(Based upon International Multi Gun Rules)

Questions or comments please contact our 3-Gun Match Director [email protected]

General Information

Safety:

The foundation of the our Multi-Gun Match is safe gun handling. Nobody cares how fast you can complete a stage, only that you do so safely. Our position on safety is simple: Violate a safety rule and you are disqualified! You must pack up your gear and you will not be permitted to fire another round during the match. We make no exceptions.

West Houston Shooters Match

The Multi-Gun Match is not an endurance course. Shooters with physical impairments will be accommodated whenever possible. For example, a shooter with a bad knee might be allowed to take a shot standing rather than kneeling. Shooters will find that consistency and accuracy count more towards a high score than quick feet or a fast draw. Shooters with physical limitations or disabilities that would hinder or prevent their ability to complete a course of fire as prescribed should advise the appropriate Match Official (see below) of such condition so that accommodation for the condition can be made. Expensive or elaborate equipment is not required, expected, or necessary for successful participation in this match. It is the shooters sole responsibility to insure that their firearms (and other equipment) are safe and serviceable, and that the shooter is practiced and familiar with their equipment.

Match Officials – Duties and Authority

• Match Director Duties/Authority:

Final Authority of the match “nuff said”.

• Safety Officer:

Safety Officers are the people whose purpose and goal is for all the shooters at the match to have a safe and enjoyable day at the range by directing the shooter through the course of fire.

• Focus on the shooter’s firing hand and gun.
• Remember that the shooter is always given the benefit of any doubt.
• Run contestants through a course of fire safely and smoothly so that the shooter may enjoy the shooting experience.
• Treat the shooter with courtesy and respect.
• Answer all questions regarding the CoF.
• Control all details of the CoF.
• Define all muzzle safe points as directed by the CoF and range.
• SO should generally stand about three (3) feet to the side and three (3) feet to the rear of the shooter. The safety officer must be aware of his position as the competitor re-holsters.
• The SO should be on the gun hand side of the shooter. The gun-hand side changes depending on CoF requirements.
• SO should make sure they stay with the shooter, but not in the shooter’s way. 
  

• Special allowances
  • For youth shooters
  • Equipment not specified in the rules
  • Shooters with disabilities

Ammunition:

• Rifle: paper targets – No tracer, incendiary or armor piercing incendiary (API) ammunition may be shot at paper targets.
   
• Rifle: steel targets – No steel jacketed (bi-metal jacketed) or steel/tungsten/penetrator core type ammo may be shot at our steel targets.  If a magnet sticks to the projectile it is prohibited.  Shooting these types of projectiles at our steel targets is dangerous & destroys our targets.    Unacceptable ammo includes (but not limited to) US M855, European SS109, and Canadian C77 steel-core .223 ammunition.  If you are caught shooting these prohibited projectiles at our steel you will be asked to replace the target you destroyed, if you refuse you will be banned from future events.
   
• Pistol – Jacketed, cast lead or hollow point ammo is acceptable.
   
• Shotgun – No shot larger than #4 will be allowed when shooting steel and must be made from lead or bismuth only.  Iron, steel or tungsten shot is unsafe and prohibited.  Although #7.5 birdshot (typically used) is adequate for most shotgun stages, it is helpful for the shooter to keep a small supply of larger shot and slugs available for more specialized shotgun stages.

HANDGUNS:

• Handguns: Semiautomatic and revolver type handguns may be used. If the handgun has a user-actuated safety (many semi auto’s do, most revolvers don’t), it must be in good working order.
• Many handgun stages require the shooter to draw from a holster. As a general rule all holsters will be strong side and “vertical” (including “FBI” cant) in orientation. Cross draw holsters and shoulder holsters are prohibited! Holsters that are ill-fitting or without an adequate mechanism to retain the weapon while the shooter is moving may not be used. Magazine carriers may be worn on belt, thigh pouch or vest. The final decision as to the adequacy of any holster resides with the Match Director or Safety Officer.

SHOTGUNS:

• Shotguns must be no smaller than 20 gauge. (Special allowances will be made for youth shooters)

RIFLES/CARBINES:

• Spare magazines or clips must be carried on the gun or your person, properly secured Optics (including flip to side magnifiers) are allowed, but once installed, may not be removed or changed during the match

OTHER EQUIPMENT:

• The use of knee or elbow pads is allowed.
• Vests, chest rigs, etc. are allowed.

SHOOTER RESPONSIBILITIES:

The shooter is responsible for understanding the requirements of a particular course of fire before coming to the firing line to begin his/her run. Prior to the beginning of each Multi-Gun/Tactical stage, the Match Director or designate (with the assistance of any stage designers) will conduct a course walk-through of each stage. Shooters are offered the opportunity to see action props work and ask questions.

Shooters are usually given the opportunity to move about to plan and consider their run. However some stages are designed to present novel/surprise situations for the shooter to handle in real time in which case such a walk through may be prohibited. At the time a shooter moves to the line to begin a run, he/she is assumed to understand and be prepared for the course of fire.

SAFETY OFFICER COMMANDS

The Safety Officer uses the following commands to start the run:

• Range going hot! This signal is used after the SO assures himself that there are no people downrange from the shooter. The Range going hot command signals people behind the line that firing is about to commence and that appropriate eye and hearing protection must be worn.
• Load and make ready. On this command, the shooter will face downrange (regardless of the starting position), fit ear protectors, safety glasses, load/check their weapon(s), and make it/them ready (e.g., insure the safety(s) are on if applicable). The shooter then takes up the specified starting position for the stage. All shooters will begin each stage with their weapon’s safety on.
• Shooter ready? If the shooter is not ready at this command, he/she should say, Not ready. Don’t be surprised to hear the SO use similar phrases, such as, Shooter ready, or Nod if you are ready, in place of Is the shooter ready.
• Standby! This is the shooter’s alert that the start signal will follow shortly. Most stages are begun with the SO causing an audible beep to be sounded from the timer. The starting procedure will be clearly explained if a different starting technique applies (such as the shooter beginning fire after a second beep or when a target begins moving).
• BEEP! At the designated start signal, the shooter is expected to begin and complete the course of fire in accordance with the specified description. It is usually the shooter’s responsibility to determine when his/her run is done. The timer captures the time after each shot is fired, so the official time for the run is the time on the readout after the last shot has been fired. When the Safety Officer concludes that the shooter has finished, the following commands are used to complete the run and make the range safe again

Unload and show clear!

• Long guns. Point firearm in safe, downrange direction, remove magazine, eject any chambered round, lock bolt back, inspect chamber and insert appropriate yellow safety flag/chamber flag (OBI) into the chamber. The Safety Officer will direct the shooter to sling/hold the firearm in a safe manner.
• Shotguns. Point firearm in safe, downrange direction, remove magazine (if applicable), eject any chambered round, lock bolt back, inspect chamber and insert appropriate yellow safety flag/chamber flag (OBI) into the chamber. The Safety Officer will direct the shooter to sling/hold the firearm in a safe manner.
• Handguns: Point firearm in a safe, downrange direction, remove magazine, eject any chambered round, inspect chamber and at direction of Safety Officer, close slide, pull trigger and safely holster; for revolver, point in a safe, downrange direction, open the cylinder, remove all live rounds/empty shell casings, inspect and at direction of Safety Officer, close cylinder and safely reholster.

Range is clear! This command signals that people can move downrange to score tape and reset targets, pick up brass, etc.

The Safety Officer may issue other commands:

STOP! Usually indicates that an emergency or other, unusual/unsafe situation has occurred. When the shooter hears this command he/she immediately stops the run, holds position and awaits specific instructions from the Safety Officer Finger! The shooter is moving and not engaging targets and should remove their finger from the trigger.

COMPETITION RULES

1. General Conduct & Dispute Resolution

• Eye protection is mandatory for participants, spectators & officials at the event site.
• Ear protection is mandatory for participants, spectators & officials while on or near a stage.
• No participants or spectators shall consume or be under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs at the event site. Any participant found to be impaired as a result of legitimate prescription drugs may be directed to stop shooting and requested to leave the range.
• Participants and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous and sportsman-like manner at all times. Any person who violates this rule may be ejected from the event site at the Match Director’s discretion.
• Clothing with any offensive or obscene logos, sayings, pictures or drawings will not be worn or displayed while at the event site.

2. Disqualification

Participants may be subject to event disqualification for safety or conduct violations.  Disqualification will result in complete disqualification from the event, and the participant will not be allowed to continue.  Match fees will be forfeited in the event of a disqualification.

• A participant shall be disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct.
• Altering the configuration of firearms or equipment without permission of the Match Director.
• Threatening or assaulting other participants or Event Officials.
• Disruptive behavior likely to disturb, distract or coach other participants while they are shooting.
• Cheating, such as:  Intentionally altering a target prior to the target being scored to gain advantage or avoid a penalty. Altering or falsifying score sheets.
• Willful disregard of Event Officials or there instructions.
• The final decision on all disqualifications and reshoots will be made by the Match Director.
• Any rule not explicitly covered by this document will be resolved with a ruling by the Match Director or his designee.
• Rulings by the Match Director or his designee will be final, and will serve as a precedent for the duration of the event. 
• Safety violations are not subject to arbitration.

3. Safety

1. West Houston Shooters Club events will be run on cold ranges.
2. Participant’s firearms will remain unloaded at the event site except under the direction and immediate supervision of an Event Official.
3. Firearms may only be handled and/or displayed in a designated safety area.  YOUR VEHICLE IS NOT A SAFE AREA.
4. Safety areas will be clearly marked with signs.
5. No firearm may be loaded in a safety area.
6. No ammunition (including dummy ammunition or snap caps) may be handled in a safety area.
7. Firearms may be transported (always unloaded) to, from and between stages only in the following conditions:

1. Handguns must be cased or holstered, de-cocked (hammer down) on an empty chamber and with the magazine removed.
2. Rifles and shotguns must be cased, secured muzzle up or muzzle down in a stable gun cart/caddy, or carried slung with the muzzle up. Actions must be open and detachable magazines removed. The use of high-visibility open bolt indicator “Chamber Flag” is required of rifles & shotguns.

1. A match participant who causes a negligent or accidental discharge will be stopped by an Event Official as soon as possible, and will be disqualified. Examples of negligent / accidental discharges include but are not limited to:

1. A shot, which travels over a backstop, a berm or in any other direction deemed by Event Officials to be unsafe & the shooter will be disqualified. Note that a shooter who legitimately fires a shot at a target & then travels in an unsafe direction, will not be disqualified (i.e. ricochet off target).
2. Shooting at & hitting a non-slug designated target with a shotgun slug.
3. A shot which strikes the ground within 10 feet of the shooter.

1. Exception – a shot which strikes the ground within 10 feet of the shooter due to a “squib” or if specified by the course of fire.

1. A shot which occurs while loading, reloading or unloading any firearm.

1. Exception – a detonation which occurs while unloading a firearm is not considered an accidental discharge. A “detonation” is defined as the ignition of the primer of a round, other than by action of a firing pin, where the projectile or shot does not pass through the barrel (e.g. when a slide is being manually retracted, when a round is dropped etc.).

1. A shot which occurs during remedial action in the case of a malfunction.
2. A shot which occurs while transferring a firearm between hands.
3. A shot which occurs during movement, except while actually engaging targets.

1. A participant who performs an act of unsafe gun handling will be stopped by an Event Official as soon as possible, and shall be disqualified. Examples of unsafe gun handling include:

1. Dropping a firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, at any time after the ”Load” or “Make Ready” command and before the “Range Is Clear” command.
2. Dropping an unloaded firearm before the “Load” or “Make Ready” command or after the “Range Is Clear” command will not result in disqualification, provided the firearm is retrieved by an Event Official.
3. Using any unsafe ammunition as defined in the “Ammunition” section.
4. Placing / staging a firearm during a stage in any location other than the designated location as stipulated in the course of fire.  Firearms may only be placed or staged in one of the following conditions:
   1. Loaded, safety catch fully engaged, muzzle pointed in the designated safe direction.
   2. Unloaded (no ammunition in the firearm), detachable magazine removed, muzzle pointed in the designated safe direction.
    
5. Unloading any firearm in an unsafe manner, or discharging a firearm while not legitimately engaging a target.
6. Allowing the muzzle of a firearm to break the 180 degree safety plane.
7. Allowing the muzzle of a firearm to point at any part of the participant’s body during a course of fire (i.e. sweeping).

1. Exception – sweeping of the lower extremities (below the belt) while drawing or re-holstering a handgun, provided that the competitor’s fingers are clearly outside of the trigger guard.

1. When participants are grounding hand guns or long guns the safety must be engaged.

1. Participants may be disqualified for engaging a steel target in an unsafe manner, such as by:

1. Engaging steel targets with handgun ammunition at a range of less than 23 feet.
2. Engaging steel targets with shotgun birdshot shot ammunition at a range of less than 16 feet.
3. Engaging steel targets with shotgun slug ammunition at a range of less than 131 feet.
4. Engaging steel targets with rifle ammunition at a range of less than 164 feet.

1. Participants may be disqualified for using a tube-type shotgun speed-loading device without a primer relief cut.
2. Participants may be disqualified for pointing a firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, in any direction deemed by Event Officials to be unsafe.

4. Ammunition Caliber:

• Handgun ammunition shall be 9mm Parabellum (9x19mmNATO) or larger, unless otherwise stipulated under equipment division rules.
   
• Rifle ammunition shall be .223 Remington (5.56x45mmNATO) or larger, unless otherwise stipulated under equipment division rules.
   
• Shotgun ammunition shall be 20 gauge or larger, unless otherwise stipulated under equipment division rules.

5. Firearms

1. All firearms used by participants must be serviceable and safe. Event Officials may inspect a participant’s firearms at any time to verify they are functioning safely. If any firearm is declared unserviceable or unsafe by an Event Official, it must be withdrawn from the event until it is repaired to the satisfaction of the Match Director.
2. Firearms capable of fully automatic- or burst-fire (“machine guns”) may be used only in semi-auto mode (i.e. not more than one (1) round fired with each pull of the trigger). Violation of this rule will incur a 30 second time penalty per occurrence.
3. Fully automatic or burst fire are permissible with prior permission of the Match Director
4. Participants must use the same firearms (handgun, rifle and shotgun) for the entire event.
5. If a participant’s firearm becomes unserviceable, that participant may replace their firearm with another of a substantially similar model, caliber and sighting system with the approval of the Match Director.
6. Participants generally may not reconfigure any firearm during the course of the event.

1. Explicitly prohibited acts include changing caliber, barrel length, shotgun magazine tube length, sighting systems and/or stock style. 
2. Explicitly permitted acts include installing or removing slings and other minor accessories (e.g. scope covers). 

1. If a participant’s firearm becomes unserviceable, that participant may repair their firearm with directly equivalent replacement parts. If replacement parts result in a significant change to the firearm configuration, then the repair must be approved by the Match Director.
2. Unless otherwise stipulated in the course of fire, required firearms will begin the stage in the following ready conditions:

1. Handgun: Loaded to division start capacity with a round in the chamber and holstered. In the case of single-action semi autos or double-action semi autos with manual override safeties, the safety catch must be in the “safe” position. In the case of double-action semi autos, safe action semi autos and revolvers, the hammer must be down/forward.
2. Rifle: Loaded to division start capacity with a round in the chamber and held in the low ready position. Safety catch must be in the “safe” position.
3. Shotgun: Loaded to division start capacity with a round in the chamber and held in the low ready position. Safety catch must be in the “safe” position.
4. Participants may not touch or hold any firearm loading device or ammunition after the “Standby” command and before the “Start Signal” (except for unavoidable touching with the lower arms).

6. Divisions

• Participants will declare one equipment division at the beginning of the event.
• Equipment divisions are: Tactical Optics, Tactical Iron & Open
• Failure to meet all of the equipment and ammunition requirements for the declared division shall result in the participant being placed into Open division. 
• Handgun holsters must safely retain the handgun during vigorous movement. The belt upon which the handgun holster is attached must be worn at waist level. Shoulder holsters and cross draw holsters are prohibited.

Open division

1. Handgun

1. Magazine length may not exceed 170mm.

1. Rifle

1. Supporting devices (e.g. bipods) are permitted, and may begin any stage folded or deployed at the participant’s discretion.

1. Shotgun

1. Speed loading devices and/or detachable box magazines are permitted.
2. Tubular speed loading devices must feature a primer relief cut.

Tactical Optics division

Firearms must be of a factory configuration. Prototype firearms are specifically prohibited. Internal modifications are permitted providing they do not alter the external appearance of the firearm.

Handgun holsters must be a practical/tactical carry style and must safely retain the handgun during vigorous movement. The holster material must completely cover the trigger on all semiautomatic pistols. Revolver holsters must completely cover the trigger and the cylinder. The belt upon which the handgun holster is attached must be worn at waist level. Shoulder holsters and cross draw holsters are prohibited.

1. Handgun

1. Electronic sights, optical sights, extended sights, compensators or barrel porting are prohibited.
2. Magazines length may not exceed 170mm in the case of single column magazines, and may not exceed 140mm in the case of staggered column magazines.

1. Rifle

1. Not more than one (1) electronic or optical sight is permitted.
2. A supplemental magnifier may be used with the permitted optical sight provided the magnifier does not contain an aiming reticle, cannot be used as an aiming device by itself, and remains mounted in the same location on the rifle for the duration of the event.
3. A participant may use the magnifier in either the magnified or unmagnified mode without restriction.
4. Supporting devices (bipods, etc.) are not permitted.
5. Compensators and muzzle brakes may not exceed 1 inch in diameter and 3 inches in length (as measured from the barrel muzzle to the end of the compensator).

1. Shotgun

1. Only tubular magazines are permitted.
2. Electronic or optical sights are prohibited.
3. Supporting devices (bipods, etc.) are prohibited.
4. Barrel devices designed/intended to reduce recoil or muzzle movement (e.g. compensators, barrel porting) are prohibited.
5. Speed loading devices and/or detachable box magazines are prohibited.
6. Shotgun magazines capacity is unlimited, however only 9 rounds permitted in gun for loaded chamber start and 8 rounds in gun for empty chamber start. 

Tactical Iron division

Firearms must be of a factory configuration. Prototype firearms are specifically prohibited. Internal modifications are permitted providing they do not alter the external appearance of the firearm. 
 

Handgun holsters must be a practical/tactical carry style and must safely retain the handgun during vigorous movement. The holster material must completely cover the trigger on all semiautomatic pistols. Revolver holsters must completely cover the trigger and the cylinder. The belt upon which the handgun holster is attached must be worn at waist level. Shoulder holsters and cross draw holsters are prohibited.

1. Handgun

1. Electronic sights, optical sights, extended sights, compensators or barrel porting are prohibited.
2. Magazines length may not exceed 170mm in the case of single column magazines, and may not exceed 140mm in the case of staggered column magazines.

1. Rifle

1. Iron sights and or not more than one (1) non-magnified optical sight is permitted. Electronic or optical sights originally designed to be capable of any magnification (whether used or not) are prohibited.
2. Supporting devices (bipods, etc.) are not permitted.
3. Compensators and muzzle brakes may not exceed 1 inch in diameter and 3 inches in length (as measured from the barrel muzzle to the end of the compensator).

1. Shotgun

1. Only tubular magazines are permitted.
2. Electronic or optical sights are prohibited.
3. Supporting devices (bipods, etc.) are prohibited.
4. Barrel devices designed/intended to reduce recoil or muzzle movement (e.g. compensators, barrel porting) are prohibited.
5. Speed loading devices and/or detachable box magazines are prohibited.
6. Shotgun magazines capacity is unlimited, however only 9 rounds permitted in gun for loaded chamber start and 8 rounds in gun for empty chamber start. 

Heavy division

To meet the caliber requirements of Heavy… pistol must be .45acp, Rifle must be .308 & shotgun must be 12 gauge.  See scoring for modified Heavy scoring.

Firearms must be of a factory configuration. Prototype firearms are specifically prohibited. Internal modifications are permitted providing they do not alter the external appearance of the firearm.

Handgun holsters must be a practical/tactical carry style and must safely retain the handgun during vigorous movement. The holster material must completely cover the trigger on all semiautomatic pistols. Revolver holsters must completely cover the trigger and the cylinder. The belt upon which the handgun holster is attached must be worn at waist level. Shoulder holsters and cross draw holsters are prohibited.

1. Handgun

1. Electronic sights, optical sights, extended sights, compensators or barrel porting are prohibited.
2. Magazines length may not exceed 170mm in the case of single column magazines, and may not exceed 140mm in the case of staggered column magazines.

1. Rifle

1. Not more than one (1) electronic or optical sight is permitted.
2. A supplemental magnifier may be used with the permitted optical sight provided the magnifier does not contain an aiming reticle, cannot be used as an aiming device by itself, and remains mounted in the same location on the rifle for the duration of the event.
3. A participant may use the magnifier in either the magnified or unmagnified mode without restriction.
4. Supporting devices (bipods, etc.) are not permitted.
5. Compensators and muzzle brakes may not exceed 1 inch in diameter and 3 inches in length (as measured from the barrel muzzle to the end of the compensator).

1. Shotgun

1. Only tubular magazines are permitted.
2. Electronic or optical sights are prohibited.
3. Supporting devices (bipods, etc.) are prohibited.
4. Barrel devices designed/intended to reduce recoil or muzzle movement (e.g. compensators, barrel porting) are prohibited.
5. Speed loading devices and/or detachable box magazines are prohibited.
6. Shotgun magazines capacity is unlimited, however only 9 rounds permitted in gun for loaded chamber start and 8 rounds in gun for empty chamber start. 

7. Scoring

Scoring will be time plus penalties.

Paper targets used in the match may be IPSC (old style), the new IPSC “Classic”, SOF, or usually we use IDPA targets.

Any cardboard target, designated as a “shoot” target must have either one (1) “A or B” on an ISPC target or a “0” hit on an IDPA target OR two (2) hits anywhere inside the scoring perforations of the target to avoid a penalty.  Slug targets & shooters competing in the Heavy Division are to be exempted from this rule and only require one (1) hit inside the designated scoring perforations to avoid a Miss or FTE penalty.  FTN (Failure to Neutralize) penalties do not apply to Slug targets or the Heavy Division.

1.  Example of scoring and penalties on paper targets:

1. Designated “No Shoot” targets that are hit will incur a 5 second penalty.  A full diameter shot that passes thru a scoring area on a “no-shoot” target then thru a shoot target will not be counted as a hit on the shoot target.
2. One “A or B” or “0” zone hit = no penalty.
3. Two hits anywhere inside the scoring perforations of the target = no penalty.
4. Failure To Neutralize (FTN) = 5 second penalty.  Only one hit out side the “A or B” or “0” zone.
5. Miss = 10 second penalty.  No hits inside the scoring perforations of the target but target was engaged.
6. Target Not Engaged (TNE) = 15 second penalty.  5 seconds for not engaging the target plus 10 seconds for the miss.
    

2.  Example of scoring and penalties on steel or frangible targets:

1. Designated “No Shoot” targets that are hit will incur a 5 second penalty.
2. Steel must fall to score.  Poppers will be calibrated to “minor” with a 9mm pistol shooting factory ammunition.
3. Swinging style rifle targets must be struck solid enough to cause the hidden “flash card” to be visible to the Range Officer. The Range Officer may call hits.
4. Frangible targets must break to score. (One BB hole is a break.)
5. Engaging a frangible, knock-down or swinging style target but not breaking it, knocking it down or causing the target to react will result in a Miss = 10 second penalty.
6. Failure to engage a frangible, knock down or swinging style target will result in a Target Not Engaged (TNE) = 15 second penalty.  5 seconds for not engaging the target plus 10 seconds for the miss.

A Maximum Time a.k.a. Par Time may be established for each stage. Upon failure to complete the stage within the maximum time, a shooter will be stopped by the Range Officer and assessed a stage time equal to the Maximum Time plus all applicable penalties.

Procedural penalties, 10 seconds per target, may be assessed for failing to follow the stage directions as written in the stage description.

Procedural penalties, 10 seconds, may be assessed for failing to follow stage procedures.

Targets not engaged in maximum time will incur TNE penalties in addition to all other applicable penalties.