Over the last couple months, we have received the same questions from multiple members about a few SCSA topics. We have learned that if multiple people from different clubs are asking the same thing, it probably needs to be discussed with the larger audience as well.
Question 1: You recently changed the rule about flags and now require the bolt to be locked back, how am I supposed to keep my chamber flag in my PCC or rimfire rifle now?
Answer 1: Yes, there was an update to rule 1.1 #1 in June 2024. In regards to chamber flags it now says, “Rimfire rifles and PCC must have chamber empty and bolt held open on a flag and be cased or secured in a cart.” It used to say, “Rimfire rifles and PCC must have chamber and magazine well empty and bolt closed on a flag and be cased or secured in a cart.” The rule was updated to allow for the chamber flags that are brightly colored blocks of plastic which insert into the magwell and prevent the bolt from closing. Under the old rule, these were not allowed. The new rule DOES NOT require that the bolt be locked open. It just requires the bolt be held open (in other words, not completely closed) on a chamber flag. So, if you have the type of chamber flag that inserts into the chamber instead of the magwell, keep using it as you had been before the rule change.
Question 2: Can a RO use binoculars to score misses on a plate instead of clearing the competitor and walking down there?
Answer 2: Yes, SCSA is a visually scored sport and the rules are clear on what should be done when the competitor contests a miss call by the RO. See rule 9.1.3, “When a Range Officer scores a miss, he must inform the competitor at the end of each string. It is the competitor’s responsibility to appeal the decision at the end of that string. The Range Officer will go downrange to inspect the target.” Yes, it takes a little more time to unload the competitor before going downrange, but the competitor needs to have the opportunity to look at the plate right along with the RO. And, edge hits might be tricky to see with binoculars too.
Question 3: Is it considered sweeping when a competitor reaches in front of the muzzle to zip up a gun case?
Answer 3: No. We have an exception for that in rule 10.3.6.1, “Reaching forward of the muzzle of a cased firearm to close the case is not a sweeping infraction, provided the competitor’s hands are completely clear of the firearm itself.” Now, if a competitor still has one hand on the gun inside the case and moves to zip it up with the other hand, that would be sweeping. Fortunately, our competitors know to have both hands out of the case before touching the zipper.