This the following information is a small summary of your first match. The USPSA Rulebook is the definitive answer on all aspects of a match. Please take a bit to browse through it and become familiar with some of the safety elements listed as well as how scoring works. Safety is always the #1 goal of our match and despite the amount of rounds us and clubs aroud the world put downrange, we have an impeccable safety record.
Cold Range
We operate with what is known as a “cold range”. This means all guns are unloaded, hammer down on an empty chamber (or cylinder) and you may only handle your gun when under the direction of a range officer or while in the safe area. This includes when you arrive, your gun should be empty and in a case. After registering, you shall proceed to the safe area and gear up. Remember, NO ammunition is allowed in the safe area. This includes the handling of loaded magazines/speedloaders.
What you need:
- Ear and eye protection
- Serviceable handgun and holster
- Center-fire, 9mm or larger
- Holster must cover trigger guard and be carried at “belt level” with the gun muzzle towards the ground (no cross draw, shoulder rigs, etc.)
- 4+ magazines (6+ if shooting a 1911)
- About 100 rounds of ammunition
If you already have the above equipment then that’s all you really need. Going out and purchasing a custom gun and accessories is completely un-necessary.
There’s no need to worry about divisions, classes, and classifications, this will come later on.
Simply let the registration officer know when signing up that you are a new shooter. You will be given a safety briefing as well as squaded with some seasoned shooters to help you along the way.
Range Commands:
- Make Ready – This signifies the start of your stage. Only after this point can you handle your gun and load it
- Are you ready? – Prior to the start signal you will be asked this. Without a response the range officer will continue. If you are not ready, this is the time to speak up.
- Standby! – After this command, there will be a random pause of 1-4 seconds before the start signal will sound and you begin your course of fire.
- If you are finished, unload and show clear – After you are finished shooting the stage, remove your magazine or empty the cylinder and show a clear gun to the range officer.
- If clear, hammer down and holster – At this point, you must dry-fire your gun (no decocking) and holster. If your gun has a magazine disconnect safety, be sure to have an empty magazine on you in order to dry-fire your gun.
- Range is clear – Signifies the end of the course of fire.