Air Pistol Competition Guidelines

 

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Objectives

• Enhance youth development of self-concept, character and personal growth through safe, educational and socially acceptable involvement in shooting activities.
• To involve youth in a life skills program that teaches safe and responsible use of shooting sports equipment including sound decision-making, self-discipline and concentration.
• To promote the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship and ethical behavior.
• To expose participants to the broad array of vocational and life-long avocation activities related to shooting sports.
• To strengthen families through participation in life-long recreational activities.
• To complement and enhance the impact of existing safety, shooting and hunter education programs using experiential (hands on) educational methods and progressive development of skills and abilities.

Event Guidelines

  • A county may enter any number of eligible Cloverleaf, Junior or Senior boys and/or girls. All ­precision air pistol matches will be individual competition only.
  • 4-H’ers may use any .177 caliber air pistol. Only open sights are allowed. No part of the pistol grip or accessories may encircle the hand. The heel rest may extend at a right angle to the grip only.
  • Targets will be NRA B-40, a single bullseye target. Ammunition shall be lead wadcutter pellets.
  • Course of fire will be the current USA Shooting Progressive-Position Pistol course of fire consisting of 60 rounds fired at a distance of 10 meters or 33 feet from one of the following positions:
    • Basic Supported – The 4-H’er may shoot seated or standing with one or two hands on the grip. A firm support such as sandbags, kneeling rolls, etc. as well as any rest made of wood, plastic, etc. that can firmly support the butt of the pistol and the shooters hands safely.
    • Standing Supported – The 4-H’er will shoot from a standing position with one hand supported by a T Stand or similar counter counterbalance that provides support between the elbow and muzzle.
    • International Standing- The 4-H’er will shoot from an unsupported standing position with one hand on the grip.
  • Divisions for the 4-H Precision Air Pistol Program are as follows:
    • Cloverleaf (4th – 6th grade): 4-H’ers will shoot from the Basic Supported Position and may advance to the Standing Supported Position under a coach’s direction. Regardless of the position, all Cloverleaf age 4-H’ers will compete in the same division.
    • Juniors (7th-8th grade): 4-H’ers will shoot from the Standing Supported Position and may advance to the International Standing position under a coach’s direction. Regardless of the position, all Junior age 4-H’ers will compete in the same division.
    • Seniors (9th-12th grade): 4-H’ers will shoot from the International Standing Position.
  • Total of possible points for the match is 600 points. Targets, but not ammunition, will be furnished at state matches.
  • The match is shot in six series of 15 minutes each, total time for the match is 90 minutes. 4‑H’ers will shoot 5 record shots per target with two targets hung per series on a fixed target stands. Targets will be numbered 1 – 12 and must be used in that order.
    • In the first phase, an unlimited number of sighting shots may be fired. The sighting target(s) ‑must be clearly marked by a broad stripe diagonally across the upper right corner. Once record fire has begun, you may not return to sighting shots. The time for unlimited sighting shots is included in the 75 minutes.
    • Ties will be broken in the following order:
      • By the highest score of the last 10 shots fired, working back by 10 shot strings until the ties are broken.
      • By the highest number of 10’s, 9’s, 8’s, etc.
    • The 4-H’er shall stand free, without support, completely within the space provided. The complete air pistol shall be held and discharged with one hand only. The wrist of the hand holding the air pistol, the elbow, or shoulder must not be supported by the grip or any part of the air pistol, or by any other means.
    • Coaching on the firing line is prohibited. This includes the spotting of hits from the rear of the line and calling placements of hits and/or sight corrections to the 4-H’ers.
    • Clear Bore Indicators (CBI’s) made of highly visible material, preferably orange, must be used. CBI’s can be cut from replacement string for weed trimmers so that it extends several inches from the muzzle and breech when inserted.
    • All participants and coaches at or near the firing line must wear eye protection. Safety glasses or approved shooting glasses as outlined by the USA Shooting – NRA Progressive-Position Pistol Rules. Hearing protection is not required but highly recommended.
    • Closed toe shoes that are secured to the feet by use of a heel strap or formed heel must be worn at all times while on the range. Flip flops and sandals are not allowed. Shoes must be worn at the firing line.
    • Any rules not covered, refer to USA Shooting – NRA Progressive-Position Pistol Rules.A copy of the USA Shooting PPP Rules  may be download in PDF format at: https://usashooting.org/about/safesport/   Note: 4-H rules take precedence over other rules. 

Certified Coaches/Adults

  • Counties are required to have a minimum of one 4-H certified coach in the pistol discipline per 10 4‑H’ers present at all county, district and state activities. The 4-H Project SAFE Committee strongly recommends that there should be one discipline certified coach for each 1-5 person team.
  • Coaching on the line is allowed for Cloverleaf 4-H’ers using either of the two Supported positions. The coach or assistant may also assist the shooter in setting up and clearing the firing point and loading and cocking the pistol. The coach or assistant may not offer any physical help in making the shot. The coach or assistant may not interfere with adjacent shooters.
  • For the Junior and Senior competition, coaching is not allowed on the firing line after the beginning of the official preparation period. While on the firing line, after the beginning of the official preparation period, a competitor may speak only with a Range Officer. If a shooter wishes to consult with a coach, or vice versa, after the official preparation period has started, permission must be requested from the nearest range officer. Once permission is granted, the shooter will make his or her pistol safe, place it on the bench or table with the muzzle pointing downrange, and retire to the rear of the firing line for the consultation.
  • A 4-H certified coach in pistol discipline must be present for a county practice or event to be recognized as a Georgia 4-H SAFE program. Additional adequate adult supervision should be present to serve as safety officers and help facilitate all aspects of Project SAFE events and activities. Certified Coaches and volunteers must meet the UGA policies for volunteers.

Awards & Recognition

  • Awards are as outlined by the Project SAFE Development Committee. Recognition will be given to high individuals in Cloverleaf, Junior and Senior divisions
  • There will be a separate Cloverleaf, Junior & Senior Air Pistol winner.
    The first place senior winner will be eligible for Master 4-H’er status and to participate in the recognition of Special Events Winners at State 4-H Congress.
  • The banquet meal and lodging expenses will be paid for the team and coach; however, travel costs are not covered.
  • State Winning High Individuals are permitted to compete in future years.