3. EQUIPMENT AND AMMUNITION

This section defines authorized equipment. Where alternative types of equipment are shown, the least restrictive conditions apply unless the tournament program sets forth limitations.

3.l (a) Service Pistol - U.S. Pistol, caliber .45 M1911 or M1911A1 or the same type and caliber of commercially manufactured pistol. The pistol must be equipped with the standard issue or similar commercially-procured stocks or other comparable design of grips which interferes with no functional or maintenance features of the pistol, is functionally identical for right or left hand use. is not more than 1 inches in thickness between right and left side extremities as installed, includes no thumb rest or finger channels, and would not prevent holstering in the standard service holster. Trigger pull must be not less than 4 pounds. The pistol must be equipped with open sights. The front sight must be non-adjustable. The pistol may be equipped with an adjustable rear sight with open U or rectangular notch, the distance between sights measuring not more than 7.25 inches from the apex of the front sight to the apex of the rear sight. The forestrap of the grip may be checkered. The mainspring housing may be either the flat or arched type. Trigger shoes may be used. Trigger stops. internal or external, are acceptable. Otherwise, external alterations or additions to the arm will not be allowed. The internal parts of the pistol may be specially fitted and include alterations which will improve the functioning and accuracy of the arm, provided such alterations in no way interfere with the proper functioning of the safety devices as manufactured. All standard safety features of the pistol must operate properly. It is the competitors responsibility to have his pistol checked prior to the firing of the match.

3.1 (b) U.S. Pistol, 9mm, M9 or a commercial pistol of the same design and caliber. Standard stock must be made of wood or synthetic material, a similar stock of commercial manufacture, or another comparable design that does not interfere: with the functional or maintenance features of the pistol. The stock must be functionally identical for right or left hand use. It must not be more than 1.5 inches thick between the right and left extremities. Trigger pull of at least 4 pounds. Open sights only with non-adjustable front sight. The rear sight may be adjustable and must have an open "U" or rectangular notch. The distance between the sights, measured from the apex of the front sight to the rear face of the rear sight, must be not more than 7.25 inches. Barrel length of no less than 4.9 inches or longer than 5.0 inches. Overall length of the pistol may not exceed 8.62 inches.

3.1 (c) Ammunition requirements for service pistols in Excellence in Competition (Leg) Matches are as follows:

(1) Pistol competitors with the caliber .45 pistol may use any safe ammunition with a 230 grain, full metal jacket, round nosed bullet. (See rule 4-16b CMP Rules and Regulations).

(2) Pistol competitors with the 9mm pistol may use any safe ammunition with a 115 through 125 grain, full metal jacket, round nosed bullet. (See rule 4-16c CMP Rules and Regulations).

3.2 Any Center Fire Pistol or Revolver - Center-fire pistols (single shot or semiautomatic) or revolvers of .32 caliber or larger (including 7.65 mm and .45 caliber pistols and revolvers); barrel length, including cylinder, not more than 10 inches; trigger pull not less than 2 1/2 pounds, except .45 caliber semiautomatic pistols not less than 3 1/2 pounds. Sights may be adjustable but not over 10 inches apart measured from the apex of the rear sight to the apex of the front sight. All standard safety features of the gun must operate properly. Programs may specify particular calibers or types of center-fire guns which will be permitted or not permitted in stated event. Any sights, including telescopic, are permitted with the exception of those sights which project an image on the target. Any sighting device programmed to activate the firing mechanism is prohibited.

3.3 Any .45 Caliber Semiautomatic Pistol or Revolver - Any .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol or revolver; barrel length, including cylinders, not more than 10 inches. trigger pull for revolvers not less than 2 1/2 pounds, .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol trigger pull not less than 3 1/2 pounds. Sights may be adjustable but not over 10 inches apart measured from the apex of the rear sight to the apex of the front sight. All standard safety features of guns must operate properly. Any sights, including telescopic, are permitted with the exception of those sights which project an image on the target. Any sighting device programmed to activate the firing mechanism is prohibited.

3.4 .22 Caliber Pistol or Revolver - Any pistol or revolver using a .22 caliber rimfire, cartridge having an over-all length of not more than 1.1 inches and with lead or alloy bullet not greater than .23 inches in diameter and weighing not more than 40 grains; barrel length, including cylinder, not more than 10 inches; sights may be adjustable but not over ten inches apart measured from the apex of the rear sight to the apex of the front sight. Trigger pull not less than 2 pounds. All standard safety features of the gun must operate properly. Any sights, including telescopic, are permitted with the exception of those sights which project an image on the target. Any sighting device programmed to activate the firing mechanism is prohibited.

3.5 Use of Authorized Equipment
(a) The .22 Caliber Pistol as described in Rule 3.4 must be used in the .22 caliber conventional pistol matches.

(b) The Center Fire Pistol as described in Rule 3.2 including center fire pistols of .32 caliber or larger may be used in the center fire conventional pistol matches.

(c) The .45 Caliber Semiautomatic Pistol, as described in Rule 3.3, or the Service Pistol described under Rule 3.1 may be used in conventional .45 caliber matches.

(d) The Service Pistol, as described under Rule 3.1 must be used in all matches approved by the NBPRP in which credits toward Distinguished designation may be achieved.

3.6 Grips - The grip, or any part of the firearm, may not be extended or constructed in any way which would give any support beyond the hand. The wrist must remain absolutely free and visible when the pistol is held in the firing position.

No part of the grip or accessory may encircle the hand. Upward curvature of the heel of the grip may not exceed one inch ... Adjustable Grips are permitted as long as they conform to the dimensions as [described.]

3.7 (BLANK)

3.8 Spotting Scopes - The use of the telescope to spot shots is permitted.

3.9 Shooting Kits - The shooting kit may be taken to the firing point when it is of such size and construction as to not interfere with shooters on adjacent firing points.

3.9.1 Deflecting Screens - Shooters may use a screen fastened to their shooting kit, or similarly placed, to deflect empty cases, provided the screen is made of material such as "Hardware Cloth' with wires not larger than 1/16 inch in diameter and spaced not closer than 1/4 inch. Screens of solid material may not be used.

3.10 - 3.15 Blank

3.16 Release Triggers - Triggers which function on release are prohibited.

3.17 Ammunition
(a) Service-Full charge cartridge ammunition manufactured for or by the Government and issued for use in service arms.

(b) Any-Ammunition of any description that may be fired without danger to competitors, range personnel or equipment. Tracer, incendiary, armor piercing and similar ammunition is prohibited.

3.18 General - All devices or equipment which may facilitate shooting and which are not mentioned in these rules, or which are contrary to the spirit of these rules and regulations, are forbidden. The Match Director, Official Referee, Jury Chairman, Supervisor, shall have the right to examine a shooter's equipment and apparel. The responsibility shall be upon the competitor to submit questionable equipment and apparel for official inspection and approval in sufficient time prior to the beginning of a match so that it will not inconvenience either the competitor or the official.

3.19 Eye Protection - All competitors and other personnel in the immediate vicinity of the range complex are urged to wear eye protection devices.