Standing Unsupported – Rule B6.6.1
Rule B6.6.1 in the Gallery Rifle & Pistol Handbook relates to the standing unsupported position.
B6.6.1 Standing with gun held by one or both hands. All portions of the shooter’s clothing, body and gun must be clear of artificial support.
It is true to say a competitor complies with the intention of this rule when they stand with both arms free of any external contact. They are truly shooting, with their arms unsupported.
It has been suggested that rule B6.1 be enhanced to explain to competitors that support configurations of the style outlined below are unacceptable.
Unacceptable support configurations :-
- Locking their elbows into the body and supporting the barrel with straight fingers or clenched fist.
- Locking their elbows into the body and supporting the barrel that they have added a support ‘platform’ to – similar to the facility that three positional shooters utilise.
This three positional shooters platform is about 5 inches high and bridges the gap between the ‘locked in elbow ,arm’ and the underside of the barrel. It can be argued this ‘platform’ breaches rule A3.2.3 [1]
To some this ‘locking’ the elbow of the non trigger arm into the waist / hip shelf is gaining support and an element of stability that is not in the spirit of the rule. It has been asked if we would consider an amendment to rule B6.6.1 to outlaw this practice.
[1] A3.2.3 All devices or equipment which may facilitate shooting, but which are not mentioned specifically in these rules, or which are contrary to the spirit of these rules, are forbidden. The Meeting Director, Assistant Meeting Director or any range official shall have the right to examine any competitor’s equipment.
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