Bowling Pin Match Rules & Information
Pin shooting is the sport of shooting regulation bowling pins off a table under controlled conditions utilizing range commands. Handguns of various calibers are used to shoot numerous events with a precision, non-tactical attitude, while demonstrating good sportsmanship.
To organize, promote and support the sport of competition bowling pin shooting.
All shooters are of equal importance to the sport. Classifications allow for the equitable distribution of prizes and the competitive growth of the shooter.
Classifications are based on precision and a sportsmanlike match attitude; competitive shoots at recognized ranges using BPM (Bowling Pin Match) standards for range commands.
BPM guidelines may be modified by shoot organizers, special physical condition individual, or host facilities to meet their unique circumstances. Guideline variations should be published for contestants to review prior to registration.
Safety is of utmost importance. The sport should remain safe and enjoyable for all who participate. Non-sportsmanlike conduct by any competitor may result in disqualification of that shooter. Experienced shooters should set examples for others to follow.
Maximum safety requirements for both competitors, and spectators must be maintained. All weapons must be handled in a safe manner at all time; firearms should be cased, or carried with the magazines removed, slides back and cylinders open. There can be no loaded weapons unless authorized by range officers or host facility officers.
Eye and ear protection must be worn at all times while in restricted areas. Safety glasses, and ear protection should be mandatory for spectators, and active shooters. Special arrangements for inexperienced shooters should be made to allow them to compete. It may be necessary to allow an experienced shooter to accompany them to the line for safety reasons.
Local range safety rules, gun handling areas, and safety regulations for a particular shoot or range should be posted. Practice, dry fire, and restricted areas should be well marked. Copies of rules should be provided to both shooters, and spectators. Safety regulations must be posted for all to read.
Releases should be signed by all individuals after reading safety regulations.
Various procedures may be used in the actual running of the match. This is by no means the only procedure that may be used. It can, and may be modified by individual match personnel for a specific match. Any special treatment given a specific individual should be documented and explained.
All shooters must register, pay necessary fees, and sign releases prior to competition. It is recommended that all guests also be required to sign releases so safety regulations can be explained. Glasses and hearing protection can be sold or provided at this time.
Competitors may be required to shoot their main event prior to competing in optional event competition. Score cards can be given to competitors prior to competition or may be held until the shooter is called to the line. Competitors should be required to sign their score sheet after each event.
Fees are to be determined by the match organizers. They should be posted and included in all literature to shooters. If competitors fail to make it to the shoot, match organizers will decide if a refund should be given.
The match organizers may elect to modify or cancel any event for reasons beyond their control. If shooters are not allowed to compete, refunds must be made. Fees collected for canceled events must be returned.
Shoot results should be posted, at an open designated bulletin board.
Prize distribution should be included as part of the shoot information. Final prize distribution and payoffs should be published and included with the results.
The match will be scored when the shooter has either knocked down all of the pins or emptied their magazines (see attached chart for details). Timing commences with a start signal and stops when the final pin hits the ground or backstop, unless otherwise listed in the rules.
All shooters start with a signal, or from a range officer verbal command.
Competition in BPM recognized main event matches, Open Gun, Stock Gun, and Revolver, consists of shooting a single string at one table.
Optional events are typically a single exceptional string with the best challenge positions to determine the winner. If two or more shooters tie, the second, and third, exceptional target have to be completed, to determine the winner.
MATCH RULES AND SHOOTING FORMAT:
At Registration the competitor will be given score sheet for the events he/she signs up for. The team leader assigned by the range officer will collect all the paid score sheets, prepare the line up for the shooters, and notify the shooter when he/she is on deck. It is the competitor's responsibility to be ready when they are called to the line.
The range commands at a specific shoot should remain constant. "Shooters ready", "Gun on the Table", then the "Start" command. An audible tone, an official verbal command, and / or red flag signal; this is use for special individual.
The Range Officer ensures the range is clear, and issues the commands:
1. "Do you understand the string?"
2. "Shooters On the line, you may load, and make ready"
3. "Shooter Ready"
4. The Range Officer then delivers the start signal. The approximate time between commands is 3 to 5 seconds.
Shooters are positioned behind a table, which is approximately 36 inches high and 15 feet from the front edge of the pin table. The start position is with the gun or hand touching the start box. The safety must be applied and hammer may not be cocked; the range officer must be able to observe that the weapon is in a safe condition. If a shooter has an accidental discharge downrange, and the line is hot, that shooter may proceed but cannot reload that round. Range officer may disqualify (DQ) a shooter who does not respect other shooters.
If during the start commands a shooter is not ready, he/she should indicate this to the team leader. If the Timer does not stop the start commands, the shooter should stand down, and a restart will be given. It is the team leader responsibility to let the range officer know when his/her shooter is ready. As long as a competitor does not fire a shot, he/she will be allowed a restart.
At the start signal the competitor addresses the pins and begins firing. The pins can be shot as specified by the course designed. The competitor continues until the last pin is cleared from the table. If necessary the shooter may reload, as specified from the chart provided. A maximum time of 10 minutes is allowed per run at most matches.
When finished with the tables assigned to the shooter the Range Officer will issue the command: "Show clear, Slides Back, Cylinders Open". Both the Range Officer and the team leader will then make sure the line is safe. All handguns will be cased. When the Range Officer announces "range is cleared,” the team leader will go forward and reset pins.
When finished on the line, the competitor will case or bag the firearm and withdraw from the line.
PIN SETS & EVENT SPECIFIC RULES:
The pin placements, firearms and calibers are not the only options available to match organizers. Table design and pin set combinations may vary as available resources at the time, as well as for the safe handling of weapons.
For safety reasons, firearm calibers must follow the chart provided. Any caliber not listed must be cleared with the range officer.
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