What happens between the call to the line and the last shot?
I · Intermediate · Events and scoring · 3 of 7Athletes are called to the line at least 25 minutes before the start. They get 10 minutes to set up and then 15 minutes of preparation and sighting time with unlimited sighting shots. After the command "MATCH FIRING…START" every shot counts, and a shot not fired inside the time limit is scored as a miss. The 25 m events use a shorter routine.
How it works
- The call: 25 minutes before the published start. Guns and equipment may not be put on the firing points before it.
- Setting up: 10 minutes. Athletes may handle their guns, do holding and aiming exercises and practise dry firing. Range officers finish their checks in this time.
- Preparation and sighting: starts on "PREPARATION AND SIGHTING TIME…START" and lasts 15 minutes. The range officer announces "30 SECONDS" near the end, then "END OF PREPARATION AND SIGHTING…STOP".
- The pause: about 30 seconds while the targets are reset.
- Match firing: starts on "MATCH FIRING…START". From then on every shot is a match shot. Dry firing is still allowed.
- No more sighting shots: unless the jury permits them. A sighting shot fired against this rule is scored as a miss.
- Time checks: the Chief Range Officer announces the time remaining at 10 minutes and at 5 minutes.
- The end: on "STOP". A shot fired after it is a miss, and shots not fired in the time are scored as misses.
- Stoppages: an athlete stopped for more than three minutes through no fault of their own, and not by their own gun or ammunition, may claim the time back. After more than five minutes, or a move to another firing point, they also get unlimited sighting shots and five more minutes.
- Late arrival: the athlete may shoot and gets no extra time, unless the jury accepts that the delay was beyond their control.
- Being disturbed: the athlete keeps the gun pointed down the range and tells a range officer at once. If the claim is justified the shot is annulled and repeated. If not, the shot stands and there is no penalty.
- 25 m events: athletes are called 10 minutes before the preparation time, which lasts three minutes and starts on "PREPARATION TIME BEGINS NOW". Safety flags stay in until then. Sighting is one series of five shots.
Athletes shoot in groups called relays when there are more entries than targets.
Tricky cases
An athlete fires before "PREPARATION AND SIGHTING TIME…START". What is the penalty?
Their first competition shot is registered as a miss. If safety was involved they may be disqualified.
An athlete fires in the pause between the end of sighting and "MATCH FIRING…START". Does the shot count?
No. It is not counted as a match shot and two points are taken from the first competition shot.
Is dry firing allowed during the match?
Yes, in qualification. In finals it is allowed only during the preparation and sighting periods.
An athlete turns up late through their own fault. Do they get the full time?
No. They may take part and must finish inside the time that is left. Sighting shots are still allowed.
Why the rule exists
Everyone gets the same fixed time to settle and to check that the sights are set for the day's light and the range. Drawing a hard line between sighting and match firing means no athlete can decide afterwards which shots were practice.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ISSF rules | As above | ISSF 6.11.1; ISSF 6.11.3; ISSF 6.11.4; ISSF 6.11.7 |
| Finals | Five minutes of preparation and sighting. Safety flags stay in and dry firing waits until it starts | ISSF 6.17.2 (d); ISSF 6.11.1.1 (e) |
| Mixed team qualification | The same routine. A shot before the start of sighting makes the first competition shot a miss | ISSF 6.18.2.3; ISSF 6.18.2.4 |
| 25 m events | Three minutes of preparation and a sighting series of five shots | ISSF 8.7.6.1 |
From the rule book
ISSF Official Statutes, Rules and Regulations, Edition 2025 (second print 07/2026), General Technical Rules 6.11.1, 6.11.3, 6.11.4 and 6.11.7, with Pistol Rule 8.7.6.1. Effective 1 July 2026. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: ISSF Rule Book (PDF).