What safety equipment do I need?
Eye and ear protection. If you don’t wear glasses, bring safety or shooting glasses. For hearing protection use ear muffs or ear plugs. Electronic ear muffs protect your hearing while letting you hear the Range Safety Officer’s (RSO) commands.
What kind of pistol can I use?
Just about any semi-automatic or revolver from 9mm to .45.
Why can’t I use my .22?
You could, but “knockdowns” activate the reactive targets (swingers, clamshells, etc.) and a .22 may not have enough power.
Are there pistols I can’t shoot with?
Yes. You can’t use “specialized” or modified pistols, generally called “race guns”. They give an unfair advantage over other shooters. Your pistol should be concealable with normal clothing.
Are there restrictions on magazines or releases?
Yes. Any magazine capacity is fine, but you can’t load more than ten rounds in a magazine. An extended magazine release may be used.
What happens if my pistol malfunctions?
If you have a failure to fire, failure to feed or a jam during a stage, you can clear the weapon and continue the course of fire (COF). If you can’t clear it right away you may be allowed a re-shoot of that part of the stage once the weapon is cleared. For a squib (bullet stuck in the barrel) or anything serious, the RSO will ask you to make the weapon safe and take it to another area. If problems continue, the RSO can ask you to withdraw from the match with a DNF.
Can I change pistols during the match?
No. “Bring what you want to shoot and shoot what you bring” is the spirit of the match. You can swap to an identical pistol: if you brought a Springfield XD .45 and have a second identical XD .45, you can switch.
What about holsters?
Any stock, off-the-shelf holster suitable for concealed carry or duty use. No holster modifications. Exception: ladies may use drop-loop holsters.
How must holsters and magazine holders be worn?
The holster goes on the strong-side hip at the mid-line of the leg; the seam of your pants is a good guide. No tilted or cutaway holsters. Inside- or outside-the-waistband holsters are fine; appendix carry needs the RSO’s permission. Shoulder holsters and cowboy rigs are not permitted. Magazine holders go on the support-side hip at the mid-line. Revolver speed loader holders can be worn in front on the strong side.
Why do you use the “Triple Threat” as a qualifier?
There are many good qualifiers, but this one runs quickly as a normal stage instead of a longer, more complex qualifier.
Couldn’t a shooter “game” the qualifier?
Sure. A shooter could qualify poorly to land in a lower class, but why would they? Once you win your class 3 times you’re moved up automatically. With no trophies, only bragging rights, there’s not much point.
How are targets scored?
Similar to IDPA. Time is added for each hit outside the “0” zone, with penalties for misses and hits on no-shoot targets, all converted to seconds added to your raw time. Every target needs at least one hit in the 0 or -1 zone to avoid more penalties. Procedural violations also add time. If a shooter appears to be circumventing a course of fire to improve their score, a Failure to Do Right penalty may be assessed.
What causes a disqualification?
Dropping a gun, an unintentional discharge, violating the “180 rule”, or repeated safety violations.
So what should I bring?
Just show up with an off-the-shelf rig: a stock service pistol or revolver in a stock holster, with stock magazine holders. It shouldn’t be difficult or expensive. Any good gun store can help, and almost anyone who shoots here regularly will be happy to show you what they use. Pistols can have upgraded sights, barrels or triggers, but changes that majorly alter weight, size or shape are not allowed. Almost any gun suitable for real-world defensive concealed carry is acceptable.