Gary Stevens

The RO gives the an opportunity at Are you Ready to say no I forgot to load my weapon. Absent a negative reply the next words can only be Stand-by. Are you saying that the RO should disregard the rules and tell the shooter they failed to load?

If they are in the correct start position yes. We are people playing games with deadly weapons. The shooter bears ultimate responsibility to configure their weapon. That and their are specific rules prohibiting the RO from interfering in certain circumstances, as listed above.

Cool

What does it take to convince you? Do you think it is possible to write a rule to cover every possible bit of foolishness our shooters can dream up? Part of our sport is historical knowledge that is passed down from generation to generation. This has its shortcomings, but not everything can be written down. I don't mean this as sarcastic, but an honest question.

Starting a shooter in the wrong start position is always on the RO.

Bret I have to disagree on this point, to deliberately allow someone to commit an unsafe act, when I can stop it makes no sense. I have stopped more than one from an AD at ULSC because I saw the round in the chamber. Have I been able to stop everyone, no I haven't. Many of those were due to "speed unloading" which prevented me from seeing the chamber. This is different from telling a shooter they forgot to insert a magazine. The failure to insert a magazine is not an unsafe act, unintentionally lighting one off at ULSC is. The RO is charged with "monitors safe competitor action" (7.1.1). I don't read monitors as acting as a potted plant, but to take proactive actions if possible. To not stop a competitor from committing an unsafe act, if possible, would make me remiss in my duty as a Range Officer.

Fellow who forgot to reload on Can You Count. After unloading he flipped the gun in the air, watched it rotate a couple of times, and caught it on the way down. Earned him an expulsion from USPSA. One of my easiest RM calls.

Yes I was the catalyst for that ruling and the new rule. At the moment I made my call it was a violation of the rules, all agreed, but...... Personally I am glad the shooter was reinstated . That did not and does not change my view that words mean things.

Well the rule says what it says. I actually DQ'd a shooter for this exact action during make ready under the old rulebook. Inserted loaded magazine in the 1911 (old rule said at this time the gun was loaded.) Shooter did not cock the hammer and holstered the gun with the safety off (yes technically he could not apply the safety because the hammer down), but the rule said a loaded gun holstered without the safety applied was a DQ. I was overruled despite the clear wording of the rule, which led to the new rule. Now I am sure some will call me a rule nazi for my actions, although I think those who know me might say that is not true . The problem is I believe words mean things.

Maybe not. New rule, if the safety cannot be applied, I.e. Not cocked even tough it is loaded, it is not a DQ.

I think it's that awesome Range Master they use.

At some point the shooter has to transition from movement to shooting. That is the area when the RO has to apply some common sense and consider the total picture.

The rifle is a chassis built by Don Fraley at Advanced Weapons Technology. The scope is Sig Tango 5-30 power. Both are awesome.

Hornady Match 250 gr BTHP 2900 fps

Yes it does

Took my 338 Lapua out for some testing. Weather 35 degrees, 200 yards, 4 shots center to center .6 inch. Not smart enough to post picture

Hi Vince.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can simply remove one page and replace it with another . Plan "B" is make a notation directing me to the new wording. Plan "C" is to visit the print shop and spend another $11.50. Any of the options will not give me too much angst.

I like paper when I have to make a decision. I downloaded the book to a flash drive, took it to a print shop, had it printed and three holed punched, Total cost $11.50.

In all practically, I don't think many calls are made at the 181 line. More likely the 190-200-210 etc.

This100 percent.

Page 2 of the new rulebook.

Serious question. What do our principle, as listed in our official documents, mean today? Are they just something we talk about and and remember over an adult beverage, or do they really mean something?

If I read this correctly, you can no longer hold the top of a wall for support such as shooting strong or weak handed. Only the edge is legal now, correct?

Not getting your stage thrown out is not all that difficult. I made a promise that I would never have a stage thrown out over something I did or failed to do when I should have. So far after 40 years I haven't lost one yet. The trick is to know the rulebook, understand the concept of running a stage, and when in doubt ask someone higher on the pay scale than you. Pay attention to your targets, no-shoots, hard cover, props and walls. Make sure, as much as possible, that the last shooter had the same challenge as the first shooter. Try to treat others like you would like to be treated. I have let my temper get the best of me on rare occasions and I felt like crap afterwards. Apologies were quick to follow. Work your crew as a team. Tell them how you work and explain to them what is expected of them in return. We all work to make our stage a success. Dont be afraid to admit you might be wrong. Evaluate every call. Replay it in your mind, check the rulebook, talk to your crew. They might have had a better view than you did. When all is said and done make your call based on the best available evidence and the rulebook. Happy New Year!