Pistol Caliber Carbine Match
Match Information
Pistol Caliber Carbines (PCC) are Rifles or Carbines chambered for Pistol Calibers, typically 9mm, 45 ACP or 40 caliber. Commonly used are AR15, Sig, Kel-Tec and Hi-Point Carbines in a pistol caliber.
Competition:
This is a safe, fast, fun and friendly completion. Each shooter will make 3 runs, knocking over more than 40 Steel Targets during each run.
- Pistol Caliber Carbine Iron Sights (30 round mag limit)
- Unlimited Class (Iron or optics, no mag limit)
- Pistol Caliber Carbine (rifle in pistol caliber)
Public
Firearms to Bring
- Pistol Caliber Carbine(ONLY)
- Pistol / Sidearm
Accessories
- Eye Protection
- Ear Protection
- Legally Owned Firearms (in good workin order)**
- Gloves for Target Reset
- Ammunition*
* Ammunition:
- Pistol Caliber Carbine – ONLY
- 400 rounds for Pistol Caliber Carbine
- 200 for Pistol Caliber Carbine (5 magazines to carry & carry capabilities)
- Pistol / Sidearm
- 600 rounds or more (5 magazines to carry & carry capabilities)
Rules
ACSHA OFFICIAL RULES FOR PISTOL CALIBER CARBINE MATCH
These rules establish a uniform standard for pistol caliber carbine matches. They are meant as a guideline and not an end all be all.
SAFETY IS OUR MAIN CONCERN. OFFICIAL RULES FOR PISTOL CALIBER CARBINE MATCH
1. Safety
All competitors are Safety Officers.
Our sport, by its very nature, has the potential to be dangerous, and a serious accident can occur. Every participant in a pistol caliber carbine match is expected to be a Safety Officer. Each shooter’s first responsibility is for his or her own safe conduct, and all shooters are expected to remain alert for unsafe actions by others.
Range Officers and shooters are expected to confront any participant observed in an unsafe situation, and it is expected the matter will quickly be corrected and not repeated. Any argument concerning the correction of a safety related matter would be expected to result in the offending shooter’s ejection from the range. Sweeping of anyone with a loaded firearm, is an immediate disqualification from the match.
While every participant is a safety officer, the assigned Match Officials, as described in this document, are the ONLY persons who may judge a shooter whether on or away from the firing line.
1.0 SAFETY – During all pistol caliber carbine match, firearms safety will be paramount.
1.1 Safety Rules
(1) Firearms will be kept pointed in a safe direction at all times (i.e., Downrange if on the firing line, muzzle down if transporting the firearm, away from competitors and spectators if placed on a table or the ground).
(2) Fingers will be kept out of the trigger guard until the shooter is on the firing line and is cleared to shoot by the Range Office and is actively engaging targets.
(3) Magazines, whether loaded or not, will not be inserted into the firearm until the shooter has been called to the firing line and the Range Officer has issued the command: “Load and come to the ready.”
(4) All persons on or near the firing line will wear eye and ear protection when a stage has been declared “Hot”.
(5) The use of alcoholic beverages and/or drugs by competitors or officials is strictly forbidden while a on ACSHA property. Smoking is permitted behind the firing line.
(6) All firearms will be unloaded, magazine removed and on safe until the shooter is on the firing line and the Range Officer has issued the command: “Load and come to the ready.”
(7) All firearms will be in good functional condition and the competitor will be knowledgeable in the functioning of his gun.
(8) All guns will be carried muzzle down. At no time shall the muzzle of the gun be pointed above the berm or intended bullet stop.
Violation of any of these rules may result in expulsion from the competition and forfeiture of entry fees.
1.2 Release of Liability – Each competitor shall sign an ACSHA Liability Release before each competition.
1.3 Knowledge of Rules – All competitors are expected to be knowledgeable of submachine gun\pistol caliber carbine match rules particularly as they pertain to safety. A statement to this effect shall be included in the Liability Release and Claims Waiver.
1.4 Minimum Age – All competitors must be a minimum of eighteen years of age.
2. Classifications
2.1 General – A pistol caliber carbine match is any competition using full-automatic submachine guns or select-fire submachine gun or semi-automatic rifle and/or carbine.
Selection of target types and design of the actual stages are left to the individual course designer.
2.2 Classification – For the purpose of competition, Pistol Caliber Carbines are divided into a variety of classifications depending on the clubs taste. Not all classifications have to be used at every match. It is up to the match director which classes will be shot at a particular match. The most common classes are:
(1) Iron Sight
(2) Optic Sight
(3) Pistol Caliber Carbine
Competitors will be allowed to shoot only once in each classification.
2.3 Multi-Class Entries – Qualified competitors may enter more than one classification of competition provided time and space are available to do so. Priority will be given to competitors who sign up to compete with the first gun. Those desiring to compete with a second, third or fourth gun must repay their fees for those guns and then be placed on a waiting list in the order received. When it has been determined that all first gun competitors have been satisfied, second gun competitors will be slotted to shoot. When second gun competitors have been satisfied, third gun shooters will be slotted to shoot and so on.
3. Equipment and Ammunition
3.1 Pistol Caliber Carbine – Only select fire submachine guns and semi-automatic Pistol Caliber Carbines may be used in matches.
3.1.1 A submachine gun is defined as a firearm firing a projectile of pistol caliber and having the capability to sustain multiple round fire with a single pull of the trigger.
3.1.2 Pistol Caliber Carbine – Is defined as a long gun firing a pistol caliber projectile that fires only one round with a single pull of the trigger.
3.2 Firearm Registration – All NFA firearms used in any Pistol Caliber Carbine match must be properly registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF), Washington DC. Entrants must have registration forms available for inspection by Range Officials prior to the start of competition. The appropriate form may be a legible true copy of both sides of the original document is acceptable. All forms will be returned to the owner after examination.
3.3 Sig Brace – If the Sig Brace or copies of it are put up to the shoulder and used as a butt-stock, the use of an Sig Brace or copy must comply with current BATFE guidance.
3.4 Firearm Modification – The internal and external parts of the submachine gun may be specially fitted and include alterations to improve handling, functioning and accuracy, provided such alterations in no way interfere with functioning of the manufacturer’s safety devices.
3.5 Sights – Any sight which projects a beam beyond the front sight of the gun (either flashlight or laser sights) is prohibited. Any other sight or combination of sights in allowed.
3.6 Compensators, Suppressors and Muzzle Brakes – No restrictions.
3.7 Slings – No restrictions but the competitor must not let his PCC break the 180 while it is slung.
3.8 Other Equipment – All competitors are required to wear eye and ear protection while on the range.
3.9 Ammunition – only pistol calibers are permitted. NO multi-projectile, sub caliber, shot-shell, armor piercing, incendiary, or tracer ammunition will be allowed. Any ammunition regardless of caliber, which damages targets, will be ground for disqualification and the shooter will be held liable for repair or replacement of the target(s).
3.10 Sidearm – The use of a sidearm is allowed in matches with the following provisions: Competitors may wear a pistol provided the pistol is carried in a holster (NO cross draw holsters of any kind!) with sufficient gripping power or cover such that the pistol does not fall out, come loose or otherwise present a safety hazard. The pistol may be carried with a magazine inserted but the chamber must be empty and the pistol must be de-cocked. If the shooter chooses to use a revolver, the chamber under the hammer must be empty. The sidearm chamber must remain empty until the sidearm is drawn to engage targets. The Pistol Caliber Carbines may be retained by the shooter while engaging targets with the sidearm but the Pistol Caliber Carbine must first have the magazine removed, chamber cleared and flagged (and verified by the Range Officer) and then suspended from a sling while using the sidearm or placed on a table or barrel with the muzzle pointed at the berm. At the conclusion of shooting the stage, the shooter shall remain in one position until both the Pistol Caliber Carbine and sidearm are declared “Clear” by the Range Officer.
4. Competition Guidelines
4.1 If a competitor’s firearm becomes unserviceable during competition, that competitor may replace his/her firearm with another of the same model, caliber and sighting system approved by the Match Director or his designee.
4.2 Spare Magazines – A competitor will be allowed to carry spare magazines in any way so long as they are secure. This includes placing magazines in your pockets or the use of magazine pouches. A competitor will be allowed to use magazine holders (commonly called “Jungle Clips” or will be allowed to tape magazines together if he so desires, further, drums may also be used). However, range officials may negate this rule so long as all competitors are advised of this rule change prior to the start of competition.
4.3 Dropped Magazines – A competitor may retrieve dropped magazines so long as all safety rules are followed. The competitor must remove his finger from the trigger guard, keep the muzzle pointed into the downrange berm and advise the Range officer that he is going to retrieve the dropped magazine. Failure to accomplish any of these steps will result in being disqualified (DQed).
4.4 Interrupted Fire – All competitors are expected to complete a stage after the signal to begin firing has been given. Proper equipment function is the responsibility of the competitor. Equipment malfunctions must be cleared in a safe manner by the competitor while on the range with the timing device running. If the malfunction cannot be cleared and firing continued within a reasonable time, the Range Officer will ask the contestant to clear and render his firearm safe and retire from the course. In no event will a competitor be allowed to leave the course of fire with a loaded firearm. Competitors who start but are unable to complete a stage will be obligated to accept the “Did Not Finish” (DNF) Time. If the equipment can be restored to working order, the competitor may reshoot the stage.
4.5 Range Equipment Failure – Range equipment failure is a generic term for any event not under the direct control of the competitor that makes a stage in any way unlike the stage engaged by the previous competitor. Range equipment failure can include: failure to tape a paper target, failure to reset a steel target or a moving target, failure of a timing device or any other such event. In the event a range equipment failure is noticed before the competitor starts his run, the stage will be cleared and the failure rectified. In the event the range equipment failure is noticed only after the competitor has started his run and it is not a timer problem the competitor may either have the stage reset or the competitor may continue the run and shoot the required number of rounds where the problem target should be. If the competitor chooses a reset they will be given the option of restarting as the next competitor or moving back in the call up so he can rest and reload magazines. If a competitor opts for an immediate restart, that in no way allows him any leniency for mistakes or errors during the run.
4.6 Incomplete Competitions – When a match cannot be completed; due to inclement weather, or for any other reason, the Range Director will reschedule it. The stages, which have been completed by all competitors, will not be re-fired. Only scores of competitions which have been completed in their entirety will be counted as contributing qualifying points toward participation in National Competitions.
4.7 Disqualification – The Match Director, Chief Range Officer or Range Officer, upon proper presentation of evidence, may, at their discretion, disqualify (DQ) any competitor for a violation of rule(s). When a competitor is disqualified, he will NO longer be allowed to shoot in that match. A competitor MAY be disqualified for any violation or rules. A competitor MUST be disqualified for:
(1) Unsafe gun practice(s)
(2) An accidental discharge (AD) is the unintended discharge of a firearm. ADs are classified as incidental and dangerous. An incidental AD is one in which a firearm accidentally discharges but the gun is pointed in a safe direction and the bullet enters the ground or a berm near where is gun is discharged. A dangerous AD is one in which the bullet leaves the range or impacts into a building, behind the safe line or strikes a person. A dangerous AD is grounds for Disqualifications (DQ) and possibly banning from the range. The decision for classification and ultimate consequences lie wholly with the Range Director.
(3) Rounds going over the safety berm.
(4) Appearance on the Range while, in the opinion of a Range Official, under the influence of drugs or alcoholic beverages; or for consumption or use of drugs or alcoholic beverages during a competition.
(5) Unsportsmanlike Conduct
(6) Inappropriate language or behavior.
(7) Endangering any person, including yourself. This includes sweeping one’s self or anyone else with a loaded or unloaded firearm. Sweeping is defined as allowing the muzzle of the firearm (loaded or unloaded) to cross or cover any portion of a person.
5. Range Operations
5.1 Cold Range – The range will be operated as a “COLD” Range. This means that all firearms are to be unloaded, chambers clear and flagged and have no magazines inserted at any time except at a firing point and when the competitor is under the direct control of a Range Officer.
5.2 Firearm Rendered Safe – “Safe” means that guns must be cleared as in 6.1 above. “
5.3 Firearm Transport – All firearms must be rendered safe and slung (over the shoulder, muzzle down), carried by the buttstock with the muzzle down or cased when moving on or off the range or moving between areas or stages on the range.
5.4 The “180” – The “180” is an imaginary plane drawn through the front of the competitor that is down range of the firing line and parallel to the targets. The 180 is inclusive of all down range area in front of the imaginary plane. Range design shall ensure that the 180 never intersects the Safe Line inside the area designated for spectators, shooters “on deck” or other stages.
5.5 The “SAFE” Line – Each stage shall be provided with a “Safe” Line. The Safe Line shall be parallel with the firing line and at a point at least 5 meters up range from the firing line. Stage designers must consider the Safe Line in their stage design such that nay standing behind the Safe Line is totally out of the “180” of any competitor. See Figure 6.6-1. 5.6 Loading Area – Each range shall have a minimum of one loading area. The purpose of the loading table is to provide a place where magazines may be loaded and ammunition may be checked without the presence of firearms. As a matter of policy, FIREARMS MAY NOT BE TAKEN TO THE LOADING TABLE AT ANY TIME FOR ANY REASON.
5.7 Repair Area – Each range shall have a minimum of one Repair area. The purpose of the Repair Table is to provide a place where firearms may be safely adjusted or repaired without the presence of ammunition. As a matter of policy, AMMUNITION MAY NOT BE TAKEN TO THE REPAIR TABLE AT ANY TIME FOR ANY REASON.
5.8 Grounding Area – Each stage shall be provided with a “Grounding Area” where firearms may be grounded while competitors are waiting to shoot. The Grounding Area shall be so oriented that the muzzles of the guns are pointing in a safe direction at all times and that, when a firearm is removed to be taken to the firing line, the muzzle of the firearm does not pass through any area occupied by spectators, range officials or other competitors.
6. Range Commands
6.1 Clear the Range – Upon the command “CLEAR THE RANGE,” all personnel shall physically position themselves BEHIND the SAFE LINE and out of the way of the competitors and Range Officials.
6.2 Next Shooter to the Line – Upon the command “NEXT SHOOTER TO THE LINE” the next competitor may approach the firing line with his firearm rendered safe and stop at the firing line.
6.3 Range is Hot, Eyes and Ears – The command “RANGE IS HOT, EYES AND EARS” is not a command to the competitor but rather a status to the spectators. At this command, all person must put on or into place eye protection and ear protection.
6.4 Does the Shooter Understand the Course of Fire? – Upon the question “DOES THE SHOOTER UNDERSTAND THE COURSE OF FIRE?” The shooter will respond. If the shooter responds negatively, the Range Officer will ask him if he attended the walk-through. If he did not attend the walk through, the Range Officer has the option of explaining the stage or retiring the shooter to attend the next walk-through. The Range Officer can answer any specific questions at his option and as a courtesy to the shooter. When the shooter responds positively to this question, responsibility immediately accrues to the shooter for all safety and procedural elements associated with the stage. If, after reasonable answers to questions by the Range Officer, the shooter declines to respond positively, the Range Officer may retire the shooter from the line.
6.5 Clear to Load and Come to the Ready – Upon the command “CLEAR TO LOAD AND COME TO THE READY,” the competitor will ensure the safety is ON. He may then insert a loaded magazine into his firearm and (depending on the firearm) chamber a live round into the chamber. The trigger finger must remain outside the trigger guard. The shooter may remove the safety at this time provided it was allowed during the walk through.
6.6 Shooter-Signal When Ready – The competitor signals to the Range Officer when he is ready.
6.7 Fire – The “Fire” command or the buzzer can be enunciated in one of two ways: First, the Range Officer can say “FIRE” when using a mechanical timer. Second, when using an electronic timer, the electronic “BEEP” is the equivalent of the verbal “FIRE”. The competitor may, at the “FIRE” command commence firing consistent with safety rules and briefing instructions. The competitor may cease fire at this own option but must instruct the Ranger Officer when he is through.
6.8 Finger – Any Range Officer assigned to the stage may issue this verbal warning once before assessing penalties or stopping a competitor. The competitor’s fingers must be visibly outside the trigger guard when loading, reloading or unloading during a course of fire, while clearing a malfunction and when moving between shooting positions.
6.9 Muzzle – This command is used when the competitor breaks the “170” with their muzzle. It is a warning. If the competitor breaks the “180” they are disqualified.
6.10 Stop or Cease Fire– Upon the command “STOP” or “CEASE FIRE” by the Ranger Officer, the competitor shall immediately freeze in position and take no further action of any kind until so directed by the Range Officer. This command is indicative of a most serious situation. Follow-up must be at the judgement of the Range Officer in real-time.
6.11 Unload and Show Clear – Upon the command “UNLOAD AND SHOW CLEAR,” the competitor will, while pointing the muzzle of the gun into the downrange berm:
(1) Remove the magazine from the gun
(2) Retract the bolt to remove any rounds remaining in the chamber
(3) Hold the bolt open until such time as the Range Officer has checked the chamber and,
(4) Follow the Range Officer’s commands to de-cock the firearm by a means that is applicable to that particular firearm and Render Safe the firearm.
6.12 Range is Clear – Upon the common “RANGE IS CLEAR” the range crew may cross in front of the firing line for the purposes of scoring targets, resetting targets and/or taping targets, or for needed repairs to the range, targets or target stands. The active competitor may follow the range crew to check his targets if he so desires provided he first points the muzzle in a safe direction and grounds his firearm. Spectators and other competitors must remain behind the safe line.
6.13 Next Shooter, On-Deck, In the Hole – After the range is clear, the Assistant Range Officer will announce the names of the next three competitors (i.e., Shooter, Brown and Johnson). The ARO shall announce: “Smith up; Brown on-deck and Johnson in-the-hole.” At that point, Smith shall be ready to retrieve his firearm from the Grounding Table when cleared to do so by the RO. At the same time, Brown is expected to be fully ready. All magazines will be charged, all equipment will have been checked and eye and ear protection will be in place. Johnson is now alerted that he will be up soon. Johnson should complete loading magazines, checking equipment, etc. to be ready to proceed. This process will be repeated for each competitor until all competitors have completed their turns.
7. Targets
7.1 General – Targets are allowed to be either fixed or moving. There is no restriction on design, form or mobility of targets for competition so long as the targets accomplish the stipulated objectives and the targets and the required engagement of the targets are safe.
Steel Targets should not be shot at any closer than 10 yards (30 Feet) for safety reasons.
7.2 Target Colors – The following colors and color combinations are recommended for the various targets:
USPSA/IPSC paper targets
– Beige = Shoot
– White = No Shoot
8. Scoring
8.1 Timing – Stages shall be timed using the most accurate and consistent timing devices available. The primary timer shall be backed up with a secondary timer. It is recommended that the primary timer be of the electronic type and the backup timer be of the mechanical (i.e., Stop watch) type. Whenever a suppressor is being used there will be a mechanical timer used for timing, in addition to the electronic timer.
8.2 Raw Time – Each competitor’s raw time shall be either the timer indicated time for that stage or a DNF (A DNF is the slowest competitor’s time for that stage plus thirty (30) seconds. “DNF” will be entered in Raw Time during the competition. The actual DNF time will be entered into “Total Stage Time” after all scores are in and the DNF value is calculable.). The Total Raw Time is the sum of the indicated times on all stages.
8.3 Adjustments – Adjustments will be made to the shooter’s raw time as follows:
(1) Insufficient Points – Each paper, IPSC type, target must have a total of eight (8) points (where A=5, B=4, C=3 and D=2) or a top “A” in order to be neutralized. Each dual state target (i.e., balloons, steel, etc.) must be deflated or down, etc. in order to be neutralized. Each shoot target not neutralized will be assessed ten (10) seconds.
(2) No Shoots – Each no shoot paper target that is hit in any hit zone and each dual state target that is defeated will be assessed twenty (20) seconds.
(3) Penalties – Penalties will be assessed for sequence errors (i.e., shooting targets out of the order stipulated in the walk-through) and position errors (I.e. shooting from an incorrect position or location). Procedural errors will be assessed ten (10) seconds per target engaged incorrectly
(4) Total Penalties – Total penalties are the sum of all penalties for a stage. Total Penalty Time is the sum of all stage penalty times.
(5) Bonuses – Bonuses are awarded for defeating bonus targets placed among other targets. Each bonus target defeated will be awarded five (5) seconds for two bonus targets, ten (10) seconds for three or more bonus targets together (plate rack). Total Bonus Time is the sum of all stage bonus times.
8.4 Total Time – Total Stage Time is the sum of the Raw Time plus Total Penalties less bonuses for each stage. Total Time is the sum of all Total Stage Times.
8.5 Placement – The competitor with the lowest Total Time is the winner. Subsequent places are awarded for increasing Total Time.
9. Courses of Fire
All targets will be shot from within designated shooting areas. These areas can be shoot boxes, shooting from behind cover or barricades, a shooting area designated by red outlines on the ground.
A magazine change may be required during any stage at the course designer’s option.
A limited number of rounds may be required at the course designer’s option. When limited numbers of rounds are required, scoring is modified such that targets which are not engaged or are not defeated are treated as “insufficient point”.
Semi-Automatic Firearm – Only semi-automatic carbines or semi-automatic short-barreled rifles or fully automatic submachine guns used in the semi-automatic mode shall be used. During competition, all firearms must be fired in the semi-automatic mode only.
Semi-automatic fire by use of the selector or trigger is aloud so long as 25% of each stage is fired. The main purpose of this is to promote competitors with a high rate of fire with your Pistol Caliber Carbine firearms to shot them in matches.
Limitation of Calibers –Guns firing ammunition that damages targets will not be allowed.
Limitation of Practice – Any person who has shot a specific course before competition begins shall not be eligible to participate in that specific competition.
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