3 minute Preparation Period

I was reading the pistol rule book ( a dangerous thing to do I know). Specifically 10.7. It starts off with referencing 5 rounds load for RF and TF and in the next paragraph references SF 10 rounds load.

So I am reading it correctly that a prep period should be made available not only at the start of SF, but also for each first strings of RF and TF?

This would allow shooters to make sight changes, load magazines, dry fire even if the targets are on edge, and give the slow pokes who are always the last returning to the line a breather.

Please correct me if I am reading this incorrectly.

Yes.

No.  10.3 is specific for when the relay is called to the firing line.  For example at major tournaments there may be 3 different relays, each then shooting the 22 Aggregate Match; then proceeding to CF Aggregate, then .45 Aggregate, with the relays in the same or varying order. The 3 minute prep period is given (or provided as an option) at the beginning of each 900 Aggregate for matches with only 1 relay. 10.7 is also uses the specific phrase "in that relay". 

Unless the relay is dismissed from the firing line, the 3 minute preparation is not available for the sub-matches.  For example, when the line is cleared in the event of hazardous weather.  Simply a delay in time does not result in a new preparation period.  (This has been the case at Perry for over 20 years.)  Otherwise they would have stated something like "after the competitors are called to the firing line for that match". 

Yes, its a little confusing since they batched together the commands regardless of the flow of the match.  However, the script sheets for the range callers at Camp Perry is consistent with the process stated above. 

10.3.1 Preparation Period - In all cases competitors will be allowed 3 minutes to take their places at their firing points and prepare to fire after the relay is called to the firing line. Dry firing will be permitted during this period.

10.7 Firing Line Procedures and Commands - When ready to start the firing of a match the Range Officer commands “RELAY NO.1, MATCH NO._ (or naming the match), ON THE FIRING LINE.” The competitors in that relay immediately take their assigned places at their firing points and prepare to fire but do not load. The Range Officer then states “THE PREPARATION PERIOD STARTS NOW.” Range Officers check the location of each competitor as to correct firing point by comparing the number of each competitor’s firing point with the relay and target number on the score card or on the range assignment card. At the end of the 3 minute preparation period the Range Officer states “THE PREPARATION PERIOD HAS ENDED.”

So, your saying their is no prep time when moving from 50 to 25 with the box closed.

10.1.1 Action Open - Unless Pistols are holstered or cased, cylinders must be open or slides back and the magazine removed at all times until the competitor is in position at his firing point and the command, “THE PREPARATION PERIOD STARTS NOW”, has been given. 

 10.3.1 Preparation Period - In all cases competitors will be allowed 3 minutes to take their places at their firing points and prepare to fire after the relay is called to the firing line. Dry firing will be permitted during this period.

When the relay moves from one firing line to another firing line, 10.3.1 should be enforced.

james r chapman wrote:Yes.

So James the only prep you get is prior to "sighting in? Except for EIC matches

Well, you definitely don't get a 3 minute preparation period when moving to the 25 yard line at Perry.  The command is "you will be given time to adjust your equipment...." 

EIC matches are different and their rules are still changing.

CR10X wrote:Well, you definitely don't get a 3 minute preparation period when moving to the 25 yard line at Perry.  The command is "you will be given time to adjust your equipment...." 

EIC matches are different and their rules are still changing.

Well, that does answer the OP’s question.