FAQ

Q: Do I have to keep my firearm unloaded the entire time I’m on the property?
A: Yes. The event is run as a cold range, so your firearm must remain unloaded unless you’re under direct supervision of a Range Officer (RO) on a course of fire, or you are in a designated function fire or safe area.
Q: Can I handle or adjust my firearm whenever I like on the range if it’s unloaded?
A: Not freely. Any direct handling must be in a safe direction or on a course of fire under an RO’s supervision. Keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction is always required.
Q: May I carry my rifle slung between stages?
A: You can carry a carbine or rifle slung if it’s entirely unloaded, with the muzzle oriented safely (up or down). A firearm is “unloaded” when there is no chambered round, no brass in the action, and no magazine or ammo-feeding device inserted.
Q: Are chamber flags mandatory?
A: Chamber flags are mandatory. Starting in June 2025, chamber flags will be available for a small fee. Proper muzzle discipline and observing the cold range policy are more important.
Q: Is ear protection required?
A: Yes. Each competitor must wear ear protection while shooting. If you lose it mid-stage and cannot fix it quickly, the stage is stopped, and a re-shoot may be given. If it’s done intentionally to gain an advantage, you can be disqualified.
Q: What equipment changes are allowed during the match?
A: You may swap out or reconfigure any equipment between stages, including the firearm itself, as long as the caliber remains the same and you stay within your declared division’s requirements.
Q: How does the scoring system handle missed steel targets placed beyond recommended size or distance guidelines?
A: Targets smaller than required or placed beyond 750 yards will not be “hit to move” targets. You can bypass them with a miss penalty. Stages should follow minimum target-size rules (2 MOA under 200 yards, 3 MOA from 200–600 yards, full-size IPSC near 600–750 yards).
Q: Are there division-specific rules on barrel length and muzzle devices?
A: In the Open Division, there are no barrel length restrictions and no muzzle device restrictions—suppressors are allowed. In TAC division, barrel length is capped at 20 inches (not counting the muzzle device).
Q: How are hits on steel confirmed?
A: The RO will loudly call out “HIT!” If environmental or visibility conditions make it difficult to confirm, the benefit of the doubt goes to the shooter.
Q: What if I suspect a squib load while shooting?
A: Immediately stop and inform the RO (or the RO will stop you if they suspect it). If there is an actual squib, you receive no re-shoot. If the barrel is clear and the RO stopped you prematurely, you are granted a re-shoot.
Q: Am I allowed to get help from other competitors or the RO during a stage?
A: Coaching is generally prohibited. However, novice shooters can request assistance, which results in receiving the full par time for that stage. ROs can also give limited feedback for targets requiring hit calls to avoid confusion.
Q: What is the minimum engagement distance for steel targets?
A: Shooters are not allowed to engage steel targets at distances under 50 yards. Stages must be designed so that steel targets are never placed closer than 50 yards for safety reasons.
Q: What if I experience a firearm malfunction on the clock?
A: You can attempt to clear it while maintaining safe muzzle control. If it takes more than 60 seconds to fix the issue, the RO may stop you. Malfunctions caused by user error or equipment flaws do not qualify for a re-shoot.
Q: Can someone supply me with another rifle or ammo during a stage?
A: Substituting firearms or ammo is allowed only if there’s a catastrophic malfunction or unexpected equipment failure. It must be a last-resort option, not a premeditated strategy, or it could be deemed unsportsmanlike.
Q: What are the main grounds for a match disqualification?
A: Major violations include accidental discharge over a berm, dropping a loaded firearm, breaking the 180-degree safety plane, flagging anyone with a muzzle, or engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct or substance impairment.
Q: How should I reset my firearms after I finish a stage?
A: Once finished, the RO gives “If you are finished, unload and show clear, ZERO YOUR OPTIC.” You must unload, verify it’s clear, and either dry-fire safely or place the weapon on safe. Chamber flags may be used if available.
Q: Can I walk through or examine a stage before it’s my turn to shoot?
A: Yes. You may inspect the stage if no one is actively shooting on it. You cannot activate or manipulate moving targets or props in a way that might give an unfair advantage. Resetting fallen steel to its neutral position is allowed.
Q: What if there is a dispute about a ruling or score?
A: The RO team makes the initial call. If you disagree, you can request a final ruling from the Match Director. Video evidence may be reviewed, and it is only used to settle the specific dispute, not to penalize unrelated violations.
Q: Are there any speed limits or velocity caps for my ammo in these divisions?
A: Both TAC and Open divisions have a maximum velocity limit of 3200 FPS. For TAC, only .223/5.56 or .308 calibers are allowed. For Open, any .30 caliber or below is permitted, also not exceeding 3200 FPS.

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