Rule B3.7.2

More rules – well – clarifications.

Keen readers of the 2024 GR&P Handbook will have noticed we have a new rule, B3.7.2, which states that all loaded rounds must be fired before a reload takes place.  Clarification of the rule is required as it was introduced to help align with overseas formats regarding specific competitions which do not allow these evolved loading techniques due to safety reasons. As a reminder:

B3.7.2 Some events require the competitor to reload their firearm within the target exposure time (e.g. 1500 Practice 4: 12 shots in 35 seconds including reload). All loaded rounds must be fired before reloading commences; for example, the historic practice of “load 6, shoot 5, reload 6, shoot 7” is NOT allowed. (Note that violation of this rule during the 2024 season will result in a warning rather than a penalty, except in IGRF International Team matches where a penalty will apply. Penalties will be universally applied from the 2025 season onwards.)

However this clashes with established practice for Phoenix A and Multi-Target 3 where shooters routinely “top up”, i.e. add rounds to a GRCF tube magazine (which may already have rounds in it) during target away times in order to be able to complete the course of fire.  In these cases, it isn’t practical to empty the magazine and then reload. As the rule is stated competitors are breaking this rule and that was not its intent.

The words below are an amendment to this rule which will be formalised for the 2025 season but applicable immediately. It will apply to Phoenix A and Multi-Target 3 courses of fire.

Reloading.  In an exception to the usual reloading rule B3.7.2, shooters may add rounds to a GRCF tube magazine even if there are rounds in it – provided there is no live round in the chamber when this “topping up” is carried out.