Safety is not negotiable
Florida Multigun Rule Set - 9.17.24
Table of Contents:
Safety Rules
Match Disqualifications
Firearms, Ammunition and Accessories
Firearm Classification and Divisions
Scoring
Sportsmanship and Conduct
Arbitration Rules
1. Safety Rules:
1.1 Competitors are subject to match disqualification for violation of any rule or regulation in sections 1 or 2.
1.2 Matches are run on a COLD RANGE. Competitor’s firearms will remain unloaded except under the direction of a match official. Chamber or safety flags are required on long guns. Pistols must be unloaded with no magazine in the firearm.
1.3 Safe Tables may not be available on all stages. Please ask RO for a safe location to handle firearms. Unloaded firearms may be handled only at the area directed by RO. No loading tubed shotguns anywhere other than designated areas.
1.4 Rifles and shotguns should be cased or carried with the muzzle up with actions open with chamber flag installed and detachable magazines removed. Those with gun carts or cars/trucks should be mindful of muzzle direction when removing and stowing firearms.
Competitor must be within 3 yards of berm to rotate firearm from a muzzle up or down, unless under the instruction of the RO.
1.5 Handguns must be cased or remain in holster, magazine removed and hammer down. On stages, the Ready Condition of handguns must be “Hammer Down” for DA autos and revolvers, and “Cocked and Locked” for SA autos of DA autos with manual override safeties. If a gun is equipped with a de-cocker the de-cocker should be engaged unless the gun also has a manual safety with said manual safety engaged.
1.6 Abandoned firearms must be either placed on safe (or de-cocked) or COMPLETELY CLEARED/EMPTY of all ammunition - no round in chamber, magazine out of firearm, shotgun tube may have rounds in. Abandoned is defined by the shooter being more than 1 yard from the firearm. Abandoned firearms cannot be used again in the stage once the shooter fires another firearm (Stage DQ if used). Leaving an abandoned weapon in an unsafe condition results in a 30 second procedural penalty for the stage.
All abandoned firearms must be in a dump barrel or an area designated in the WSB.
Pistol abandonment
Reholstering a pistol (in any condition) during a course of fire is not permitted - Stage DQ if performed or higher penalty defined by written stage brief (WSB).
Pistols with any type of manual safety level must be engaged to satisfy the abandoned condition.
Pistols without a manual safety must have passive operation safeties as that will satisfy the engaged requirement “striker fired”.
1.7 No competitors or spectators shall consume or be under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs at the match site before or during shooting. Any competitor found to be impaired and deemed unsafe as a result of legitimate prescription drugs may be required to stop shooting and possibly requested to leave the range.
1.8 Eye and ear protection is mandatory for competitors, spectators and range personnel while on or near a stage of fire. If ear or eye protection comes off during natural course of fire, competitor may stop and be entitled to a re-shoot.
1.10 Prone shooting positions – If a shooter shoots from the prone position during a course of fire, the pistol can have a mag in the mag well, but no round can be in the chambered.
2. Match Disqualifications:
2.1 Breaking the 180 degree plane with the muzzle of the firearm. It is the competitors responsibility to ask Range officers if they have any questions as to the 180 degree safety plane on any stage.
In bay stages, the 180 degree safety plane is defined by both a vertical and horizontal imaginary line that parallels the back berm.
In natural terrain stages, the safety plane will be defined by the direction of travel throughout the course of fire. Range officers shall help identify targets that should not be engaged at certain areas that could compromise the 180 safety plane.
2.2 Accidental or Negligent Discharge.
A shot which occurs while loading, reloading or unloading a firearm after the “Make Ready” command and before the “Range is Clear” command.
A shot when not on target and round is discharged, round hits the ground within 10’ of the shooter (when a target is place within 10’ this rule does not apply to that target).
Any other accidental or negligent discharge that is deemed unsafe by range officials.
2.3 Round Escaping the Range or berms.
Exceptions during which aerial targets (clays) are engaged with shotgun birdshirt only. Other ammunition types from shotgun escaping the range are subject to DQ.
2.4 Losing control and dropping a Firearm on the ground (loaded or unloaded after the make ready command).
Firearms placed on the ground to allow competitor to stand or get up will be allowed, but the shooter may not move more than 1 yard from the firearm or engage any other targets with another gun, until the firearm is safely abandoned.
2.6 Ammunition Handled at a Safe Table (unless in the process of shotgun pre-loading).
2.7 Abandoning a loaded firearm outside of designated area as defined by written stage brief.
2.8 Unsportsmanlike Conduct.
2.9 Cheating
A competitor who is deemed by a Range Officer to have intentionally removed or caused the loss of eye or ear protection in order to gain a competitive advantage will be disqualified.
Other infractions that would warrant a DQ.
2.9 Consuming or under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs at the match site while shooting is underway. Fighting or any other unprofessional behavior. This is not an inclusive list.
2.10 Only the Match Director will be allowed to issue a Match Disqualification.
3 Firearms, Ammunition and Accessories:
3.1 No tracer, incendiary, armor piercing, steel jacketed, green tip, or steel core ammunition is allowed. A competitor found in violation of this shall be assessed a $100 fee for each target damaged, and shall be payed the day of the offense.
3.2 Handgun and PCC ammunition must be 9x19 or larger. No magnum cartridges allowed.
3.3 Shotgun ammunition must be 20ga or larger, LEAD SHOT and SLUGS ONLY. No steel shot is allowed and slugs may be prohibited on some targets. Birdshot shall be #6 lead shot or smaller and shall not exceed 1350 FPS. The gauge of buckshot shall be 00 or greater.
3.4 Use of prohibited ammunition may result in disqualification.
3.5 All firearms used by competitors must be serviceable and safe.
If a competitor’s firearm becomes unserviceable during competition, that competitor may replace his/her firearm with another of the same, or similar, model, caliber and sighting system approved by the Match Director or Range Master.
Competitors may not reconfigure any firearm during the course of the match. (ie change caliber, barrel length, shotgun magazine length, sighting system or stock style; changing shotgun choke tubes is not considered reconfiguring).
3.6 Certain firearm supporting devices may be prohibited by the match director - supporting devices that risk damage to props or pose a risk to shooters. Approved firearm supporting devices (bipods, bags and tripods) must start with competitor in hand or attached to competitor or firearms (but must be off the ground). In a stage where holding a firearm in addition to an approved firearm supporting device might be deemed unsafe it is allowed that the firearm supporting device may be staged within 1 yard of the shooter designated start area. Please note that unsportsmanlike penalties may be accessed if shooters attempt to gain an unfair advantage of this rule. Firearm supporting devices may be abandoned through the course of fire at any time.
3.7 Full auto, burst fire and mechanically aided bump fire will result in a procedural on the first instance, and disqualification for any subsequent occurrences, unsafe gun handling. Bump firing without mechanical aid is not penalized, provided there are no other equipment or safety infractions, the firearm is not doubling, and it can be safely fired in semi-auto mode. Use of binary triggers is prohibited (firing once on trigger pull and once on release) is prohibited.
3.8 The handgun holster
Must be capable of retaining the handgun during the vigorous movement that may be required or otherwise encountered during the course of fire.
The handgun holster must allow the competitor to safely draw and re-holster the handgun without causing the muzzle to point in an unsafe direction. The holster must be of a rigid material. It must be either hip mounted or a thigh rig. No cross-draw or shoulder holsters are allowed.
The holster material must completely cover and protect the handgun’s trigger.
3.9 Spare ammunition, magazines, speed loaders, and other equipment should be secured in pouches, pockets and/or carriers on the competitor’s person or firearm if not otherwise specified in the stage description.
4. Firearms Classifications (Open, Modified (Carry Ops), Tactical):
Classes/Divisions: See Appendix A for Tables
4.1 Handgun
Open : No limitation on accessories
Modified (CO): Handguns must be of a factory configuration. Internal modifications are allowed provided they do not alter the original factory configuration. One non-magnifiied optical or electronic sight may be mounted on the slide (non frame mounted) between rear of slide and ejection port. Magazines shall not exceed 172mm Overall length (OAL) for single stacks, and shall not exceed 142 mm OAL for staggered magazines. Compensators or barrel porting are NOT allowed in this class. No laser, flashlight ok.
Tactical (Tac Optics): Handguns must be of a factory configuration. Internal modifications are allowed provided they do not alter the original factory configuration. Handguns with custom or factory installed electronic sights, optical sights, extended sights, compensators or barrel porting are NOT allowed in this class. Magazines used shall not exceed 170mm OAL for single stacks, and shall not exceed 140mm OAL for staggered magazines.
Limited: Same as Tactical.
4.2 Rifle
Open: No limitation on accessories or gun configuration.
Modified (CO): Same as Tactica. A bipod is allowed following that it is no longer than 20 inches and that it must stay attached throughout the stage when used.
Tactical (Tac Optics): Rifles must be of a factory configuration. Internal modifications are allowed provided they do not alter the original factory configuration. Tactical rifles may be equipped with no more than one (magnified or non-magnified) optical sight (iron and popup sights are allowed). Rifle supporting devices (ie Bipods, bags, etc.) are not allowed in this class. Rifle may have a compensator that is no more than 1” in diameter and 3” in length. Suppressors are allowed.
4.3 Shotgun
Open: No limitation on accessories. Shotgun detachable magazines and speed loaders are allowed in Open. Shotgun speed loaders must have a primer relief cut. Magazine tube length may not be changed for the duration of the match.
Modified (CO): Shotgun must be of a factory configuration for a tube fed shotgun. Internal modifications are allowed provided they do not alter the original factory configuration. One electronic or optical non-magnifying sight is allowed. Supporting devices (bags, etc.) are not allowed.Bipods are allowed as long as they are no longer than 20 inches. Compensators on barrels is not allowed, porting on barrels/chokes is allowed. No shotgun in Carry Optics class may be loaded with more than 13 rounds prior to the buzzer. Magazine length may not be changed for the duration of the match. Detachable magazines are not allowed in the class. Lasers and Flashlights are allowed.
Tactical (Tac Optics) and Limited: Shotgun must be of a factory configuration. Internal modifications are allowed provided they do not alter the original factory configuration. No electronic or optical sight is allowed. Supporting devices (ie Bipods, bags, etc.) are not allowed. Compensators or porting on barrels are not allowed. No shotgun in Tactical class may be loaded with more than 9 rounds prior to the buzzer. Magazine length may not be changed for the duration of the match. Detachable magazines are not allowed in the class.
5. Scoring:
5.1 Scoring per stage will be time plus penalties unless otherwise stated in stage brief. A maximum time allowed to shoot any stage will be set prior to the start of the match or in stage brief. Unless otherwise stated, this will be 180 seconds. After the time limit has elapsed, the competitor will be stopped and the stage scored. Target(s) missed or not engaged will be added to the time of 180. The 180 par time or shorter par times are necessary for match flow and not a penalty for slower shooters or to create a fixed time stage. Stages will be assigned a 100 point value per stage. First place or lowest time for each stage will receive 100% of the points and competitors will receive points on a percentage basis from the first place time.
5.2 Cardboard Targets
Cardboard targets require 1 - A zone hit (entire head is considered A zone) or 2 hits on paper (on edge shoots the outside perforation must be broken to count) to be neutralized. Slug targets require only one hit anywhere in the scoring area to neutralize the target. The best two hits on paper will be scored.
Cardboard targets not being neutralized as detailed in 5.2a will receive a 5 second penalty (Failure to Neutralize - FTN). If the targets are not hit at all they receive a 10 second penalty (Complete Miss).
If the shooter does not engage the target the penalty will be 15 seconds (Failure to Engage - FTE).
Targets designated as “No Shoot - NS” will receive a 5 second penalty for each hit.
If the bullet diameter of a hit on a scoring target touches the scoring line between two scoring areas, or the line between the non-scoring area, or if it crosses multiple scoring areas, it will be scored the higher value.
If a bullet diameter touches the scoring area of both a scoring target and a no-shoot it will earn the score and incur the penalty.
Radial tears will not count for score or penalty.
If the scoring of a scoring cardboard target which can be determined to have been fired from the incorrect firearm for that target shall not be scored and, unless there are scoring hits(s) from the correct firearm, it will be scored as an unengaged target (FTN or Complete Miss or FTE).
5.3 Non-Paper Targets
Knock down targets (ie; poppers, hinged or falling steel, etc. steel) must fall to score. If not down then the penalty will be 10 seconds. If a steel plate turns edge-onto the shooter (bladed), it is considered down for safety reasons if designated as such during the course of fire by the RO, by the call “down” or “bladed” with verbal command from RO. The steel is not considered down until RO has designated it as such.
Frangible targets must be either knocked down or broken to score. (One BB hole is a break and fallen off stand is a break). If not broken then the penalty will be 10 seconds.
Swinging style rifle targets must be struck solidly enough to cause visible and/or audible indication for the Range Officer. The Range Officer and/or designated spotters will call hits.”Impact” or “Hit” should be used to designate hits to the shooter. If shooting order of targets is not designated by WSB then it is advisable for the shooter to indicate target engagement order for spotters.
Steel handgun target values may be doubled (10-20 points) at distances beyond 50 yards.
Steel shotgun targets may be increased over 10 points at distances beyond 30 yards.
Steel rifle target values may be increased 10 points for each 100 yards of distance and will be designated on the WSB.
0-99 yards value is up to 10 points
100-199 yards value may be up to 20 points
200-299 yards value may be up to 30 points
300+ yards value may be up to 40 points
Steel targets may be designated “No Shoot” and will be required by written stage brief to be designated as such. Different color paint or shape, etc. may be used to designate targets. If a steel target is knocked off during the course of fire then and only then will it be a penalty of 5 seconds. Engaging or hitting the target does not require a penalty.
Any hits by a non-specified firearm will result in a procedural penalty of 5 seconds. Any hits by a non-specified firearm which result in that target being unavailable for further engagement, the target shall be scored as an unengaged target (FTE).
Any steel knockdown, popper, falling steel, clay not engaged will only incur a maximum of a 10 second penalty. No FTE shall be awarded to those targets. Long range static steel for pistol, shotgun or rifle shall incur a FTE penalty if not engaged.
Steel hit with a slug that is not designated as a slug target will be assessed a penalty of 20 seconds and incur a $20 fee to the Match director for steel maintenance.
5.4 Procedural penalties, up to 10 seconds, may be assessed for failing to follow stage procedures. Unless designated on WSB then the following shall occur.
Firing outside the defined shooting area shall require a 5 second procedural penalty. If an advantage is gained then a penalty per shot will be required, if no advantage is gained then only one total procedural penalty for that infraction will be given.
Reset is mandatory and procedural penalties may be accessed if a competitor is unwilling to reset. Verbal warnings will be given first then procedural penalties may be assessed.
5.5 Reholstering of pistol during the course of fire is not allowed at Florida Multigun. Infractions will incur a minimum of a 30 second penalty. Higher infractions can occur according to the written stage brief.
5.6 Hard cover and Barriers
Hard cover and barriers can be used in the stage design to prohibit certain shooting angles for safety or to increase the challenge of the stage.
On cardboard targets hard cover will be indicated by black paint and shall not be scored as hit in those areas covered by black paint. They will also be considered non-pass through material so if they are overlaid onto another scoring target then hits on the under target shall not be scored.
Barriers such as barrels can be used to obstruct shooters and provide shooting obstacles. They may not be used as shooting props unless they are in the designated shooting area. Bullets passing through barrels or other barriers shall not be scored and can usually be determined by oblong bullet holes (keyholing) and/or lack of grease ring on scored target. Keyholing though itself should not be an indicator of pass through in itself but rather in conjunction with observation by the RO.
Walls and similar structures are considered to infinity - ground to the sky and a shooter shall not shoot under or over a wall unless stipulated by the WSB (10 second procedural per shot). A shooter shall not move under a wall unless stipulated by the WSB - 60 second procedural.
6. Sportsmanship and Conduct:
6.1 Competitors and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous, sportsman-like manner at all times. Disputes will be handled promptly and fairly by the match director.
6.2 Clothing with offensive or obscene logos, sayings, pictures or drawings will not be worn or displayed while at the range.
6.3 Range Officers may assess additional “unsportsmanlike conduct” penalties to competitors that intentionally fail to make a good faith effort to engage and hit targets in order to gain advantage. The Match Director shall be the final arbiter of any such penalties.
7. Arbitration Rules and General Principles
7.1 Administration – Occasional disputes are inevitable in any competitive activity governed by rules. Remaining calm and rational during arbitration will make an unpleasant job bearable.
7.2 Calibration Challenges
If, during a course of fire, a piece of falling steel/popper does not fall when hit, a competitor has three options:
The falling steel is shot again until it falls. No further action is required and the course of fire is scored “as shot” with the subject popper scored as a hit.
The falling steel/popper is left standing, but the competitor does not challenge the calibration. No further action is required and the course of fire is scored “as shot”, with the popper scored as a miss.
The falling steel/popper is left standing and the competitor challenges the calibration. The falling steel and the surrounding area must not be touched, painted, or interfered with. If disturbed then the competitor must reshoot the course of fire, unless deliberately tampered with by a fellow competitor as then the popper will be scored as a miss and the rest of the course of fire will be scored “as shot”.
The Range Master must visually inspect the falling steel/popper for defects or obstructions. If none found then calibration test is needed and will be shot from as near to the falling steel/popper from where the competitor shot from. If defects or obstructions are found then the competitor must reshoot the course of fire.
If the first shot fired (9mm between 115 and 130 power factor) by the RM hits the falling steel/popper anywhere on the frontal surface and it doesn’t fall then calibration fails, and the competitor must reshoot the course of fire after recalibration.
If the first shot fired by the RM hits on or below the calibration zone and the falling steel/popper falls, the RM will reset the target and repeat calibration until the target is hit on or above the calibration zone. If it falls again then the popper is to be properly calibrated and it will be scored as a miss.
7.3 Appeals - Range Officer makes initial decision. If the shooter disagrees with a decision the Chief Range Officer/Range Master will be called in to rule. Video, audio or photographic evidence may not be used.
7.4 Decisions are made initially by the Range Officer for the stage. In the event of disagreement by the competitor, The Match Director / Range Master will be asked to rule. His/her decision is FINAL.
