International 1920 Match information

2009 Bianchi Results>>

All 1920 Shooters, Officials and Competition Organisers should read the information at Holster Accreditation>>

On this page

What is happening in 2009?	01 Jan 09
2008 BIANCHI – Bianchi Cup Matches	22 Apr 08
From NRA Competition News, March 2008	10 Mar 08
NRA Action Pistol rules – now online	3 May 08
What is happening in 2008?	13 Nov 07
What rules apply to International 1920 Match in Australia?	13 Nov 07
3.2 Metallic Sight Firearm - changes
Grip Safeties
NRA Rule Changes 2007
Rule Changes 2006
Shooting Positions – an illustrated guide
Proning Out
PA application of NRA rules
Changes to meet AUS regs

Other resources for the 1920 Events

Some illustrations

Power Factor - Ready Reckoners

Holster Accreditation

What is happening in 2009?

While any NRA Action Pistol Rule changes are presumably now in force for NRA competitions, only the 2008 changes>> are available from the NRA

2008 BIANCHI – Bianchi Cup Matches

The Bianchi ‘package’ for 2008 was as at previous Bianchi Cup competitions; i.e. Plates, Mover Modified, Practical and Barricade events.

Changes to the programme for the 2009 Bianchi Cup are still under consideration.

From NRA Competition News, March 2008 – Bianchi Cup News

Action pistol connoisseurs can expect a newer feel to the world's most prestigious and richest shooting tournament this year. The National Rifle Association's National Action Pistol Championship - also known as the NRA Bianchi Cup - is celebrating its 30th Championship this summer. To commemorate this special event, the NRA plans to enhance the world's premier action pistol tournament.

The most notable change will be in the production category. It will be split to allow single action and double action competitors to compete in their own separate categories.

"This change will allow more competitors to use their 'out of the box' production firearms and for the enhanced awards schedule for these firearms," said Mike Krei, NRA's Director of Competitive Shooting. "The result will be very similar to the first Bianchi Cup held in 1979 and designed by founders John Bianchi and Ray Chapman."

John Bianchi has also agreed to be the keynote speaker at the tournament's banquet this summer: "The [Bianchi] cup stood the test of time and excelled in the quality standards that I envisioned," said Bianchi, who now runs John Bianchi Frontier Gun leather in Rancho Mirage, California. "We created the incentives and recognition for achievement through getting the entire shooting industry behind us. They not only put their money where their mouths were, but thought that now is the time to raise the image and the prestige of the pistol shooting sports. Now, with the level of prizes, the image, the dress code, and the behavior patterns that we have instilled in this sport, it's something to be proud of. We took it out of the closet and into the sunlight."

NRA Action Pistol rules – now online

The NRA has made the rules for NRA Action Pistol available for download click here>>

The NRA website allows you to open each chapter of the rule book and then save that PDF file – this is a pain after the first few chapters. For the convenience of PA officials, here are the direct links to the NRA files so that you can simply left click and the ‘save as’:

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Action/act-%20index.pdf index

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Action/act-w01.pdf NRA competitions*

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Action/act-w02.pdf eligibility*

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Action/act-w03.pdf equipment and ammunition

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Action/act-w04.pdf targets

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Action/act-w05.pdf positions

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Action/act-w06.pdf range standards

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Action/act-w07.pdf courses of fire

section 8 - blank

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Action/act-w09.pdf competition regulations

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Action/act-w10.pdf range commands

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Action/act-w11.pdf tournament officials*

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Action/act-w12.pdf team officers and duties

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Action/act-w13.pdf physically disabled shooters*

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Action/act-w13.pdf scoring and marking

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Action/act-w15.pdf decision of ties

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Action/act-w16.pdf challenges and protests

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Action/act-w17.pdf national records*

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Action/act-w18.pdf competitors’ duties and responsibilities

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Action/act-w19.pdf classification

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Action/act-w20.pdf NRA official referee*

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Action/act-wIllus.pdf illustrations

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/RuleBooks/Action/act-apdx.pdf appendix*

*sections generally not applicable to competitions outside USA

Note that the NRA Action Pistol rules are not taken their entirety for either the Bianchi Cup, or for the conduct of International 1920 Match within PA.

See:

· What rules apply to International 1920 Match in Australia?

· PA bits to the NRA Action Pistol Rules

· Rules changes for PA competitions (relating to calibre, barrel length, magazine capacity and holster): Additional to NRA 3 (to be inserted after chapter heading and before NRA 3.1):

What is happening in 2008?

FYI

Dear Competitors

After our last "Unity Mailing" based on competitor & staff input we are seriously considering removing the "Moving Target Event" from the Championship and replacing it with one of the 12 other Action Pistol Courses of fire. The "Moving Target Event" would be a side match and NOT part of the aggregate. We would list two (2) possible events in the program, the final event would be announced at the Competitor’s meeting on Tuesday, 20 May 2008.

The reason for this change would be to stimulate growth at the "Grass Roots" to enable local clubs to shoot action pistol without having to have a moving target system. This has been the biggest stumbling block for small clubs that are interested in the Action Shooting sport. We are interested in helping the Action Shooting sport grow, at the grass roots level not just the Championship, this actually might be the first step to assisting with that growth. More clubs could easily shoot Matches & Regionals, without the requirement of having a moving target system.

Based on competitor input we are also splitting the Production Category at the Championship to Single Action Production & Double Action Production at a reduced entry fee. We will be continuing the

"Buddy Entry" program & offering reduced entry fees to Juniors & Active Duty Military.

We have changed the Championship Logo for the 30th Annual NRA Bianchi Cup in conjunction with the possible change in the events it can be viewed at http://www.nrahq.org/compete/nm_actionshooting.asp

After some consideration and competitor and staff input, we have come across some logistical problems with running a 3-Gun side event at the 2008 Championship. We are still looking into different side events, with the possibility of holding a Action Pistol 3 Gun Match in the future.

As always, we are here for the competitor's & the Action Pistol Shooting Sport, we want and appreciate all your input and advice, we read every email, and hear & consider all suggestions that you make to us. The only way that WE will make this sport grow is to have a "TEAM" effort. Send us your thoughts & suggestions on changing the events & making this sport grow, lets make history together, before the Shooting Sport becomes History!

Send your comments and suggestions by email to Tom Hughes at thughes@nrahq.org

What rules apply to International 1920 Match in Australia?

Given that a degree of confusion is being spread…

· PA and the PA Affiliates conduct International 1920 Match and (via the AISL) selects the only team to represent Australia each year’s Bianchi Cup Tournament

· International 1920 Match consists of the 4 events in the Bianchi Cup package – given the proposed changes to the Bianchi (item above) there could be some changes to events for future selection criteria.

· The PA and PA Affiliates conduct International 1920 Match within the PA protocols (i.e. PA Constitution > PA GTRs (link) > PA Supplementary Regulations (below) Bianchi > NRA Action Pistol shooting rules

NRA & PA Rule changes – Grip Safeties

The background

In the lead-up to the 2006 PA National Championships / World Action Pistol Championships, reportedly there were a number of shooters who would not be able to comply and the number of entries would suffer (substantially).

To assist the host club, PA Management allowed the solution was to not apply the ‘operating grip safety’ requirements for those shooters entering the PA Nationals only – the rule was applied in full for shooters entering the WAPC.

To formalise this, at the 13th October PA Management Meeting the International 1920 Match Director provided the meeting with background to this issue and proposed that as of 1 January 2007 PA require compliance with the 2006 NRA Action Pistol rule change that states that “all standard safety features of guns must operate properly” as per the motion passed by PA Management at the meeting held 13 August 2005, “that the NRA rule changes with respect to grip safety be adopted as of 1 January 2006”.

The meeting resolved that the NRA rule changes with respect to grip safety be enforced as of 1 January 2007.

So...

What	3.1, 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.2, 3.2.1, 3.2.2 … All standard safety features of the guns must operate properly. This will include grip safeties
When	Effective at PA competitions as from 1^st January 2007

NRA Rule Changes 2007 adopted by PA

NRA Action Pistol - Rule changes effective 2007

4.2 Precision Target Events - NRA No. AP-1 (paper or cardboard). The target will be of the configuration and dimensions described in Fig. 1. Targets may be made of paper or cardboard. All scoring lines will be of low visibility. (Refer to Sec. 14 for scoring procedures). The cardboard target must have printed on it the words “NRA AP-1 Official.” Cardboard used must have no treating for weather or other purpose.

X Black Dot 4"diam = tiebreaker

Fig 1 - Precision Target (Trademarked as the “Bianchi Target”) NRA No. AP-1 (paper or cardboard)

7.6 Practical Event - Competitors must fire the 10-yard line segment in the standing position. Competitors may fire the 15, 25, and 50-yard line segments in the prone position at their option. This course is divided into four stages. Each stage has three strings and 12 shots per stage 48 shots:

7.7 Barricade Event - All competitors must fire all stages in the standing position. All competitors may use the Barricade for support. No portion of the firearm to rest against the Barricade for Open Modified, Metallic or Production Firearm categories. This course will be divided into four stages, two strings per stage, 6 shots per string, 48 shots; all shots will be fired from behind a barricade:

7.9 Falling Plate Event - Competitors must fire the 10-yard line segment in the standing position. Competitors may fire the 15, 20, and 25-yard line segments in the prone position at their option. This course will be divided into four stages; each stage will have two strings. 6 shots per string. 48 shots; targets will be 8" round metal plates:

9.9 Weighing Triggers - Triggers may be weighed with official NRA trigger test weights at the discretion of the Match Director, Official Referee, Jury or Supervisor. Triggers of pistols used in establishing National Records shall be weighed by a tournament official immediately after the firing

of such record score and must meet the specifications of Section 3 for the pistol prescribed by the tournament program. Failure of the trigger to meet the trigger pull requirements shall disqualify the competitor in matches previously fired.

While trigger pull is being weighed, the pistol shall be held with the barrel perpendicular to the horizontal surface on which test weight is supported. The rod or hook of test weight shall rest on lowest point of the curve in curved triggers, or on a point approximately one quarter of an inch from lower end of straight triggers. To pass the weight test, a weight of the correct number of pounds shall be lifted by the pistol trigger while in the cocked position and while all safety devices are in firing position from the horizontal surface on which it is resting, until the weight hangs free, even momentarily and without releasing the trigger. Magazine must be removed and pistols unloaded while trigger is being weighed. Pistols equipped with a device to prevent firing while magazine is out must be closely inspected to see that no cartridges are in a magazine or chamber. Magazine will then be inserted and trigger pull weighed. Competitors will be permitted to adjust triggers which have failed to pass the weight test provided they do not occasion any delay. Failure of trigger to pass the weight test is the competitor's responsibility.

Fig. 5 Correct Method of weighing triggers.

11.4 Range Director - When appointed, the Range Director and Deputy Range Director are responsible to the Match Director, and have supervisory responsibility for the Chief Range Officers and for the efficient and safe operation of the ranges. Appointment of a Range Director and Deputy

Range Director is authorized when multiple ranges are in operation

11.4.1 Chief Range Officer - Will have full charge of the range and will conduct the matches on the schedule approved by the Match Director. He is responsible for range safety, and for enforcing all rules.

3.4 Weight Restrictions - There shall be no restriction on overall weight of pistols . The trigger pull shall not be less than 2 pounds.

3.17 Ammunition -

(b) All ammunition fired in the Tournament must meet or exceed the power floor as described when checked by chronograph using the formula:

Bullet weight (grains) X muzzle velocity (feet per second) = not less than 120,000

NOTE: Chronographs are mandatory in Registered Tournaments only.

3.1 Open Firearms - Any Semi-automatic handgun or revolver used in competition shall be serviceable and safe. If any pistol is observed to be unserviceable or unsafe, it shall be withdrawn at the request of the tournament director. The term “firearm” as used in these rules includes anything attached, permanently or temporarily, to the pistol. All standard safety features of guns must operate properly.

3.1.1 Open Rimfire Firearm - Any semi-automatic handgun or revolver chambered for .22 Rimfire ammunition, which is serviceable and safe. If any pistol is observed to be unserviceable and unsafe, it shall be withdrawn at the request of the Tournament Director. The term “firearm” as used in these rules includes anything attached, permanently or temporarily, to the pistol. All standard safety features of guns must operate properly.

3.1.2 Open Modified Firearm - A semi-automatic handgun or revolver used in competition shall be serviceable and safe. All standard safety features of the guns must operate properly. If any pistol is observed to be unserviceable or unsafe, it shall be withdrawn at the request of the tournament director. The term”firearm” as used in these rules includes anything attached, permanently or temporarily, to the pistol.

Wings are prohibited.

3.2 Metallic Sight Firearm - Minimum caliber is 9x19mm (9mm); a semi-automatic firearm with no more than a 6 1/4 inch barrel length. The front sight not to extend past the front of the slide and the rear sight not past the rear of the slide by a 1/4 inch. A revolver’s barrel will not exceed 8 5/8

inches in length; the front sight not to extend past the front of the barrel and the rear sight will not extend past the rear of the frame. All standard safety features of guns must operate properly. The following items are prohibited:

3.2 Metallic Sight Firearm – note: this is the current (2007) Bianchi wording, and differs from the information on the NRA of America website

- Minimum caliber is 9x19mm (9mm); a semi-automatic firearm with no more than a 6 ¼ inch barrel length. The front sight may not extend beyond the muzzle, the maximum sight radius to be no more than 8.5 inches. A revolver's barrel will not exceed 8 5/8 inches in length. The front sight not to extend beyond the muzzle, maximum sight radius not more than 11 inches. All standard safety features of guns must operate properly. The following items are prohibited:

(a) Wings

(b) Peep, ghost, optical or electronic sights

(c) Orthopedic grips - no part of the grip may encircle the hand

(d) Thumb rests

(e) Compensators or ported barrels

3.2.1 Production Firearm - A semi-automatic handgun or revolver which is or has been a catalogue item readily available to the general public equipped with metallic sights.

Custom-shop pistols are not allowed. All standard safety features of guns must operate properly. The firearm shall have no visible external modifications except as follows:

3.2.2 Production Rimfirearm - as described in 3.2.1 except chambered for .22 caliber Rimfire ammunition. All standard safety features of guns must operate properly.

7.6 Practical Event - Competitors must fire the 10 and 15-yard line segments in the standing position. Competitors may fire the 25 and 50-yard line segments in the prone position. This course is divided into four stages. Each stage has three strings and 12 shots per stage. 48 shots.

7.7 Barricade Event - Metallic sight firearm and open modified firearm shooters must fire all stages in the standing position. No part of either hand or any portion of the forearm may rest against the barricade. This course will be divided into four states, two strings per stage, 6 shots per string. 48 shots; all shots will be fired from behind a barricade:

7.9 Falling Plate Event - Competitors must fire the 10, 15, and 20-yard line segments in the standing position. Competitors may fire the 25-yard segment in the prone position. This course will be divided into four stages; each stage will have two strings, 6 shots per string. 48 shots; targets will be 8" round metal plates:

:

Grip Safeties

Proning Out

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PA bits to the NRA Action Pistol Rules

Rules relating to competitions within the PA framework (refer also to the PA General Technical Regulations):

Note: The PA competition rules for International 1920 Match competitions have the structure of;

· PA Constitution, THEN

· PA General Technical Regulations, THEN

· Any specific safety requirements for the competition venue, THEN

· NRA Action Pistol Rules, as adopted by PA

Eligibility of Competitors (NRA 2>>):

Other than NRA 2.1.2, refer PA General Technical Regulations.

NRA 2.1.2 Amended to:

Shooters must posses a current PA approved Holster Accreditation:

Overseas shooters must successfully complete the Tyro course (see Rule 10.7) or demonstrate equivalent proficiency to the satisfaction of the competition Jury.

Affiliation:

· Shooters who are Australian citizens permanently resident in Australia must be affiliated with PA through a PA Affiliate.

· Overseas shooters (including Australian citizens permanently resident outside Australia) must be affiliated with the National Federation controlling NRA Action Pistol in their country of residence.

Holster Accreditation:

· Competitors who are Australian residents must be affiliated through to PA and hold a current PA holster accreditation

· Invited competitors from overseas (including Australian citizens permanently resident outside Australia) who do not hold a current PA approved holster accreditation must meet the required skill and safety requirements of the PA Holster Accreditation Course.

 This standard is to be;

o Assessed by a suitably qualified person holding either a PA Judge licence (International 1920 and/or Service Pistol) or a current PA Holster Examiner card, and

o Properly recorded by the assessor.

Safety disqualification:

Any holder of a PA Holster Accreditation Card who is disqualified for safety relating to holster use must have the PA Holster Accreditation Card removed subject to re-qualification through a PA approved course.

Eye protection: (these PA requirements override NRA Rule 3.19.)

Approved safety eyeglasses are mandatory for all personnel forward of the spectator area.

Depending on the distance between the firing line/s and the spectator barrier, and the level of protection provided by the spectator barrier (e.g. transparent partitions), competition organisers may designate some spectator areas as not requiring eye protection.

Officiating structure:

Match Director – The NRA terminology for the Chief Range Officer – much of the duties assigned to the Match Director under the NRA rules apply when there is not a Jury and Referees

The Match Director is directly responsible for the efficient conduct of the entire tournament. After consultation with the Jury he may change the match and firing conditions as shown by the program provided a Match Director's Bulletin is posted for the information of all competitors, and that such changes are not contrary to current PA Rules. He is directly responsible for the efficient operation of the range and the Statistical Office and for the safety and proper discipline of all tournament operating personnel, competitors and spectators. Instructions from the Match Director for the operation of the tournament will be complied with by all persons on the range. The Match Director will use his best judgment at all times and his behaviour and decisions must be characterized by absolute impartiality, firmness, courtesy and constant vigilance. In the application of these Rules the Match Director will confer with the Jury on any doubtful point and will be guided by the Jury’s decision.

Deputy Match Director - The Deputy Match Director, when appointed, is responsible to the Match Director for the efficient conduct of the entire tournament, and acts for the Match Director in all matters listed in Rule 11.1. A Deputy Match Director is appointed at the discretion of the sponsor.

Jury – Juries will be appointed as per the PA General Technical Regulations(GTR 6.1>>)

Protest Fees:

Protest Fees as per PA GTRs.

Chief Range Officer

Will have full charge of the range and will conduct the matches on the schedule approved by the Match Director. He is responsible for range safety, and for enforcing all rules.

Range Officers

Each Range Officer is an assistant to the Chief Range Officer; competitors may be assigned this duty. He is responsible for the safety and discipline of range personnel, competitors and spectators in the sector of the range to which he has been assigned.

He checks the number of competitors and their names to ensure that they conform with the scoring schedule and register.

He is responsible for the accurate recording of shots.

He calls the competitors.

He gives necessary commands.

He supervises the correct working of the targets.

He checks the competitor's shooting positions.

He checks that firearms and equipment of the shooters have been examined.

He is responsible for maintaining order on the range, with particular attention to safety.

He receives protests and decides on them or passes them on to the Chief Range Officer.

The Range Officer is directly responsible to the Chief Range Officer for the section of the competition entrusted to him, but will constantly cooperate with the Referee/Jury.

11.6 Statistical Officer

The Chief Statistical Officer is in charge of all statistical work in connection with the match except the actual recording of scores when this is done on the range. The Statistical Officer is directly responsible to the Match Director. He is assisted by such Assistant Statistical Officers as may be required.

11.6.1 Duties of Office

It is the duty of the Statistical Office to:

Register competitors, and check their eligibility and classification.

NRA 11.8

Not applicable to PA competitions – refer PA GTRs.

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Changes to International 1920 Match are listed below. These changes reflect:

· The altered Australian legislation covering the calibre, barrel length and magazine capacity pistols for sport shooting, and

· Changes reflecting the PA Holster requirements.

Application:

While the PA Championships consist of the ‘Bianchi Cup’ events, these supplementary regulations also cover all events included in the NRA Action Pistol Rules (1999,as amended) when conducted within Australia by PA Affiliates and affiliated clubs.

Rules changes for PA competitions (relating to calibre, barrel length, magazine capacity and holster):

Additional to NRA 3 (to be inserted after chapter heading and before NRA 3.1):

The minimum barrel length for revolvers is 100 mm.

Note :- Barrel length is measured In a revolver, the barrel only (excluding cylinder).

The minimum barrel length for semi-automatic pistols is 120 mm, with following exception: For semiautomatic centre-fire pistols of a type specifically manufactured for ISSF Centre Fire Pistol event, pistols with a minimum overall length measured parallel with the barrel of 250 mm are permitted.

Note :- Barrel length is measured in an automatic pistol from the muzzle to the breech face (barrel plus chamber

The maximum magazine capacity for semi-automatic pistol is 10 rounds.

(see also PA amendment to NRA 3.17 (a).

Additional wording to NRA 3.12.3:

3.12.3 Holster Eligibility - No match shall require the use of a particular type of holster, nor shall any holster type which is permitted in any match be barred from any other match, however ‘cross-draw’ and ‘shoulder’ holsters are specifically prohibited. However, in matches requiring a draw from a concealed condition, the degree of concealment may be specified and ruled upon by the Match Director, Deputy Match Director, or Official Referee.

Additional to NRA 3.17 (a):

3.17 (a) The lower limit of calibre shall be 9 mm; the maximum calibre for centre-fire pistols is 9.65 mm (.380”).

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