The firearm is carried in a holster with the hammer down, magazine out, and no cartridge in the chamber. The competitor is not allowed to take their firearm out of the holster unless in a safety area or ordered to do so by a Range Officer on an active firing line. It needs to be stressed that a properly fitted holster is one of the most effective safety devices. Nothing can happen with the unloaded firearm while it is in the holster and the competitor is not handling it.

Filling Magazines/Speed-loaders

The filling of magazines or speed-loaders can be done anywhere except in a designated safety area. If you handle ammunition in the safety area it will result in a Match Disqualification.

Use of the Firearm on the Line

Safety is absolutely essential in our sport and that is why it will be stressed throughout this course.

The only time a firearm may be used in competition is when you are under the direct supervision of a Range Officer and you have been given the instruction “Load and make ready”. After loading and making ready, the firearm is placed back in the holster. Do not un-holster again unless instructed by the Range Officer or you have asked permission to do so. When the firearm is un-holstered, the muzzle must always remain pointing down range when shooting, loading or unloading, during movement, during remedial action, or when presenting the firearm for inspection to the Range Officer.