Just because a manufacturer’s website says an item is legal for use in USPSA matches, it sometimes is missing the appropriate caveats as to which ruleset or division the item is legal in. This Question of the Month deals with an item that is legal under one ruleset, but not another. Let’s learn more.
Is this activator plate legal to use in USPSA Competition matches?
This question specifies the USPSA Competition rulebook because that is where this activator plate leg is an issue. First, let’s talk about legal plate sizes outlined in Appendix B3, specifically plates that aren’t round, square, or rectangular: Geometrically shaped, even-sided plates (such as hexagons) are legal for use in USPSA competition, as long as the edge-to-edge dimensions of the plates comply with the minimum and maximum dimensions for Square or Rectangular plates listed in Appendix B3. This measurement must be made from “flat to flat,” not “point to point” on the plate and must be no less than 6 inches and no more than 12 inches, with a measurement tolerance of +/- 1/4 inch.
If we measure the activator plate center, flat edge to flat edge, it is 8 inches wide, so it complies with that measurement. However, you can’t ignore the legs which are also part of the plate. The legs add additional surface area which causes it to exceed the legal dimensions. And rule 4.1.1 states: Only targets listed in Appendix B are to be used for USPSA Matches. Only official, USPSA-licensed cardboard targets may be used.
Now, some of you are probably saying, “Just paint the legs black and make them hardcover.” But does painting the legs really eliminate the ability of competitors to hit the leg and activate the swinger? No. Legs covered in black paint still does not reduce the surface area of the plate and the swinger could still be activated by hitting the legs. And it also would be a range equipment failure headache. But since the activator plate is not legal, this is a moot point.
Others are probably saying, “The WSB can require shooting the plate as a non-target to activate the swinger as part of the stage procedure.” Nowhere in the rules do we allow shooting at non-scoring items to activate props. You will note that WSBs require the minimum number of shots which is based on the number of scoring hits. WSBs also list the number and type of targets that the minimum number of hits is derived from (Rule 3.2.1). Our sport is based on getting the number of scoring hits as efficiently as possible (points divided by time equals hit factor). Requiring shots at non-targets goes against the premise of the sport.
If a club used this activator plate, not as something that needed shot, but as a normal prop stick that is pulled out from under the swinger weight, that is perfectly legal. However, I recommend hiding it or painting it a different color than the steel targets so folks know it isn’t a target and not something to be shot.
I mentioned at the beginning of this post that this activator plate is allowed in one of our rulesets. If you want to use this in matches run under the USPSA Rifle, Shotgun, and Multigun rules, go ahead. We do not have restrictions to plate sizes in the MG rules and this would be allowed under that ruleset.
Another thing I would like to remind everyone of – just because a manufacturer website or online forum or AI summary says something is legal, it is always best to verify, especially if it’s an expensive item, before buying. This goes for targets, firearm accessories, pistols, etc. When in doubt, please email us at rules@uspsa.org. And include a URL link to the item and other relevant info (e.g. Is this legal in carry optics?) and we will let you know! We don’t want you investing in items that you can’t use.
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