Stage with rifle to pistol transition

[jtc556]

I am working some stages for a local match and would like to include a transition in a couple of them. The shooter would start with an empty rifle that would simulate a malfunction. At the buzzer, the shooter will come up on target and get a click then transition(using a sling). Once the pistol targets are cleared, the shooter will reholster and then load the rifle and engage the rifle targets.

Are there any safety concerns that jump out at anyone?

[Bluedreaux]

Sling or barrel?

[currahee]

I would make sure the pistol was empty at the re-holster, or have them put it in a box, on a table etc. People who haven't practiced this in slow motion are dangerous- ad a timer and stress it's even worse.

[jtc556]

I would make sure the pistol was empty at the re-holster, or have them put it in a box, on a table etc. People who haven't practiced this in slow motion are dangerous- ad a timer and stress it's even worse.

I agree and thus my concern.

My goal was to get people thinking about and practicing a transition safely and correctly. The more I think about shooting matches and having to stage firearms (tables, barrels, etc...) the more I think there is a missed opportunity for increasing proficiency. Not at the expense of safety though.

[Litpipe]

I agree and thus my concern.

My goal was to get people thinking about and practicing a transition safely and correctly. The more I think about shooting matches and having to stage firearms (tables, barrels, etc...) the more I think there is a missed opportunity increasing proficiency. Not at the expense of safety though.

I dont compete but I want to. Waiting on a good shotgun. One observation though...which is in line with your post is the barrel/box thing.

I always thought it was odd. I understand safety is paramount...but I always like the thought of practicing for real events. Usings slings or holsters instead of dumping a mag into a box or leaving the weapon on a table. Then again, having never competed I guess I am talking out of my ass.

I like your idea. I hope you can work it out.

[theblackknight]

Give them the option to re-holster or table the pistol.

Also, make 100% sure the written stage description says exactly what you mean.

[mike240]

I would make sure the pistol was empty at the re-holster, or have them put it in a box, on a table etc. People who haven't practiced this in slow motion are dangerous- ad a timer and stress it's even worse.

Agreed. And some ranges and sanctioned disciplines prohibit reholstering a loaded pistol while the timer is running.

[jtc556]

Sling or barrel?

Sorry, I left that part out.
The shooter would use a sling.

[Litpipe]

This makes since.

[T2C]

If you are going to have them have the rifle slung while engaging targets with a pistol I would use a bright colored OBI on the rifle, so there is no doubt about the chamber being empty. I have a yellow OBI that slides into the magazine well and holds the bolt open, which is what I would suggest.

If you have the shooter transition from the pistol to the rifle, I would require them to holster the pistol before engaging with the rifle. If they are not going to fire rounds from the pistol, have them show the magazine well and chamber are empty and let the slide go to full battery without pressing the trigger before holstering.

If you are going to have them transition from one weapon to another and fire live rounds with each one, I would use a barrel for the rifle and a rectangular box mounted to a table for the pistol to ensure the muzzle is pointed down range. The reason I suggest this for the pistol is that I have seen two people shoot themself in the leg while holstering their pistol.

You can always use bright colored rope that hangs out the end of the barrel and bottom of the magazine well of a rifle or pistol if you do not have an OBI available for competitors with different kinds of rifles and handguns.