This is the third installment of our series about getting started in competitive shooting. So far we’ve covered holsters and what you need to know before you go to your first match. Today we’re going to talk about some range commands that are commonly used in different shooting matches so that you’re not totally lost when you go to your first competitive match.
Generally you’ll have some type of card that is turned into the score keeper at the start of the match, or at the start of each stage. This will determine the shooting order generally. As a new shooter, we suggest you telling the score keeper that you’re brand new and ask them to move you to the bottom of the list.
- So, they call your name and you approach the firing line. The range officer will ask you “Do you understand the course of fire?” If you do understand, say “yes”, if not, now is the time to ask any questions you have about the stage. Once you acknowledge that you understand, the range officer will tell you to “Load and make ready”. At this point, and ONLY at this point, you may remove your pistol from the holster, insert a magazine, and chamber a round, and then you can place it back into your holster, keeping your finger off the trigger at all times. Once you’ve done this and your firearm is back in the holster, the range office will ask, “Are you ready?” If you are, nod, or say “yes”. The range officer will then say “shooter is ready, stand by!” and in about 2-4 seconds he will hit the timer, and you will hear the beep that tells you to start shooting.
- You run the course of fire, and finish. When you are finished, stop. Drop your magazine, and clear the chamber.
- Once you have both visually checked the pistol, the range officer will tell you something like “Slide, hammer, holster”. This means you drop the slide, dry fire the pistol (while keeping it pointed safely into the berm) and them place it into your holster.
