Voodoo on the Bayou 3-Gun Match Rules

1. Safety Rules

1.1 Participants are subject to disqualification for violation of any rule or regulation in sections 1 or 2.

1.2 Match will be run on COLD RANGES.

1.2.1 COLD RANGE (definition): Participants firearms will remain unloaded at the match site except under the direction of a match official.

1.3 Designated Safety Areas

1.3.1 The Safety Areas will be clearly marked with signs.

1.3.2 Unloaded firearms may be handled and/or displayed only in the Safety Areas.

1.3.3 No ammunition may be handled in any Safety Area.

1.4 Rifles & Shotguns, (carry from vehicle or between stages)

1.4.1 Rifles & shotguns must be cased or carried with the muzzle up.

1.4.2 Rifles and shotguns must be carried with the bolt locked to the rear and any detachable magazine removed.

1.4.3 On stages, abandoned rifles and shotguns must be “empty” or “on safe”, pointed in a safe direction, and as instructed in stage briefs. Abandoning rifles and shotguns “on safe” requires externally activated safety be on.

1.4.3.1 “Empty” is defined as no live ammunition in the rifle or shotgun.

1.4.3.2 “On safe” is defined as the rifle or shotgun’s external safety lever or button switched to the “Safety On” position.

1.4.3.3 Violations see 2.4

1.5 Handguns (carry between stages)

1.5.1 Handguns must be cased or remain in holster, magazine removed except under the direction of Range Officer(s) on a stage.

1.5.2 Handguns must be carried with the “Hammer/Striker Down.”

1.5.3 On stages, the Ready Condition of handguns must be “Hammer Down” for DA autos & revolvers, and “Cocked & Locked” for SA autos or DA autos with manual override safeties.

1.5.4 On stages, abandoned pistols must be “empty” or “on safe”, pointed in a safe direction, and as instructed in stage briefs. Abandoning pistols “on safe” requires externally activated safety be on.
1.5.4.1 “Empty” is defined as no live ammunition in the pistol.

1.5.4.2 “On safe” is defined as pistol’s external safety lever or button switched to the “Safety On” position. Pistols with trigger safety mechanism with no other external safety are exempt from this rule.

1.5.4.3 Violations see 2.4

1.6 No participants or spectators shall consume or be under the influence of alcohol or non­­prescription drugs at the match site. Any participant found to be impaired and deemed unsafe as a result of legitimate prescription drugs may be directed to stop shooting and requested to leave the range.

1.7 Ear and eye protection is mandatory for participants, spectators & range personnel while on or near a stage of fire.

2. Disqualifications:

2.1 Match Disqualification will result in complete disqualification from the match. Shooter will not be allowed to continue with the match and will not be eligible for prizes nor a free entry into the next match. Final decision is the Match Director’s.

2.1.1 Match Disqualification for Negligent Discharge.

2.1.1.1 “Negligent Discharge” is defined as the discharge of a firearm in an unsafe manner or unintentionally in which a projectile (bullet) strikes the ground within 9 feet of the competitor or range officer, or outside the confines of the backstop.

2.1.2 A participant shall be disqualified from the Match for dropping a loaded firearm.

2.1.3 A participant shall be disqualified from the Match for unsportsmanlike conduct.

2.1.4 A participant shall be disqualified from the Match for cheating.

2.1.4.1 Intentionally altering targets prior to the target being scored to gain an advantage or avoid a penalty.

2.1.4.2 Altering or falsifying score sheets.

2.1.4.3 Altering the configuration of firearms or equipment to gain advantage. (See rule 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 7.1.4)

2.1.5 A Match DQ will be issued for allowing the muzzle of his/her firearm to break the 180­­degree Safety Plane (except while holstered, drawing or re­­holstering.)

2.2 A Stage Disqualification will result in a maximum time on that stage but the shooter will be allowed to continue the match and go to the prize table. All potential stage DQ’s will be determined by the MD/RM.

2.2.1 A stage DQ will be issued for dropping an unloaded gun during the stage of fire.

2.2.2 Use of restricted ammo cited in section 4 will result in a Stage DQ.

2.2.3 Loss of Eye/Ear Protection

2.2.3.1 If a competitor removes or purposely dislodges their eye/ear protection during the course of fire they will receive a Stage DQ.

2.2.3.2 If eye/ear protection is dislodged accidentally it must be replaced before continuing the course of fire. Shooting a course of fire without eye/ear protection will result in a Stage DQ.

2.2.3.3 If a competitors eye/ear protection is broken beyond repair due to a fall or lost due to extenuating circumstances the competitor will be stopped and given a reshoot.

2.3 All disqualifications will be issued by the RM/MD.

2.4 Leaving a firearm in a safety box or barrel, loaded without the safety engaged will result in a 60 second procedural. Firearms may be loaded when grounded but must remain on safe.

3. Sportsmanship & Conduct

3.1 Participants and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous, sportsman­­like manner at all times. Disputes will be handled promptly and fairly by the Range Master. An unsportsmanlike penalty can be a stage or match DQ at the discretion of the Match Director or Assistant Match Director.

3.2 Clothing with any offensive or obscene logos, sayings, pictures or drawings will not be worn or displayed while at the match site/range.

3.3 Any competitor with a proven handicap can shoot the course other than intended (strong hand/weak hand/traverse obstacles) but may incur a 35% penalty in time/points per string or per stage. The RM will decide on a case­­by­­ case basis.

3.4 Any competitor who does not participate in resetting a stage shall be warned of the unsportsmanlike conduct. Continuance of such conduct will be cause for issuance of a 90-second procedural penalty to the competitor. Further continuance of such conduct will be cause for match disqualification.

 

4. Ammunition

4.1 Pistol/revolver ammunition shall be 9mm (9×19) or larger.

4.2 Rifle calibers will consist of .223 Remington (5.56 NATO) Only.

4.2.1 No tracer, incendiary, armor piercing or steel jacketed ammunition is allowed.

4.2.1.1 Questionable ammo will be tested with a magnet.

4.2.1.2 Use of magnetic ammo with result in Stage DQ.

4.2.1.3 Competitor will be held financially responsible for any target shot with prohibited ammo.

4.3 Shotgun shall be 12 GA only.

4.3.1 Lead shot or slugs only.

4.3.1.1 Use of steel shot will result in a Stage DQ.

4.3.2 Buckshot and slugs may be used if allowed or required by stage description.

4.3.3 Maximum of 6 shot shells mounted in traditional (each shell is held in a loop of some kind) side-saddle type on  shotgun. No shotgun caddies of any kind on belt or shotgun. Max 6 rounds total on gun. All other shotgun rounds will be carried loose in your pockets and/or bag you will be given at the shotgun stage.

 5. Firearms

5.1 All firearms used by competitors shall be serviceable and safe.

5.2 If a competitor’s firearm becomes unserviceable during competition, that competitor may replace his/her firearm with another of the same model, caliber and sighting system approved by the Range Master.

5.3 For purposes of this ruling, a “firearm” consists of a specific caliber, receiver, barrel, and stock and sighting system combination.

5.4 The same firearm system, for each gun, per Rule 5.3, shall be used during the entire match.

5.5 Competitors will not reconfigure any firearm during the course of a match. (i.e. change caliber, barrel length, shotgun magazine tube length, sighting systems or stock style.)

6. Divisions and Firearms Classifications

Tactical Optics and Patrol (Tactical Irons)

6.2 Tactical Optics

6.2.1 Handgun

6.2.1.1 Steel and only 1x red dot sites are permitted (starting 2023).  Firearms with any other custom or factory installed electronic sights more than 1x, any form of magnified optical sights, extended sights, compensators or barrel porting are NOT allowed in this class.

6.2.1.2 Pistol magazines shall not exceed the butt of the weapon with the exception of a single stacked .45 which will be limited to 10 round magazines.

6.2.1.3 No mag wells on pistol.

6.2.2 Rifle

6.2.2.1 Barrel length shall not be changed for the duration of the match.

6.2.2.2 Rifles may be equipped with no more than one (1) optical sight.

6.2.2.3 Rifle supporting devices (i.e. bipods, etc.) are not allowed in this class.

6.2.2.4 Rifle may have a compensator that is not more than 1” in diameter and 3” long.

6.2.2.5 No drum magazines or “beta/C” magazines allowed in this class.

6.2.3 Shotgun

6.2.3.1 Barrel length may not be changed for the duration of the match.

6.2.3.2 No electronic or optical sights are allowed on shotguns in this class.

6.2.3.3 No shotgun supporting devices (i.e. bipods, etc.) are allowed in this class.

6.2.3.4 No compensators or porting on barrels allowed in this class.

6.2.3.5 Tactical shotguns may start a stage with a maximum of nine (9) rounds in the gun but magazine capacity will not be limited.

6.2.3.5.1 If competitor is caught starting a stage with more than nine (9) rounds in the gun, it will be considered “Unsportsmanlike conduct” and they will receive a Stage DQ.

6.2.3.6 No shotgun speed loaders or box fed shotguns are allowed in this class.

6.2.3.7  (Same as 4.3.3)  Maximum of 6 shot shells mounted in traditional (each shell is held in a loop of some kind) side-saddle type on  shotgun. No shotgun caddies of any kind on belt or shotgun. Max 6 rounds total on gun. All other shotgun rounds will be carried loose in your pockets and/or bag you will be given at the shotgun stage.

6.3  Patrol (Tactical Irons)

6.3.1 Handgun

6.3.1.1 Firearms with custom or factory installed electronic sights, optical sights, extended sights, compensators or barrel porting are NOT allowed in this class.

6.3.1.2 pistol magazines shall not exceed the butt of the weapon with the exception of a single stacked .45 which will be limited to 10 round magazines.

6.3.1.3 No mag wells on pistol.

6.3.2 Rifle

6.3.2.1 Barrel length shall not be changed for the duration of the match.

6.3.2.2 Rifles must either have iron sights or a 1x only optic.

6.3.2.3 Rifle supporting devices (i.e. bipods, etc.) are not allowed in this class.

6.3.2.4 Rifle may have a compensator that is not more than 1” in diameter and 3” long.

6.3.2.5 No drum magazines or “beta/C” mags allowed in this class.

6.3.3 Shotgun

6.3.3.1 Barrel length may not be changed for the duration of the match.

6.3.3.2 No electronic or optical sights are allowed on shotguns in this class.

6.3.3.3 No shotgun supporting devices (i.e. bipods, etc.) are allowed in this class.

6.3.3.4 No compensators or porting on barrels allowed in this class.

6.3.3.5 Tactical shotguns may start a stage with a maximum of nine (9) rounds in the gun but magazine capacity will not be limited.

6.3.3.5.1 If competitor is caught starting a stage with more than nine (9) rounds in the gun, it will be considered “Unsportsmanlike conduct” and they will receive a Stage DQ.

6.3.3.6 No shotgun speed loaders or box fed shotguns are allowed in this class.

6.3.3.7  (Same as 4.3.3)  Maximum of 6 shot shells mounted in traditional (each shell is held in a loop of some kind) side-saddle type on  shotgun. No shotgun caddies of any kind on belt or shotgun. Max 6 rounds total on gun. All other shotgun rounds will be carried loose in your pockets and/or bag you will be given at the shotgun stage.

7. Holsters and Equipment

7.1 Handgun holsters and other 3­­gun equipment – All Divisions

7.1.1 The handgun holster must be capable of retaining the handgun during the vigorous movement that may be required or otherwise encountered during the course of fire.

7.1.2 The handgun holster must allow the competitor to safely draw and reholster the handgun without causing the muzzle to point in an unsafe direction at any time.

7.1.3 The handgun holster must completely cover and protect the handgun’s trigger guard.

7.1.4 The competitor shall use the same handgun holster for the duration of the match.

7.1.5 Spare ammunition, magazines, speed loaders and other equipment must be secured in pouches, pockets and/or carriers on the competitor’s person or firearm.

7.1.6 The competitor may not abandon any equipment during the course of fire except detachable magazines, speed loaders or ammunition clips.

 

8. Scoring

8.1 Scoring per stage will be time plus penalties. Maximum time allowed to shoot any stage varies by stage.

8.2.1 Each hit on paper will be scored  with possible time penalties.  Two A hits – no penalty, a C hit is .5 seconds and a D hit is 1 second. 

8.2.2 Engaged but no hits on paper = Failure to Neutralize (FTN) = 10 second penalty.

8.2.3 Failure to Engage (FTE) = 15 second penalty, except Long Range Steel (100 yds or more).

8.2.4 Failure to Engage- Long Range Steel (100 yards or more) = 30 second penalty.

8.2.5 Failures to engage that are NOT due to forgetfulness or running out of time, but are rounds sent downrange or not even fired with no real attempt to hit the target will be assessed a higher, poor sportsmanship FTE penalty. These penalties can range from 30 seconds upwards, and for severe offenses may even receive a stage or match DQ.

8.3 Paper targets used in the match will be IPSC metric and USPSA Classic targets. Full and half size.

8.4 Designated “No Shoot” targets that are hit will incur a 30 second penalty for each hit.

8.5 Knock down style targets (i.e. poppers or steel) MUST FALL to score. Calibration as follows:

8.5.1 Pistol targets – 9mm, 125pf.

8.5.2 Rifle Targets – AR15 type rifle with .223 Remington factory ammo.

8.5.3 Shotgun Targets – 12 gauge, 3 ¼ Dram, #7.5. IC choke.

8.6 Frangible targets must break to score. (One BB hole is a break.)

8.6.1 If frangible target is knocked off its stand it is considered hit.

8.7 Swinging style rifle targets must be struck solid enough to cause the hidden “flash card” to be visible to the R.O. R.O. will call hits.

8.8 Rifle targets that are 200+ yds will incur a 20 second penalty for failure to neutralize. 30 seconds for failure to engage.

8.9 Failure to engage (FTE) a frangible, knock down or swinging style target will result in a 15­­second penalty.
8.10 Engaging a frangible, knock­­down or swinging style target but not breaking it, knocking it down or causing the target to react (FTN), will result in a 5 second penalty per target.

8.11 Procedural penalties, 5 seconds per shot, may be assessed for failing to follow the stage directions as written in the stage description.

8.12 Targets shot with the wrong firearm or wrong type of ammunition will incur a procedural (see rule 8.11) if the target is hit, plus a 15­­second failure to engage penalty if the target becomes unavailable to be neutralized with the correct firearm. Additionally, if the target is damaged, competitor will be held financially responsible and must meet the responsibility before continuing to the next stage.

8.13 Stage Not Fired (SNF/DNF) penalty, 300 seconds per stage not fired.

8.14 Coaching or verbal assistance given by anyone during an active stage run by a competitor is forbidden. Competitors found coaching can receive an unsportsmanlike penalty of a stage or match DQ.

8.15 A Stage DQ will result in a 300 second stage time.

8.16 Rifle and pistol static steel targets require 1 hit to neutralize. R.O. will call hits.

8.17 Shotgun slug targets require 1 hit to neutralize. R.O. will call hits.

 

9. Start Positions

9.1 No ammo in hands at start, regardless of start position or firearm used.

9.2 Long Guns

9.2.1 Both hands must be on the gun at start.

9.2.1.1 Low Ready ­­ Buttstock in shoulder, muzzle below belt.

9.2.1.2 Port Arms ­­ Buttstock at or below belt. Muzzle at eye level or above.

9.2.1.3 Other positions may be used and will be described by the stage brief.

 

10. Arbitration Rules & General Principles

10.1 Administration

10.1.1 Occasional disputes are inevitable in any competitive activity governed by rules. It is recognized that at the more significant levels of competition, emotions run high and the outcome is much more important to the individual competitor. Generally effective match administration and planning will prevent most disputes. However, in cases that disputes do arise, see

10.2 Access

10.2.1.1 Protests may be submitted for arbitration except the actual scoring of targets. However, protests arising from a disqualification for a safety infraction will only be accepted to determine whether or not an infraction as described by the range official was in fact unsafe. The commission of the infraction may not be protested.

10.3 Appeals

10.3.1.1 Decisions are made initially by the Range Officer. If the complainant disagrees with a decision, the Range Master should be summoned and asked to rule.

Match Director may be summoned and asked to rule and his decision is final. *Note: Remaining calm and rational while arbitrating disputes will make this unpleasant job easier.

10.4 Each division must have at least 3 (three) competitors.

10.4.1 Tactical Limited, if less than 3 competitors, will have the option of shooting in Tactical Optics.

10.4.4 If a division has less than 3 competitors and the competitors have not opted to shoot in another division, the Match Director may place the competitor in the appropriate division or combine divisions.