Chapter 8 · The Course of Fire · p.43
8.3Range Communication
The approved range commands and their sequence are as follows:
“Make Ready” – This command signifies the start of “the .” Under the direct supervision of the Range Officer the competitor must face downrange, or in a safe direction as specified by the Range Officer, fit eye and ear protection, and prepare the firearm(s) in accordance with the written stage briefing. The competitor must then assume the required . The Range Officer will not proceed with any further range commands until the competitor is still and is in the correct start position.
The initial “Make Ready” command defines the start of the “” regardless of how many firearms are subsequently prepared, loaded and/or staged following that command.
Where more than one firearm will be used during a the Range Officer will direct and supervise the competitor through the process of preparing all firearms. This may include verbal instructions.
A shotgun pre-loading area may be used on any stage subject to the Range Master’s discretion and may also be used as a staging area. The pre-loading area must be in a safe position and orientation, outside the active stage boundaries but still well within the confines of the berm or in a controlled area for stages outside of regular berms. It must be clearly and obviously marked to distinguish it from a Safety Area.
Shotgun pre-loading activity begins with a pre-Load directive from the supervising Range Officer. Competitors may pre-load in the shotgun pre-loading area only under the active direction and supervision of a Range Officer. The entire squad can be pre- loaded at once to save time. All pre-loading activity, including transporting loaded guns to (s), is subject to the provisions of relevant safety regulations including (but not limited to) the following Rules: 10.4.3 (shot while loading), 10.5.1 (handling firearm without RO supervision), 10.5.2 (unsafe muzzle direction), 10.5.3 (), 10.5.8 (finger inside trigger guard during loading), etc. Pre-loading a shotgun without direction and active supervision by a range officer will cause the competitor to be disqualified for unsafe gun handling per Rule 10.5.1.
8.3.1.4.1 Only the tube will be pre-loaded. A shooter arriving at the line with a preloaded shotgun that is found to have a round in the chamber will be subject to disqualification under Rule 10.5.12. If the competitor should accidentally or inadvertently chamber a round during the preload, the Range Officer shall take such action as is necessary to have the competitor correct the error. However, if the competitor, for whatever reason, should arrive at the line with a round in the chamber, the preceding shall not be allowed as a defense against disqualification under 10.5.12.
Once the Make Ready command has been given, the competitor must not move away from the start location prior to issuance of the Start Signal without the prior approval, and under the direct supervision of the Range Officer. (See Rule 8.7.1.)
Sight pictures may be taken during the Make Ready process and while preparing for the next string. the competitor experience an accidental while taking a a disqualification under rule 10.4.3 shall be issued.
“Are You Ready?” – The lack of any negative response from the competitor indicates that he fully understands the requirements of the and is ready to proceed. If the competitor is not ready at the Are You Ready? command, he must state “Not Ready.” It is suggested that when the competitor is ready, he should assume the required to indicate his readiness to the Range Officer.
“Standby” – This command should be followed by the start signal within 1 to 4 seconds.
“Start Signal” – The signal for the competitor to begin their attempt at the . If a competitor fails to react to an audible start signal, for any reason, the Range Officer will confirm that the competitor is ready to attempt the course of fire, and will resume the range commands from “Are You Ready?”
In the event that a competitor begins his attempt at the prematurely (“” prior to the issuance of the start signal) the Range Officer will, as soon as possible, stop and restart the competitor once the course of fire has been restored.
“Stop” – Any Range Officer assigned to a stage may issue this command at any time during the . The competitor must immediately cease firing, stop moving and wait for further instructions from the Range Officer.
“If You Are Finished, Unload and Show Clear” or “Unload and Show Clear” – If the competitor has finished shooting, he must lower his firearm and present it for inspection by the Range Officer with the muzzle pointed downrange, fixed magazine empty, detachable magazine removed, action locked or held open, and chamber empty. Revolvers must be presented with the cylinder swung out and empty. Where more than one firearm is used during a , the Range Officer will supervise the shooter through the procedure for clearing each firearm in turn. Only when ALL firearms have been cleared will the Range Officer declare “Range Is Clear.”
“If Clear, Hammer Down, Holster” or “If Clear, Hammer Down, Flag” – After issuance of this command, the competitor is prohibited from firing. (See Rule 10.4.3.) While continuing to point the firearm safely downrange, the competitor must perform a final safety check as follows:
Self-loaders, also including manual action rifles and shotguns – point the firearm downrange, release the slide or close the bolt and pull the trigger without touching the hammer or decocker, if any. For PCCs, rifles and shotguns, pull the trigger, then re-open the action, lock it open and apply safety catches (if possible). The action will be closed on a chamber flag.
Revolvers – close the empty cylinder without touching the hammer, if any.
If the gun proves to be clear, the competitor must holster his handgun, and carry his , rifle or shotgun vertically muzzle up or down.
“Range Is Clear” – This declaration signifies the end of the . Once the declaration is made officials and competitors may move forward to score, patch, reset targets, etc.