Commands

ROUTINE RANGE COMMANDS

COMMON TO ALL SPORTS (with slight variations):

Command Purpose

"Load and Make Ready" Directs the shooter to load their firearm and prepare for the stage.

"Are You Ready?" Confirms that the shooter is prepared to begin.

If no response, the RO assumes readiness after a short pause.

"Standby" Followed by the start signal/beep. The shooter must begin after the beep.

Start Signal (Beep) Initiates the course of fire.

Timing begins here.

"If You Are Finished, Unload and Show Clear" Used when the shooter completes the stage.  Begins the firearm clearing process.

"If Clear, Hammer Down and Holster" Ensures firearm is safely cleared before reholstering. Shooter must pull trigger safely (USPSA/PCSL) or decock if DA/SA (IDPA).

"Range is Clear" Declares the stage safe for scorekeeping and resetting.

No one enters until this is announced.

SPORT-SPECIFIC VARIATIONS:

USPSA

• "Make Ready" (instead of "Load and Make Ready") – Shooter may handle firearm and load as per division rules

• "If Clear, Hammer Down, Holster" – Mandatory dry-fire trigger pull after unloading.

• Use of "Standby" followed by beep is standard.
  
  

IDPA

• "Load and Make Ready" – Shooter loads and holsters per stage instructions (often carry-style).
  "If Clear, Hammer Down, and Holster" – DA/SA pistols may require decocking if hammer does not fall on empty chamber.
  
  

• More emphasis on concealment and real-world engagement.
  
  

PCSL

• Similar to USPSA, but with streamlined commands.
  
  

• Frequently uses "Make Ready", "Standby", and "Unload and Show Clear" in similar fashion.
  
  

• Greater emphasis on freestyle engagement and weapon transitions (e.g., rifle to pistol).
  
  

CORRECTIVE & SAFETY COMMANDS

Command Purpose

"Stop" Immediate command to cease fire.

Used for safety violations, equipment failure, or range hazards.

"Finger!" Warns that shooter's finger is in the trigger guard when it shouldn't be.

Common in USPSA/IDPA. May result in DQ.

"Muzzle!" Alerts that the shooter's muzzle is nearing or has broken the 180° safety line.

Safety DQ if violated.

"Cover!" (IDPA only) Reminds shooter to remain behind cover during engagement.

Procedural penalty may apply.

"Range is Hot" / "Range is Cold" Indicates whether live fire is occurring or if it is safe to enter the range.

Used before/after stages or during setup/reset.

SUMMARY OF PENALTIES RELATED TO COMMANDS

Infraction Possible Outcome

Early movement before beep Procedural penalty or reshoot

Finger in trigger guard during reload/movement Disqualification

Breaking 180° (muzzle direction) Disqualification

Failure to follow cover rules (IDPA) Procedural penalty

Failure to clear firearm correctly Warning or reshoot

FINAL NOTE

While commands are largely standardized, RO (Range Officer) discretion and stage design may introduce slight deviations. Shooters should always attend stage briefings, listen closely to RO instructions, and ask questions if unclear.