2025 Rule book

[c4p6t7r188]

In similar vein to the above discussion, I have been to many matches recently where shooters are using a vest that is adjusted with tabs on both sides with which to adjust the fit. Too often, one sees that there is no way that the 4 inch pipe would fit per 3.12(a). The tabs are being tightened to the extent that the vest becomes a shooting jacket providing lumbar support.

Either we have rules and invoke them, or we throw the rule book away and have a free-for-all.

49er

the four inch pipe rule for vests is a joke. been to many matches all over and the vests are so tight. you don't see a four inch pipe to check any where. the four inch pipe rule is a rule that is not enforced.

Bring a pipe. Just an FYI the rules don't say anything about sucking in your gut while being checked...I wonder how that would fly.

[375Short]

Let’s use the vest as an example. It’s been mentioned several times. A person could start at their local club or clubs the very next match of the season by protesting your friends vest. Bring your own pipe as it’s likely one is not available. You can say you will protest every vest that looks to snug. Perhaps the match director will decide to suggest / allow everyone to line up for a vest check. Through communication and perhaps other people taking up your cause vests around the globe start getting worn in compliance well before the big day at a big match. Or someone could spring the same scenario on the match director the morning of a National match. The National match director now has a 200 competitor mess to deal with added to the stress this volunteer probably doesn’t need or deserve. That may not be a great example but my thought is work the problem at a band-aide level before it’s a mass casualty event. A person could even contact a match director, explain your position and volunteer to be part of a solution. Maybe in this case volunteer to check vest fit at the end of the gun check in line. It can be announced well ahead of time and save a lot of energy.
Mine looks snug. Few years back at a championship levergun match in AZ the PIPE was available. To my pleasant surprise the vest zipped over the pipe, with me in it, without much fuss. Had it not, an adjustment of straps and problem solved. Thinking back, you may want a men’s and women’s line or better yet just a half dozen available for self check. It should be a good area to hangout near because plenty of humorous entertainment will be at hand.

[375Short]

A thought crossed my mind, a rare event. We all play card games and board games with family and friends. The rules to these games come with the game yet different families or branches of families as well as friends play with slight variations. Doesn’t make them bad people or guilty of cheating, just different interpretations or approaches. After a decade in this sport something Jim Luke said is very real. We are a big family of friends and a match feels as much like a reunion as it does a contest. Now take account that these matches are run and rules enforced and interpreted by those same friends. They have stepped forward to take on more than most of us by organizing and running the matches we love to shoot. Other competitive sports have referees and judges present for a contest. These disassociated people apply the rules. Perhaps that once existed with an NRA staff presence but not in recent history. I have developed a tolerance for rule interpretation or application that may vary from place or person running the show.

That said many of us have a pet peeve. Maybe it’s vests, maybe sights or mine “must load from the magazine “. It’s a personal choice, for me, whatever my peeve is, I find it overshadowed by my appreciation for the person, probably friend, that is running the show. I have also noticed that the personality profile of most top shooters is to stay clear of any controversial issues or changes in the flow of the match, just stay focused and shoot your best. Within reason, sights, vests or how the gun is loaded are probably not deciding the winners.