Shoots are held every 3rd Saturday of the month.
Registration ends at 8:30, safety briefing at 8:30, stage briefing
at 8:45, match starts at 9:00. You must
be present for the safety briefing to shoot. Be sure to check
the
calendar
for any last minute changes.
We usually shoot 5 or 6 pistol stages. Bring your favorite pistol and/or wheelgun and join us for some fun. Everyone is welcome and
we promise you will have a safe and fun time on the pistol range. Bring 100-150 rds,
let us know if you need any equipment (holster, mags,
mag pouches, etc.) and we will try to wrestle you up
some. If you never have shot this type of competition, come on out. We will
make sure you have a safe and fun time.
Eye and ear protection and a hat with forward facing brim is required for all shooters and
spectators.
Handgun
(Concealed-carry guns only - No competition-type (Race) guns)
Semi Auto Pistol 9mm (9x19) or larger caliber.
Revolver of .38 Caliber (.357”
or larger) or 9mm (9x19)
Hip holster. (no small of the back, shoulder holsters or fanny packs)
Three magazines or speed-loaders.
Double magazine pouch, two single mag pouches, or two speed-loader holders.
100 to 150 rounds of ammunition (match usually requires less than 100 rounds).
Eye and ear protection, cap with forward facing brim.
NTSA Club
Policy for Action Pistol Matches
The First and most important thing issue at any shooting event is an emphasis on safety.
There are only two (2) occasions in which the shooter may handle their firearm.
1. In the
designated "Safe Area". There is to be no ammunition handled in
the safe area at any time. The safe area wwill
be briefed before
the match in the safety briefing.
2. Under the direct supervision of the Safety Officer.
Ammunition
Shooters may handle ammunition in any area other that the above defined "Safe Area". This means magazines, Speed loaders, and Moon clips can be loaded any time the shooter is not in the "Safe Area".
Contact Trap Chair Mike Brucia for details.
Contact Skeet Chair Jim Peterson for details.
The
NTSA Rifle/Carbine Match is a timed competition that allows you to use your
AR15, Mini-14, M1 Carbine or other similar firearm to engage multiple targets
at various distances while shooting different scenarios. Each
match consists of five or six stages that are designed to test
or improve your shooting skills and familiarity with that firearm. Some
stages require shooting and moving, while other stages require shooting while
moving, or shooting at a moving target. Stages require shooting from
various positions such as standing, kneeling, or prone, and shooting
from strong or weak sides.
Like the pistol matches, safety is absolutely paramount in the rifle/carbine matches. A Safety Officer (SO) runs each shooter individually through the stages ensuring that each shooter observes the safety rules. Minor infractions may incur a simple command from the SO such as "finger", which means finger off of the trigger when not shooting at a target, or "muzzle" which means watch where you are pointing the muzzle of your firearm. Major infractions like an unintentional discharge will result in an immediate disqualification from the match.
North Texas Shooters Association
Carbine Match Safety Briefing & Match Rules
Safety Rules - These rules apply to the carbine matches held at the NTSA range. Some of these rules may seem to be excessively restrictive when compared to other ranges, or to the specialized training that the shooter may have had in the past. However, they are required at the NTSA to minimize the possibility of a round exiting the range and to ensure a safe and enjoyable match.
1. This match will be conducted using a "cold range." All firearms shall be unloaded and remain cased at all times, until directed otherwise by a Safety Officer (SO). All gun handling will be done on the firing line or in the designated safe area. A Shooter may load rounds into magazines at any appropriate time but shall not load magazines into the rifle until the shooter is on the firing line and is instructed to uncase and load by the Safety Officer. If a shooter brings his or her firearm to the firing line without it being cased, the shooter will be disqualified.
2. The muzzle of a loaded firearm must always be pointed down range at the berm. Pointing the muzzle in the air or towards the ground within five feet is prohibited. Keep the muzzle parallel to the ground so an unintentional discharge will impact into the berm and remain inside the range. The SO’s will call “Muzzle” if a shooter is pointing his or her firearm above the berm or within five feet of the shooter. If “Muzzle” is called again during a match, the shooter will be disqualified. If a muzzle is pointed in an unsafe direction at any time, the shooter will be disqualified.
3. Unless the shooter is actually firing at target(s), the manual safety shall be ON when the firearm is loaded. The shooter’s finger must be outside the trigger guard and off of the trigger until the shooter is aimed-in at the target and ready to shoot. When a shooter is required to move from one firing point to another during a stage, before moving, the safety shall be ON, the finger outside the trigger guard, and the muzzle pointed down range towards the targets and the berm. The SO will call “Finger” if a shooter has his or her finger inside the trigger guard while moving but not firing. If “Finger” is called again during a match, he or she will be disqualified.
4. The shooter must know where his or her muzzle is pointed at all times and not violate the 180 degree rule. For example, while facing the target(s), the shooter must not point the muzzle beyond 90 degrees either left or right side of the target(s). If at any time, the shooter violates the 180 degree rule, he or she will be disqualified. Likewise, if the shooter discharges a firearm in an unsafe direction, he or she will be disqualified.
5. All shooters must know where their rounds are impacting. In other words, know your background and do not fire if there is an unsafe condition. Be aware of the possibility that shooters may be down range scoring, taping, or picking up brass.
6. Running an action match such as the carbine match is a team effort. Everyone present is responsible for ensuring a safe match. Any person that observes an unsafe condition shall immediately yell “Stop”. The shooter will immediately stop, engage the safety, and point the muzzle down range at the berm. The SO with the timer will investigate and resolve the unsafe condition.
7. All shooters are required to wear eye and ear protection as well as a hat or cap with the brim facing forward. This is required because of the likelihood that shooters will be hit by falling shot when on the range and out from under the metal roofs.
8. The Match Director and/or SO’s will follow the guidelines in the NTSA Emergency Response Plan and assign personnel to act in accordance with the Plan in the event of an injury involving a firearm.
General Equipment Rules
1. The firearm must comply with federal, state, and local laws. If any part, configuration, etc. is illegal, then the entire firearm is illegal and is banned from the match. The intentional violation of this rule may lead to the violator being banned from any further competition or involvement with NTSA.
2. Firearms capable of automatic fire are subject to General Equipment Rule 1 and shall be used in semi-automatic mode ONLY.
3. Trigger activation devices that allow automatic or burst fire including, but not limited to, "Hellfire" and "Tri-Burst" are prohibited.
4. If a shooter has problems with the semi-automatic trigger assembly on his or her firearm and it fires more than one shot with each pull of the trigger, the shooter will immediately cease firing that firearm. He or she will not finish the stage with that firearm. The shooter will be allowed to use another firearm in that situation, but he or she will not be allowed to use that firearm again unless the problem is resolved.
5. Bipods or barrel supporting devices of any kind may not be attached to the firearm or used in competition, unless specified by the Match Director. This includes, but is not limited to tripods, mono-pods, or shooting sticks.
6. There shall be no limitation on barrel length, diameter, or overall length of the firearm, other than that it must comply with General Equipment Rule 1.
7. Detachable, hinged, folding, or telescopic shoulder stocks shall be permitted provided they are deemed safe and do not violate General Equipment Rule 1 when detached or folded.
8. The firearm must remain in the same configuration for the duration of the match. Changing of slings, uppers, lowers, barrels, sights, and/or any other significant component between or during stages is prohibited.
9. Slings are allowed and may be required as specified by the Match Director.
10. No restrictions are placed on the position or type of carrying devices for magazines or ammunition, but all equipment may have to pass a standard retention test. Magazines and spare ammo must start in some form of carrier (pockets are allowed). They may not be held in the teeth, hand(s), under arms or between legs, etc. They may not be stowed (dumped) down a shirt or undershirt.
11. Extended magazine release buttons, safety catches, bolt release/locking devices, and/or cocking handles shall be allowed, provided they have been fitted without permanent modification to the upper or lower receivers.
12. Besides a rifle or carbine and safety equipment listed above, each shooter will need three 30-round magazines, two magazine carriers, a yellow or orange chamber flag that protrudes into the chamber, a soft or hard case for the firearm, and ammunition.
13. Iron sights that have tritium-dot or fiber-optic inserts shall be allowed. Optical sights of the red-dot and tritium-dot reflex type shall be allowed, as well as any kind of telescopic sight. A rifle equipped with a scope and red dot is also allowed.
14. Muzzle brakes, compensators and flash-hiders shall be allowed subject to General Equipment Rule 1.
15. The minimum caliber for a rifle shall be .223 Remington / 5.56mm (x 45 mm) NATO. Rifles must fire centerfire ammunition. Tracer, incendiary, armor-piercing or steel-jacketed ammunition is prohibited. Soft point ammunition is required when shooting at steel plates, and will be specified by the Match Director. Steel plates may not be shot with a rifle unless they are placed at least 100 yards from the shooter in accordance with the NTSA Steel Reactive Target Training Policy. Currently, .30-06 ammunition is the maximum caliber that may be used. Ammunition must meet a minimum power factor of 150, which is the bullet weight in grains multiplied by muzzle velocity in feet per second, divided by 1,000.
16. Magazines shall not be loaded to a capacity greater than 30 rounds. The stage description may require a magazine capacity less than the maximum as in a “limited” stage. For example, the shooter my be required to load six in a magazine, shoot those six, reload from bolt lock, and shoot six more.
17. Magazines may be coupled together to assist in reloading. However, some stages may restrict the use of such devices and require loading from the magazine carrier.
18. All sighting-in of firearms must be done before the day of the match. Before arriving at the match, the shooter should know where the firearm is sighted and where he or she should hold at different distances.
19. Each shooter should ensure that their firearms and ammunition are functioning properly prior to attending the match.
Match Rules
1. Shooters are expected to remain near, but behind the firing line, and to help tape or reset targets while not actually shooting or preparing to shoot. To allow the match to progress more quickly, the following tasks should be performed when these commands are called:
Shooters who are not preparing to shoot should pick up brass and assist with taping the targets. They should also be aware of what is happening around them and report any unsafe actions to the MD and/or SO.
2. Range Commands:
"Load and Make Ready" - On command, the shooter will face downrange, ensure that the firearms is pointed downrange, uncase the firearm, point the muzzle downrange toward the berm, turn optics ON (if applicable), load the magazine into the magazine well, load the chamber, and place the safety ON. The shooter will then assume the required position the stage dictates. This is normally the “Low Ready” position.
"Shooter Ready?" - The shooter will nod or otherwise clearly indicate that he or she is ready to begin the course of fire.
"Stand By" - The shooter will remain stationary until the start signal indicates that he or she should begin the course of fire. The start signal will normally be the buzzer or beep of the shot timer controlled by the Safety Officer, but other audible or visual start signals may be used at the discretion of the match director.
“Is the shooter finished with the course of fire?” – The shooter will state that he or she has finished with the course of fire.
"Unload and Show Clear" - Upon completion of the course of fire, the shooter will remain stationary with the muzzle pointed in a safe direction downrange at the berm, unload the firearm and lock or hold open the action to allow the Safety Officer to inspect the chamber.
“Flag chamber/Bolt Forward/Safety On” - On the Safety Officer's command, the shooter will insert a chamber flag into the chamber, allow the bolt carrier to move forward on to the orange or yellow flag, and engage the safety. The reason that the shooter does not drop the hammer on an empty chamber is that the safety will already be on when the shooter is called for the next stage, uncases his or her rifle, and loads for the next course of fire.
“Case” - The shooter will then place the rifle in the carrying case and close the case. When the case is closed, the SO will announce that the range is safe to go forward and score/tape the targets.
“Range is Safe” - Command stating that the shooter has cased his carbine and it is safe to proceed downrange to score, tape and pick up brass.
The commands listed below were discussed above under Safety Instructions, but are again provided for emphasis.
“Muzzle” – Command given to the shooter to move his muzzle within the muzzle safe points. SO’s may need to physically push the shooter’s arm or shoulder to move the muzzle downrange if the shooter does not comply immediately.
“Finger”- Command given to the shooter to remove his finger from the trigger guard.
“Cover” – Command given to the shooter for improper use of cover.
“Stop” – Command given to the shooter to stop all shooting and movement, to engage the safety, and point the muzzle at the berm.
3. The standard start position is the “Low Ready” position, unless otherwise specified by the Match Director. The “Low Ready” position begins with both hands on the rifle ready to shoot with the butt stock in the shoulder, NO cheek weld, muzzle pointed down-range at the berm, safety ON, and finger outside of the trigger guard. The shooter will start standing upright for all stages unless the course description states otherwise.
4. Stages may have loaded or unloaded starts. In an unloaded start, the shooter must not be touching their rifle, magazines, or ammo loading devices. An "unloaded start" means the chamber is empty of any ammunition, action open and the safety ON.
5. Each shooter is required to shoot the course of fire as described by the Match Director. An unintentional failure to shoot the course as instructed will result in a three (3) second “Procedural” penalty. If the shooter intentionally tries to circumvent the course instructions to gain a competitive advantage, he or she will be given a “Failure to Do Right” penalty of 20 seconds.
6. If a shooter hits a hostage or “no shoot” target, the shooter will receive a 5 second penalty. Each hostage hit can only be penalized once. In other words, if there are multiple hits on a hostage target, only one penalty is recorded on the score sheet. Shots that go through the hostage and hit the intended target are counted as hits on the intended target and scored accordingly. Hostage or “No shoot” targets may be indicated with open hands painted on the target or “X’s” painted on the target.
7. Targets may have portions of the target painted black which restrict the area available for score. These are called “hard targets” and are used to indicate a target behind hard cover. A hit in the blackened areas is a miss.
8. All targets must have at least one hit in the “0” or “1” scoring area. Otherwise, the target will be scored as a Failure to Neutralize (FTN).
9. If a shooter's firearm becomes unserviceable during the match, a similar firearm may be substituted at the discretion of the Match Director.
10. If a shooter's firearm malfunctions, the shooter shall clear the malfunction and continue. If the malfunction cannot be cleared, the shooter may re-shoot the stage at another time. One re-shoot per shooter per match will be allowed, at the discretion of the Match Director. Target malfunctions will cause a re-shoot. Re-shoots will not be allowed for not following or understanding the course of fire instructions.
11. Shooters will use cover as much as possible and if provided. You are required to have 50% of your body behind cover. If the SO calls “cover”, immediately move behind cover. If the SO calls cover
again in a match you will receive a three (3) second penalty for that stage as well as each time the SO calls cover after that stage.
12. Target Engagement Order – If shooting from a barricade, double barrel, or other covered position, the shooter will engage targets using “Barricade Order” or “Slicing the Pie”. Barricade order is engaging the first target you see as you edge around a barricade from a fully covered position. A shooter on the right side of a barricade, must shoot the first target on the right and work inward toward the left. Likewise, a shooter on the left side of the barricade, must shoot the first target on the left and work inward toward the right. In some courses of fire, the shooter may find that while moving, some targets are covered by no-shoot targets or other obstacles. Those targets may be shot in any order that allows engagement of all targets with the specified number of hits. If targets are placed at least three feet apart, shooters should shoot targets near to far.
13. Emergency and Tactical reloads – Emergency reloads occur when the last round is fired and the bolt carrier locks back. In this case, the shooter may allow the magazine to drop to the ground as another magazine is loaded. Tactical reloads occur when rounds are remaining in the magazine, but the shooter is required to load another magazine that theoretically has more rounds in it. In this case, the shooter must retain the partially filled magazine for use another time. If the shooter drops a magazine that has ammunition in it, he or she will receive a three (3) second penalty. Dropping a magazine or ammunition before the course of fire begins incurs no penalty.
14. Classes - For scoring and classifying purposes, there are three classes depending on the type of sight being used. “Open” class is any sight that has magnification such as a scope, including those equipped with illuminated reticles. For example, a Trigicon ACOG would compete in “Open” class. “Tactical” (TAC) class is any passive sight that uses an illuminated dot or reticle but is not magnified, such as an Eotech, Aimpoint, etc, and is not equipped with a magnifier. If the red dot is equipped with a magnifier, it is classified as “Open”. Shooters may flip a magnifier to the side but shall not remove a magnifier during the match. “Iron” class is for iron sights only. If a shooter begins the match with a rifle equipped with a sight classified “Tactical”, and the sight fails or otherwise becomes inoperative, and the shooter is forced to use backup iron sights (BUIS), the shooter will remain classified as “Tactical”. A rifle equipped with a scope and a red dot sight will be classified as “Open”. Laser sights are prohibited.
15. Upon completion of a course of fire and after the rifle has been unloaded and cased, the SO (timer) will note the elapsed time on the timer and call it out to the SO recording the times and hits on the score sheet. After the firearm is cased, the SO will announce that the range is safe to go forward to score and paste the targets. The SO (timer) will call the hits to the SO (scorekeeper). Targets shall not be taped until the target is scored and recorded. The shooter is encouraged to accompany the SO’s and observe the scoring process. However, the SO’s will not wait for the shooter to pick up brass, etc. to begin scoring.
16. The SO (timer) is responsible for the safe operation of the firearm and will focus on the firearm from the time it is loaded until the stage is completed and the firearm is unloaded and cased. The SO (scorekeeper) will observe the shooter complete the course of fire and mark any penalties if the course is not shot as instructed. Both SO’s will do their utmost to officiate the match consistently and fairly, treat each shooter with courtesy and respect, provide the shooter with the benefit of the doubt in the case of hit breaking a scoring ring, and provide the shooter the opportunity to have a safe and positive experience.
New Shooters
1. New shooters are required to read and understand these rules prior to attending a match. Please contact the match director if you have any questions.
2. New shooters should practice using the controls (safety, magazine release, bolt release) on their firearm at home with an unloaded firearm prior to attending a match. They should especially become familiar with engaging the safety. Shooters are also encouraged to practice removing and replacing an unloaded magazine into the magazine well from their magazine carrier.
3. During registration or squading, new shooters will be assigned to an experienced shooter to be “mentored” during the match. The mentor will assist the new shooter in any way necessary to ensure that the shooter’s performance is safe and enjoyable. Version 4; 1/24/2010; gsr
Contact Rifle Chair Michael Conley for details.
No matches currently scheduled.
NTSA Rimfire Match Course of Fire and Rules
The NTSA Rimfire match will be for both club members and daily members. Anyone
wanting to shoot may show up for the match and the match director will be his or
her daily member sponsor. Here are the rules:
Rules:
1. Caliber: 22 LR only
2. Gun: Any rifle that can shoot 22 LR ammo, only one gun is allowed. Any scope
is allowed and higher power scopes are encouraged such that bullet holes can be
seen at 200 yards. Spotting scopes are allowed.
3. Rests: Front - bipod or sandbag, no
benchrest rests. Rear - typical rear bag or sandbag.
4. Fees: $10 for NTSA members, $20 for
daily members
5. Safety: Bolts must be removed when not firing. Semi-Autos must have chamber flag such as weed eater
string in chamber, which will be supplied.
Match Director is last word.
Course of Fire: Possible 2125 points, may not be shot in this order
1. 50-yard off-hand target: 10 shots on a
single target, 25 point bull, 0.75 moa per ring. Possible 250 points. 5 minute
sighting period will be allowed, 7-minute match. Worst 10 holes will count,
misses are counted zero. Children 13 and under may use a shooting stick to
support the front of the rifle or substitute at the match directors discretion.
2. 100-yard target #1: Shot from a bench
with a bipod and rear rest, 5 shots each on 5 bulls, 25 total. One sighter bull
is on target, unlimited sighters are allowed. 25-point bull, 0.75 moa per ring.
Possible 625 points. 5 minute sighting period will be allowed, 15-minute match.
Worst 5 holes will count, misses are counted zero.
3. 100-yard target #2: Shot from a bench
with bipod and NO rear rest, 5 shots each on 5 bulls, 25 total. One sighter bull
is on target, unlimited sighters are allowed. 25-point bull, 0.75 moa per ring.
15-minute match. Possible 625 points. Worst 5 holes will count, misses are
counted zero.
4. 200-yard target: Shot from a bench with
bipod and rear rest, 25 shots on a single target, 25-point bull, 1.50 moa per
ring. Possible 625 points. 5 minute sighting period will be allowed, 15-minute
match. Worst 25 holes will count, misses are counted zero,
5. Shooting will be on Saturdays and Sundays. Watch the NTSA calendar on
www.shootntsa.com for schedule and times.
Last revised: