to go.

3. “Standby” This command will be followed by the start signal within 1-4 seconds. If you move after the “Standby” command and the start signal you could be assessed a procedural penalty for “Creeping”.

4. “Start Signal” The audible or visual signal to begin the course of fire. The buzzer on a timer.

5. “Stop” This command may be issued by officiating officers at any time during the course of fire. The competitor shall immediately cease firing, stand still and wait for further instructions from the Range Officer.

6. “If You Are Finished, Unload and Show Clear” When the Range Officer issues this command and the competitor has finished the course of fire, the competitor shall lower his/her handgun, drop the magazine, unload the chamber and hold the handgun open for inspection.

7. “If Clear, Hammer Down, Holster” This command is given after the Range Officer is satisfied that the handgun is unloaded and safe for further action. At CPS a competitor can holster or bag their handgun upon this command. Some matches require competitors to come to the line with their handgun holstered. If that is the case then you must bag and un-bag at a Safety Area.

8. “Range is Clear” Competitor, Range Officials or other squad members will not move forward until they hear this command.

Questions from Range Commands Section :

Be sure to answer all the questions. If your not sure about an answer, turn back one page and review, then answer the question. Check your answers on Page 20, if you missed the answer then correct your original answer. Be sure to write down any questions that you would like to ask the instructor or one of the experienced shooters.

52. Can you move after the “Standby” command and before the start buzzer?

53. When you come to the line, as the next shooter, what are the six commands you will hear during the course of fire?

54. What do you do when you hear the “Stop” command?

55. When is it okay to move forward on the range, after a competitor finishes the stage?

56. What do you do if the RO asks “Are You Ready” and you are not?

SAFETY AND DISQUALIFICATIONS (DQ’S)

Disqualifications (DQ’s) take place when competitors break major safety rules. When, yes, I mean when you are DQ’d please understand that most IPSC competitors have been DQ’d at one time or another and try to handle it gracefully. A DQ means a competitor is disqualified from the entire match not just the stage they are shooting on. Here is a brief list of reasons for disqualification:

1. Accidental Discharge – Any shot fired outside the confines of the backstop or side berms or which strikes the ground within 3 meters of the competitor or any other direction deemed unsafe by the host organization and specified in the stage briefing.

2. Unsafe Gun Handling – Any discharge prior to commencement or while loading, reloading, unloading or during remedial action in the case of a malfunction.

a. Any discharge during movement except while engaging targets.

b. In the event of a discharge following the Range Officer’s declaration “Gun Clear”.

3. If at any time during the course of fire, a competitor allows the muzzle to point rearwards, that is further than 90 degrees from the median intercept of the backstop, whether the firearm is loaded or not. Ask for a demonstration.

4. Handling a handgun at anytime except when in a designated Safety Area or on the Firing Line under the supervision of a Range Officer.

5. If at any time during the course of fire, or while loading or unloading, a competitor drops his/her handgun or causes it to fall, loaded or not.

6. Allowing the muzzle of a loaded handgun to point at any part of the competitor’s body during a course of fire (sweeping).

7. Failure to keep the finger outside the trigger guard while loading or unloading, moving or clearing a malfunction.

8. Holstering a loaded handgun with the safety not applied or hammer cocked on a revolver.

The list above covers major safety violations, there are others listed in section 10 of the latest edition of the USPSA Rule Book. There are two additional reasons for disqualification not directly related to Safety. These are for “Unsportsmanlike Conduct” and “Using Prohibited Substances”.

If you have an equipment failure will shooting a stage, you are not disqualified. The stage will be scored and you will be allowed to compete in the balance of the stages in the match. You will not get to re-shoot the stage that your equipment broke on.

Questions from the Safety & DQ’s Section:

Be sure to answer all the questions. If your not sure about an answer, turn back one page and review, then answer the question. Check your answers on Page 23, if you missed `the answer then correct your original answer. Be sure to write down any questions that you would like to ask the instructor

57. When it is your turn to shoot a stage at what point do you load your handgun?

58. If your handgun breaks during a stage, can you fix it and re-shoot the stage?

59.