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DEFINITION:
Pin shooting is the sport of shooting regulation bowling pins off a table under controlled conditions utilizing range commands and recording elapsed time. Handguns of various calibers, Shotguns with buckshot, rifles and shotguns with slugs are used to shoot numerous events that vary to the likeness of each club.

FOUNDING PRINCIPLES:
To organize, promote and support the sport of competition bowling pin shooting.

All shooters are of equal importance to the sport. Classifications allow for the equitable distribution of prizes and the competitive growth of the shooter.

Classifications are based on competitive times shot at recognized ranges using IPSA standards for range commands, scoring and table sets.

IPSA guidelines may be modified by shoot organizers, individual clubs, or host facilities to meet their unique circumstances. Guideline variations should be published for contestants to review prior to registration.

SAFETY REGULATIONS:
Safety is of upmost importance. The sport should remain safe and enjoyable for all who participate. Unsportsmanlike conduct by any competitor may result in disqualification of that shooter. Experienced shooters should set examples for others to follow.

Maximum safety requirements for both competitors and spectators must be maintained. All weapons must be handled in a safe manner at all times; firearms should be cased, holstered, or carried with the clips removed, slides back and cylinders open. There can be no loaded weapons unless authorized by range officers or the shoot director.

Eye and ear protection must be worn at all times while in restricted areas. Safety glasses and ear protection should be available for spectators to use, rent, or buy. Special arrangements for inexperienced shooters should be made to allow them to compete. It may be necessary to allow an experienced shooter to accompany them to the line for safety reasons.

Local range safety rules, gun handling areas, and safety regulations for a particular shoot or range should be posted. Practice, dry fire, and restricted areas should be well marked. Copies of rules should be provided to both shooters and spectators. Safety regulations must be posted for all to read.

Releases should be signed by all individuals after reading safety regulations.

Shotgun ammunition should be restricted to lead shot size of #4 buck or larger. Additional ammo restrictions for the protection of competitors and equipment, should be listed in the match description or flier.



MATCH PROCEDURES:

Various procedures may be used in the actual running of the match. This is by no means the only procedure that may be used. It can and may be modified by individual match personnel for a specific match. Any special treatment given a specific individual should be documented and explained.

All shooters must register, pay necessary fees, and sign releases prior to competition. It is recommended that all guests also be required to sign releases so safety regulations can be explained. Glasses and hearing protection can be sold or provided at this time.

Competitors may be required to shoot their main event prior to competing in optional event competition. Score cards can be given to competitors prior to competition or may be held until the shooter is called to the line. Competitors should be required to sign their score cards after each event. Duplicate cards or carbon copies may then be given to the competitor.

Fees are to be determined by the match organizers. They should be posted and included in all literature to shooters. If competitors fail to make it to the shoot, match organizers will decide if a refund should be given.

The match organizers may elect to modify or cancel any event for reasons beyond their control. If shooters are not allowed to compete, refunds must be made. Fees collected for canceled events must be returned.

Shoot results should be posted, mailed, or delivered to all registered shooters in a timely manor.

Prize distribution should be included as part of the shoot information. Final prize distribution and payoffs should be published and included with the results.

SCORING PROCEDURES:

All scoring is the time it takes a competitor to clear his/her table of pins. Timing commences with a start signal and stops when the final pin hits the ground or backstop, unless otherwise listed in the rules.

The IPSA classification and preferred timing system utilizes two or three timers with digital stop watches. Timers will start timing when the start signal is given and stop timing when the last pin hits the ground. The average is used unless one time is obviously an error, or the timer knows he/she made a mistake on the start or stop.

Competition in IPSA recognized main event matches, Pin Gun, Stock Gun and Revolver, consists of shooting 6 tables. The best 5 of the 6 times are combined for an aggregate total to determine the event winner. The 6th best time becomes the tie breaker. The main events may be entered only once.

Optional events are typically scored as single tables with the best time used to determine the winner. If two or more shooters tie, the second, third, forth, etc. best time is then used to determine the winner. Several ranges restrict the number of attempts or tables any competitor can shoot.

At some facilities it may not be possible to time pins hitting the ground. Timing may stop when all pins have left the table. In pin shooting this is the least desirable method of timing. Electronic timers may be used to time the last shot. This method should not be used unless the event is using steel knock down targets. Electronic timers then become the best method of timing.

MATCH RULES AND SHOOTING FORMAT

At Registration the competitor will be given score cards for the events he/she signs up for.
The IPSA preferred table assignment method allows the shooter to turn the cards into the timer at the table of his/her choice. The Timer will place the cards in order and notify the shooter when he/she is on deck. It is the competitor's responsibility to be ready when they are called to the line.

RANGE COMMANDS:

The range commands at a specific shoot should remain constant. "Timers ready", "Shooters ready", "Gun on the rail", then the "Start" command. An audible tone, a gun shot using blanks, a horn or some other distinctive sound is recommended to start each event.

The Range Officer ensures the range is clear and issues the command " Shooters On the line, you may load". Once the line is ready the Range officer gives the commands. "Timers Ready" The Timers check to see the shooter is ready to go and that their watch is reset to zero. "Shooter Ready", "Gun on the Rail" The shooter must now touch the rail with his hand or the gun barrel. The Range Officer then delivers the start signal. The approximate time between commands in 3 to 5 seconds.

Pin Gun:

5 pins set 3 down and 2 up on a tiered table. Any legal handgun, revolver, or simi-automatic may be used for this event. Revolver shooters may use a backup revolver if needed. The back-up firearm may be drawn from a holster or placed on the rail in front of the shooter. Shooters using automatic weapons may reload their gun if necessary. A maximum of eight rounds may be loaded in the firearm at the start. Shooters found loading more than eight rounds will be given a maximum time for that run. Compensators, porting, scopes, optical sights, weighted grips and added weight are generally allowed, individual matches may vary so be sure to check with the match organizers.

STOCK GUN:

5 pins set 3 down and 2 up on a tiered table. The stock gun event provides an avenue for new shooters to compete in the sport of pin shooting without the need to purchase a custom firearm. Guns in the stock event must be standard, out of the box, factory guns. Compensators, porting, scopes, optical sights, weighted grips and added weight are not allowed. Function modifications are allowed such as improving the action, grips, grip safeties and sights. Factory ported firearms may be used if the ports are sealed off. The shooter cannot wear weighted wrist straps, gloves, etc.

Match definitions vary on what is accepted as Stock. If you have questions ask the Match director prior to competing in the event. It is the shooters responsibility to know and abide by all rules. Weapons not meeting the stock gun requirements may be disallowed by the match officials, or protested by any shooter. Posted times will be disallowed and no reshoots given if protested guns do not meet stock gun requirements. Some matches allow the use of optics and scopes, others impose additional restrictions.

Additional restrictions may include the following. Barrel length restrictions with a maximum of 5" on semi-automatic weapons and 8 3/8" on revolvers. Maximum weight limits will be 44 ounces on semi-automatic weapons without a clip, and 54 ounces on revolvers. Both weight limits are while guns are empty.

REVOLVER:

5 pins set 3 down and 2 up on a tiered table. Any revolver, 8 rounds maximum, a backup revolver may be drawn from a holster or placed on the rail in front of the shooter. Optics, porting, and added weight are all allowed. As in the pin gun and stock gun events, the shooter will shoot 6 tables of five pins for an aggregate total of the best 5 tables.

REVOLVER RELOAD OR EIGHT PIN:

This event is limited to revolvers only. 4 pins are set 12" apart on each level of a tiered table for a total of 8 pins. This is the same set used for the Individual and two person shotgun events. The pins are set 3 feet form the back edge. A mandatory reload is required to complete a table for a score. If all pins leave the table after six or less shots, the shooter must reload and fire one shot down range to stop the time and record a score. The Shooter can start with no more than six rounds in the revolver.

NINE PIN:

Nine pins are set one foot from the back edge of the shooting table. They are 6 inches apart. Center fire guns of 9mm or larger are allowed in these events. Unlimited ammo capacity is allowed in this event.

22 MINI-PINS:

On a tiered table, three pins are set on each level, total six mini-pins. The spacing is the same on both levels and lower dots are also used in the 5 pin event. The tops of regulation bowling pins are cut off and used as targets. Unlimited ammo capacity is allowed.

SHOTGUN:

4 pins are set 12" apart on each level of a tiered table for a total of 8 pins.
This is the same set used for the Revolver Reload event. The pins are ser 3 feet form the back edge of the table. Shot size is restricted to #4 buck or larger. In the 2 person shotgun event, both shooters address the same 8 pins for a single table time.

2-PERSON TEAM EVENTS (HANDGUN):

18 pins set 3 pins down and 3 pins up on 3 attached tables. The spacing is the same as the bottom tier of the 5 pin events. Shooters are restricted to 8 rds loaded at any time. Revolver shooters may use backup guns. Restrictions specify how teams can be formed. Restrictions specify how many top shooters may be on a specific team.

THREE-PERSON TEAMS:

18 pins set 3 pins down and 3 pins up on 3 attached tables. The spacing is the same as the bottom tier of the 5 pin events. Shooters are restricted to 8 rds loaded at any time. Revolver shooters may use backup guns. One handgun shooter, One Simi-auto shotgun shooter, and one pump shotgun shooter. Teams formed with a lady shotgunner may use two simi-auto shotguns. Restrictions specify how teams can be formed. Restrictions specify how many top shooters may be on a specific team.


CLASSIFICATION PROCEDURE:

Classifications are based on each individuals best competitive times shot at recognized ranges using IPSA standards for range commands, scoring and 5 pin main events.

IPSA classifications are currently set using results from Second Chance, the North American Pin Shooting Nationals, The PA State Championships, and the Smith and Wesson East Coast Challenge. Class breaks are determined and reviewed annually to place approximately 10% of the shooters in Class-A, 30% of the shooters in Class-B, and 60% of the shooters in Class-C.

IPSA Standards;
Range commands are - "Timers ready", "Shooters ready", "Gun on the rail", then the "Start" command. An audible tone, a gun shot using blanks, a horn or some other distinctive sound is recommended to start each event.

Scoring - The IPSA classification and preferred timing system utilizes two or three timers with digital stop watches. Timers will start timing when the start signal is given and stop timing when the last pin hits the ground. Competitors shoot 6 tables. The best 5 of the 6 times are combined for an aggregate total score.

Main Events - IPSA classifications are established from times shot in the Pin Gun, Stock Gun and Revolver events. The events are shot from 25 feet on tiered tables, using the standard 5 pin set and scoring the best five of six tables.

Classifications are encouraged to distinguish between shooters of varied abilities.
Prize distributions are then distributed accordingly. Classifications are also used to pair up shooters for team events. Top shooters are restricted from shooting together on teams.

Regional or local shoots may have specific reasons for using a different method of classification. Competitors at these shoots may be a unique cross section of all shooters. The method of classification to be used should be specified and detailed in all literature about the shoot.

TABLE CONSTRUCTION:

It is not possible to mandate specific table construction because of materials available or resources available to invest in these materials. Table construction and design for a specific shoot should be specified at the time entry materials are made available to the shooters. Steel tables survive extensive wear and sustain minimal damage. As thickness of the steel decreases, support materials must be added to eliminate sag and maintain table flatness. As steel thickness increases, less support is required and less damage occurs.

It is recommended that tables be measured and marked with paint for all events prior to the match. This will facilitate consistent pin setting during the match. Shooters may ask for a pin placement change or to have a specific pin replaced prior to engaging a table. Match officials should honor these request.

PROTEST:

Once a shooter fires on a table of pins no protest can be filed regarding pins or pin placement on that table. If a shooter has a problem it must be addressed before the shooter fires that string or single table. All protest at any particular shoot should be handled by a predetermined review process. All decisions rendered by this process at any specific shoot are final. Specific problems should be logged for future reference. Favorable or unfavorable rulings should be forwarded to IPSA for review. Future regulations and rules may result from this process.

Shooters will be asked to sign their score card and given a copy of their scores when they complete that event. The shooter is responsible to review his / her scores at that time place any protest relating to the accuracy of the time prior to leaving the line. Once shooters sign their score cards no protest may be made. Shooters are responsible to retain their copy of the score card and notify match officials of any errors in match postings.