davebenson

This conversation on personal opinions on a rule beyond what is written is well beyond the original topic should you like to continue a discussion on personal interpretation of rules beyond what is written lets start another topic.

Don’t read something into the rules that is not written it leads to inconsistent application of the rules because not everyone thinks like you. and yes the competitor can get themselves ready before the make ready. Make ready does not say anything about mags. Period. The fact you want it does not change the words.

Yes 8.3.1 specifically talks to 3 items. Eye protection, ear protection and making the firearm ready as defined in the WSB. as we have been reminded several times by USPSA don’t read things into a rule to fit your opinion if it is not written in the rule. as far as the competitor being ready review 8.2.2 8.2.2 The competitor assumes the Start position as specified in the written stage briefing. if the requirement to place mags on the stage was written in the WSB in the “start position “ therefore placing mags on a stage if in the WSB start position then 8.2.2 addresses placing mags not the “make ready” cmd

8.3.1.1 has a provision for the RO to allow the competitor to move after make ready. For those situations where a competitor realized they forgot something in their range bag or forgot to stage mags. I don’t agree with you assertion of what make ready is based on the way it is written in 8.3.1. And That is okay

Have you ever let cleaning the gas plug/port and piston ring go a little too long? I have and ended up replacing the piston and rings. if they are really full of carbon I let them soak over night in oven cleaner. It is designed to soften carbon in ovens and won’t damage any parts. I use a welders tip cleaning wire bent at 90 degrees to get into the gas port.

I don’t see staging mags as part of 8.3.1 but 8.3.1.1 give us the opportunity to do so after the make ready command. And if the RO clears them or not is really up to the RO and the situation at hand. while someone could make this practice part of their stage plan I think you’ll agree it may not be the best plan. but hay everyone solves the puzzle in their own way.

Exactly my thoughts/action as well.

As you know there no rules governing how the RO handles the situation. My preference is if the barrels are close and maybe 1 or 2, I like you will escort the competitor. If it is a large stage and several barrels I prefer to Unload and let the competitor do as he needs. Then when he returns reissue make ready. I have not had any competitor complaints about unloading to go place mags on the appropriate staging area. there is always the first time. so here is an interesting twist. The competitor is under the make ready command, his gun is loaded and in the hostler. They then realize they need to stage mags before you say standby they request to stage mags you approve but don’t unload show clear and you supervise them placing mags. Both of you return to the start position. Do you reissue make ready? They are already under the make ready command from before they requested to stage mags and as the RO you have not stopped them with any appropriate commands. so what would your next command be?

You are correct. 8.3.1 "Make Ready" - This command signifies the start of "the Course of Fire" 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 hearing protection, and prepare the firearm in accordance with the written stage briefing. The competitor must then assume the specified start position. The Range Officer will not proceed with any further range commands until the competitor is still and is in the correct start position. to me the key words are “prepare the firearm in accordance…” You are correct if the competitor forgot to stage mags and did not realize that prior to make ready the RO may and should allow the competitor to stage their mags. As the RO, If They loaded the gun Prior to realizing they needed to stage mags I have had them unload show clear, holster, range clear and after they placed their mags reissue the make ready command. Did I need to do that, some may say no but better to error on the side of Saftey. And I never had a competitor give me any flack for doing so. should your stage plan included staging mags after the make ready command? well it could. In my opinion, I would not think that to be the best stage plan. However That is what makes this an interesting sport everyone can have a different plan that best suits their style as the stage RO it would be good to point out during the stage brief that it is permissible to stage your mags prior to coming to the start line. it helps in keeping things moving along if the competitors do so. You brought up good points making this an interesting discussion

Are you by chance using an undersized sizing die? Have seen this when I tried undersized dies.

Mixed range brass can cause this. As a test I took 25 mixed range brass and hand measured the powder and saw about what you have. Add to that the press may not drop exactly to the tenth of a g of powder and there you have it.

7000g to a pound. I use 4.7 g of CFE pistol so I can get about 1,489 rounds. I say about because your press does not always drop exactly the same every time. You can do a lot to tune up your press but you’ll see variations of * - .1 g and over a 1,000 rounds that adds up.

Depending on where and when it could be considered a modification to a stage. The stage and target must be the same for all competitors. At minimum it should be approved by the RO if it is for just one shooter. I up after someone finished and had left their camera on a wall. I asked it be removed before I started the stage. It was “make ready” I said we need the camera removed. It was then unload show clear hammer down holster. The camera was removed and we restarted. No one complained

Should the RO DQ you for sweeping yourself it is hard to dispute this call. If you disagree remember video and photos are not allowed as evidence. your recourse is to ask for a review of the call by the range master. It is at that time you may re-enact your actions plead your case, beg on your knees to see if the RM will overrule the Call. What do you have to lose? A potential reshoot if you don’t. In all my years as CRO I have only seen a sweeping DQ overturned a couple of times. Those were because the RM determined the RO was not in a good position to clearly see the muzzle of the gun. sweeping calls after the fact are difficult to dispute. in your case being at slide lock should have nothing to do with the sweeping DQ. as an RO if you see someone sweeping their self make your call definitely and positivity. If you as an RO act a little questionable about your call the shooter should always ask for a review by the RM.

In most all cases a squib will result in the gun not going into battery. During a USPSA match if you stop the COF for any reason other than loss of eye or ear protection you are not entitled to a reshoot. Your time and score will count. You have 2 minutes on the stage to attempt to resolve a gun malfunction. If you do have a squib do not attempt to clear it on the stage even if the RO has stopped you. That will result if a disqualification. If there is a squib the RO should ensure the gun is safe to handle and you need to go to the safety area to resolve the issue. look at the USPSA rule 5.8 Malfunctions competitor equipment to understand how to handle a squib during the COF. hope this helps.