Chapter 8 · Stage Procedures, Ready Conditions, and Range Commands · p.20
8.1Firearm Ready Conditions
The ready condition for firearms will normally be as stated below. However, in the event that a competitor fails to load the chamber whether inadvertently or intentionally, the must not take any action, as the competitor is always responsible for the handling of the firearm.
Revolvers:
– hammer fully down on an empty chamber, or if a safety notch is fitted, hammer down over a loaded chamber (transfer bar designs excepted).
– hammer fully down and all chambers may be loaded.
Non-traditional revolvers (e.g. those which operate in a “self-loading” mode) are not allowed.
Rimfire Revolvers – may start with the hammer cocked.
Self-loading firearms:
– chamber loaded, hammer cocked, and the safety engaged.
PCC – Ready Condition: carbine will be prepared with a loaded chamber, loaded magazine inserted, hammer cocked.
Rimfire Firearms – rifles and pistols will be prepared with a loaded chamber, loaded magazine inserted, hammer cocked.
“” – chamber loaded, hammer fully down or de-cocked.
“” – chamber loaded with hammer fully down, or chamber loaded, and hammer cocked with external safety engaged (see Divisions in Appendix D).
“Striker fired/Safe Action” – chamber loaded, handgun cocked, external safety engaged if present.
With respect to Rule 8.1.2, the term “safety” means the primary visible safety lever on the firearm (e.g. the thumb safety on a 1911 type handgun). In the event of doubt, the Range Master is the final authority on this matter. This safety must be on while the firearm is loaded in the holster, see 10.3.9.
When applicable, the grip safety may be disabled provided that the primary safety (the primary visible safety lever, e.g. the thumb safety on a 1911 type handgun) is operable. Production and Carry Optics division handguns are explicitly excluded from this rule (See Appendices D4 and D7, item 22.1).
Leaving the Line: No contestant may leave the firing line position until the firearm has been unloaded, inspected and cleared by the . The firearm will then be or placed in a protective case, sheath or bag. Long guns must be carried from the line with a chamber flag in place in a case or bag, or uncased with muzzle up or down.
When casing or uncasing any firearm at the firing position, the muzzle of the firearm must always be pointed downrange.
The on-deck competitor, if shooting a Rimfire Rifle or PCC, may unbag or remove their firearm from the 3-gun cart or case into a side berm or provided the bay being used has sufficient side-berm space to permit this practice. Once the firearm is removed from the case or cart the muzzle must remain pointed reasonably vertical (up or down), at all times, with a chamber flag inserted, until the Make Ready command is issued.
Competitors may compete in PCC or a rimfire division while wearing a single unloaded and handgun. the holstered handgun be dropped during the course of fire, the competitor will be disqualified per 10.3.3.