8.1 Firearm Ready Conditions
The ready condition for firearms will normally be as stated below. However, in the event that a competitor fails to load the chamber when permitted by the written stage briefing, whether inadvertently or intentionally, the Range Officer must not take any action, as the competitor is always responsible for the handling of the firearm.
8.1.1 Revolvers, Rifles and Shotguns
The following dictates the ready conditions for revolvers, rifles and shotguns.
8.1.1.1 Fully Loaded
Single Action Only: are not approved for IPSC matches.
Loaded (Option 1): magazine filled and fitted (if applicable), chamber(s) loaded, hammer and/or sear cocked and safety catch applied (if the firearm is designed to have one).
8.1.1.2 Magazine Loaded, Chamber Empty
Double/Selective Action: hammer fully down and cylinder closed. If self-loading pistols prepare “magazine well and chamber empty”, revolvers prepare with an empty cylinder, otherwise revolvers prepare with a fully loaded cylinder.
Loaded (Option 2): magazine filled and fitted (if applicable), chamber(s) empty and the action closed.
8.1.1.3 Completely Unloaded
Non-traditional revolvers (e.g. those which operate in a “self-loading” mode) are subject to the following rules and/or any other requirements stipulated by the Range Master (also see Appendix D5).
Appendix D5Unloaded (Option 3): fixed magazine must be empty, detachable magazines removed and chamber(s) must be empty. The action may be open or closed.
8.1.2 Self-loading Pistols (Handgun Only)
The following dictates the ready conditions for self-loading pistols.
8.1.2.1 Single Action
Chamber loaded, hammer cocked, with external safety applied.
8.1.2.2 Double Action
Chamber loaded, hammer fully down or decocked.
8.1.2.3 Selective Action
Chamber loaded hammer fully down or decocked, or chamber loaded, hammer cocked with external safety applied.
8.1.2.4 External Safety
For all self-loading pistols, the term “external safety” means the primary visible safety lever on the handgun (e.g. the thumb safety on a “1911” genre handgun). In the event of doubt, the Range Master is the final authority on this matter.
8.1.2.5 Decocking Lever
If a handgun has a decocking lever, that alone must be used to decock the handgun, without touching the trigger. If a handgun does not have a decocking lever, the hammer must be safely and manually lowered all the way forward (i.e. not just to a “half-cock notch” or to another similar intermediary position).
8.1.3 Alternate Ready Conditions
If a course of fire requires that a self-loading pistol be prepared with an empty chamber, the slide must be fully forward and the hammer, if fitted, must be fully down or decocked (also see Rule 8.1.1.2).
Courses of fire may require ready conditions which are different to those stated above. In such cases, the required ready condition must be clearly stated in the written stage briefing.
8.1.3.1 Firearm Placement
When a written stage briefing requires that a competitor’s firearm and/or allied equipment be placed on a table or another surface prior to the Start Signal, they must be placed as stipulated in the written stage briefing. Apart from components normally affixed to them (e.g. a thumb rest, thumb safety, racking or cocking handle, base pad etc.), other items must not be used to artificially elevate them (also see Rule 5.1.8).
8.1.4 Round Count
Unless complying with a Division requirement (see Appendix D), a competitor must not be restricted on the number of rounds to be loaded or reloaded in a handgun or rifle. Written stage briefings may only stipulate when the firearm is to be loaded or when mandatory reloads are required, when permitted under Rule 1.1.5.2.
Unless complying with a Division requirement (see Appendix D), or Rule 8.1.1, a competitor must not be restricted on the number of rounds to be loaded or reloaded in a shotgun. Written stage briefings may only stipulate when the firearm is to be loaded or when mandatory reloads are required, when permitted under Rule 1.1.5.2.
8.1.5 Handgun Definitions (Handgun Only)
In respect of handguns used at IPSC matches, the following definitions apply:
8.1.5.1 Single Action
“Single Action” means activation of the trigger causes a single action to occur (i.e. the hammer or striker falls).
8.1.5.2 Double Action
“Double Action” means activation of the trigger causes more than a single action to occur (i.e. the hammer or striker rises or retracts, then falls).
8.1.5.3 Selective Action
“Selective Action” means that the handgun can be operated in either “Single Action” or “Double Action” modes.
8.1.6 Shell Check (Shotgun Only)
For the initial load prior to the Start Signal the Range Master may require that all rounds be firstly placed in a box or other container to facilitate an easy check on the number and configuration of cartridges to be loaded.
Chapter Rules
