Chapter 8 · Stage Procedures, Ready Conditions, and Range Commands · p.22
8.3Range Commands
The will direct the competitor using the following commands:
“Make ready” Under the direct supervision of the , the competitor must face down range and prepare their firearm. The competitor must then assume the required start position. At this point, the Range Officer will proceed. This command signifies the start of the course of fire.
The “make ready” command signifies the start of the competitor’s attempt at the stage or course of fire. Once the “make ready” command has been given, the competitor must not move away from the start location without the prior approval, and under the direct supervision, of the . Box to box movement on Outer Limits is permitted.
Sight Pictures: The competitor will have a maximum of one minute after the Make Ready command to prepare for the run. Sight pictures may be taken during the Make Ready process and while preparing for the next string. Note: the competitor experience an accidental discharge while taking a sight picture a disqualification under rule 10.4.1 shall be issued.
“Are you ready?” The lack of any negative response from the competitor indicates that they fully understand the requirements of the course of fire and are ready to proceed. If the competitor is not ready at the “Are you ready?” command, he must state “Not ready”. For each subsequent string after the first, the shall proceed from this command, once the competitor has assumed the start position.
“Stand by” This command should be followed by the start signal within 1 to 4 seconds. It is recommended that the start signal be consistent for each string started for a given competitor—a cadence is desirable in Steel Challenge. The interval may change between competitors, however.
“Start signal” At the audible start signal the competitor is to begin their attempt at the course of fire. If a competitor fails to react to the audible start signal, for any reason, the will confirm that the competitor is ready to attempt the course of fire, and will resume the range commands from “Are You Ready?”
(OPTIONAL) “Prepare for your next string” After the completion of a string, if the competitor has not completed the required number of strings they may be instructed to prepare for the next string. The competitor should reload, if necessary, and assume the appropriate start position.
“Stop” Any assigned to a stage or the Director or Range Master may issue this command at any time. The competitor must immediately cease firing, stop moving, and wait for further instructions.
“If you are finished, unload and show clear” (or “Unload and show clear” if Stop is used.) After the completion of the final string, the will issue this command. If the competitor has finished shooting, he must lower his firearm, completely unload it and present it for inspection by the Range Officer with the muzzle pointed down range.
Semi-automatic firearms must be presented with magazine removed; slide or bolt locked or held open, and chamber empty.
Revolvers must be presented with the cylinder swung out and empty.
“If clear, hammer down, holster” (handguns) or “If clear, hammer down, flag” (PCC) or “If clear, cylinder closed, holster” (revolvers). After issuance of this command, the competitor is prohibited from firing. While continuing to point the firearm safely downrange, the competitor must perform a final safety check of the firearm as follows:
Centerfire self-loading handgun – release the slide and pull the trigger (without touching the hammer or de-cocker, if any).
Rimfire Pistol – show clear and holster or case. (Trigger need not be pulled.) RO may say "If clear, bag."
Rimfire Rifle – show clear, flag, and case/muzzle up. (Trigger need not be pulled.) Note: The bolt must be closed on a chamber flag. RO may say "If clear, flag."
Pistol Carbine – show clear, close the bolt, pull the trigger, insert flag, case. The bolt must be closed on a chamber flag.
Revolver – close the empty cylinder (without touching the hammer, if any).
If the gun proves to be clear, the competitor must holster or case/bag their firearm.
For Rimfire Rifle and Pistol Carbine the preferred method of transport is with a case or scabbard that covers the trigger guard and trigger, and the bolt closed on a flag; however, “3-gun Carts” may be used. When transporting rifles the use of chamber flags in each rifle is required, whether or not they are cased. The muzzle of the rifle must point in a safe direction while in the cart.
If the cartridge fails to extract/eject, which is common with Rimfire Pistols and Rifles, once the time has been recorded and with approval of the , the last cartridge may be fired directly into the berm without penalty. After the cartridge has been fired the Range Officer will resume the commands from rule 8.3.8, “If clear, hammer down,” as appropriate for the firearm.
“Range is clear” This declaration signifies the end of the stage. Once the declaration is made, officials and competitors may move forward to paint the plates.