ACTION PISTOL LEAGUE RULES AND PROCEDURES 1.0 NFGA ACTION PISTOL LEAGUE RULES 1.1 All NFGA and NFGA Action Pistol Procedures, Cross Functional Rules, and Safety Rules apply to Action Pistol Matches and Practice Sessions. 1.2 NRA Action Pistol Rules will be the baseline for Action Pistol league and will be followed as overall guiding principles. Modifications to the NRA Action Pistol rules will be made to support NFGA and NFGA Action Pistol procedures and rules. 1.3 Safety Equipment 1.3.1 Eye and ear protection is required for participants and observers. 1.3.2 Ear protection is defined by ear muffs or ear plugs. 1.3.3 Eye protection is defined as shooting glasses, prescription eye glasses, safety goggles, etc. Inexpensive sun glasses do not typically offer adequate safety protection while shooting. 2.0 ACTION PISTOL LEAGUE SCHEDULE. 2.1 The Action Pistol League Schedule will consist of practice sessions and matches. A shooter is not required to participate in both. 2.2 Practice Sessions: Action Pistol practice sessions will be conducted on Saturdays and will be posted on the NFGA Club calendar. The intent of practice sessions is to improve overall practical pistol/revolver proficiency and to encourage more NFGA members to participate in the Action Pistol matches. 2.2.1 All Practice Sessions will be run by a Veterans Range RSO. 2.2.2 Cost to participate in a Practice Session is $5.00 per person per day to cover the cost of targets and upkeep of the range target supports. 2.3 Action Pistol Matches: Matches will be held on Wednesday evenings. The Action Pistol Matches will be posted in the NFGA Club calendar. 2.3.1 The 2012 Action Pistol Match Season will be split into two separate seasons running from: First Season: May 09, 2012 through July 18, 2012. Second Season: August 08, 2012 through October 24, 2012. Note: There will be no match on during General Membership meetings. 2.3.2 Match fees are $7.00 per shooter. Match fees will be paid during sign-up of each match. 2.3.3 An Action Pistol Season Special fee is available for $70.00. This allows a shooter to pay once at the beginning of each season for all matches and practice sessions, while having a reasonable saving for the season as compared to paying for individual events. Season fees are non-refundable if a shooter does not shoot the entire season. 2.3.4 A shooter must participate in 70% (7 out of 10) of scheduled matches to be considered in the running for league scores. 2.3.5 The season league score will be calculated with the sum of the highest seven match scores for each shooter. 2.3.6 If a shooter participates in more than 7 matches, they will be able to drop their lowest score for their overall league score. This allows flexibility for family events, vacation, and work schedules. 2.3.7 A shooter, may participate in fewer than 7 matches, but will not be eligible for league scores. Saturday, April 21, 2012 1
2.3.8 There are no make-up matches, if a shooter misses a match this will be counted as one of the 3 matches that can be dropped. No exceptions will be made. 2.3.9 Couples Matches: 2.3.9.1 Will follow the regular match procedures and rules 2.3.9.2 A couple may be spouses, a mother/father and a non-adult daughter or son, or a non-married couple (significant other) 2.3.9.3 Anyone competing in a couples match must be certified on Veterans Range prior to participating 2.3.9.4 Will be scheduled on Friday evenings. 2.3.10 Revolver Matches: 2.3.10.1 Will follow the regular match procedures and rules 2.3.10.2 Anyone competing in a revolver match must be certified on Veterans Range prior to participating 2.3.10.3 Equipment will be limited to double action revolvers 2.3.10.4 Will be scheduled on Friday evenings. 3.0 FIREARMS COMPETITION CATEGORIES: 3.1 Separate categories will be used to allow for the use of various handguns: 3.2 There will be a Semi-Auto-Pistol category and a Revolver category for centerfire handguns. This will allow revolver shooters to compete against revolver shooters and pistol shooters to compete against pistol shooters. 3.3 A Production Category and an Open Category will be provided for both Semi-Auto Pistols and Revolvers. 3.4 There will be both a Production Rimfire and an Open Rimfire category for rimfire handguns. However, revolver and semi-auto pistol shooters will shoot in the same category. 3.5 See Section 5.0 for handgun category specifications and limitations. 4.0 SHOOTER COMPETITION CATEGORIES: 4.1 There will be two skill level categories for shooters: Marksmen and Expert 4.2 Shooters with a qualifying score who score within 85% of the top 3 shooters from the previous season will be placed in the expert category. 4.3 New shooters will start in the Marksmen category. 4.4 A shooter may request to reevaluate their category at any time. If they obtain a match score with an 85% average or higher for three matches, then they may be moved into the higher category. 4.5 New shooters: 4.5.1 New shooters will shoot in the same match as other shooters. 4.5.2 New shooters will be paired with experienced shooters for safety and to assist in coaching/mentoring new shooters. 5.0 FIREARMS 5.1 Safe, operational firearms: Any semi-automatic firearm or revolver may be used in competition. It must be serviceable and safe. If any pistol is observed to be unserviceable or unsafe, it shall be withdrawn at the request of the RSO/ERO. 5.2 The firearms allowed for use on the action pistol range shall generally comply with NRA Action pistol Standards. This section defines authorized equipment and ammunition. This section is not meant to restrict equipment, but to define limitations. Generally, there are few Saturday, April 21, 2012 2
restrictions on pistols and their accessories, except for safety concerns. Various types of sights may be used, from standard metallic (fixed and adjustable) to optical and electronic. 5.3 Open Firearms 5.3.1 Any semi-automatic handgun or revolver used in competition shall be serviceable and safe. If any pistol is observed to be unserviceable or unsafe, it shall be withdrawn at the request of the tournament director. 5.3.2 The term "firearm" as used in these rules includes anything attached, permanently or temporarily, to the pistol. 5.3.3 All standard safety features of the guns must operate properly 5.3.4 Any centerfire firearm with lasers sights, optical sights, ported barrels, and compensators will compete in this category. Telescopic optical sights above 1x power will not be permitted. 5.3.5 Firearms with the following items /modifications are will be considers an open firearm: 5.3.5.1 Wings. 5.3.5.2 Peep, ghost, optical, laser or electronic sights. 5.3.5.3 Orthopedic grips - no part of the grip may encircle the hand. 5.3.5.4 Thumb rests. 5.3.5.5 Compensators or ported barrels. 5.3.5.6 Flared magazine wells that are not an internal part of the handgun. 5.4 Open Rimfire Firearm 5.4.1 Any semi-automatic handgun or revolver chambered for.22 Rimfire ammunition, which is serviceable and safe. If any pistol is observed to be unserviceable and unsafe, it shall be withdrawn at the request of the Tournament Director. 5.4.2 The term "firearm" as used in these rules includes anything attached, permanently or temporarily, to the pistol. 5.4.3 All standard safety features of the guns must operate properly. 5.4.4 Any.22 rimfire firearm with lasers sights, optical sights, and compensators will compete in this category. Telescopic optical sights above 1x power will not be permitted. 5.4.5.17 caliber rimfire firearms are not permitted. 5.5 Production Firearm 5.5.1 A semi-automatic handgun or revolver which is or has been a catalogue item readily available to the general public equipped with metallic sights. 5.5.2 Custom-shop pistols are not allowed. 5.5.3 All standard safety features of the guns must operate properly. 5.5.4 The firearm shall have no visible external modifications except as follows: 5.5.4.1 Replacement or modification of grips to fit a competitors hand or facilitate loading. 5.5.4.2 No part of the grip may encircle the hand. 5.5.4.3 Thumb rests are prohibited. 5.5.4.4 Wide "target" style hammers and triggers are allowed. 5.5.4.5 Checkering and stippling are allowed. 5.5.4.6 Replacement of factory metallic sights with those of another manufacturer. 5.5.4.7 External finishes, either protective or decorative, or other non-functional embellishments such as engraving, inlays, or inscriptions. 5.5.4.8 Open / iron sights or fiber optic / night-tritium sights are the only sights permitted. Saturday, April 21, 2012 3
5.6 Production Rimfire Firearm 5.6.1 As described in Section 5.5 except chambered for.22 caliber Rimfire ammunition. 5.6.2 All standard safety features of the guns must operate properly. 5.7 Prohibited firearms prohibited from use on the Action Pistol range include those that fire rifle and/or shot ammunition, black powder, or that are fully automatic. 5.8 Weight Restrictions - There shall be no restriction on overall weight of pistols. 5.9 Trigger Pull: The trigger pull shall not be less than 2 pounds. 6.0 AMMUNITION: 6.1 Centerfire Ammunition 6.1.1 Ammunition must fire a single projectile. 6.1.2 No frangible ammunition shall be used during a match. 6.1.3 Tracer, incendiary, explosive and similar ammunition is prohibited 6.1.4 Any ammunition used must be loaded within safe limitations for the firearm to be used. 6.2 Rimfire Ammunition 6.2.1 Any.22 caliber rimfire, single projectile ammunition is permitted as long as it does not pose a danger to shooters, range personnel or equipment. 6.2.2 Ammunition for.17 caliber rimfire ammunition is prohibited.. 6.2.3 Ammunition for 22 WMR firearms is permitted. 6.3 Ammunition Power Factor: 6.3.1 In keeping with NRA Action Pistol discipline, a minimum power factor of 125 is required for any Center-fire category. 6.3.2 Power factor is determined by the formula: (velocity in fps x bullet weight in grains / 1000). An example of a 9mm Luger 115 grain bullet at 1,000fps (1100fps x 115grains /1000= 126.5) meets the minimum Power Factor level. 6.3.3 Power factor does not apply to rimfire ammunition. 6.3.4 A trust model will be applied in that shooters will meet the power factor standard. If there are indications that a shooter is using ammunition below the minimum power factor, as indicated by very low recoil, low muzzle report / blast, slow slide velocity, minimal muzzle flip; then the RSO will request the ammunition be verified on a chronograph. The RSO will sample 5 rounds of random ammunition and will chronograph the ammunition. If the Power Factor is below the minimum, the shooters score will be forfeited. 6.3.5 A shooter with ammunition that does not meet the minimum power factor may shoot the match, but their score will be ineligible for a season qualifying match. Examples would be.380 Auto,.32 ACP,.25 ACP, or any other ammunition loaded below the Power Factor minimum. 7.0 EQUIPMENT: 7.1 General - All devices or equipment which may facilitate shooting not mentioned in these Rules and are contrary to the spirit of these Rules and Regulations are forbidden. 7.2 All Equipment Must Be Safe and Serviceable - All equipment used in shooting, including firearms, holsters and ammunition, must be safe and serviceable. No modified equipment may be used if it could compromise the safety and reliability of such equipment. 7.3 MORE THAN ONE PISTOL IN A MATCH - A shooter shall not be permitted to wear or use more than one pistol at a time. Saturday, April 21, 2012 4
7.4 Holsters Must be Practical, Safe, Serviceable, and Suited to the Pistol Used 7.4.1 Holsters in use must retain the pistol during any activity within a course of fire. 7.4.2 Holster allowed must be strong side hip or strong side leg holsters only. 7.4.3 Holsters should be worn aligned along the hip/side of the leg. Holsters will not be allowed to be worn in a position behind the hip / rear pocket area. 7.4.4 No other holsters such as cross draw holsters, shoulder holsters, ankle holsters, or small of the back holsters are permitted. 8.0 FIREARMS HANDLING 8.1 Position of Firearms When Moving Between Firing Positions 8.1.1 During a course of fire requiring the shooter to move between firing positions: 8.1.1.1 Firearms must be in a safe condition during movement. 8.1.1.2 Fingers must be outside the trigger guard. 8.1.1.3 The firearm shall be pointed downrange and remain within the left and right limits of the range at all times. 8.1.1.4 Muzzle will remain in a level or slightly downward angle and will not be elevated above the horizontal position. 8.2 Muzzle Discipline while Reloading and Clearing of Jams: While reloading or clearing jams, the muzzle of the firearm must be kept in a safe down range position, care should be taken to handle the firearm safely when clearing or reloading. The muzzle will remain horizontal or at a slight downward angle while clearing a jam or while reloading. 8.3 Reloading a Double Action Revolver. To unload and reload a double action revolver the muzzle may be elevated above horizontal and pointed skywards, once the cylinder has been fully opened and the cylinder is secured by the shooter. Before reloading, the muzzle will be horizontal or at a downward angle. 8.4 Dropped Firearm - A shooter may not pick up a dropped firearm except under the direction of a RSO. 8.5 Pistol Malfunction Procedure - In the event a pistol cannot be unloaded due to a broken or failed mechanism, the shooter will notify a RSO. The RSO will take such action as he thinks best and safest. In no case will a shooter leave the firing area with a loaded pistol in his possession 9.0 TARGET ENGAGEMENT METHOD: 9.1 The Stage Brief will designate the Target Engagement Sequence. 9.2 The shooter must engage targets with the proper engagement method. 9.3 Failure to follow the designated engagement method will incur procedural / penalties for the stage. 9.4 Specified Target Sequence: a method in which the target order and number of rounds is designated. i.e. In sequence, shoot and engage targets T1, T2, and T3 with two rounds each. Reload and then targets T4, T5, and T6 with two rounds each. 9.5 Non-Specified Target Sequence: The target engagement sequence is not specified. The number of rounds on each target for the stage may be specified. i.e. Engage targets T1, T2, T3, and T4 with two rounds to the chest and one round to the head on each target. 9.6 Tactical Sequence: This method of target engagement has all targets are engaged with one round each before being engaged again. In the case of three targets requiring two rounds each, all targets would be engaged with one round to each target BEFORE reengaging the targets with another round in any order. Saturday, April 21, 2012 5
9.7 Tactical Priority: This method of target engagement has targets engaged by order of threat. If all targets are visible, targets are engaged from near to far, as long as targets are more than two yards from each other. If targets are hidden by a barricade, targets are engaged as they are seen (i.e. slicing the pie). The number of rounds on each target may be designated in this method as part of the stage brief. 10.0 ACTION PISTOL MATCH SCORING: 10.1 Scores will be recorded for Action Pistol matches. 10.2 Scores will not be recorded for practice sessions. 10.3 Point values: 10.3.1 IPSC targets and NRA Action Pistol (Tombstone) targets will be scored as: 10.3.1.1 A Zone hit = 10 Points 10.3.1.2 B Zone hit = 8 Points 10.3.1.3 C Zone hit = 5 Point 10.3.1.4 D Zone hit = 1 point 10.3.2 Interactive Targets will be scored as: (i.e. falling plates, clay pigeons, etc) 10.3.2.1 Hit = 10 Points 10.3.2.2 Miss = 0 Points 10.3.3 Penalty and Procedural deductions will be assessed accordingly in accordance with Section 6.5. 10.3.4 Virginia Count Scoring 10.3.4.1 Point Values are noted in Section 4.3.1 and 4.3.2 above 10.3.4.2 Virginia Count will use this formula: (Total points for hits) divided by (Overall Time + any additional time for each penalty/procedural in seconds) multiplied by a weight value of 10 10.3.4.3 An example is [Total Points (120) / (Total Time 15 seconds + 5 seconds for procedurals)]x10 = (120/20)x10 = 60 points for the stage 10.3.4.4 A stage using Virginia Count may limit total number of shots to be fired and stipulate reloads, use of cover, tactical priority or tactical sequence, shooting position, etc 10.3.5 Par Time Scoring: 10.3.5.1 PAR Time Score will have a set number of shots per stage and a maximum time in seconds. 10.3.5.2 The shooter must fire all shots within the designated time. 10.3.5.3 Penalty and Procedural deductions will be assessed accordingly in accordance with Section 6.5. 10.3.5.4 Total points for the stage will be the sum for all point value for all hits minus any Penalties and Procedurals applied as deductions. 10.3.5.5 PAR Score will use either a stop watch or timer. 10.3.5.6 A stage using Par Time may limit total number of shots to be fired and stipulate reloads, use of cover, tactical priority or tactical sequence, shooting position, etc. Saturday, April 21, 2012 6
10.3.6 Movement Course of Fire Stages: 10.3.6.1 This stage involves the shooter moving from one firing position to another firing position. Due to range limitations, Virginia Count or Par Time scoring is not possible. 10.3.6.2 This stage will typically use targets with limited time exposure to add to the realism and to challenge the shooter. 10.3.6.3 Penalty and Procedural deductions will be assessed accordingly in accordance with Section 6.5. 10.3.6.4 The stage score will be the sum of all points scored, minus deductions for penalties and procedurals. 10.4 Procedurals and Penalties 10.4.1 Compliance with all safety rules and the stage brief is essential. 10.4.2 A shooter may incur deductions to his/her score due to safety violations or by not adhering to the stage requirements. The stage requirements will be in the written stage brief. 10.4.3 Procedural and Penalty deductions will be applied in the following manner: 10.4.3.1 Virginia Count: addition of time to the shooters overall stage time 10.4.3.2 Par Time or Movement CoF: deduction of points from the total score 10.4.4 In order to keep stage briefs concise, these general penalties and procedurals will apply to all stages unless specifically designated in the stage brief. Procedural and Penalties will be assessed as follows: Penalties Par Time / Movement CoF Virginia Count Negligent Discharge - operator error DQ - disqualified from the match DQ - disqualified from the match causes a round to be discharged. Accidental Discharge - the firearms has a mechanical malfunction and a round is discharged. Handgun will be cleared and made safe, then removed from the match. Shooter may continue with a second firearm. Handgun will be cleared and made safe, then removed from the match. Shooter may continue with a second firearm. Unsportsmanlike behavior DQ - disqualified from the match DQ - disqualified from the match Unsafe Gun handling DQ - disqualified from the match DQ - disqualified from the match Did Not Finish (DNF) (firearm malfunction that can not be cleared and finish the stage) Failure to Do Right - (FTDR) (failure to comply with or grossly ignores the stage brief instructions ) Failure to Neutralize /Miss: Assess for any target without at least one bullet hole in score area) Note: Does not apply to a disappearing target Non-threat targets / No-shoots targets Note: Must be full bullet diameter to be assessed Minus 10 points for each shot not fired Minus twice the value of max point on each target per each infraction Minus 10 points for each target without at least one hit Minus 10 points for each bullet strike on a no-shoot target hit Add 3 seconds for each shot not fired Add 20 seconds to time Add 5 seconds per infraction (any target without at least one hit) Add 5 seconds for each bullet strike on a no-shoot target hit Saturday, April 21, 2012 7
Procedurals Par Time / Movement CoF Virginia Count Not engaging targets in accordance with stage brief (tactical sequence, tactical priority, or as otherwise designated in the stage brief). Minus 10 points per target not shot in sequence Add 3 seconds per occurrence per target Body Outside of firing box Minus 10 points Add 3 seconds per occurrence Failure to Reload as per Stage Brief Minus 10 points Add 3 seconds per occurrence Extra rounds fired or over the allocated par time Failure to engage a target (Miss) Failure to use designated Strong hand / weak hand as per stage brief Using support during single hand engagement Improper use of cover or does not use cover when available Minus 10 points for each shot fired after time Minus 10 points for each target without at least one hit Minus 10 points Minus 10 points Minus 10 points Add 3 seconds per for each extra round fired over stage brief Add 5 seconds per infraction (any target with at least one hit) Add 3 seconds Add 3 seconds Add 3 seconds Does not follow CoF rules Minus 10 points per occurrence Add 3 seconds per occurrence 10.5 Scoring Bullet Strikes: 10.5.1 In general the benefit will go the shooter when scoring bullet strikes. If in doubt, the shooter will be granted the higher score value. 10.5.2 Bullets strikes will be scored in the following manner: Scoring Bullet Strikes / Hits Hard Cover Soft Cover Extra bullet strikes on target Bullet cuts score ring or can not clearly determine if the score ring is cut Enlarged holes over twice diameter of bullet Radial tears 1) Bullet's whole diameter strikes hard cover and passes though hard cover and strikes any scoring target, it does not count for score 2) Bullet partially strikes hard cover and passes through hard cover and strikes any scoring target, it does count for score 1) Pass through No-Shoot Target and hits Threat target assess minus point/time penalties for no-shoot and add points for threat target (target sequence may be reversed) 2) Must be a "full bullet" diameter on the "no shoot target to be assessed Only score the two highest point values on the target Count point value in favor of shooter Do not score unless visible evidence (lead smear) Do not score as points when crossing scoring rings Saturday, April 21, 2012 8
10.6 Score for Event/Match: 10.6.1 Each stage will be scored individually. 10.6.2 The match score will be the sum total stage points. 10.6.3 Range Safety Officers and Event Range Officers will score targets. Participants will not score their own targets. 11.0 AWARDS AND RECOGNITION: 11.1 Categories of Awards: A recognition award will be provided for the highest seasonal score for each of the above categories. 11.1.1 Open Category: Semi-Auto Pistol 11.1.2 Open Category: Revolver 11.1.3 Open Category Rimfire 11.1.4 Production Category: Semi-Auto Pistol 11.1.5 Production Category: Revolver 11.1.6 Production Rimfire 11.2 Category Awards: Recognition awards may be provided to the top 3 shooters in each category. A minimum number of participants is required for class recognition awards as follows: 11.2.1 5 shooters or less: 1 st place only 11.2.2 6-10 shooters: 1 st and second place 11.2.3 11-15 shooters: 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd place 11.3 A maximum of three recognition awards will be awarded per category. Saturday, April 21, 2012 9