VII. Firearm and Equipment of Sportsman

VII. FIREARM AND EQUIPMENT OF SPORTSMAN

7.1. Firearm

7.1.1. Compliance of firearms and non-firearms in each discipline (type of program) is determined by the requirements for classes of firearms and non-firearms set out in Annex 3 to these Rules. However, the Stages should be the same for all classes.

7.1.2. The sizes and types of ammunition used in practical shooting competitions are as follows:

7.1.2.1. for a handgun and a pistol caliber carbine, the minimum dimensions of the cartridge case used in competitions in practical handgun shooting are 9 mm meaning a minimum bullet diameter of 9 mm (0.354 inches).

The following types of cartridges are allowed for practical shooting competitions with a handgun and a carbine for a handgun cartridge: 9 x 19 mm, 9 x 21 mm, .357 Magnum, .38 S&W Special, .38ACP, .380AUTO, .40 S&W, 41 Magnum, 10 mm, 44 Magnum.44 S&W Special, 45 ACP, .45 GAP

7.1.2.2. For competitions with the use of "SOF type", "speed" and "mixed" Stages, the use of 9 x 18 mm cartridges is allowed;

7.1.2.3. for the carbine there are no restrictions on the minimum caliber in competitions in practical shooting. The following cartridges are allowed for practical shooting competitions: 5.45x39 mm, .223, .222, 6.5x57R, 7x57 mm, 7.62x39 mm, .300 AA Blk, .303, .308 Win, .308, .30- 06, 7.62x54R, 7.92x57 mm, 9.3x62 mm, 9.3x74R, .444 Marlin;

7.1.2.4. for the shotgun, the minimum caliber used in practical shooting competitions is 20 caliber;

7.1.2.5. for a small-caliber carbine and small-caliber handgun the obligatory caliber of 5,6 mm (.22 LR);

7.1.2.6. for an air handgun and air carbine, minimum diameter of the ammunition is 4,5 mm.

7.1.3. Open sighting devices - aiming devices mounted on firearms and non-firearms that do not use electronic components and / or lenses. Fiber optic inserts are not considered lenses.

7.1.4. Optical / electronic sighting devices - aiming devices mounted on firearms and non-firearms (including tactical flashlights) that use electronic components and / or lenses.

7.1.5. The Judge shall make the final decision on the classification of any sight used in practice shooting matches and / or its compliance with these Rules, including the classification by firearm class.

7.1.6. In addition to the specified requirements for firearm classes, there are no restrictions on the force of pressure on the trigger for firearms and non-firearms, but the trigger must always work safely.

7.1.7. The triggers of a firearms and non-firearms and / or pads on the triggers wider than the restraining bracket of the trigger are prohibited.

Firearms equipped with "winter" triggers / brackets may be used provided that such modification has been designed, constructed and manufactured as part of the firearm, and only if climatic or weather conditions dictate the need to use such devices.

7.1.8. Firearms must be in good working order and safe. Judges have the right to inspect an athlete's firearm or related equipment at any time to verify their safe operation. If any of the above is found to be defective or dangerous, the firearm or related equipment must be withdrawn from the competition until the defects have been rectified, as the Chief Judge must make sure.

7.1.9. The athlete uses the same firearm and type of sight throughout the competition. Throughout the competition with a shotgun in all Stages, the athlete uses one firearm (with the same barrel length and type of sight and barrel tubular magazine, which can not be replaced, unless it is variable in the normal reloading procedure on the Stage) .If, during the competition, the firearms and non-firearms and / or sights with which the Athlete started the competition fail or become dangerous, the Athlete shall seek the permission of the Chief Judge before using the firearms and non-firearms and / or sighting devices that have been replaced. may obtain a replacement permit provided that:

7.1.9.1. the replaced firearm meets the requirements of the declared class of firearm;

7.1.9.2. the firearm meets the requirements of the declared class of firearm, belongs to the same type, has the same type of action and caliber and is equipped with the same type of sighting device;

7.1.9.3. ammunition of the athlete, when checked with replacement firearms and non-firearms, reach the minimum power factor (for a handgun, pistol caliber carbine, carbine, shotgun);

7.1.9.4. the athlete's use of replacement firearms and non-firearms does not give him an advantage in the competition.

7.1.10. The actions of an athlete who replaces a firearm during the competition or makes significant changes to it without the prior consent of the Chief Judge are considered unsportsmanlike conduct.

7.1.11. Installing and removing the neck of the magazine shaft, stop or front vertical handle is not a significant change of firearm.

7.1.12. An Athlete is prohibited from using or carrying more than one firearm during an Stage.

7.1.13. It is forbidden to use butts and / or any types of front handles for handguns, small-caliber handguns, soft bullet handguns and air handguns.

Carbine, carbine for a handgun cartridge, small-caliber carbine, air carbine shotgun must be equipped with a butt that allows you to shoot from the shoulder.

7.1.14. Firearms with automatic action (ie when more than one bullet is fired by a single press or activation of the trigger), are prohibited.

7.1.15. Handguns of all classes with more than one barrel are prohibited.

It is forbidden to use a combined firearm with an additional barrel, which is not a design feature of the firearm (for example, a combination of shotgun and carbine).

7.2. Movement and storage of firearms and non-firearms during competitions, athlete's equipment

7.2.1. Firearms and non-firearms shall be carried unloaded in a case or bag specially made or suitable for the safe movement of firearms and non-firearms, or in a holster which is securely fastened to the belt worn by the athlete. . Strictly prohibited to leave firearms and non-firearms unattended and more than 3 meters away from the owner with the exception of special firearms and non-firearms’ storage areas (lockers, rooms, gun pyramids, etc.) defined by match organizers

Violation is considered dangerous handling of firearms and non-firearms.

The firearm must be unloaded and carried in the hands or on a belt (or moved to the pyramid for firearms and non-firearms), with the barrel pointing up except when the firearm is within the boundaries of the security zone, or when it is under the supervision and direct supervision of a judge. firearms and non-firearms placed in a case or holster, do not require carrying the barrel up. Violation is considered as dangerous handling of firearms and non-firearms.

The bolt can be opened or closed, but the safety flag must be set whenever the firearm is not in use. Magazines must be detached from the firearm. Violation of these requirements will lead to a warning for the first such case, when repeated in the same competition - are considered as dangerous handling of firearms and non-firearms.

7.2.2. An athlete who arrives for a match with a loaded firearm must immediately notify the judge, who will monitor the safe discharge. Actions of an athlete who does not comply with this requirement are considered as dangerous handling of the firearm.

7.2.3. When carrying a handgun, small-caliber handgun, soft bullet handgun and air handgun in a holster, the magazine is detached, the trigger or the drummer is deactivated. Violation will result in a warning for the first case, each subsequent violation in the competition will be considered as unsportsmanlike conduct.

When carrying and storing a carbine, a pistol caliber carbine, a small-caliber carbine, air carbine and shotgun during the competition within the shooting range, any types of ammunition should not be attached to the firearm or in clamps or loops attached to the specified firearm, except under the direct control of the judge and in response to his commands.

7.2.4. Manipulation of firearms and non-firearms, except in cases within the security zone or under the supervision of a judge and on his direct instructions, is prohibited. The term "firearm manipulation" includes placing and removing a firearm from a holster or case, even when it is concealed under a protective cover, and taking a firearm personally from an athlete or returning a firearm to him personally, regardless of whether the firearm is fully or partially placed in the holster or case. . Violation is considered dangerous handling of firearms and non-firearms.

7.2.5. In competitions with a handgun of any class, in the absence of other instructions in the briefing, a belt with a fixed holster with all related equipment are placed at waist level. The belt or inner belt, or both, is permanently sewn at the waist or fixed with at least three loops attached to shorts or pants.

7.2.6. In competitions with carbines, pistol caliber carbines, small-caliber carbines and air carbines, the use of shooting supports, sandbags, tripods or any stabilizing devices attached to the firearm by means of a sling or tape, prohibited.

7.2.7. In shotgun competitions during the Stage, unless otherwise stated in the briefing, the belt with cartridges (in strippers, loops, clips, bags or sacks) and / or negative magazines and / or devices for accelerated loading should be worn on the waist. Additional cartridge carriers mounted on the forearm are permitted, provided that the cartridges are secured individually in hinges or clips.

7.2.8. In competitions with a handgun of any class , the requirements for female athletes in all classes must meet the same conditions, they are also allowed to place a belt with a holster and appropriate equipment at the level of the thighs. If another belt is worn at the waist, the holster and associated equipment should be placed only on the lower belt.

7.2.9. In competitions with a shotgun, it is permissible to use only one belt to place ammunition. The total height of cartridges placed in hinges or clips on the belt may not exceed 170 mm. Cartridges placed in strippers are limited to 6 rounds in height.

The Chief Judge may deviate from the requirements of paragraph 7.2.7 of this chapter based on the anatomical data of the athlete. The decision of the Chief Judge is final.

7.2.10. Ammunition (projectiles - for air handgun and air carbine), magazines and are stored in specially designed for this purpose devices (pouches). Additional magazineses and loading devices are allowed in the back pockets of shorts or trousers.

7.2.11. During the Stage in competitions with a carbine, a pistol caliber carbine, a small-caliber carbine and air carbine, ammunition and rapid reloading devices shall be carried in safely designed tops, pockets or other appropriate devices holding the attachment on the athlete's clothing or firearm, unless otherwise indicated in the briefing before the Stage.

7.2.12. In shotgun competitions, ammunition and devices for accelerated loading are placed on the athlete or firearm in specially designed safe tops, pockets or other appropriate fastening devices, unless otherwise specified in a written briefing before the Stage. Loops, clips or other fastening devices mounted on the firearm or on the belt of the shotgun are allowed, provided that the cartridges or accelerated loading devices are fixed individually.

7.2.13. If the Athlete's starting position in any class of handguns’ competitions requires that magasines or accelerated loading devices should be located on a table or other location, the Athlete may carry them anywhere on his body after the starting signal and this shall not be considered a violation.

7.2.14. In competitions with handguns of any class, the location of the holster and related equipment may not change from Stage to Stage, unless otherwise specified in a written briefing or not required by the judge. The layout of the holster and related equipment are set out in the technical regulations of the competition.

If the class specifies the maximum distance from the firearm and equipment to the athlete's body, the judge may check that the parameters match by measuring the minimum distance between the athlete's torso and the middle of the length of the firearm's handle and / or any reloading device.

7.2.15. At competitions with a shotgun cartridges are fixed in loops, clips or containers, cannot be placed more than on 75 mm from a body of the athlete. The decision of the Chief Judge on this issue will be final. This requirement does not apply to open class athletes.

7.2.16. In competitions with a handgun of any class, equipment measurements are made when the athlete is standing relaxed.

In shotgun competitions, equipment measurements are made when the athlete is standing, naturally straightened.

7.2.17. An athlete competing with a handgun of any class, who has not passed the above test before the start signal, must adjust his holster or equipment in accordance with the requirements of the class. The Chief Judge may allow deviations in accordance with the anatomical features of athletes, some of whom are unable to meet these requirements.

Athlete in a shotgun competition who has not passed the above test before the start signal must immediately adjust his belt, equipment or ammunition to achieve compliance. The Chief Judge may allow deviations in accordance with the anatomical features of athletes, some of whom are unable to meet these requirements.

7.2.18. Competitions with a handgun of any class do not require the use of a specific type or brand of holster or related equipment. The Chief Judge may declare the athlete's holster dangerous and order the necessary changes to be made to it. If they are not included, the holster must be removed from the match. If the holster has a security strap or valve and / or other similar device, it must be used before issuing the "Attention!" Command.

7.2.19. In competitions with a handgun of any class, an athlete may not be admitted to the beginning of the Stage if he wears more than one holster or:

7.2.19.1. a shoulder holster or with devices for additional fixation (which is visible or not);

7.2.19.2. a holster in which the rear edge of the handgun grip is below the upper edge of the belt;

7.2.19.3. a holster that allows the muzzle of the handgun embedded in it, to point into the ground at a distance of more than 1 m from the steps of the athlete at a time when he stands relaxed;

7.2.19.4. a holster which does not completely block access to the trigger or does not prevent its activation when the firearm is contained in a holster or holster, which requires the use of a finger to unlock the mechanism or remove the handgun by movement.

The judge gives final approval for the use of the holster in the match.

7.2.20. Equipment used only attached to the shotgun (except for chokes, cartridges, accelerators and cartridge holders) and which will be used at any time during the match, is attached to the shotgun before the competition and remains so throughout the match.

7.2.21. In competitions with a handgun of any kind, only the Chief Judge makes the final decision on the suitability and safety of the use in competitions for practical shooting of special holsters and related equipment and their special location.

7.2.22. In competitions with a handgun of all classes, neither the handgun or its parts, holster, nor other related equipment may violate the requirements specified in the technical regulations for the starting signal. Any such manifestations that the judge finds to be inconsistent must be safely and promptly corrected.

7.2.23. In the case of "SOF type" Stages with a handgun of any class, the holster is designed for constant long-term wear (not to be special models for sports competitions), and holds the firearm firmly enough for the athlete to perform normal movements without losing the firearm. The holster must be made of ordinary materials of normal thickness and hold the firearm in the barrel in a vertical position, directed back down.

7.2.24. In the case of "SOF type" Stages with a handgun of any kind, the firearm is positioned so that the chamber of pistol or the rear of the revolver drum are below the middle of the carrying strap (sew the straps below the waistband and use them is not allowed). Female athletes are allowed to have a handgun so that the pistol chamber or the back of the revolver is below the middle of the belt by 3.8 cm (1.5 inches). The trigger and the leading edge of the result should be located behind the lateral centerline of the body. The result closes at least 5.1 cm (2 inches) of the magazine, measuring from the top of the cartridge to the top of the magazine and holds the magazine at an angle of at least 80 - 100° to the ground.

7.2.25. In the case of "SOF type" Stages with a carbine of any class and a shotgun, the holsters are designed for constant long-term wear (not to be special models for sports competitions), and hold magazines and ammunition strong enough for the athlete to make normal movements without losing them. The use of chest platforms, bandoliers or analogues is allowed.

7.2.26. The regulations of competitions with the implementation of "SOF type" Stages may establish additional requirements for firearms and non-firearms and equipment of athletes, in particular, the use of staff or service equipment is allowed (except for special models for sports competitions).

7.3. Sportsmen clothes

7.3.1. Athletes, coaches and officials must be required to compete in clothing that meets generally accepted standards of decency and reflects a positive image of the athlete.

7.3.2. The use of camouflage or other types of military or police uniforms is not recommended, except in cases of affiliation of athletes to the armed forces and law enforcement agencies. The match director makes the final decision about the athlete's clothing during the competition.

7.3.3. It is forbidden to use clothes with any offensive, provocative or obscene emblems, statements or images.

7.3.4. Requirements for clothing and equipment of athletes who perform "practical" Stages are determined by the Regulations.

7.4. Eye and ear protection

7.4.1. At competitions, everyone present at the shooting range is warned that the use of eye and ear protection is necessary to prevent possible injuries to the eyes and ears. Everyone present at the shooting range must wear eye and ear protection at all times.

7.4.2. In competitions, the Organizers of the competition may require any person on the shooting range to wear eye and ear protection as a condition of presence on the shooting range. Match officials monitor the presence of eye and ear protection for those on the shooting range.

7.4.3. If in competitions, if the judge notices that during the Stage the athlete accidentally lost or shifted goggles or headphones, or started the Stage without them, the judge immediately stops the athlete and after matching the equipment, the athlete is obliged to re-shoot the Stage.

7.4.4. If an athlete accidentally loses safety goggles or headphones during a competition, or starts the Stage without them, he can stop the Stage on his own, direct the firearm to the safe direction and indicate this to the judge. After bringing the equipment in accordance with the requirements of the Rules, the athlete is obliged to re-shoot the Stage.

7.4.5. Any attempt to gain a shot or advantage by intentionally shifting the goggles and / or headphones after the start of the Stage is considered unsportsmanlike conduct.

7.4.6. An Stage judge may declare goggles and / or ear protection for an athlete unsuitable or dangerous and order him to correct the defect before allowing the Stage to continue. The final decision is made by the Chief Judge.

7.5. Ammunition (projectiles for air handgun and air carbine) and related equipment

7.5.1. Athletes in practical shooting competitions ensure the safety of all cartridges (projectiles) with which they arrived at the shooting range.

7.5.2. All cartridges (projectiles) of the athlete and accompanying shops and devices for accelerated loading must meet the requirements of the relevant class of firearm.

7.5.3. Spare magazines, chargers or cartridges (projectiles) that have been accidentally dropped or lost by the Athlete after the start signal may be lifted. Lifting must be safe.

7.5.4. At competitions with an air handgun and air carbine, athletes are allowed to place "reloading boxes" to mitigate the fall of fallen magazines and devices, to charge in key places of Stage. The size, number and place of recharging to accommodate "recharging boxes" are approved by competition officials.

7.5.5. Bullets with steel cores, incendiary and / or tracer bullets are prohibited in practical shooting competitions.

7.5.6. Cartridges that fire more than one bullet or otherwise, capable of hitting the target, are prohibited.

7.5.7. Ammunition that is considered dangerous by the judge is removed from the competition.

7.5.8. Bullet cartridges for shotguns, in which the bullet protrudes beyond the edge of the cartridge case, are considered dangerous.

7.5.9. Ammunition using ordinary wads is allowed in shotgun competitions. Ammunition that uses special wads for long-range shooting is prohibited.

7.5.10. At competitions with a shotgun cartridges with a power factor of more than 750 are prohibited. The power factor of the cartridge is determined by published data of the manufacturer or using a chronograph.

7.5.11. In competitions with a shotgun, cartridges with steel or tungsten components of a shot or bullet are considered dangerous when firing at metal targets.

7.5.12. In shotgun competitions, all cartridges loaded into the shotgun before the start signal must be the same (have the same size, container, shell casings, charge, etc.). This violation is considered unsportsmanlike conduct.

7.6. Chronograph and power factor

7.6.1. In, the power factors for each class are specified in the requirements for the class of firearm. One or more official match chronographs are used to determine the ammo power factor of each athlete. In the absence of a chronograph, the power factor declared by the athlete cannot be challenged.

The minimum or maximum power factor is not set in practical small-caliber carbine and mini handgun shooting competitions.

For air handgun and air carbines, the maximum power factor is set for all classes 2 Joules. The use of projectiles with a power factor above the set is prohibited. Chronograph competition officials may test the athlete's projectiles at any time during the competition using his handgun.

7.6.2. In competitions, the power factor that allows you to include the athlete's points in the results of the match is called "minor".

In shotgun competitions, the cartridges to be tested must be of the same type or shot, or cartridges, or bullets, and configurations and are not mixed for testing purposes. All cartridges used by the athlete in the competition must meet the requirements of the minimum power factor. Competition officials may conduct tests of the Athlete's Ammunition at any time during the Competition.

7.6.3. In competitions, some classes provide a higher power factor, called "major" and allows athletes to score more points for the defeat of the peripheral test areas on the cardboard target. The power factor limit for "major" as well as other specific requirements apply to each class.

Shotgun competitions do not necessarily test all the ammunition of all athletes, but match officials may conduct spot checks.

7.6.4. In competitions, the number of points awarded for "minor" and "major" test shots displayed on the test zones of paper targets is accrued.

In shotgun competitions, an athlete who is ordered to provide his shotgun for testing must pass the test immediately without making any changes to the condition of the firearm prior to the test, including replacement of chokes and cleaning. An exception is made in case of troubleshooting.

7.6.5. The location of the chronograph and verification of its operation is determined by technical regulations.

7.6.6. In competitions, if as a result of the test the power factor does not meet the lower limit of the major power factor for the appropriate class, all points of the athlete in the competition will be transferred to the minor power factor if it is reached.

7.6.7. At competitions, if according to the test results the power factor does not meet the lower limit of the power factor for the corresponding class, the athlete may continue the competition, but his points are not included in the competition results.

7.6.8. In competitions, if the athlete's cartridges are retested or there is a permitted replacement of cartridges and the procedure of testing cartridges that comply with these Rules, sets a different value of the power factor, less power factor is used in the calculation points on all Stages, including those Stages that the athlete did not complete.

7.6.9. In competitions, if the athlete for any reason could not provide his firearm for testing at the appointed time and place and / or could not provide ammunition for testing at the request of the official of the match , his points will be deducted from the results of the competition.

7.7. Athlete equipment malfunctions

7.7.1. If after the starting signal with the firearm of the athlete there was a malfunction, he can make safe attempts to eliminate the malfunction and continue the Stage. During such actions, the athlete must always keep the firearm in the barrel in a safe direction - towards the targets. Athletes are not allowed to use a truncheon or other tool to check the firearm or troubleshoot. In case of violation of these requirements, points are not awarded to the athlete for performing the Stage.

7.7.2. If the athlete finds a broken firearm after the command "Charge the firearm, get ready!" or "Get ready!" before the starting signal, the judge must allow the athlete to repair the firearm without penalties. After troubleshooting the firearm or replacing it, the athlete may continue to perform the Stage in accordance with the schedule set for him by the Stage judge.

7.7.3. If it is necessary to move the firearm from the aiming line to the target when eliminating the delay, the athlete's fingers must always be unambiguously contained outside the trigger guard.

7.7.4. In case the athlete cannot cope with the problem above 2 minutes, or he stopped for any other reason, he directs the barrel of the firearm in a safe direction - towards the targets and turns to the judge. The judge must conduct the procedure of ending the Stage in the usual way. Points are calculated as for the completed Stage, including all misses and penalties that are available.

7.7.5. It is forbidden to leave the Stage with a loaded firearm.

7.7.6. In the event of a malfunction of the firearm described above, the athlete has no right to shoot the Stage. This also applies to cases where the firearm is considered defective or dangerous during the Stage.

7.7.7. If a judge stops an athlete while performing an Stage, suspecting that the firearm or ammunition is dangerous (eg a firecracker charge), he shall bring the athlete and the Stage to a safe state. The judge then inspects the firearm or ammunition and does the following:

7.7.7.1. if the judge finds evidence to confirm his suspicion, time and points are entered in the record sheet at the time of stopping the Stage with all misses and penalties. In this case, the athlete will not shoot the Stage, but will be sent to eliminate the shortcomings;

7.7.7.2. if the judge's suspicions are not justified, the athlete will be assigned to shoot the Stage

7.7.8. An athlete who himself stops the Stage due to suspicion of a firecracker charge or in the case of a real firecracker charge, has no right to shoot.

7.8. Official match cartridges and official throw gas of the competition

7.8.1. When the Organizers announce the availability of official cartridges for the competition with a handgun, carbine, small-caliber carbine, pistol caliber carbine, the Match Director indicates this in the official documents of the competition and / or on the official website of the competition. All types of official cartridges must be tested by the Match Director for compliance with safety requirements, the exact manufacturer, type and parameters, the appropriate power factor of major or minor.

7.8.2. When the Organizers announce the availability of official ammunition for a shotgun competition, the match director shall indicate this in the official competition documents and / or on the official competition website with a clear indication of the manufacturer, make, sleeve length, shot size, charge weight, speed, powder ( if there is).

7.8.3. Official match cartridges may not normally be tested on a chronograph if they meet the following requirements:

7.8.3.1. the athlete has received and retains throughout the competition an official written confirmation from the organizers of the competition about the number and type of cartridges received. He confirms this at the request of officials;

7.8.3.2. official competition cartridges received by athletes are considered to be athletes' equipment, respectively, delays in shooting may not be grounds for a shootout or an application to arbitration;

7.8.3.3. the official ammunition of the match is approved by WPSF;

7.8.3.4. Match officials reserve the right to conduct a chronography and other checks of any cartridges, at any time, without giving reasons.

7.8.4. In case the organizers announce the presence of official throwing gas at the competition with an air handgun and air carbine, the match director shall indicate this in the official documents of the competition and / or on the official website of the competition with a clear indication of the brand and type of metal gas. Complete information about the brand and type of metal gas is provided to participants in advance.

Such gas is considered to be the athlete's equipment, accordingly, malfunctions cannot be grounds for a shooting or an application to arbitration.

7.8.5. In competitions with a handgun, carbine, small-caliber carbine, pistol caliber carbine and shotgun, the competition organizers shall, if possible, provide a shooting range under the supervision of a judge, in which athletes test a small number of official cartridges from their firearms and non-firearms.