Practical Pistol

INTRODUCTION: 

The main goal of the Practical Pistol Matches at NMSA is to foster the familiarization and then mastery of your individual weapon(s). There are no divisions nor classifications, everyone from the newest novice to the most accomplished shooter is welcome. Men, women and Juniors. Juniors must be accompanied by an adult. The adult will transport the weapon(s) from the vehicle to the range. We will provide you with rotating stage scenarios every month. Up to two will be held over month to month. The round count will mostly consist of 4 stages with 12 rounds, totaling 48 rounds, but some months may have more. We are striving to keep the cost of shooting affordable. Stages will be timed and you will see your hits, but the stages will not be scored. Scoring could be added in the future if the demand is there.

ANY SHOOTER OR RANGE OFFICER CAN CALL "CEASE FIRE" AT ANY TIME ON THE RANGE. SHOOTERS WILL KEEP THEIR WEAPONS POINTED DOWNRANGE AND FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTILL CLEARED BY A RANGE OFFICER.

SHOOTER RESPONSIBILITIES:

     A.  Always follow the 4 Universal Laws of Gun Safety.
          1.  All guns are loaded until proven otherwise.
          2.  Don’t point the muzzle at anything you wouldn’t want to put a hole into should the weapon fire.
          3.  Keep your finger off the trigger until you intend to destroy what the weapon is pointed at.
          4.  Be sure of your target or threat, backstop and beyond.
     B.  Exhibit safe gun handling at all times.
     C.  If shooting multiple weapons, you must change over on the safe table provided. You must have a second person with during that time.

     D. Assist as needed, with repairs to targets and picking up brass.
     E.  Be ready to shoot when called to the line.
     F.  Be courteous and respectful to Match Officials and other shooters.
     G.  Have fun, socialize, learn and improve your gun handling and shooting skills.
 

  EQUIPMENT RULES:

All pistol types and accessories will be allowed. Your weapon must be safe and functioning. No rifle calibers with a stabilizing brace and allowed, unless deemed necessary by a disability.

   MATCH FORMAT: 

A match will normally consist of four (4) stages.  Each stage will require a minimum of 12 rounds. Each stage can be shot multiple times with multiple weapons, but an additional $10 will be required per weapon or additional stage. There will be months when a stage will require more than 12 rounds. We will limit those to keep costs down.

RANGE SAFETY OVERVIEW
Range Commands:
Downrange is not safe
Load and make ready/holster
Range is hot
Is the shooter ready?
< >
Start Signal (Verbal command "fire", whistle, or shot timer, etc.,)
Make clear & safe, show same to the Range Officer
Point muzzle downrange, release the slide, press the trigger
Holster a safe weapon
Range is now safe

Range commands may differ from time to time but be the same format as stated above.

Terms to be Aware of (Unsafe Actions):
< > – finger in the trigger guard:  Corrective Action - index trigger finger

< > – muzzle not in as safe direction:  Corrective Action - point muzzle down range

< > -  “Cease Fire” – shooter has done something unsafe or range has become unsafe:  Corrective Action - immediately stop the course-of-fire (COF)
Finger in the trigger guard while not on target
Failure to use cover as directed
Not reloading as required
Not shooting while moving as required
Not drawing from concealment as required
Failure to use holster retention device as intended
Round/s fired over the backstop
Not following C-O-F rules as specified

Disqualification:

If at anytime during a course of fire the shooter breaks the "180 rule", (Meaning: when the shooter allows the muzzle of his weapon break the fault line, or allowing the weapon in hand to swing back towards the fault line), immediate disqualification will follow. The RO will ask will you to STOP, unload the weapon make it safe, and holster it.
Endangering another person
Handling a loaded firearm except while on the firing line
Dangerous or repeated “finger in the trigger guard” violations
Accidental discharge closer than 2 yards to the firing line
Gross Unsportsmanlike Conduct, as determined by the Range Master.