In May 2023 we did some revisions to the wording of the rule dealing with stacked shots. We recently received some questions about stacked shots and even though it’s been awhile since the revision, this is a topic that is often confusing so let’s take a closer look.
The relevant rule is 9.4.5.3: Stacked shots – Shooting more than the specified shots at a target(s) while shooting other target(s) with fewer shots than specified in the Written Stage Briefing in a manner that eliminates transitions between targets shall incur one procedural penalty for each saved transition. This penalty will not be applied if the Written Stage Briefing specifically authorizes stacked shots.
Stacked shot penalties can only be earned on Virginia Count and Fixed Time scored stages. Before the 2023 revision, ROs had to look at 9.4.5.3 and a definition in Appendix A3 which gave an example. When those two things were read together, engaging targets in a way to eliminate a transition(s) was described, but confusing due to how everything was written. So in 2023 we updated 9.4.5.3 to include the definition to have the info in a single location in the rulebook.
However, while those of us who deal with the rules almost daily think it is much more simplified, it is still a confusing concept for many of our range officials, primarily because we don’t see it applied very often. But let’s look at this Virginia Count stage and a scenario. The stage procedure is engage each target with only 1 round per target, then make a mandatory reload, and reengage each target with only 1 round per target.
Scenario: The competitor fires 2 shots each at T1-T3, then makes a mandatory reload and fires 2 shots each at T4-T6. What is your call as RO?
I can see everyone going to violating the stage procedure or to failing to make the mandatory reload at the proper point, but for Virginia Count scoring we always apply the penalties specific to that scoring system first (e.g. extra shots, extra hits, and stacked shots). The competitor did not fire more shots than what the stage required, so extra shots and extra hits are irrelevant. But stacked shots do come into play.
First, let’s identify the number of transitions that are needed if a competitor shoots the stage as outlined in the WSB. There would be 10 total target transitions, 5 before and 5 after the reload as shown in this picture.
When the competitor chose to ignore the stage procedure and shoot the stage freestyle, there were only 2 target transitions before the reload and 2 target transitions after the reload as shown in this second picture.
Which means that 6 target transitions were saved and the competitor earns a procedural for each transition saved per 9.4.5.3, so 6 procedurals in total. And since the actions were covered by a Virginia Count specific penalty, no other penalties need to be applied.
I hope this has cleared up stacking, and will make everyone feel more confident about calling it on the range!