At the same time, the IDPA also issued their long-awaited (yet still provisional) Defensive Multi-Gun Rules for three-gun matches.
You can find links to PDF files of both these at http://www.idpa.com/rules_updates.asp.
The changes in the Rule Addendum are minimal for most shooters. Match Directors, SOs, and serious competitors will obviously need to familiarize themselves, though. Most of the changes are really clarifications of the existing rules and codify things most competitors were doing anyway. A few examples of the changes:
- On page 10 of the current rules, C15 previously talked about how pistols must be loaded to division capacity. The addendum goes on to add: "A. Pistols may only be loaded to below division capacity if stipulated by the written stage description. B. Pistols that as manufactured cannot be loaded to the division capacity may still be used so long as they are loaded to their maximum capacity and meet all other criteria for that division."
- On page 12 CoF 4 said, "Only one (1) non-threat target may be used per every three (3) threat targets in any string of fire." I assume because some course designers were introducing a second non-threat too soon, the addendum clarifies the rule by adding: "Stage designers may use one non-threat for 1 to 5 threats, 2 non-threats for 6 to 8 threats and 3 non-threats for 9 threats or more."
- Also on page 12, CoF 9 used to be little confusing because it read, "When cover is available, it MUST be used both when shooting and reloading." Of course, everybody has shot CoFs where you draw and fire while moving to cover. So the revised rule now reads: "When cover is available, it MUST be used when shooting unless the competitor starts in the open and must engage targets while on the way to cover. If cover is available anywhere in the COF it must be used for reloading. Competitors may NOT cross any opening (doorways, windows, open spaces, etc) without engaging targets." Makes more sense that way.
- Probably due to the increasing popularity of small carry guns since the current (April 2005) rules were written, this has been added to the section "A. Firearms" that begins on page 17: "The use of magazines that extend past flush with the base of the grip are allowed as long as the gun still fits the box with the magazine inserted. The rules for division capacity would still be in effect."
- For ESP and CDP pistols, the following have been added to PERMITTED modifications: "15. Extended slide release. 16. Customization of the slide by adding front cocking serrations, engraving, tri-top, carry melts and high power cuts. 17. Ambidextrous or right side magazine releases." Also, the CDP permissible weight has increased one ounce from 41 ounces to 42 ounces.
- All of the language of the Official Chronograph Procedure appearing on page 28 of the rules has been rewritten and expanded.
- The somewhat quirky holster rule I. on page 33 has been clarified. Previously it read, "Must hold the firearm positioned on the body so an object of 3/4" width cannot pass between the shooter's body and the inside of the firearm when the shooter is standing straight and upright." Naturally, if an SO was determined enough, he could shove a 3/4" wood block through a space that was really only 1/2". So the addendum adds clarification: "If the 3/4-inch object touches both the body and the firearm as it is passed through, the holster is legal."
- There are a number of other changes, but the last one that I think is particularly noteworthy is a change and clarification to the definition of Tactical Sequence on page 82. The existing definition reads, "Tactical Sequence: A method of target engagement. For Tactical Sequence, all targets are engaged with one round each before being engaged again. In the case of three (3) targets requiring two (2) rounds each, all targets would be engaged with one round to each target BEFORE reengaging the targets with another round in any order (1-1-2-1-1). The new addendum goes on to add: "Tactical Sequence may not be used for targets farther than 10 yards. Tactical Sequence may not be combined with Tactical Priority (near to far or from cover) on the same targets. As stated on page 12, tactical sequence is only required when it is specified in the course of fire description."
