3-Gun Nation Pro Series

         RULES • SCHEDULE • SERIES POINTS QUALIFICATION • TARGETRY • OVERVIEW

3-Gun Nation Pro Series – 2012 MEMBERSHIP COST: $100
(Includes Pro Tour card AND Divisional Series membership)

3GN Pro Match #1: $250 Fee
1st Place: $5,000 courtesy Stag Arms
2nd Place: $3,000 courtesy Stag Arms
3rd Place: $2,000 courtesy Stag Arms
4th Place - FInal Place: 100% Cash Payback of paid entry fees
* Payout Schedule will be posted after all slots are filled.

3GN Pro Match #2: $25 Fee (Hosted)
1st Place: $5,000
2nd Place: $3,000
3rd Place: $2,000

3GN Pro Match #3: $250 Fee
1st Place: $5,000 courtesy Stag Arms
2nd Place: $3,000 courtesy Stag Arms
3rd Place: $2,000 courtesy Stag Arms
4th Place - FInal Place: 100% Cash Payback of paid entry fees
* Payout Schedule will be posted after all slots are filled.

3GN Pro Match #4: $25 (Hosted)
1st Place: $5,000
2nd Place: $3,000
3rd Place: $2,000

3GN Pro Match #5: $25 (Hosted)
Final Points match – No Payout. Top 30 advance to Las Vegas.

2012-2013 3GN Season Finale "Rumble on the Range": No Fee – Las Vegas, Nevada
Top 30 (seeded) compete in head-to-head shoot-off. Top 2 points leaders get 1st round bye. 

3-GUN NATION PRO SERIES
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SECTION 1 – RULES:
3GN reserves the right to change or modify rules if necessary. The following rules apply to 3GN Events #1 and #3 for 2012. In 2013, the rules below will apply to each 3GN Pro Series match.  

1. SAFETY RULES
1.1 Participants are subject to event disqualification for violation of any rule or regulation in sections 1 or 2. Exception: Section 2: Stage Disqualifications (rule 2.8.1 & 2.8.2) Safety violations will not be subject to arbitration.
1.2 All 3GN Produced Events will be run on COLD RANGES.
1.2.1 COLD RANGE (definition): Participants' firearms will remain unloaded at the event site except under the direction of an event official.

1.3 Designated Safety Areas
1.3.1 The Safety Areas will be clearly marked with signs.
1.3.2 Unloaded firearms may be handled and/or displayed only in the Safety Areas.
1.3.3 No ammunition may be handled in any Safety Area.

1.4 Rifles, Shotguns and Pistols (carry from vehicle or between stages)
1.4.1 Rifles & shotguns must be cased or if hand carried slung with the muzzle up. Carts whereby muzzle is pointed downward is approved.
1.4.2 Rifles & shotguns must be carried with actions open and detachable magazines removed. Actions can be closed only if a empty chamber flag is in place.
1.4.3 Shotgun ammunition shall be 20 gauge or larger - #7.5 LEAD SHOT or smaller where required by the stage description. Steel shot specifically not allowed. Use of steel shot is a safety violation and will result in a participant's (EDQ) Event Disqualification.
1.4.4 On stages, the Ready Condition for Rifles and Shotguns must be “Loaded and on Safe”, magazine loaded, round in chamber and Safety Engaged.

1.5 Handguns (carry between stages)
1.5.1 Handguns must be cased or remain in holster, magazine removed except under the direction of Range Officers on a stage.
1.5.2 Handguns must be carried with the "Hammer/Striker Down."
1.5.3 On stages, the Ready Condition of handguns must be “Unloaded”, magazine loaded and inserted, hammer/striker down with an empty chamber.
1.6 No competitors shall consume or be under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs at the event site. Any participant found to be impaired and deemed unsafe as a result of legitimate prescription drugs may be directed to stop shooting and requested to leave the range.

1.7 Eye protection is mandatory for participants, spectators & range personnel at the event site.
1.8 Ear protection is mandatory for participants, spectators & range personnel while on or near a course of fire.

1.9 Grounding Firearms
1.9.1 During the course requirements of a 3GN stage, a participant may be required to ground a firearm in order to transition to another. The location and position of the grounded firearm will be specified in the Written Stage Briefing. A participant shall transition firearms by safely grounding a firearm using either of the following acceptable and safe methods: Safety Condition 1 or 2:
1. Loaded, safety engaged. Note: Passive Safeties in Operational condition will satisfy the safety engaged requirements. “2011” style grip safeties, “Safe Action” striker safeties or passive trigger safeties fall under this rule. Note: For purposes of 3GN Rules, “Passive Safety“ means: Any safety that engages automatically and disables the firearm from discharging while the firearm is not being handled. Note: For purposes of 3GN Rules, “Operational”means: The safety operates correctly as intended. To not be disabled or altered in which the safety features no longer prevents the firearm from discharging while the firearm is not being handled. Example: “Pinning the grip safety”
2. Unloaded. Note: For purposes of 3GN Rules, "unloaded" means: A. Empty chamber and empty source (tube or magazine); or B. Empty chamber and magazine completely removed.

1.9.2 Re-holstering a hot or loaded pistol.

A course of fire must never require a competitor to re-holster a handgun after the start signal. However, a competitor may re-holster provided this is accomplished safely, and the handgun is completely unloaded or the safety is engaged.

2. EVENT DISQUALIFICATIONS

2.1 An Event Disqualification (EDQ) will result in complete disqualification from the event and the participant will not be allowed to continue. Competitor will not be eligible for prizes. All disqualifications will be issued by the DOC and all reshoots will be issued by the CRO or DOC. Safety violations will not be subject to arbitration. Reshoots: In the case of a stage that has not been completely reset prior to the start signal or a target that falls on it’s own after the start signal, the CRO will stop the competitor as soon as possible and grant a reshoot to the competitor. Note: The Stage in question will be reset and competitor will be given a choice to reshoot immediately or have their position moved to the  bottom of the order and will be the last competitor to complete the Course of Fire (COF) for that squad.
2.2 Disqualification for Negligent Discharge
A participant who causes a negligent discharge must be stopped by a Range Officer as soon as possible. A negligent discharge is defined as follows:
2.2.1 A shot, which travels over a backstop, a berm or in any other direction deemed by the event organizers as being unsafe. Note that a participant who legitimately fires a shot at a target, which hits and then travels in an unsafe direction, will not be disqualified.
2.2.2 A shot which strikes the ground within 10 feet of the participant, except when shooting at a target closer than 10 feet to the participant.
a. Exception - a bullet, slug, or shot which strikes the ground within 10 feet of the participant due to a "squib".
b. In the case of a shot striking a prop where the bullet, slug, or shot is deflected or does not continue to strike the ground, if the Range Official determines that the bullet, slug, or shot would have struck the ground within 10 feet of the participant had it not been deflected or stopped by the prop, the provisions of 2.2.2 shall apply.
2.2.3 A shot which occurs while loading, reloading or unloading any firearm after the "Make Ready" command and/or before the "Range is Clear" command.
a. Exception - a detonation, which occurs while unloading a firearm, is not considered a shot or Discharge subject to an event disqualification, however. Rule 5.1 may apply
Detonation (definition): Ignition of the primer of a round, other than by action of a firing pin, where the bullet, slug or shot does not pass through the barrel (e.g. when a slide is being manually retracted, when a round is dropped).
2.2.4 A shot which occurs during remedial action in the case of a malfunction.
2.2.5 A shot which occurs while transferring a firearm between hands.
2.2.6 A shot which occurs during movement, except while actually shooting at targets.
2.3 Grounding a firearm in any condition not outlined in rule 1.9 will result in disqualification.
2.4 A participant shall be disqualified for:
2.4.1 Dropping a firearm, or
2.4.2 Dropping a firearm while loading/unloading, or
2.4.3 Dropping a firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, at anytime after the “Make Ready” command and before the “Range is Clear” command. This includes any firearm, loaded or unloaded, that falls after being grounded during the course of fire.
2.4.3.1 Dropping an unloaded firearm before the “Make Ready” command or after the “Range is Clear” command will not result in disqualification, provided the firearm is retrieved by an Event Official.
2.4.4 Steel shot specifically not allowed. Use of steel shot is a Safety Violation and will result in a participant's (EDQ) Event Disqualification.
2.5 A participant shall be disqualified for allowing the muzzle of his/her firearm to break the 180 degree Safety Plane (except while holstered, drawing or re-holstering.)

2.6 A participant shall be disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct.
2.6.1 Cheating:
a. Intentionally altering targets prior to the target being scored to gain advantage or avoid a penalty.
b. Altering or falsifying score sheets.
c. Altering the configuration of firearms or equipment to gain advantage (see rule 5.3 & 5.4)
2.6.2 An Event Disqualification (EDQ) will be issued for Shotgun start total violation Rule (6.3.8).
2.6.3 An Event Disqualification (EDQ) will be issued for Pistol Magazine OAL violation Rule (6.2.4). Rule (6.1.5) will apply.
d. A course of fire must never require or allow a participant to touch or hold a firearm loading device or ammunition after the "Standby" command and before the "Start Signal" (except for unavoidable touching with the lower arms)
2.6.4 Threatening or assaulting other participants or staff personnel.
2.6.5 Disruptive behavior in an attempt to disturb other participants while they are shooting.

2.7 ALL disqualifications and re-shoots will be issued by the DOC.

Stage Disqualifications:

2.8 Stage Disqualification (SDQ) will result in the lowest ranking stage time posted overall multiplied by three (3) for the competitor on the stage in violation, but competitor will be allowed to continue and finish the match. 

Competitor will still be eligible for prizes. Final decision will be with the DOC. Safety violations will not be subject to arbitration.
2.8.1 A Stage Disqualification (SDQ) will be issued for a grounded firearm in an “Unsafe” condition. A competitor whose firearm is observed to be in violation of Rule 1.9.1 (Condition 1 or 2) will not be touched, handled or moved before competitor is brought back to firearm in question for the firearm clearing portion of the stage. The competitor will show the RO that the firearm is “Unloaded” or the “Safety” is in fact engaged. After the inspection the RO will determine the next course of action.
    a. The competitor in violation will be issued a (SDQ) for a violation of Rule (1.9.1). Final decision will be with the DOC.
    b. The competitor continues in the match to the next Course of Fire (COF)

3.1 Participants and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous, sportsman-like manner at all times.
3.2 Clothing with any offensive or obscene logos, sayings, pictures or drawings will not be worn or displayed while at the event site/range.

4. AMMUNITION
4.1 No tracer, incendiary, armor piercing, steel jacketed or steel/Tungsten core ammunition is allowed.
A $100 fee shall be assessed for any competitor found in violation of rule (4.1) per each steel target engaged and or damaged. Fines will be made payable the day of the offense.
4.2 Pistol/revolver ammunition shall be 9x19 or larger.
4.3 Rifle ammunition shall be .223 Remington (5.56 NATO) or larger.
4.4 Shotgun ammunition shall be 20 gauge or larger - #7.5 LEAD SHOT or smaller. 
Steel shot specifically not allowed. Use of steel shot is a Safety Violation and will result in a participant’s (EDQ) Event Disqualification.

5. FIREARMS
5.1 All firearms used by participants must be serviceable and safe. Range Officers may demand examination of a participant's firearm or related equipment, at any time, to check they are functioning safely. If any such item is declared unserviceable or unsafe by a Range Officer, it must be withdrawn from the event until the item is repaired to the satisfaction of the Range Master.
5.2 If a participant’s firearm becomes unserviceable during competition, that participant may replace his/her firearm with another of the same model, caliber and sighting system approved by the DOC or his designee.
5.3 For purposes of this ruling, a "firearm" consists of a specific caliber, receiver, barrel, stock and sighting system combination.
5.4 The same firearm system, for each gun, per Rule 5.3, shall be used during the entire event.
5.5 Participants will not reconfigure any firearm during the course of the entire event, (i.e. change caliber, barrel length, shotgun magazine tube length, sighting systems or stock style.) This will be considered Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Note: Shotgun Choke changes are allowed.

6. FIREARM DIVISION – Tactical
6.1 Handgun – Tactical
6.1.1 Firearms must be of a factory configuration.
6.1.2 Internal modifications are allowed providing they do not alter the original factory configuration of the handgun.
6.1.3 Firearms with custom or factory installed electronic sights, optical sights, extended sights, compensators or barrel porting are NOT allowed in this division.

6.1.4 Magazines used shall not exceed 171.25mm OAL (overall length) for single stacks, and shall not exceed 141.25mm OAL for staggered magazines. 

6.1.5 Competitor magazines are subject to inspection at any time for OAL violations. A 3GN Official Magazine gauge will be made available for competitors at the beginning of all stages of fire.
6.2 Rifle - Tactical
6.2.1 Firearms must be of a factory configuration (see Rules 5.3, 5.4 & 5.5)
6.2.2 Internal modifications are allowed providing the modifications do not alter the original factory configuration of the rifle.
6.2.3 Scoped rifles may be equipped with no more than one (1) optical sight.
6.2.3.1 A magnifier may be used with an optical sight in this division without violating the "one optic" rule, provided:
a. The magnifier does not contain an aiming reticule.
b. The magnifier cannot be used as an aiming device by itself.
c. The magnifier is mounted in the same location on the rifle for the entire event.

If these provisions are satisfied:

d. The magnifier will not be considered a second/separate optic. 
e. The competitor may start and use the magnifier in either the magnified or unmagnified mode without further restriction.

6.2.4 Rifle supporting devices (i.e. bipods, etc.) are not allowed in this division.
6.2.5 Compensators are allowed in this division provided the compensator is not larger than 1 inch in diameter and 3 inches long, measured from the barrel muzzle to the end of the compensator.

6.3 Shotgun – Tactical
6.3.1 Shotguns must be of a factory configuration (see Rule 5.3)
6.3.1.Conventional tubular magazine fed shotguns, only, allowed in this division.
6.3.2 Barrel length may not be changed for the duration of the event.
6.3.3 Internal modifications are allowed providing the modifications do not alter the original factory configuration of the shotgun.
6.3.4 No electronic or optical sights are allowed on shotguns in this division.
6.3.5 No shotgun supporting devices (i.e. bipods, etc.) are allowed in this division.
6.3.6 No compensators or porting on barrels allowed in this division.
6.3.7 No shotgun speed loaders are allowed in this division.
6.3.8 No shotgun in tactical division may START with more than 9 rounds total in the shotgun.

7. HOLSTERS AND EQUIPMENT
7.1 Handgun holsters and equipment - Tactical
7.1.1 Holsters must be a practical/tactical carry style and must be able to safely retain the handgun during vigorous movement
7.1.2 The holster material must completely cover the trigger on all semiautomatic pistols. Revolver holsters must completely cover the trigger and the cylinder.
7.1.3 The belt upon which the holster and magazine/speed loader pouches are attached must be worn at waist level.
7.1.4 Due to safety concerns shoulder holsters and cross draw holsters are disallowed.

8. DIVISION
8.1 Tactical
8.1.1 Participant will compete with a Tactical Handgun (Rule 6.1), Tactical Scoped Rifle (Rule 6.2) and a Tactical Shotgun  (Rule 6.3 )

9. SCORING
9.1 Scoring per stage will be straight time plus penalties
9.1.1 Any 3GN reactive paper target designated as a "shoot" target must have either one (1) ”Center” hit in the 8” Red circle OR have (2) hits anywhere inside the 17.25” Black scoring circle to avoid penalty.

Examples of scoring targets include:
a. One (1) hit in the “Center” (8” Red Circle)
b. Two (2) hits anywhere in 17.25” Black scoring circle to avoid penalty

9.1.2 Example of scoring and penalties on 3GN reactive paper targets:

a. One (1) "Center” hit in the 8” Red circle = no penalty
b. Two (2) hits in any combination inside the 17.25” Black scoring circle or the 8” Red center circle = no penalty
c. One (1) hit in the 17.25” Black scoring circle and NO scoring hit in the 8” Red center circle = 2.5 second penalty (Miss on Target MOT)
e. Target Not Engaged (TNE)= 2.5 second penalty for not making the minimum two hits anywhere on the target plus 2.5 seconds, per target, for the TNE PROCEDURAL for a total penalty of 5 seconds per target added to time.
f. Only holes made by bullets will count for score/penalty. Evidence of the actual bullet must be present on the target, i.e. crown or grease ring (mark) on the hole. Holes made by shrapnel, fragments or flying debris will not count for score/penalty.

9.1.3 Knock down (KD) style plates must fall to score.
Note: If KD style plate is struck by a Rifle OR Pistol bullet and edges, turns or spins the target but does not fall the competitor will get score/credit for KD plate in question.
Note: Any KD plate engaged with SHOT must FALL to score!
9.1.4.1 Failure to knock down a KD plate will result in a 2.5 second penalty.
9.1.4.2 Failure to engage a knock down (KD) plate will result in a Target Not Engaged (TNE)= 2.5 second penalty for not knocking down the KD plate plus 2.5 seconds, per target, for the TNE PROCEDURAL for a total penalty of 5 seconds per target.
9.1.5.1 Frangible targets (Clay bird) must break (one BB hole is a break) to score.
9.1.5.2 Failure to engage a frangible (Clay bird) plate will result in a Target Not Engaged (TNE)= 2.5 second penalty for not breaking frangible target plus 2.5 seconds, per target, for the TNE PROCEDURAL for a total penalty of 5 seconds per target.
9.1.6 Procedural penalties, 5 seconds per shot, may be assessed for failing to follow the stage directions as written in the stage description. Shooting outside the defined shooting area.
9.1.7 Procedural penalties, 5 seconds, may be assessed for failing to follow stage procedures.  
9.1.8 Maximum time for any stage (including target penalties) is 250 seconds.
9.1.9 The course of fire starts with the "Make Ready" command and ends after the "Range is Clear" command.

9.2 Rifle Targets:10” & 4” round KD plates and 3GN reactive paper targets.
9.2.1 Pistol Targets:10” & 4” round KD plates, 3GN reactive paper targets and 4”x10” square KD plates.
9.2.2 Shotgun Targets:4”x10” square KD plates and frangible/clay targets.
9.2.3 Total time accumulated for all stages will determine the event placement.
9.2.4 Lowest time wins.

10. APPEALS

10.1 Decisions are made initially by the stage’s Chief Range Officer.
10.2 If the complainant disagrees with the CRO’s decision, the Director of Competition (DOC) will be called to make a ruling in the matter. The decision of the DOC will be final. Safety violations will not be subject to arbitration

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SECTION 2 – DATES, LOCATIONS, SCHEDULE AND ATTENDANCE POLICY:

The 2012 3GN Pro Series will comprise two (2) 3GN-produced matches:

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SECTION 3 – TARGETRY (3GN Pro #1 & #3):

1. 3GN Stage Criteria: 3GN stage critera is streamlined to accommodate the use of overlapping targets and multiple stage strategies. Each stage will be "shooters choice" in regards to strategy and execution.

 

RIFLE: Competitor's rifle can engage round steel and reactive paper targets.
OFFICIAL RIFLE TARGETS :

10” & 4” Round MGM knock down plates (50yds-150’ min to 100yds-300’ max) target range.

The 3GN official Birchwood Casey Shoot-N-See Paper Target (17.25” black scoring circle and an 8” red center circle)

(3yds-9’ min to 100yds-300’ max)

 

PISTOL: Competitor's pistol can engage all round steel, square steel as well as reactive paper targets.  

OFFICIAL PISTOL TARGETS:

10” & 4” Round MGM knock down plates (7yds-21’ min to 15yds-45’ max)

The 3GN official Birchwood Casey Shoot-N-See Paper Target (17.25” black scoring circle and an 8” red center circle)

(3yds-9’ min to 50yds-150’ max)

4”x10” Square MGM knock down plate (7yds-21’ min to 10yds-30’ max)

 

SHOTGUN: Competitor's shotgun can engage square steel and clay pigeons only. 

OFFICIAL SHOTGUN TARGETS:

4”x10” Square MGM knock down plate (7yds-21’ min to 10yds-30’ max)

Champion Official Standard Clay Pigeons (3yds-21’ min to 10yds-30’ max)

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE OFFICIAL 3GN PAPER TARGETS BELOW >
 

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SECTION 4 – 3GN PRO SERIES POINTS QUALIFICATION:

 

1. Each 2012 Pro Series match will feature an elite, 64-person field. All 3-Gun Nation Pro Series events will be Tactical Optics only.

 

2. The two (2) 3GN "host" matches for 2012 will be similar to previous 3GN partnered matches, with points collected based on overall match finish – and the top 8 Pro Series Tactical Optics competitors advancing to the 3GN Shoot-Off.

 

3. Only 3GN Pro Series (Tactical Optics) competitors will be eligible for 3GN Points, 3GN Shoot-Offs and 3GN cash payouts.

 

4. Pro-Series competitors will be allowed to use their own Tactical Optics equipment and ammunitition in the 3GN Shoot-Offs, ommitting the final round – of which sponsor products will be used.

 

5. Cash payouts at all 3GN events, both 3GN-affiliated and 3GN-produced, will increase in 2012, with a guaranteed $10,000 cash going to the top three competitors: $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place, and $2,000 for third place. Each 3GN-produced Pro Series match will feature a 100% cash payback system to the field based on paid entry fees.

 

6. At each (non) 3GN-produced (host) match, a $25 administration fee will be assessed to 3GN Pro Series competitors.
 

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SECTION 5 – 3GN PRO SERIES 1-DAY MATCH OVERVIEW: (3GN Pro #1 & #3)

1. Competitors will complete stages 1 through 5. After the five combined stage totals have been scored, the top 32 will earn an hour break and the bottom 32 will begin preparations for the final stage. The complete order of finish will be reversed from last-to-first, thus having the 64^th competitor shooting the final stage first and the competitor in 1^st place shooting last. The 6^th stage will start approximately 15 minutes after the finals have been posted. The 10 combined CRO/RO staff will be running the 6^th and final stage. This will allow all competitors adequate time for preparation. The shooting order will be displayed and the responsibilitywill be on the competitors to know where they sit in the order. Competitors will need to be prepared and ready to compete when their name is announced. The entire field will be present as the final shooters complete stage 6.

2. A 3GN Real time scoring display will allow the up to the minute scoring as soon as the times are posted. The times needed to win overall or stay in the hunt for cash prizes will now be displayed to all present, including the competitor stepping to the line. A large scoreboard and time clock will be showcasing the actual runs, and they will immediately be updated to the current totals. The order of finish will be in real time including final run, where the event winner will be declared.

3. Each stage will be designed with a standardized set of guidelines that will remain consistent throughout the tour. Stage strategy and shooting ability will remain the predominant factors.

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For questions regarding the 3-Gun Nation Pro Series, please contact:
Rob Romero, 3-Gun Nation Director of Competition
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

 

Posted on 1/30/2012