Highpower Rifle Safety Briefing and Range Commands

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The following is the ECCL Highpower Rifle safety briefing and procedural range commands.  It has been adapted from the CMP’s official range commands.  Please study the range commands carefully before firing in an ECCL Highpower Rifle match.

“ECCL Safety Briefing and Highpower Rifle Range Commands

  1. Any person witnessing an unsafe act must immediately call CEASE FIRE.
  2. Competitors and other personnel who are forward of the parking lot posts during Highpower Rifle events are required to wear appropriate eye and hearing protection.
  3. Do not take rifles or equipment to the firing line until instructed to do so.
  4. A safety flag (ECI) must be inserted in your rifle at all times (cased or uncased) except during preparation and firing periods. If you do not have an ECI, ask as we do have extras.
  5. Keep all rifle muzzles pointed downrange or up at all times.
  6. To ensure the safety of our competitors and our neighbors, do not close the bolt on a live round unless your rifle is pointed at the berm or down.  We must ensure that the range contains all of the rounds fired and will not tolerate unsafe procedures in loading.
  7. You are permitted to carry rifles behind the firing line; you are not permitted to handle rifles behind the line (see definitions of “carry” and “handle” in Rule 3.6).
  8. You may handle your rifle after your relay is called to the firing line (put on sling, get into position, etc.), but you may not remove the safety flag or close the action until the preparation period starts.
  9. A three-minute preparation period will start approximately two minutes after your relay is called to the firing line. During the preparation period you may continue your preparations for firing and may remove safety flags and dry fire.
  10. Do not load until the command LOAD is given.
  11. Upon completion of firing, open your rifle action, remove magazine, insert a safety flag, move safety to the SAFE position, ground your rifle and step back from the firing line.
  12. Do not go forward of firing line until instructed to do so.
  13. If you have a problem, remain in position, keep your rifle muzzle pointed downrange and raise your hand, a Range Officer will assist you.
  14. Do not leave any live ammunition on the range. If you experience a dud, be sure to deposit it in the collection tube between the 25 and 50 yard ranges.
  15. If any competitors have medical issues (bee sting allergy, etc.) that the CRO should be aware of, please inform us.

Stage 1 Commands – Sighting in

  1. RELAY (number), TAKE YOUR POSITIONS ON THE FIRING LINE.
  2. THE FIRST STAGE OF FIRE WILL BE BLOCKED TIME OF 3 MINUTES PREP TIME AND 5 MINUTES SIGHTING IN PERIOD. YOUR PREPARATION PERIOD WILL BEGIN IN TWO MINUTES.
  3. YOUR 3 MINUTE PREPARATION TIME AND 5 MINUTE SIGHTING IN PERIOD BEGINS, NOW.
  4. IS ALL FIRING COMPLETED?
  5. ALL FIRING IS COMPLETED, CEASE FIRE, REMOVE MAGAZINES, PUT SAFETIES IN THE SAFE POSITION, INSERT SAFETY FLAGS, GROUND YOUR RIFLES AND STAND BACK FROM THE LINE.
  6. Check the line.
  7. IS THE LINE CLEAR?
  8. THE LINE IS CLEAR, RELAY (number) YOU MAY GO FORWARD TO POLICE BRASS AND TRASH.
  9. BRASS AND TRASH CALL HAS ENDED. LET’S GO DOWNRANGE AND PASTE TARGETS.

Stage 2 Commands – Offhand

  1. RELAY (number), TAKE YOUR POSITIONS ON THE FIRING LINE. YOUR PREPARATION PERIOD WILL BEGIN IN TWO MINUTES.
  2. YOUR 3 MINUTE PREPARATION PERIOD BEGINS NOW.
  3. YOUR PREPARATION PERIOD HAS ENDED.
  4. THIS STAGE OF FIRE WILL BE 10 SHOTS FOR RECORD, OFFHAND, SINGLE LOAD, IN A TIME LIMIT OF 10 MINUTES.
  5. WITH ONE ROUND LOAD.
  6. IS THE LINE READY? THE LINE IS READY.  READY ON THE RIGHT.  READY ON THE LEFT.  ALL READY ON THE FIRING LINE.
  7. COMMENCE FIRE.
  8. IS ALL FIRING COMPLETED?
  9. ALL FIRING IS COMPLETED, CEASE FIRE, REMOVE MAGAZINES, PUT SAFETIES IN THE SAFE POSITION, INSERT SAFETY FLAGS, GROUND YOUR RIFLES AND STAND BACK FROM THE LINE.
  10. IS THE LINE CLEAR?
  11. THE LINE IS CLEAR, RELAY (number) YOU MAY GO FORWARD TO POLICE BRASS AND TRASH.
  12. BRASS AND TRASH CALL HAS ENDED. LET’S GO DOWNRANGE, SCORE AND PASTE TARGETS.

Stage 3 Commands – Rapid Sitting

  1. RELAY (number), TAKE YOUR POSITIONS ON THE FIRING LINE. YOUR PREPARATION PERIOD WILL BEGIN IN TWO MINUTES.
  2. YOUR 3 MINUTE PREPARATION PERIOD BEGINS NOW.
  3. YOUR PREPARATION PERIOD HAS ENDED.
  4. THIS STAGE OF FIRE WILL BE 10 SHOTS WITH A MAGAZINE CHANGE, RAPID-FIRE SITTING FROM STANDING IN A TIME LIMIT OF 60 SECONDS. IF REMAINING IN POSITION, MAGAZINES MUST REMAIN OUT UNTIL THE COMMENCE FIRE COMMAND IS GIVEN.
  5. ON THE FIRING LINE, STAND.
  6. WITH BOLTS CLOSED ON EMPTY CHAMBERS, LOAD.
  7. IS THE LINE READY?
  8. THE LINE IS READY. READY ON THE RIGHT.  READY ON THE LEFT.  ALL READY ON THE FIRING LINE.
  9. COMMENCE FIRE.
  10. CEASE FIRE.
  11. REMAIN IN POSITION UNTIL THE LINE IS CLEAR.
  12. ARE THERE ANY SAVED ROUNDS ON THE RIGHT? NO
  13. ARE THERE ANY SAVED ROUNDS ON THE LEFT? NO
  14. CLEAR ALL RIFLES, REMOVE MAGAZINES, PUT SAFETIES IN THE SAFE POSITION, INSERT SAFETY FLAGS, GROUND YOUR RIFLES AND STAND BACK FROM THE LINE.
  15. IS THE LINE CLEAR?
  16. THE LINE IS CLEAR, RELAY (number) YOU MAY GO FORWARD TO POLICE BRASS AND TRASH.
  17. BRASS AND TRASH CALL HAS ENDED. LET’S GO DOWNRANGE, CHANGE TARGETS FOR RAPID PRONE.

Stage 4 Commands – Rapid Prone

  1. RELAY (number), TAKE YOUR POSITIONS ON THE FIRING LINE. YOUR PREPARATION PERIOD WILL BEGIN IN TWO MINUTES.
  2. YOUR 3 MINUTE PREPARATION PERIOD BEGINS NOW.
  3. YOUR PREPARATION PERIOD HAS ENDED.
  4. THIS STAGE OF FIRE WILL BE 10 SHOTS WITH A MAGAZINE CHANGE, RAPID-FIRE PRONE FROM STANDING IN A TIME LIMIT OF 70 SECONDS. IF REMAINING IN POSITION, MAGAZINES MUST REMAIN OUT UNTIL THE COMMENCE FIRE COMMAND IS GIVEN.
  5. ON THE FIRING LINE, STAND.
  6. WITH BOLTS CLOSED ON EMPTY CHAMBERS, LOAD.
  7. IS THE LINE READY?
  8. THE LINE IS READY. READY ON THE RIGHT.  READY ON THE LEFT.  ALL READY ON THE FIRING LINE.
  9. COMMENCE FIRE.
  10. CEASE FIRE.
  11. REMAIN IN POSITION UNTIL THE LINE IS CLEAR.
  12. ARE THERE ANY SAVED ROUNDS ON THE RIGHT? NO
  13. ARE THERE ANY SAVED ROUNDS ON THE LEFT? NO
  14. CLEAR ALL RIFLES, REMOVE MAGAZINES, PUT SAFETIES IN THE SAFE POSITION, INSERT SAFETY FLAGS, GROUND YOUR RIFLES AND STAND BACK FROM THE LINE.
  15. IS THE LINE CLEAR?
  16. THE LINE IS CLEAR, RELAY (number) YOU MAY GO FORWARD TO POLICE BRASS AND TRASH.
  17. BRASS AND TRASH CALL HAS ENDED. LET’S GO DOWNRANGE, CHANGE TARGETS FOR SLOW FIRE PRONE.

Stage 5 Commands – Slow Prone

  1. RELAY (number), TAKE YOUR POSITIONS ON THE FIRING LINE. YOUR PREPARATION PERIOD WILL BEGIN IN TWO MINUTES.
  2. YOUR 3 MINUTE PREPARATION PERIOD BEGINS NOW.
  3. YOUR PREPARATION PERIOD HAS ENDED.
  4. THIS STAGE OF FIRE WILL BE 10 SHOTS FOR RECORD, PRONE, SINGLE LOAD, IN A TIME LIMIT OF 10 MINUTES.
  5. WITH ONE ROUND LOAD.
  6. IS THE LINE READY? THE LINE IS READY.  READY ON THE RIGHT.  READY ON THE LEFT.  ALL READY ON THE FIRING LINE.
  7. COMMENCE FIRE.
  8. IS ALL FIRING COMPLETED?
  9. ALL FIRING IS COMPLETED, CEASE FIRE, REMOVE MAGAZINES, PUT SAFETIES IN THE SAFE POSITION, INSERT SAFETY FLAGS, GROUND YOUR RIFLES AND STAND BACK FROM THE LINE.
  10. IS THE LINE CLEAR?
  11. THE LINE IS CLEAR, RELAY (number) YOU MAY REMOVE EQUIPMENT FROM THE FIRING LINE AND GO FORWARD TO POLICE BRASS AND TRASH.
  12. BRASS AND TRASH CALL HAS ENDED. LET’S GO DOWNRANGE, FINISH SCORING AND GET READY FOR THE NEXT RELAY.”

 

SAFETY DEFINITIONS AND REGULATIONS:

  • Safety Flag.  A safety flag is an empty chamber indicator (ECI) with a probe that fits into an empty chamber when the action is open. The safety flag must have a yellow or orange-colored flag that extends out from the open action so that it can readily be seen by match officials and competitors to confirm that the rifle is clear.
  • Unloaded Rifle. A rifle with an open action, magazine empty or removed (if removable) and chamber empty with a safety flag inserted to confirm that the rifle is clear.
  • Cleared Rifle.  A rifle with an open action, magazine empty or removed and chamber empty with and safety flag inserted that has been checked by a Range Officer.
  • Cleared Range.  A range where a Range Officer has confirmed that all rifles on the firing line are cleared and grounded with safety flags inserted, with no rifles being handled by any person and no personnel in front of the firing line.
  • Loaded Rifle. A rifle is considered “loaded” when a cartridge or magazine containing cartridges comes in contact with the rifle. Rifles may only be loaded after the Range Officer commands LOAD.
  • Ready Line/Ready Area. A designated or undesignated area behind the firing line where competitors who are not firing, scoring, or pulling targets and spectators must remain. Rifles in the ready area must be unloaded with safety flags inserted, whether they are cased or uncased. Rifles may be carried (moved from one location to another) in the ready area, but they may not be handled (see the definitions of rifle carrying and handling in Rules 3.6.4 & 3.6.5)
  • Call to Firing Line. No one is permitted to move rifles or equipment to the firing line until the Range Officer instructs them to do so. After a relay of competitors is called to the firing line, they may set up their equipment on the firing line, handle their rifles by putting on slings or getting into positions with them. Two minutes are allowed between the call to move to the firing line and the beginning of the preparation period. A safety flag must remain in the rifle during this period and until the preparation period begins.
  • Preparation Period. Two minutes after a relay is called to the firing line the Range Officer will announce the beginning of a three-minute preparation period. During this period, competitors may handle their rifles, remove safety flags and dry fire. No one may load a rifle during the preparation period.
  • Sighting Shots. Sighting shots are not allowed if the event is a National Trophy Event. Sighting shots are allowed if the event is a CMP Cup Match Event where two sighting shots are fired before each stage of fire.  Separate Range Officer scripts are provided for National Trophy Events and CMP Cup Match Events to accommodate the differences between the two types of events. 
  • COMMENCE FIRE. A range command that authorizes competitors to start firing in slow-fire stages.
  • CEASE FIRE. A range command that directs competitors to stop firing immediately. Penalties may be applied for shots fired after a CEASE FIRING command.
  • Slow-Fire Loading. For slow-fire shots, Service Rifle competitors may load only one round at a time. The rifle may not rest on a shooting stool when it is loaded. Once a round is chambered, muzzles must remain pointed downrange.
  • IS THE LINE READY? This is a question asked by the Range Officer after the command LOAD. Competitors who are not ready should announce “Not Ready.” The purpose of this question is to make sure all competitors have safely loaded and are ready to start a live fire series.
  • Rapid-Fire Loading. Rapid-fire loading procedures required by CMP Rules vary according to whether the event is a National Trophy Event or a CMP Cup Match Event.  
  • National Trophy Events. Competitors must stand to load and start rapid-fire series from standing. Competitors will stand on the command ON THE FIRING LINE STAND. After the command WITH BOLTS CLOSED ON EMPTY CHAMBERS…LOAD, they must close the bolts on their rifles on empty chambers and then insert magazines loaded with two (2) or five (5) rounds. Competitors with manually operated rifles must leave bolts open until they are down in position. After the line is ready and targets rise (or the command TARGETS is given), they will drop down into position and then cycle or close the bolt to chamber the first round. They must be down in position before cycling the bolt to chamber the first round.
  • CMP Cup Match Events.  Competitors must start in the shooting position for the appropriate stage of fire (i.e. sitting or prone).  After the command YOUR SIGHTING PERIOD HAS ENDED or FOR YOUR SECOND SERIES OF RAPID FIRE, and before the targets appear, the rifle must be kept out of the shoulder, and the ammunition must remain on the ground, shooting mat or shooting stool. When the targets appear, competitors must take their ammunition, load either two (2) or five (5) rounds and fire their first two or five rounds. After firing two or five rounds, competitors will reload eight (8) or five (5) rounds as appropriate and continue firing to complete the series.  
  • TARGETS. A range command that is used to start rapid-fire stages on fixed target ranges (where pit-operated targets are not available). The command TARGETS authorizes competitors with loaded rifles to assume their firing positions, cycle their bolts to load rounds in chambers and commence firing or, in CMP Cup Matches, to load their rifles and commence firing.
  • Malfunction.  A malfunction is the failure of the rifle or ammunition to function properly.  A competitor may attempt to clear the malfunction and continue firing if they can do so safely. No refires or additional time will be allowed if the competitor is unable to complete the series. 
  • Interruption in Fire. If a CEASE FIRE command must be given during a firing series, the Range Officer will resume firing as soon as possible. When firing resumes, competitors are entitled to the amount of time that was remaining when the CEASE FIRE command was given.
  • Slow or Disabled Target. When a single target is disabled or providing slow target service, the competitor or scorer must notify a range officer who may authorize additional time to compensate for the slow service. In the case of a disabled target that cannot be quickly repaired, the competitor must be moved to another target (hospital) and given additional time to finish firing.   

ECCL Safety Briefing and Range Commands