Forend rule clarified by amendment.
Rob Abel
Australian Director
I have been asked to write this advice to the membership on behalf of Blair Hamilton, chairman of the Rules committee.
Blair’s father passed away late
January and he is, understandably, somewhat distracted at this time. We extend
our deepest sympathies to Blair and his family for their loss.
As many of you would be aware, there has been some degree of controversy at recent “Internationals” because of innovative forends on unlimited guns that either were on the edge in respect of the ATF ban on dual grips on handguns or could have infringed the spirit and intent, if not the letter of the rule, regarding artificial support, depending on how they were utilized when in the firing position.
I think it important to take a step back so that those of you who are relatively new to the sport, that is, not twenty plus year veterans as some of us are, understand the basis of the thinking of the founders of the sport and the majority of the board when it came to considering the place of such innovative forend designs.
The following quote in respect of this issue was printed in the July, 85 edition of the “Silhouette” (now the IHMSA News). There were many similar clarifications published both before and after this but the one chosen appears to best cover the majority of the issues. As a rule clarification, this had the same force as anything printed in the rule book.
“Funny Forends
Again it is time to call attention to the ongoing attempts to circumvent the artificial rest rule as well as the spirit of the rules regarding forends.
There are continual attempts to devise, create and build forends (primarily for unlimited guns) that have knobs, protrusions or other extensions (some with special checkering and /or rubberized surfaces) that are designed so that the net result is to provide a shooting aid (artificial rest) to the competitor.
Likewise, there are continual efforts to create similar “funny forends” with wedges or melon slices cut out of one side (or both sides) of the forend with the idea of providing a contour effect to fit the shooters leg or some other part of his anatomy as a shooting aid.
There are likewise attempts to add on material to create the same sort of inverted curve or indentation to fit the shooters leg or anatomy.
ALL OF THESE AND OTHER VARIATIONS HAVE LONG AGO BEEN VOTED BY THE COMBINED COMMITTEES AS VIOLATING THE ARTIFICIAL REST RULE AS WELL AS THE SPIRIT OF THE RULES.
Match directors and their juries have the authority (and are so directed) to rule on any funny forends at any match. If, in their opinion, any of these funny forends violate either the artificial rest rule, the spirit of the rule, or both, they are directed to not allow the entry of any such gun in any sanctioned match.”
This issue was discussed at some length by those members of the board present at the ’06 Internationals and by the whole board since via email and the following rule amendment has been written by Blair Hamilton as chair of the rules committee and agreed to by the majority of the board.
Section VI: Handguns; B. Unlimited 10.
B) Designs that allow grasping the fore end at an angle greater than 60 degrees from the bore line are not allowed.
C) Adjustable stocks are allowed, provided the adjusted configuration meets all other IHMSA rules.
The Taco hold, which primarily involves the gripping of the barrel, scope or scope mount, remains legal in IHMSA competition so long as the forend/stock conforms to the principles enunciated above.
Despite what some members may think, we are not in the business of stifling creativity and innovation but we do have an obligation to preserve the integrity of the sport and ensure that we are not in violation of any law or regulation.
In short, no forends that provide artificial support and no forends that could be construed as violating the ATF ban on dual grips on handguns.
If you want to innovate, run it past the board before you sink your hard-earned cash into something that may not be allowed.
The official name of the organization is International Handgun Metallic Silhouette Association, Inc. For convenience, the accepted acronym is IHMSA (im-sa).
1. The object of IHMSA competition is to knock down metallic silhouette targets with a handgun. There are four disciplines of IHMSA competition: Big Bore, Small Bore, Field Pistol and Air Pistol; with each discipline subdivided into multiple categories.
2. IHMSA is, and shall remain an organization for amateur handgun competition open to all members of the shooting community.
3. No IHMSA competitor shall solicit or accept subsidy or sponsorship from any firearm or accessory manufacturer.
4. Sanctioned matches will consist of a 40, 60, or 80 round course of fire with an equal number of targets being engaged at four distances.
A) Targets consist of metallic silhouettes of chickens, pigs, turkeys and rams.
B) Targets will be fired upon in timed, two minute stages, firing at five targets per stage.
C) Shooting positions include Freestyle and Standing positions.
1. Membership in IHMSA shall be defined and described as one of the following:
A) Individual Member: membership is US $35.00 per year and is open to any person 18 years or older.
B) Individual Junior Member: membership is US $20.00 per year. Individual Junior membership application must include parent or guardian approval. An individual shall be considered a Junior for membership purposes until his / her 18th birthday, and shall be upgraded to an Individual Member upon his / her following renewal date. An individual shall be considered a Junior for competition purposes until his / her 18th birthday; however, any match may be completed as a Junior provided he / she is a Junior on the first day of the match.
C) Family Member: additional members of an Individual Member's immediate family (i.e., spouse, son, daughter) may join for a fee of US $10.00 each per year. They will be assigned the same membership number as the Individual Member with an appropriate suffix, ("H" for husband, "W' for wife, "S" for son, or 'D" for daughter).
D) Life Member: members may obtain a Life Membership at a cost of US $420.00. Life Members shall receive an IHMSA Life Member pin and a special certificate, and the suffix "L" will be added to the membership number.
2. All members in good standing 18 years or older shall have voting rights.
3. Upon payment of dues each year, members shall be issued a Membership Card that shall be used to record all sanctioned match scores and official classification for each classified category in each discipline.
1. IHMSA members have the responsibility to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with good sportsmanship.
2. No person shall compete, officiate, or otherwise participate in an IHMSA sanctioned match while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Any match competitor violating this provision is subject to immediate disqualification and further disciplinary action as determined by the Executive Committee.
3. Any Nation, Region, State, or Match Director shall have the authority to bar any competitor from a match for unsportsmanlike conduct or actions unbecoming to IHMSA. Should there be any questions regarding this procedure, or any decision made there from, the matter may be appealed / referred to the Executive Committee for a final decision.
1. In accepting membership in the International Handgun Metallic Silhouette Association, Inc., I hereby acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Official Rules and agree to read, be bound by and compete in strict accordance with all rules.
1. All IHMSA rules, new rules or rule changes shall be as officially established and approved by the IHMSA Board of Directors.
2. During a match, rule clarifications and interpretations shall be made by the highest-ranking IHMSA official at the match, or such other member that may be designated by that official.
3. All members and competitors agree to abide by the final decisions of the Board of Directors in all matters having to do with the Official Rules.
1. Any IHMSA member in good standing is eligible to submit proposals for rule changes according to the following procedures.
2. In order for a rule change proposal to receive consideration at the annual business meeting, rule change proposals must be submitted in writing to the Rules Committee Chairman a minimum of ninety days prior to the meeting day.
A) The Annual business meeting shall be the primary venue for action on rule change proposals; however, where deemed appropriate, the Board may act on rule change proposals at any time during the year.
3. Format: in order for a rule proposal to receive consideration, it must comply with the following:
A) The proposal must be submitted in writing including the author’s name, IHMSA membership number and method of contact.
B) Submit the existing, affected rule as written in the Official Rules, using exact wording. And submit the rule as proposed to be revised, added to and/or deleted, using exact wording; including, where applicable, all resultant revisions to other sections of the Official Rules.
C) At the author’s option, submit documentation supporting the adoption of the proposed rule change.
4. Upon receipt, the rules committee shall consider the proposal and forward it to the Board with a recommendation to approve / not approve.
5. A quorum of the Board, after due consideration, shall vote on the rule change proposal and said vote will result in one of the following:
A) Approve the proposed rule change as submitted.
B) Approve the proposed rule change as modified by the Board.
C) Not approve the proposed rule change.
D) Refer the proposal to the annual business meeting, allowing delegates to second, and then vote to accept / reject.
E) Refer the final vote to the entire membership via referendum, published in the IHMSA News.
6. The Board shall make the final determination of the effective date of all adopted rule changes.
7. Notification of all adopted and currently effective rule changes, including effective date, shall be published in the IHMSA News until such time as they can be formally incorporated into the IHMSA Official Rule Book.
1. Adherence to generally accepted firearms safety procedures is the absolute top priority at any IHMSA sanctioned event. While the Match Director has the primary responsibility for overseeing the conduct of the match, safety is the responsibility of every competitor, spotter, and match official.
2. It is mandatory that all competitors, spotters, line officers, and any other persons on the designated firing line wear appropriate eye and ear protection. It is recommended that side shields be worn on the eye protection.
A) Hearing protection is optional for Air pistol only when the Air competition is located remotely from other discipline competition.
3. All handgun actions must be open and empty at all times at a match, except on the firing line during competition course of firing between the "Load" and “Cease Fire” commands, or stored in a gun case or vehicle.
4. Muzzle Control:
A) From the moment a handgun is placed on the firing line, until it is removed, the muzzle shall point safely down range.
B) At no time during the loading or firing stages shall competitors allow their handgun to point at any part of their anatomy or any other person.
C) While in the firing position, no part of the competitor's body may be in the "Danger Zone", defined as a 45-degree angle cone-shaped area extending from the muzzle in line with the bore.
D) During firing, competitors shall not allow the muzzle of their handgun to recoil past vertical.
5. Competitors have the responsibility to assemble / use ammunition that is safe to fire in the handgun for which it is loaded. There is no acceptable reason for subjecting a handgun to dangerous pressures, or risking injury to any person as a result of potentially unsafe ammunition.
A) Any load that regularly requires extraction of the cartridge by any method other than the internal extractor of the handgun will be considered unsafe and not allowed.
6. A misfire must be handled as if it is a hang fire and the handgun must be pointed down range for a safe period of time after the trigger is pulled. It is not considered safe to open the action on a firearm immediately after it has misfired.
7. Triggers set so light as to be prone to accidental discharge are not allowed. Triggers shall be tested by cocking an unloaded handgun and rapping the butt sharply with the palm of the hand. If the sear mechanism disengages, the handgun will not be allowed in competition unless repaired.
1. Upon the "Cease Fire" command or when directed by the match officer, competitors shall immediately empty their handguns and put them in a "safe" condition - action open and placed in a shooting box, on a shooting table or on a shooting mat.
2. For the safety of all persons, from the “Cease Fire” command until the “Load” command, handguns shall not be handled during this period, except for transporting to the next firing station.
3. It is strongly recommended, but not mandatory, that all handguns transported on the firing line be contained in a shooting box / carrier so that direct handling of handgun is not required to transport between shooting stations.
A) In the absence of a shooting box / carrier, handguns may be handled only for the purpose of transporting to the next shooting position; whereupon, the handgun must be immediately placed on a shooting mat or table such that its safe condition is visible and can be readily determined.
4. If a handgun requires repair between firing stages, the competitor may remove the handgun completely off the firing line. Upon return to the firing line station during a non-loading or non-firing period, the handgun must immediately be placed in a safe position.
5. Shooters shall remain in position until the firing line has been cleared and announced to be safe before advancing to the next firing position.
6. A Match Director shall have the authority to require any handgun that violates a safety rule or is deemed to be unsafe to be removed from the firing line. The competitor may substitute another handgun; however, the substituted handgun must be certified prior to being brought on the firing line.
7. If a safety violation occurs, the competitor should not be interrupted during the loading or firing period unless it is a serious safety problem which poses an immediate threat to the safety of the competitor or any other individual. At the earliest opportunity, the Match Director or Line Officer shall give the competitor a warning of the safety violation. If, after the warning, the same violation recurs during the same course of fire, the competitor shall be disqualified for that course of fire.
8. Safety is the only reason a competitor may be interrupted during the course of fire.
1. To officially compete in any IHMSA sanctioned match, a competitor must be a member in good standing of IHMSA or, in the case of a resident of an Affiliated Nation, a member in good standing of that country's recognized affiliated handgun silhouette body.
A) To encourage new members, a non-member may be allowed to shoot the course of fire at the discretion of the Match Director.
2. When entering any IHMSA-sanctioned match, the competitor's Membership Card must be delivered to the match registrar. At the conclusion of the match, the registrar will return the card with all scores shot in the match posted and certified. When appropriate, the competitor's current class shall be upgraded in the Card's classification area
3. It shall be the responsibility of the competitor to ensure that all scores fired in IHMSA sanctioned matches and category classifications are recorded correctly on his / her Membership Card.
4. At the discretion of the Match Director, any shooter of known ability who does not present a Membership Card shall be required to compete in International or AAA class.
1. Competition fired on full scale targets consisting of three Production handgun categories and three Unlimited handgun categories:
Production
(P) Unlimited (U)
Revolver (R) Unlimited Standing (US)
Standing (S) Unlimited Any Sights (UAS)
2. Competition fired on half scale targets consisting of two Unlimited handgun categories:
Unlimited Half-Scale (UHS)
Unlimited Any Sights Half-Scale (UASHS)
1. Competition fired on three-eighth scale targets consisting of three Production handgun categories and three Unlimited handgun categories:
Production (P) Unlimited (U)
Revolver (R)
Unlimited Standing (US)
Standing (S) Unlimited Any Sights (UAS)
2. Competition fired on fifth scale targets consisting of two Unlimited handgun categories:
Unlimited Half-Scale (UFS)
Unlimited Any Sights Half-Scale (UASFS)
1. Competition fired on half scale targets
consisting of two Production handgun categories:
Production (P)
Field Pistol Any Sights (FPAS)
1. Competition fired on one-tenth scale targets consisting of two Production handgun categories and four Unlimited handgun categories:
Production (P)
Unlimited Standing (US)
Standing (S) Unlimited Standing Iron Sights (USIS)
Unlimited (U) Unlimited Any Sights
(UAS)
1. The following categories, regardless of discipline must be shot with a handgun meeting Production handgun criteria / rules:
Standing (S) Production (P)
Revolver (R) Field Pistol Any Sight (FPAS)
1. The following categories, regardless of discipline may be shot with a handgun meeting either Production or Unlimited handgun criteria / rules:
Unlimited (U) Unlimited Standing (US)
Unlimited Half Scale (UHS) Unlimited Any Sight Half Scale (UASHS)
Unlimited Fifth Scale (UFS) Unlimited Any Sight Fifth Scale (UASFS)
1. Standing categories within each discipline shall be ranked as follows (from lowest to highest):
Big Bore Small Bore Field Pistol Air Pistol
S S P S Lowest
US US FPAS USIS I
US Highest
2. Freestyle categories within each discipline shall be ranked as follows (from lowest to highest):
Big Bore BB Half Scale Small Bore SB Fifth Scale Air Pistol
R UHS R UFS P Lowest
P UASHS P UASFS U I
U U UAS I
UAS UAS Highest
3. Within each discipline, if a competitor elects to use the same handgun in more than one Freestyle category or Standing category (considered separately) the following rules shall determine the order:
A) The handgun must be shot in ascending order (lowest to highest) of category ranking.
B) The Standing categories may be shot at any time relative to Freestyle categories, subject to rule 4 below.
4. Within each discipline, if a competitor elects to use the standing position in a Freestyle category and enter the Standing category using the same handgun, the handgun must be shot in the Standing category(s) first in ascending order (lowest to highest) of category ranking prior to being fired in the Freestyle category(s).
1. All competitors at IHMSA matches shall compete against other competitors who are generally equal in proficiency as established by a classification system for each IHMSA category. Classification for each discipline of competition shall be considered separately.
2. Classifications for each discipline and category in which the competitor is officially classified shall be recorded on the competitor’s Membership Card.
3. Initial Classification: The first score fired in a sanctioned match by a competitor in a category of competition shall establish the competitor’s classification in that particular category.
4. Leg-Up: During any twelve month period, the next score fired, including re-entry scores, which exceeds the break point of the current class in that category into the next higher class, shall constitute a “leg up” toward the next higher class and shall be indicated on the Membership Card by a plus sign (+) after the competitor’s current class (i.e. AA+).
5. Movement to the Next Higher Class: During any twelve month period, any two scores, including re-entry scores, which exceed the break point of the current class in that category into the next higher class will move the competitor to that class, effective at the next match competed in.
6. Jumping Class: When a competitor fires a single score that exceeds the break point of the current class that is two or more classes above the competitor's current class, he / she shall be advanced to the class immediately below the class of the score fired, effective at that match. Such score will also be the first "leg" into the class in which it was fired.
7. For classification purposes, 60 or 80 round matches fired straight through shall be converted to a 40 round match equivalent and treated as a single score.
A) Conversion to a 40 round equivalent shall be calculated by multiplying a 60 round score by 2/3 and an 80 round score by 1/2. All fractions shall be dropped.
B) For the purpose of converting 60 and 80 round aggregate scores, each category score shall be added together and then converted to the aggregate 40 round equivalent. All fractions shall be dropped.
8. Eligibility for reclassification to a lower class in a category shall be based on eight consecutive sanctioned match scores below the break point of the competitor's current class. Reclassification requires the approval of both the competitor's resident State and Regional Directors in the USA, or National Director in other nations; and such approval is at the sole discretion of the Director(s).
9. Based on any factual, sufficient evidence, any National / Regional / State / Match Director, or member of the Executive Committee shall have the authority to reclassify any competitor into any IHMSA class according to "known ability" at any time before, during, or after a match.
A) To determine "known ability" any available facts and information may be taken into consideration.
B) Should there by any questions regarding this procedure or any decisions rendered there from, the competitor may refer the matter to the Executive Committee for a final decision.
10. Any IHMSA member who omits scores in order to continue competing in a lower class is subject to disciplinary action by the Board of Directors, up to suspension from IHMSA for a maximum of one year.
1. Each category of each discipline shall be divided into classes according to the following scores:
|
Class |
C B A AA AAA INT |
|
Freestyle Categories |
|
|
P, R, UHS and UFS |
0–10 11-17 18-23 24-32 33-37 38-40 |
|
U |
0-17 18–24 25–29 30-36 37-39 40 40 |
|
UAS, UASHS and UASFS |
N / A N / A N / A 0-36 37-39 40 |
|
Standing Categories |
C B A AA AAA INT |
|
P (Field Pistol) |
N / A 0-7 8-15 16-22 23-29 30-40 |
|
S |
N / A 0-7 8–15 16–21 22-27 28-40 |
|
US, USIS and FPAS |
N / A 0-14 15-21 22-29 30-35 36-40 |
1. The Freestyle categories are Production, Revolver, Unlimited, Unlimited Any Sights, Unlimited Half-Scale and Unlimited Any Sight Half-Scale.
2. The Freestyle shooting position shall be any safe shooting position without artificial support. The handgun may only come in contact with the competitor's body, clothing and / or blast shield.
3. The following conditions constitute an artificial support and are not allowed:
A) Nesting the barrel or fore end in / on the top part of a shoe or boot,
B) Supporting the handgun across the sole or notch of the heel,
C) Nesting the barrel or fore end in / on a crease or wrinkle of a blast shield, boot, pant leg, sock, or other article of clothing.
D) Supporting any part of the handgun directly on the firing line, shooting mat or ground.
1. The Standing categories are Standing, Unlimited Standing, Field Pistol Production, Field Pistol Any Sight, and Air Pistol Unlimited Standing Iron Sights.
2. The Standing shooting position shall be any safe standing position with the handgun supported only by one or both hands.
3. No part of one or both hands supporting the handgun may come in contact with any other part of the competitor's clothing, hat or anatomy (except the other hand).
4. No part of either arm, from the shoulder to the wrist, is allowed to come into contact with any other part of the competitor's anatomy, or be artificially supported in any way.
5. If prevented from doing so, by the nature of their condition, physically challenged competitors need not assume a full standing position. They may fire from braced crutches, or with support from a chair or stool; however, the support of their handgun must conform to rules 3 and 4 above.
1. A pistol or revolver that is or was a manufacturer’s catalog product and is or was readily available to the general public.
2. The Evaluation Committee shall have the responsibility for determining the category in which any new model handgun will compete. Handguns and / or accessories will be allowed to compete in Production categories if so determined by the Evaluation Committee to meet Production handgun rules and requirements; otherwise, such equipment shall be eligible to compete in Unlimited categories only.
A) All design changes and / or modifications to a Production handgun must be submitted to the Evaluation Committee for approval prior to being used in Production category competition.
B) All new equipment, design changes, and modifications must be approved at least 90 days prior to the annual International Championships to be allowed for use in that competition.
3. Barrel length shall not exceed 10 3/4 inches.
4. Weight shall not exceed the following:
A) Open-sight categories: 4 pounds, unloaded, including magazine; or for Air Pistol, including any C02 or other propellant containers
B) Field Pistol Any Sights category: 5 pounds including optical equipment.
5. Overall length shall not exceed 18 inches.
6. The handgun must be complete at all times in form, finish, and mechanical function as manufactured. Except as otherwise allowed by the rules, only internal and external parts that are a manufacturer’s standard catalog items for the particular model of handgun may be used for repair or replacement.
A) If spare parts for a discontinued handgun are not available, a broken or dysfunctional part may be replaced by a newly made one provided that:
1) The newly made part is identical in material, form, dimension, configuration and finish to the original part. Exception: see 7-A).
B) No main part (i.e. frame, cylinder) except the barrel may be duplicated.
7. Fox Ridge Outfitters and Thompson Center (T/C) Custom Shop replacement barrels are allowed on T/C Contender and Encore frames.
A) After market barrels for T/C Contenders are allowed up to a maximum length of 10-3/4” with the associated increase in sight radius, and in any legal Production cartridge provided they meet all other criteria of production barrels.
8. A revolver or semi-automatic pistol used in any Production gun category must be loaded with five rounds and fired as such.
9. The original sights (front, rear, or both) may be replaced with sights that are catalog items manufactured to fit the handgun without alteration to the sights, sight assembly, or handgun; however, the sights need not be catalog items for the specific handgun to which they are affixed.
A) Replacement sights may not extend the original sight radius by more than 1 inch.
B) In Air Pistol only, the front or rear sights may be filed to raise or lower the point of impact, and the rear sight opening may be widened.
C) Sights may be smoked or painted any color, including painting / marking sight setting positions.
D) The following are allowed or not allowed:
1) Covered front sights are allowed.
2) Scope rib type sight bases are allowed.
3) Tube sights are not allowed.
4) Covered rear sights are not allowed.
a) Exception: .22 caliber Browning Buckmark model with factory covered rear sight is allowed.
10. The original stock, grip or fore end may be replaced with a stock, grip and / or fore end that is a manufacturer’s catalog item(s), which fit and attach to the handgun without any alteration to the stock, grip, fore end or handgun.
A) Removal of factory checkering from a stock, grip, or forends, is not allowed.
11. Adjustable grips are allowed on Production handguns; however, no adjustment of such grips is allowed after the competitor has begun a course of fire.
12. A trigger job may be performed on a Production handgun only as follows:
A) Sear engagement surfaces of the hammer and trigger may be re-hardened and smoothed.
B) Within the trigger / hammer assembly, springs from a manufacturer other than the original manufacturer are not allowed.
C) Polishing the sides of the hammer, trigger, or insides of the frame is not allowed.
13. Hammer extensions that are a manufacturer's standard catalog product, and that fit and attach to the handgun without any alteration to the extension or handgun are allowed.
14. Optical equipment may be used in the Field Pistol Any Sights category only.
A) Manufacturer’s catalogued parts designed for the subject optical equipment are allowed for aftermarket modifications.
B) There is no limitation on optical magnification power.
C) Mounts shall be a manufacturer’s catalog product(s), which fit and attach to the handgun without any alteration to the mount or handgun.
15. Scopes and optical devices must be removed from handguns that are used in open sight categories; however, it is permissible to leave scope mounts attached, provided they are not used as a shooting aid.
16. Production handguns may be drilled and tapped for scopes and still be used in the Production gun categories.
17. Engraving of metal parts on a handgun by the manufacturer or other party is allowed, provided it is strictly commemorative or decorative and does not constitute or used as a shooting aid.
18. Bolt action handguns are allowed for Air Pistol Production handguns only.
19. No Production Air Pistol shall have a manufacturer's suggested retail price greater than $235.00 U.S. based on MSRP. (The price cap shall be reviewed and emended for inflation on a bi-annual basis).
20. Except as specifically allowed in the above rules, no other external or internal changes may be made to a handgun that is used in a Production gun category.
1. Any handgun meeting the provisions of this section shall be allowed for Unlimited categories.
2. Barrel length and sight radius shall not exceed 15 inches.
3. Maximum length of a sighting apparatus including hoods, tubes, sunshades, extensions or other devices shall not exceed 18 inches.
4. Weight shall not exceed the following:
A) Open-sight categories: 6 lbs, unloaded with magazine.
B) Unlimited Standing, Unlimited Any Sight and Unlimited Any Sight Half Scale categories: 7 lbs including optical equipment, unloaded with magazine.
5. Overall length shall not exceed 25 inches.
6. Scopes and optical devices must be removed from handguns that are used in open sight categories; however, it is permissible to leave scope mounts attached, provided they are not used as a shooting aid.
7. All .22 caliber UIT Free pistols are classed as Unlimited handguns, provided they comply with other IHMSA handgun rules.
8. By definition, any Production Gun qualifies to be used in Unlimited categories.
9. Revolvers and handguns with magazines may be loaded and fired single-shot.
B) Designs that allow grasping the fore end at an angle greater than 60 degrees from the bore line are not allowed.
C) Adjustable stocks are allowed, provided the adjusted configuration meets all other IHMSA rules.
1. Barrel length for single shot or bolt-action handguns shall be measured from the breach / bolt face in the firing position to the highest point of the muzzle crown. Muzzle brakes, suppressors, etc. shall be included in the barrel length.
2. Barrel length for revolvers shall be measured from back of the forcing cone to the highest point of the muzzle crown.
3. Sight radius shall be measured from the back of the front sight blade, post or aperture insert to the rear surface of the rear sight leaf, blade, peephole or aperture.
4. Overall length shall be measured from the extremities of the handgun, square and parallel to the barrel.
1. Bottleneck and straight-wall center fire cartridges.
1. Only .22LR Rimfire ammunition fired as manufactured.
1. Straight-wall, center fire pistol cartridges of standard manufacture with a maximum case length of 1.29 inches, as specified for that cartridge.
2. The .32- 20 with a length of 1.32 inches, .270 REN, .22 Hornet, 25-20.
3. 22LR and .22WMR Rimfire fired as manufactured.
D. Air Pistol
1. Pellets shall be .22 caliber or smaller, made from lead or similar soft metal. B.B.'s or other round balls are not allowed.
1. Targets shall be "full scale" steel silhouettes of chickens, pigs, turkeys, and rams per official IHMSA templates, except Unlimited Half-Scale.
2. Targets shall be made from steel plate and shall be 1/2 inch thick for chickens and pigs, and 3/8 inch thick for turkeys and rams, or the nearest metric equivalent.
3. The "feet" upon which the targets rest should be made from the same type and thickness of steel as the targets. The feet shall be welded to the targets per the official templates. The dimensions of the feet shall be:
|
|
Chickens |
Pigs |