WA1500 – what it all means in Australia

Competitors MUST be a current financial member of Pistol Australia (PA) and hold a current PA Holster Accreditation

The 150-shot and 60-shot events of the international WA1500 rules 01/01/2011 were adopted at the PA AGM/ECM held 25/04/2011. The following information is issued by the NRC for the information of PA shooters and competition officials

The use of calibres over 9.65mm in WA1500 matches is prohibited by Australian Legislation. NOTE that the 48/40-shot events are NOT approved in Australia.

APPROVED PA EVENTS

PA National Championship Events

The events at PA National Championships are:

· 150-shot 3.1 Revolver 1500 (max 9.65mm)

· 150-shot 3.2 Pistol 1500 (max 9.65mm)

· At PA National Championships the team scores are taken from the scores for the 150-shot individual events)

Other PA Approved WA1500 Events:

Other PA approved events not conducted at the PA National Championships are:

· 60-shot 3.3 Open Match (max 9.65mm)

· 60-shot 3.4 Distinguished Revolver

· 60-shot 3.5 Distinguished Pistol (max 9.65mm)

· 60-shot 1.8.h and 1.8.i Team Events

RANGE

Stationary Targets

The use of stationary targets is recommended due to:

· the technical problems of registering overtime shots (rule 8.1, 0.5 seconds) on turning targets, and

· the WA1500 ‘arrow’ target (580 x 1120mm) is considerably bigger than the PA Service Pistol/Black Powder target and can cause problems when mounted on existing turning target installations designed for PA Service Pistol targets

If stationary targets are used:

· A suitable timer that can record the incidence of overtime shots is required (8.1 …Using a timer, overtime will be decided 0,5 sec after the given time)

· The Range Officer must identify all overtime shots and ensure that the shot/s are recorded on an incident report, and the shooter’s target

Turning Targets

If turning targets are used, timing tolerances for WA1500 on turning targets are as for PA Service Pistol.

Target Height

While the target height relative to the firing point is not specified in the WA1500 Rules (1/1/2011), targets should be mounted so that the centre of the X-ring is at 1.4m +/- tolerances as for PA Service Pistol.

Target Numbers

6.6 Target frames will be numbered on alternating background of contrasting color. The numbers will be large enough to be identified under ordinary light conditions. Numbers must correspond with the firing point numbers. Target numbers will be fixed in position so as to remain visible when the targets are exposed and when concealed.

Safe Handling/’Gearing Up’ Area

The area must be under the control of a Range Officer when shooters are ‘gearing up’

A safe handling area must be provided at, or immediately adjacent to the range section.

This area must be divided into:

· A/ a section where ammunition may not be uncased, and

· B/ a section where shooters may load speed-loaders/magazines.

In area A/, shooters may put on their shooting equipment (belt, holster, gun, speed-loader/magazine holders, etc.).

This area should also have a ‘safe direction’ so that shooters may practice drawing from the holster.

In area B/, shooters may load speed-loaders/magazines and place them in holders on the belt and/or in their carry bag/tray.

Shooters may not practice drawing from the holster in this area.

When the squad is called, shooters proceed directly from this area to their firing points

TARGETS

WA1500 ‘arrow’ target.

The WA1500 ‘arrow’ target is approved for PA competitions:

Until supplies of the ‘new’ target become readily available, competitions can continue to use the PA Service Pistol/Black Powder target.

Competition Organisers should specify on the entry form which target is to be used for the competition.

In WA1500 Sanctioned competitions, only targets bearing the WA 1500 target seal will be used. PA is the sole Australian shooting organisation with the approval of the WA 1500 Association to use this seal.

SHOOTERS EQUIPMENT

Guns

Trigger weight: Until supplies of the 2½ lb (revolver) trigger weights become widely available the 1360g weights may be used.

Competition Organisers should specify on the entry form which weight is to be used for revolvers in the competition.

All standard safety features of the firearm must operate properly. “3.10 Safety parts: No internal modifications may be made that would render the firearm less safe than originally designed by the manufacturer”, i.e. all the manufacturer’s safety features such as transfer bars and grip safeties must be operational.

Holsters

Holster rigs must be:

· Safe, serviceable and suitable for the gun

· Strong side only. Cross-draw and shoulder holsters are prohibited – see also rule 3.14.

Eye Protection

Eye protection is mandatory:

· Side blinders may be worn

· The use of occluders, irises and/or similar are not allowed.

Equipment Control

9.5 Weighing Triggers- Triggers may be weighed with official WA1500 trigger test weights, at the discretion of the Match Director, Official Referee, Jury or other Match Official;

For PA sanctioned competitions shooters are to have their equipment checked and approved before shooting.

SCORING

Dimensions for WA1500 scoring devices differ from those for ISSF and PA Service Pistol: scoring overlays and plug gauges for ISSF and PA Service Pistol may not be used for WA1500.

The primary method for scoring of shots close to a scoring ring is by approved overlays.

If there is a dispute regarding the value of a shot it shall be resolved by the Jury using approved overlays.

Overlays

The diameters for scoring rings are:

· .32 .310 - .315”

· .38/.357 .355 - .359”

Plug Gauges – this is included for application when these become available.

Flange diameters for WA1500 are:

· .32 .310 - .315”

· .38/.357 .355 - .359”

Given that there will be little difference between the spindle and flange diameters, to avoid any problem from the plug gauge damaging the shot hole only plug gauges incorporating a clear plastic ‘boss’ are recommended.

Late shots

Note that in 10.7 firing must cease immediately on a call to “CEASE FIRING” (…may be signaled verbally, by a short, sharp blast on a whistle or by moving the targets out of view)

On fixed frames, there is no tolerance stated in 14.8. Given the 0.5 seconds allowed in 8.1 for very slow turning targets, until this matter is clarified by the WA1500 Association this seems reasonable for fixed frames: an IPSC-type timer is recommended.

For turning targets it should be noted that the 0.5 seconds ‘overtime’ allowed in rule 8.1 specifically relates to “…very slow…” turning targets and would not be applicable for target systems that comply with PA Service Pistol standards. In any case, unless a system combining the timing of the turning targets and a method of recording overtime shots to 8.1 …0,5 sec is used, the standard NRA skid overlay gauge dimension of 1.5 x calibre applies.

Verification of Scores

Irrespective of whether the targets are scored by the shooters or in the Classification Office, the Jury/appointed Judge will check:

· The ten (10) highest scores and four (4) highest scoring teams and

· Any scores to be submitted to WA1500 for inclusion on the WA1500 Ranking List.

MATCH PROCEDURES

There is no requirement to shoot WA1500 Revolver before shooting WA1500 Pistol etc.

APPLICATION OF RULES

Rules Hierarchy

1. PA Constitution, then

2. PA GTRs, then

3. WA1500 Rules (1/1/2011)

ENTRY FORM

Entry form should include:

· WA1500 ‘arrow’ targets or PA Service (only until ‘arrow’ targets become readily available)

· Stationary or turning targets

· Trigger weight for revolvers (only until 2½ lb test weights become readily available)

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