Long Range Shooting in New Zealand

Gunslinger PLRS

Gunslinger Practical Long Range Shooting: Standard Operating Procedures

www.gunslinger.net.nz
© 2010 Shane Cossar, New Zealand.
All rights reserved.
Contact: shane_cossar@hotmail.com

Firearm Safety Rules

Standard operating procedures, including firearm safety rules, exist for your safety and the safety of others - follow them.

Organisation Structure

Gunslinger Practical Long Range Shooting Matches are operated by Gunslinger PLRS Limted, and are typically conducted on field style shooting ranges.

Shane Cossar will be Match Director and Chief Range Officer. Additional Range Officers may also be appointed for a match.

The Match Director will:

Design the course of fire
Arbitrate and make decisions on any scoring disputes
Call for any emergency support (ambulance, fire, police)
Oversee the competition clean-up

The Range Officer/s will:

Register competitors on arrival
Direct and accompany squads of competitors to shooting stages
Issue range commands
Observe targets for hit / miss
Assist in clearing malfunctions or stoppages
Score competitors
Check firearms are ‘clear’

Competitors should familiarise themselves with the Gunslinger Rifle Challenge PLRS: Course of Fire.

Download a copy of the New Zealand Police Range Manual from:
www.police.govt.nz/service/firearms/range-manual.pdf

Range Officer supervising a shooter sighting-in

Range Operations

The following signage / flags will be erected:

Signs at the nearest road directing competitors to access point/s
Range flags (NRA ref AR 14835)
Range Perimeter Signs eg Caution Firearms In Use (NRA ref AR 14836)
NRA Shooting Range Rules Poster (NRA ref 14880)

Safety Briefings will be conducted prior to commencing activity on each course. This will include a standard briefing, plus also permit competitors to ask questions about safety or competition operation.

Competitors will be organised into squads. Competitors will move through the cross country courses and stages by squad, but each competitor will shoot individually.

Gunslinger events are generally conducted as a ‘cold bore range’. Firearms will always be unloaded when moving between stages, while waiting at a stage, and when moving between firing points within a stage. Given the distances rifles must be carried, and that field conditions may be wet and dusty; rifles may be carried across the body, or preferably slung, or placed in a drag bag or pack (hard cases are not suitable method of carry). For any movement a rifle must be ‘cleared’ and then a bolt may be closed on an empty chamber, with safety set at maximum ‘on’ setting, but no magazine may be inserted. While waiting at a stage the bolt must be open and no magazine may be inserted. Loaded magazines can only be inserted, or rounds chambered, under the instruction of a RO. Firearms must not be pointed at any person when being unloaded from a case, drag bag, or pack.

The ready line is marked by a small orange traffic cone, about four metres behind a firing point.

On arrival at a stage the competitors will place their firearms in a row at the ready line, with muzzle facing the target/s, bolt open, with no magazine attached.

To move a firearm from the ready area to the firing line, it must be ‘clear’ and muzzle elevated.

While waiting to shoot, competitors may access their day packs and other equipment, but may not handle ammunition. Competitors waiting to shoot may not use range finding equipment.

Positions where firearms may be fired are marked by either a firing line or a firing point.

A firing line is marked by two stakes, some distance apart. Firing lines are used when multiple competitors will be firing at the same time eg on a Known Distance course. Competitors will be positioned side by side with usually about two metres or more space between competitors, with the rifle muzzle past the firing line, and pointing at the target.

A firing point is usually marked by one stake, with a ribbon streamer (to indicate wind). The competitor must be positioned so that they can touch the stake, and their rifle pointing toward the target/s. The competitor may reposition themselves to engage other targets from that firing point, but they must always be able to touch the stake. In some cases three other stakes will also be used, two each side, and the invisible line through these stakes indicate the maximum arc of fire that should be used at that firing point.

Where a stage requires a competitor to move between firing points the competitor must take all equipment with them ie their daypack and firearm.

Firearm Safety Rules
Competitors must register on arrival at the competition site. Failure to provide a current firearms licence, or presenting a rifle or ammunition that appears to be unsafe will result in immediate disqualification and no shooting.

Safe Firearm Handling:

ALWAYS keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction.
ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
ALWAYS keep the firearm unloaded until ready to use.

Rules for safe usage:

Know your target and what is beyond.
Be sure the firearm is safe to operate.
Know how to use the firearm safely.
Use only the correct ammunition for your firearm.

Range Commands
Gunslinger PLRS events use a standard set of range commands.

General Command Sequence on the Known Distance Course	General Command Sequence on the Unknown Distance Course/s
“Squad/s x and y, to the firing line”	“Competitor x, to the firing point”
“x rounds, ten minutes, load”	“x rounds, ten minutes, load”
“Make ready”
“Is the line ready?”
“The line is ready”
“Commence firing!”	“Start”
“Cease firing”	“Cease firing”
“Unload”	“Unload”
“Show clear”	“Show clear”
“Go forward, score targets and paste”
“Move out of position and remove your equipment from the firing line”	“Move out of position and remove your equipment from the firing point”

“As you were” means to disregard the command just given.

“Carry on” means to proceed with whatever was being done before some interruption occurred.

“Squad/s x and y, to the firing line” means competitors are to move to the firing line opposite their target.

“Load” means the competitor/s are allowed to load the authorised number of cartridges and prepare for the stage. This command may be prefaced with the number of cartridges to be fired and the time available.

“Make ready” means shooters work the actions to chamber cartridges for the stage.

“Is the line ready” is announced by the RO so that a shooter who experiences a problem may raise his / her arm and call “Not ready on target x”. In the event of a “not ready” signal, the RO will announce “The line is not ready”, investigate and assist the shooter, or remove the shooter from the firing line.

“The line is ready” is announced when the RO observes the line is ready, or after a difficulty has been corrected.

“Commence firing!” is announced about three seconds after “The line is ready” and informs competitors they may commence shooting. Alternatively this command may be signalled by a whistle, light system, or horn blast.

“Misfire” is announced by a competitor to inform the RO and other competitors that a gun failed to fire and a hazardous condition may exist. Due to the possibility of a hang fire (a delay in the ignition of a cartridge), the competitor keeps the gun pointed downrange and waits at least 30 seconds, prior to correcting the malfunction.

“Cease firing” or “Stop!” is announced by the RO when time expires or at any other time when firing is to cease. The RO notifies shooters to stop firing immediately, remain in position, and await further instructions. “Cease firing” or “Stop!” may be signalled verbally, by a whistle or horn blast. Additional commands to unload, open the action, and ground the gun may follow.

“Cease firing” or “Stop!” can be announced by anyone observing an unsafe condition.

“Unload” directs the competitor to unload the gun.

“Show clear” requires the competitor/s to show the gun is clear of all ammunition. The competitor/s unload the gun/s and opens the action for inspection by a second person, who confirms the gun is unloaded.

“Go forward, score targets, and paste” means competitors must go forward of the line to score the targets. The RO ensures all guns are unloaded and grounded before allowing anyone to go forward of the firing line. While shooters are scoring, no guns are handled. When all shooters have returned and no personnel are downrange, the RO states “Range is clear, you may handle your guns”. This informs competitors they may prepare for the next course of fire or get ready to depart the firing line.

“Move out of position and remove your equipment from the firing line / point” authorises the competitor/s to remove their gear.

Competitors should pick up fired cartridge cases and clean their firing point/s.

Legal: In consideration for being permitted to attend this practical long range shooting event, the competitor is agreeing to the following:

The competitor holds a current firearms licence, including any endorsements applicable to the firearm being used.
The competitor expressly assumes the risk of taking part in the match, which includes; instruction in the use of firearms, the discharge of firearms, and the firing of live ammunition.
The competitor agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend Gunslinger PLRS Limited, its staff, and the match location owner, from all fault, liabilities, costs, expenses, claims, demands or lawsuits arising out of or connected with the competitors presence at and / or participation in the event; the discharge of firearms by the competitor or other competitors; the competitors presence on or use of the event location.
The competitor understands, and will at all times abide by all event Standard Operating Procedures, Course of Fire and any other rules and procedures stated by the Match Director or Range Officer/s.

Disclaimer: Shooting is potentially dangerous and damaged equipment can be expensive to fix. You should confirm all changes to be made to your rifle system and shooting practices with your local gunsmith or gunshop owner.