1.1 The Four Universal Rules of Firearm Safety Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you have made the conscious decision to shoot. Be sure of your target and what is behind it.
1.2 Match Philosophy & Overview This rulebook outlines the official regulations for Las Vegas Two Gun Action shooting competition. This match heavily emphasizes marksmanship under physical duress and equipment reliability over sheer ammunition velocity or speed-focused gear games. Stages feature moderate physical obstacles, structural stress elements, and deliberate weapon manipulation tasks. 1.3 Cold Range Policy & Safety Baseline Cold Range Policy: This match functions strictly on a “Cold Range” basis, meaning all firearms must remain completely unloaded at all times. Under this policy, magazines must be removed and chambers must be empty until you are actively standing on the firing line and have been ordered to load by a Range Officer. Pistols may be holstered unloaded, provided no magazine is inserted; failure to adhere to this condition (carrying a holstered pistol with a magazine inserted) will result in a warning or penalty. Handling Restriction: Unloaded firearms may only be handled in designated Safety Areas. Absolutely no ammunition may be handled, unboxed, or loaded into magazines while inside a Safety Area. Violation of this boundary results in an immediate Match Disqualification (DQ). Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Eye and ear protection are mandatory for all competitors, staff, and spectators on the range. Mandatory Safety Devices: Chamber flags or magazine blocks must be inserted into all long guns when not actively being used on the firing line. 1.3.1 Weapon condition definitions Condition 1: Loaded firearm with a round chambered, magazine inserted, and safety engaged (or hammer/striker cocked). Condition 3: Empty chamber, magazine inserted, action closed, hammer/striker down. Condition 4: Empty chamber, no magazine inserted, action closed, hammer/striker down. 1.4 Match Conduct & Sportsmanship Competitors are expected to demonstrate professional and respectful behavior at all times. As we are guests at a rented facility, all competitors must show utmost respect for the range property; any intentional damage to facility infrastructure or misuse of the range environment will result in immediate disqualification. Arguing with the Match Director, Range Officers, safety personnel, other competitors, or guests, or engaging in any form of verbal abuse, will not be tolerated. The consequence for such behavior is a warning for a first offense, and an immediate Match DQ for a second offense or for any instance of severe abuse.Violation of this policy will result in an immediate Match DQ and the individual being told to leave the range. Any form of hate speech, harassment, or discriminatory remarks regarding race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or nationality will not be tolerated. This prohibition applies to all attire, clothing, and apparel worn by competitors, staff, or guests during the match. Violation of this policy will result in an immediate Match DQ and the individual being told to leave the range. 1.5 Media Release & Drone Policy By participating in this match, you grant permission to be recorded via video or photography by range staff, match staff and other competitors for promotional or archival purposes. The use of drones or remote-controlled cameras by competitors or spectators is allowed, provided they do not interfere with the safety or flow of the match. The match organizers and the host range assume no responsibility for any damages to the drone. Drone operators are solely responsible for the safe operation and conduct of their equipment at all times. 1.6 Match Registration & Waivers All competitors must complete the mandatory match release form via Practiscore or a physical copy prior to attending the match. 1.7 Weapon Transportation Logistics Firearms must be transported between stages and around the range facility in one of two approved configurations: Handguns: Secured completely unloaded in a robust holster on the competitor’s belt line. Long Guns: Carried securely inside a gun case, strapped to an approved gun cart with the muzzle pointed down, or vertically slung muzzle-up or muzzle-down over the shoulder with a chamber flag visibly inserted into the action. 1.8 Weapon Storage When not actively being used on the firing line, all firearms must be stored in a safe manner. This includes keeping them in a dedicated safe zone rack, properly cased, holstered, or secured in a wagon or caddy. Firearms stored in staging areas (including wagons or caddies) must be visibly empty, with the action open, and a chamber flag or magazine block inserted. 1.9 Ammunition Requirements The following are strictly prohibited: steel core, armor-piercing, incendiary, or tracer ammunition. All ammunition must be safe for use on steel targets. Caliber restrictions: No battle rifle calibers (e.g., .308, .30-06), no magnum pistol loads, and no pistol calibers exceeding .45 caliber. Intentional damage done to a target because of improper ammunition will result in a ban from the match and the range. Minimum Energy Requirement: All ammunition used must provide sufficient energy to reliably actuate reactive steel targets, including knocking down poppers and spinning spinners. Calibers providing insufficient energy are not recommended. 1.10 Prohibited Firearm Configurations The use of any Forced Reset Triggers (FRT), automatic firearms, bump stocks, or binary triggers is strictly prohibited. 1.11 Medical & Emergency Protocols Designated First Aid and Trauma kits are located at the designated match safety station. All shooters are encouraged to identify the location of the nearest medical kit and the designated Medical Officer upon arrival at the range. 1.12 Alcohol and Substance Policy Alcohol and recreational drugs are strictly prohibited on the range property. Any competitor or guest found to be under the influence will be immediately disqualified and escorted from the property.
Chapter 2: Scoring Framework (Time-Plus) 2.1 The Baseline Rule of Neutralization To pass a stage cleanly, every target must be “neutralized” according to the criteria defined below. Failing to neutralize a target carries massive time penalties designed to prioritize hit quality over raw speed. 2.2 Target Type & Scoring Specifications The match utilizes a streamlined, binary hit-or-miss architecture tailored for various target mediums: Steel Targets (Static, Reactive, or Poppers): Steel must ring, flash, or fall as explicitly prescribed in the Written Stage Briefing (WSB). If a target fails to react or ring, it is un-neutralized. Cardboard / Paper Targets: When paper is used, a target is considered neutralized if it contains at least one hit inside the high-reward A-Zone (or T-Zone), or two hits anywhere inside the operational scoring boundaries. 2.3 Target Neutralization Standards Target scoring relies on a strict sensory framework: Steel Hit Standards: Unless explicitly overridden by the Written Stage Briefing (WSB), round steel targets require exactly one (1) hit to neutralize. For all steel square, body-shaped, IPSC, or silhouette targets, two (2) hits are required to neutralize. Proof of Hit: A target is successfully neutralized only when a hit produces a clear, audible metallic ring or causes the target to visibly swing, rotate, or fall. The Benefit of the Doubt: Due to the rapid pace of centerfire rifle fire and ambient match noise, if the primary Range Officer (RO) and the secondary timer operator disagree on whether a target rang, the tie always goes to the shooter, and a hit is scored. Any call made by the Range Officer (RO) is final; if an RO calls a miss as a hit, the call stands. Video evidence from the shooter or a third-party source is allowed for scoring disputes, but the final determination remains at the discretion of the Match Director or primary Range Officer. If a shooter makes numerous hits on a falling target and it fails to drop or react or the hit moves the target in a more difficult position, the Range Officer (RO) may command the shooter to move on, scoring the target as neutralized. Target will be inspected/recalibrated after the shooter completes the stage. 2.4 Verbal Hit Confirmation Range Officers will audibly confirm hits during a stage. For single targets, a “Hit!” will be called. For targets requiring multiple shots, the RO will count the hits aloud (e.g., “One, two, three, neutralized!”). 2.5 Official Penalty Schedule Penalties are harsh and punitive, ensuring that rushing through a stage while dropping targets will ruin a competitor’s score.
Infraction / Result Time-Plus Penalty Added Operational Definition Clean Hit / Neutralized +0 Seconds Target hit or reacted exactly as dictated by the stage brief. Procedural Error per instance +10 Seconds Failure to follow Range Officer (RO) or stage instructions. Skipping a physical challenge +10 to +60 Seconds Bypassing a required obstacle or physical task. No-Shoot / Penalty Target Hit / Drop Mag Target or High Value Target miss +30 Seconds Striking a hostage, penalty-only, forbidden target boundary +30 Seconds Un-neutralized Target (Miss) +60 Seconds A target engaged by the shooter but left without the required hits. Dropping verified empty/inert firearm +60 Seconds
Physical challenges may be skipped for legitimate reasons, but an alternative or time penalty must be agreed upon with the RO and MD before the stage begins.
2.6 Bonus opportunities Bonuses may be given for certain targets and physical challenges. Specifics and point values will be defined in the Written Stage Briefing (WSB). 2.7 Maximum Stage Time (Par Time) Every stage features a strict maximum allowable time, typically set to 180 seconds unless otherwise noted in the WSB. If a shooter hits the par time limit, the timer stops. Their score for that stage is recorded as the maximum par time (e.g., 180 seconds) plus all applicable penalties for any targets left un-neutralized or un-engaged on the field or any bonuses achieved. A Stage Not Fired (SNF) due to a voluntary skip or scheduling abandonment incurs a flat penalty of 1500 seconds for that stage. 2.8 Stage Reset and Breakdown Expectations Stage resets and breakdowns are a mandatory part of the match. All competitors are expected to assist with resetting targets and breaking down post match. If a competitor fails to participate, they will be requested to assist; refusal to do so may result in a penalty, ejection or ban from the match. If you need to leave early, talk to the match director. The stages were set up when you got here, please be courteous and help break it down. If you would like to skip resets and break down, an additional match fee may be paid to the match to opt out (those funds will go to new targets and supplies). 2.9 Written Stage Briefing Authority The Written Stage Briefing (WSB) is the final authority for that specific stage. If a conflict arises between this rulebook and a WSB, the WSB instructions take precedence.
Chapter 3: Equipment Divisions 3.1 Universal Holster & Sling Mandates The Sling Mandate: A functional sling is strictly required on all rifles for the entire duration of the match. Single-point slings are allowed but must remain securely worn on the shooter or physically installed on the rifle for the entirety of the course of fire. Holster Safety Prohibitions: SERPA-type holsters (utilizing index-finger release buttons over the trigger guard mechanism) and pure open competition “race” holsters are expressly forbidden due to physical safety hazards. Holsters must provide reliable mechanical retention capable of holding a loaded weapon completely secure during strenuous movements like kettlebell carries or dummy drags. Dropped loaded weapon failures trigger an immediate Match DQ. 3.2 Scout Division The Scout Division values mobility, practicality, and standard service-type firearms without specialized physical load-bearing armor requirements. To balance shooters who do not wish to wear heavy ballistic plate carriers, Scout enforces a strict “Point Buy” framework to restrict hyper-optimized competition hardware. Point Limitation: Every shooter is allotted a maximum of three (3) points total to spend across their entire multi-gun platform. Any build totaling four (4) or more points is automatically moved to Outlaw Division. Armor Requirements: None. Shooters are free to utilize standard competition belts, chest rigs, or physical load-bearing vests. 3.2.1 Official Scout Point-Buy Menu Rifle Optics: 1 Point per optic. (Note: Removable magnifiers are explicitly excluded from this penalty and consume 0 points). Pistol Optics: 1 Point per optic. (Note: Any slide or frame-mounted handgun red dot consumes 1 point). Pistol Compensator: 1 Point. (Note: Includes aftermarket compensators, or integrated barrel porting). Rifle Bipod: 1 Point. (Note: If selected, it must remain physically installed on the rifle for the entirety of the match). Extended Magazines (Pistol/Rifle): 1 Point total (Applies if physical capacity exceeds 17 rounds for pistols or 30 rounds for rifles). NOTE: Shooters may use extended magazines without incurring this point penalty if they are manually downloaded to the division-legal threshold (17 rounds pistol / 30 rounds rifle) prior to the start of the stage. Loading extra rounds beyond this threshold results in a +10-second procedural penalty for that stage. 3.3 Armored Division (The Open Armor Class) The Armored Division is built for shooters who wish to test their personal endurance and marksmanship while restricted by real-world defensive gear layouts. Because the physical burden of the protective equipment acts as the natural balancing modifier, Armored Division has no weapon hardware point restrictions. Hardware Freedoms: Shooters may run any style of optic configuration (including dual-optic rifle setups), bipods, muzzle brakes, slide-mounted pistol dots, and extended magazines without counting or tracking points. Mandatory Armor Loadout: The shooter must wear authentic, load-rated body armor consisting of physical front and back ballistic plates (hard steel, ceramic, or composite plates). Plates must meet the NIJ Level III or IV standards OR weigh a minimum of 7 lbs each. Soft armor inserts or empty replica fabric plate carriers do not qualify. Armor Removal: Shooters are permitted to remove their body armor between stages. 3.4 Outlaw Division The Outlaw Division is the catch-all division for configurations that exceed practical service limits or bypass the standard limitations of the match on a slick layout. This includes frame-mounted open competition pistol optics, drum magazines, or specialized non-standard calibers worn without body armor. Any shooter who experiences an on-range mechanical failure and must replace a broken firearm with a non-matching backup gun will be automatically moved to Outlaw Division. Division Penalty: A +60-second time penalty is applied to the final score of every stage for competitors in the Outlaw Division. 3.5 Pistol Caliber Carbines (PCC) Pistol Caliber Carbines are classified as Rifles for all division purposes and must adhere to all rifle-specific handling, transport, and sling mandates. 3.6 Gear Scrutineering The Match Director reserves the right to inspect any firearm or equipment configuration prior to or after a stage to verify division compliance. Failure to comply with an inspection request will result in an automatic move to Outlaw Division. 3.7 Suppressor Policy Suppressors are permitted in all divisions and the ROs will try their best to record times, be aware they may use a belt clip snap or timer tap in place of the last shot. The use of a suppressor does not incur any point penalties in the Scout Division.
Chapter 4: Weapon Transitions & Safety System 4.1 The 180-Degree Safety Rule A vertical plane parallel to the firing line is established for every stage. The muzzle of an unholstered/shouldered/slung/carried firearm must always point downrange; breaking this plane results in an immediate Match DQ. Exception: If a firearm is verified “Clear” by a Range Officer, it is treated as an inert object—similar to a “stick or a rock”—and the 180-degree rule does not apply, provided the firearm is not handled recklessly. 4.2 Firearm Transitions & Clearing Protocols Firearm Transitions & Clearing Protocols is for both rifles and pistols. Revolvers must clear the cylinder of all live rounds. To safely execute weapon transitions under an LV2GAC-style format while adhering to the core gear retention rule, shooters do not abandon or dump weapons/gear during a stage unless it is explicitly mandated by a specific physical stage description. All firearm transitions must occur dynamically on the body utilizing one of the two strict mechanical clearing protocols outlined below: All shooters are strictly required to follow all commands given by the Range Officer regarding firearm manipulation, clearing, and transitions. Any disregard, refusal, or failure to execute an instruction provided by the Range Officer during these procedures results in an immediate Stage DQ. 4.2.1 The Racking Protocol (Physical Clearing) The shooter must depress the magazine release and completely drop the magazine from the firearm. The shooter must aggressively rack the charging handle or slide backward to eject any live round resting in the chamber. The bolt or slide must either lock to the rear or close on a completely verified empty chamber. Once the firearm is physically empty, the shooter clicks the manual safety to “Safe” (if applicable) and lets the firearm hang securely on its mandatory sling, secures it in a holster, or places it in a designated safe gun box before transitioning to their next weapon. The Range Officer reserves the right to visually verify that the chamber is empty and the firearm is clear before the shooter proceeds to the next weapon or target. Failing to rack the chamber or attempting to sling/holster a firearm with a live round left in the chamber triggers an immediate Stage DQ. 4.2.2 The Drop Mag/High Value Target Protocol (Ammunition Depletion) The stage briefing will designate a specific target as the “Drop Mag” target.. The shooter must drop the magazine and then fire the final shot on the target to ensure the chamber is empty. Penalties for misses or bonuses for hits will be awarded Only when the firearm’s action is visibly locked open or verified completely dry can the shooter safely sling the rifle or holster the pistol and transition to their secondary weapon. 4.3 Two-Strike Stage DQ System Minor safety deviations stop the shooter instantly, erasing their current stage score but allowing them to continue the match. Committing two Stage DQs anywhere in the match results in an immediate Match DQ. Engaging steel targets at unsafe distances (closer than 7 yards for pistols, closer than 45 yards for rifles). Keeping a finger inside the trigger guard while clearly not actively engaging targets (such as reloading or moving). The RO issues one physical “Finger!” warning on the first noted incident; any further occurrence results in an immediate Stage DQ. Rifle safety must be engaged during any lateral/forward movement when not on target. The Range Officer will issue the command “Safety!” for the first violation; any further occurrence results in an immediate Stage DQ. Approaching the 180-degree safety plane. The Range Officer will issue one “Muzzle!” warning when the muzzle gets close to the 180-degree plane; any further occurrence of unsafe muzzle discipline results in an immediate stage DQ. If the shooter flags or sweeps themselves or someone else, it is a match DQ. 4.4 Immediate Match Disqualifications Hot holstering a loaded handgun (holstering a loaded weapon during a stage). Sweeping/Flagging: Muzzle pointing at yourself or any other person while the loaded firearm is being handled. Accidental or Negligent Discharge: An immediate Match DQ will be issued for any Accidental or Negligent Discharge, defined as: Any shot fired while loading, reloading, or unloading. Any shot fired while correcting a malfunction. Any shot fired while moving (other than when actively engaging targets). Any shot fired into the ground within 3 feet of the shooter’s feet. Any shot fired that strikes a target at less than the minimum prescribed distance. Any shot fired over a backstop, lateral wall, or outside the designated firing line/course of fire.
Chapter 5: Mulligans & Ammo issues 5.1 Mulligan Eligibility Mulligans are reserved strictly for “catastrophic failure” (e.g., broken stock, broken bolt, case head separation) that renders the firearm unserviceable and unsafe or unable to be repaired during the stage. They are not permitted for standard operator-induced malfunctions (e.g., double feeds, failure to feed, bad magazines, un-zeroed optics, bad maintenance). This rule does not apply to re-shoots based on stage or match equipment failures outside of the competitor’s control; those events are always afforded the opportunity for a re-shoot. This reshoot rule does not apply to anyone quitting intentionally. If the RO calls a stop for firearm safety because of a malfunction, it does not count as a mulligan and reshoot may be in order. 5.2 Procedure & Protocols Usage Limit: This rule can be used only once in the entire match. Prior Communication: You must communicate with your Range Officer (RO) before declaring a mulligan. Escalation: If the RO disagrees with your assessment, the decision will be escalated to the Match Director(s), whose ruling is final. Consequence: If a mulligan request is denied, you will receive the par time + all remaining penalties for that stage. 5.3 Firearm Replacement If a firearm becomes unserviceable, you may swap it for another that conforms to your division requirements—once. If no gun that conforms to your division is available, you may use another and move into Outlaw division. This may include borrowing an alternative gun from another competitor or using a spare. 5.4 Ammunition Malfunctions: Light Strikes, Hang Fires, and Squibs Light Strikes & Hang Fires: A simple ammunition failure (Light Strike) is the shooter’s responsibility to clear (e.g., tap, rack, bang) and does not qualify as a Mulligan. In the event of a Hang Fire, the shooter must maintain the firing position with the muzzle pointed downrange for a few seconds before attempting to clear the malfunction safely under Range Officer supervision. If the malfunction cannot be cleared safely or the firearm remains jammed, the shooter is finished for the stage. Squib Loads: A squib load—a round with insufficient pressure to push the projectile out of the barrel—is a critical safety hazard. If a shooter hears a “pop” instead of a “bang” or experiences noticeably reduced recoil, they must immediately cease fire, keep the muzzle pointed downrange, and keep the finger off the trigger. Do not attempt to fire another round, as doing so can cause catastrophic firearm failure and serious injury. Alert the Range Officer immediately. If a squib is confirmed by the RO, the shooter is finished for the stage, and the firearm must be inspected by a qualified armorer before being fired again.
Chapter 6: Range Commands “Make Ready”: The command to begin stage preparation. “Stop!”: Immediate cease-fire command for any safety violation or dangerous situation. Any person on the range—competitor, staff, or spectator—who observes an unsafe condition may yell “Stop!” at any time, and all shooters must immediately cease fire, point the firearm in a safe direction, engage their safety, and await further instructions. “Hit!”: Confirmation of a hit on long-range steel targets. “Time!”: Notification that par time has elapsed. “Unload and show clear” followed by “If clear, slide forward/bolt forward, hammer down (or pull trigger), and holster and/or flag your rifle.” Supplemental Commands for RO Use: “Muzzle!”: Warning that the firearm is sweeping outside the safety zone or approaching the 180-degree plane. “Finger!”: Warning that the shooter’s finger is on the trigger while not actively engaging targets. “Drop Mag!”: Directive to execute the ‘Drop Mag Target Protocol’ to clear the firearm. “Neutralized or good!”: Confirmation that the target has been neutralized. “Range is clear”: Confirmation that the range is safe and personnel may move forward to reset targets. “Reset”: Directive for the previous shooter and squad mates to assist in resetting the stage after it is deemed safe. “Switch / Go to [Firearm]!”: Directive during a mandatory transition stage to move to the next platform. “Safety!”: Directive to engage the manual safety on the firearm. “On Deck”: Indicates the shooter is the next competitor to prepare for the stage. “In The Hole”: Indicates the shooter is the next competitor after the one “On Deck.”
