USPSA Handgun Competition Rules January 2008

Facing Uprange . . . . . . . .Face and feet pointing straight uprange with shoulders
parallel to the 90-degree median intercept of the backstop.
False start . . . . . . . . . . . . .Beginning an attempt at a COF prior to the “Start signal”.
Fault Line . . . . . . . . . . . . .A physical ground reference line in a course of fire
which defines the limit(s) of the shooting area.
Forbidden Action . . . . . . .A competitor action which has been expressly prohibited
by the Range Master and so reflected in the
Written Stage Briefing.
Grain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A common unit of measurement used in respect of the
weight of a bullet (1 grain = 0.0648 grams).
Kneeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A body position wherein at least one knee is in contact
with the ground or stage surface.
Loaded Firearm . . . . . . . .A firearm having a live or dummy round in the chamber
or cylinder, or having a live or dummy round in a
magazine inserted in the firearm.
Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The insertion of ammunition into a firearm.
Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A geographical place within a course of fire.
Match Official . . . . . . . . .A person who has an official duty or function at a
match, but who is not necessarily qualified as, or acting
in the capacity of, a Range Official.
Movement . . . . . . . . . . . .Taking more than one step in any direction, or changing
body position (e.g. from standing to kneeling,
from seated to standing etc.)
Must . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mandatory.
No-shoot(s) . . . . . . . . . . . .Target(s) that incur penalties when hit.
Not Applicable . . . . . . . . .The rule or requirement does not apply to the particular
discipline, Division or match level.
Off Limits Lines . . . . . . . .A physical reference line in a course of fire which
defines an area of the range floor which is off limits to
a competitor during the course of fire.
OFM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Original firearm manufacturer.
Primer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The part of a round which causes a detonation or a
shot to be fired.
Prototype . . . . . . . . . . . . .A firearm configuration which is not in mass production
and/or is not available to the general public.
Radial tears . . . . . . . . . . . .Tears in a paper radiating outwards from the diameter
of a bullet hole.
56 • USPSA Handgun Rules, January 2008 Edition