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Attention: In our rush to get out the Second Quarter NROI exams, we neglected to change the cover letter which states that the 2004 edition rulebook should be used. That information is incorrect. The exam itself has the correct instruction, which is that the 2008 edition rulebook should be used. We are sorry for any inconvenience that this has caused.
HOT TOPIC:
During the COF, in this case during a revolver reload, the shooter dropped the gun, then caught it without it having touched the ground or a table, etc. If the gun did not break the 180, discharge or sweep the shooter, is this grounds for DQ under 10.5.3?
RESOLUTION: 10.5.3 states, in part, "If at any time during the course of fire, or while loading, reloading or unloading, a competitor drops his handgun or causes it to fall, loaded or not" the result is a DQ. Losing control of the gun is unsafe gun handling, the term fall does not mean it has to hit the ground, once the gun has left the competitors hand, it is considered fallen and attempting to catch only enhances the unsafe act. Results, match DQ.
Thank you for playing along!
What? No one else taking a run at this one?
10.5.3 states, in part, "If at any time during the course of fire, or while loading, reloading or unloading, a competitor drops his handgun or causes it to fall, loaded or not."
So, consulting the dictionary for the applicable definition of "drop" give us: "To let fall by releasing hold of." Likewise the applicable definition of "fall" is: "To drop or come down freely under the influence of gravity."
In the case specified, the handgun was clearly released from the competitors grasp (even if it was inadvertent) and it was descending freely under the influence of gravity.
It would thus appear that the conditions of 10.5.3 are met and it is a DQ.
Note that while it is commonly interpreted (even if incorrectly) that the gun had to "land" for this rule to be invoked the strict definition of the rule, as written, has no such requirement.
I am ignoring the provisions of 10.5.3 about intentionally placing the handgun on the ground because this was clearly not the case or intent in this situation.
Posted by: Kevin Imel March 29, 2008 09:58 AM
Since I sorta started this whole thing by telling someone on ENOS I would DQ them under 10.5.3 if their gun slipped but they pinned against their chest without sweeping, breaking the 180 or going off. I had just had the RO class and this exact situation came up. DQ, dropping the gun during a COF.
Bruce
Posted by: Bruce Martin March 31, 2008 06:22 AM
I agree with Kevin. Losing control of the gun is unsafe gun handling-period-DQ
Eric
Posted by: Eric Hill April 3, 2008 10:21 PM
Agreed.Unsafe gun handling.Put your stuff away,grab some tape and help out.
Ken M.
Posted by: Ken Miller April 5, 2008 05:02 PM
I just took the RO course and test a week ago and we actually discussed this topic in the class. This would fall under the same category as a shooter intentionally "throwing" a gun from one hand to another to switch to/from weak/strong hand during a COF. Clearly unsafe gun handling and like Ken M. said, "Put your stuff away, grab some tape and help out."
Scott McIntosh
TY42237
Posted by: Scott McIntosh April 8, 2008 12:37 PM
Points out the fact that the shooter should be more carful.
*Hand me my Glock & I'll show em how its done.*
Posted by: Lon Snook April 9, 2008 12:09 PM
D.Q.ing a shooter is never a pleasent chore but to maintain the safety of our sport it is sometimes necessary . This is one of those times . Hopefully the shooter is adult enough to "grab some tape and help out."
Stay safe , stay fair, and see you in Tulsa.
Posted by: Dave Hanna April 22, 2008 09:30 AM
