One of the most important things for running a Fixed Time scored stage is having the timer configured properly to beep when the par time ends. The timers from Competition Electronics and CED are easy to configure and have been used without issue for Fixed Time for years. However, there are a couple settings that need to be changed to use the AMG Lab Commander Timer to time a Fixed Time stage without issues.
[Read more…] about Timer settings for Fixed TimeRO Best Practices
Certified Ammunition
With the 2024 shooting season coming to a close, and the 2025 season not warming up yet (see, because it’s winter, and cold, “not warming up yet”), I thought it might be helpful in planning to publish some information on USPSA’s Certified Ammunition Program.
[Read more…] about Certified AmmunitionTimber!!!
We’ve all done it. Moving along through life and everything is going our way and suddenly we are landing on the ground not really sure how we got there. All well and good, usually, with nothing more than our pride bruised or maybe a minor scrape. But what if this happens at a match, during a stage, and we are the shooter? DQ? Let’s step back from the dust cloud and look the situation over.
[Read more…] about Timber!!!Circlestack? What the heck?
Revolvers get referred to by a lot of names. Circlestack, Wheelgun, and more. The revolver, typically in a .38 variant or .45 ACP and the 1911, generally in .45 ACP although .38 Super was around as well, were the foundation firearms of our sport going back to the very early days before double stack magazines, comps and, optics. At that point the 1911s were using surplus magazines so were 7+1 vs. 6 rounds in the revolver so there was not that much disparity. As revolvers were still the duty guns for most law enforcement agencies at the time they were very popular in the sport and readily available. Now, they are a rarity in our sport, especially USPSA, and it is not uncommon to run across ROs that aren’t “Revolver Aware”. They are a bit different from a rules standpoint so let’s stroll through the book and take a deeper look.
[Read more…] about Circlestack? What the heck?Always be prepared
We emphasize in the CRO course that good CROs arrive at the stage they are working with a basic toolkit. But after working a few major matches recently, I am thinking we need to remind all CROs and ROs working a stage. Always show up ready to maintain your stage!
[Read more…] about Always be preparedThat second beep
For Comstock and Virginia Count scoring, time ends with the last shot. But in Fixed Time scoring, the time ends on the second beep. But what if the competitor doesn’t hear the second beep? What if the RO doesn’t hear it either?
[Read more…] about That second beepCounting Shots: When and Why?
At our recent monthly club match, three of the six stages used Virginia Count scoring. There was a bit of good-natured grumbling about it, but the stages turned out to be very interesting. A 20-round medium course had a lot of comments and groans from the competitors.
[Read more…] about Counting Shots: When and Why?Enforcing the start position
Range Officers are not supposed to give the “Are you ready?” range command until the competitor is in the proper start position. But what if the competitor isn’t in the start position? Does the RO say something? Stand there in silence? What is the proper course of action?
[Read more…] about Enforcing the start position