Chapter 5 · Competitor Equipment · p.25
5.1Firearms
Firearms are separated and defined by Divisions. (See Appendices D1 to D5.) However, courses of fire must remain consistent for all Divisions.
A firearm is considered to be the combination of a specific caliber/gauge, barrel, stock or grip, sighting system, and fixed magazine or magazine tube if applicable. Competitors must not reconfigure any firearm (i.e., change caliber/gauge, barrel, muzzle brakes//flash hiders, butt stock, forend, sighting system {including scopes, magnifiers, etc.} fixed magazine or magazine tube) during the course of a match. (See Rule 5.1.9.)
Handguns with shoulder stocks and/or fore grips of any kind are prohibited. Rifles, PCCs and Shotguns must be fitted with a stock, enabling them to be fired from the shoulder.
Chokes, slings, bi-pods, monopods, ammo/mag holders, and flashlights may be added, removed or changed at any time during the match, providing that they are allowed in the competitor’s division.
Choke tubes and other choke-altering devices are permitted.
The minimum dimension for handguns or PCCs to be used in USPSA matches is 9x19 mm. The minimum bullet diameter is 9 mm (.354 inches.) The minimum caliber for Rifle is 5.45mm x 39mm. Shotguns must be 20 gauge or larger. Some divisions may have a higher minimum.
Sights – Types of sights identified by USPSA are:
“Open sights” - aiming devices fitted to a firearm which do not use electronic circuitry and/or lenses.
“Optical/electronic sights” - aiming devices fitted to a firearm that use electronic circuitry and/or lenses.
5.1.4.2.1 A magnifier may be used with an optical sight in Tactical Divisions without violating the “one optic” rule, provided:
— The magnifier does not contain an aiming reticle. — The magnifier cannot be used as an aiming device by itself. — The magnifier is mounted in the same location on the rifle for the entire match. If these provisions are satisfied the magnifier will not be considered a second/separate optic and the competitor may start and use their optic in either magnified or unmagnified mode without restriction.
The Range Master is the final authority in respect of the classification of any sights used in an USPSA match and/or their compliance with these rules, including the Divisions in Appendices D1 to D5.
There is no restriction on the trigger pull weight; however, the trigger mechanism must at all times function safely.
Triggers and/or trigger shoes that extend beyond the width of the trigger guard are expressly prohibited on a handgun. However, rifles and shotguns fitted with “winter triggers/guards” may be used in this mode, provided that this fitting was designed, manufactured and provided as part of the firearm and only when the particular climate or weather conditions dictate their use.
All firearms must be serviceable and safe. Range Officers may demand examination of a competitor’s firearm or related equipment at any time to check they are functioning safely. If any such item is declared unserviceable or unsafe by a Range Officer, it must be withdrawn from the match until the item is repaired to the satisfaction of the Range Master.
Competitors must use the same firearm and sighting system for all courses of fire in a match (the same handgun, rifle, shotgun, , etc.) However, in the event that a competitor’s original firearm and/or sighting system become unserviceable or unsafe during a match, the competitor must, before using a substitute firearm and/or sighting system, seek permission from the Range Master who may approve the substitution provided he is satisfied:
The substitute satisfies the requirements of the relevant Division and, in the case of a rifle, is of the same type, action, and caliber, fitted with the same type of sights.
In using the substitute, the competitor will not gain a competitive advantage.
The competitor’s replacement firearm and its appropriate ammunition must be chronographed, regardless of whether or not the original was previously tested. (Does not apply to shotguns or time plus scoring.)
If the original firearm/ammunition was not previously tested, and if the original firearm has already been used on a stage and can be safely fired (i.e. the malfunction is not related to an inability to safely fire the firearm), then the original firearm and its ammunition supply remain subject to testing. (Does not apply to shotguns or time plus scoring.)
A competitor who substitutes or significantly modifies a firearm during a match without the prior approval of the Range Master may be disqualified
(see 10.6.1).
Competitors may be required to carry more than one firearm at a time but must never be required or allowed to engage targets with more than one firearm at a time. (See Rule 8.4.2.2.)
Handguns offering “burst” and/or fully automatic operation are prohibited. Rifles and PCCs offering only “burst” and/or fully automatic operation (i.e., whereby more than one round can be discharged on a single pull or activation of the trigger) are prohibited. Binary Trigger, Forced Reset Trigger, or any trigger systems that allow one round to be fired upon pulling the trigger and another on releasing the trigger use is prohibited. Full auto, burst fire, mechanically aided bump fire, and binary fire will result in a procedural on the first instance, and a disqualification for any subsequent occurrences. (Unsafe Gun , see 10.5.18.)
Sound suppressors are not allowed on any firearm, nor may they be used as or in lieu of a .