Bowling Pin Shooting - Course of Fire

Course of Fire

Safety is the first concern in a pin event, and the authority of the range officer is inviolate. Shooters are absolutely required to obey the range officer at all times.

The shooters are called to their stations, referred to as “the line.” Guns are to be cased or holstered until otherwise permitted by the range officer. There is no limit to the amount of ammunition, magazines or speedloaders that a shooter may bring to the line.

In conducting a round, the range officer gives the following commands:

“Shooters may take an unloaded sight picture.” At this point, guns may be removed from cases and holsters, and shooters are allowed to aim their unloaded guns at the target to ready themselves for fire.

“Shooters may load and make ready.” At this point, shooters load their guns and array their magazines or speedloaders for fast reloading. Shooters are not allowed to point their loaded guns at the target while awaiting permission to fire. Muzzles must be kept at a 45 degree downward angle, or the muzzle may be rested on the shooting station. The shooter’s finger must not be on the trigger.

“Ready on the right?” Right shooter nods approval or states that he or she is not ready to commence fire.

“Ready on the left?” Left shooter nods approval or states that he or she is not ready to commence fire.

“Standby” – Shooters prepare to fire, keeping their muzzles on their stations, fingers off the trigger.

Blow of the whistle or horn – Shooters engage the pins until they have cleared their pins or the whistle or horn is blown a second time.

Second blow of the whistle or horn – Shooters immediately stop firing. The match is over, and the range officer has determined a winner.

“Unload and show clear” Shooters unload their guns, keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, remaining at their stations so that the range officer can verify that the guns are unloaded and in a safe condition.

“Bag or holster.” Shooters return their guns to their cases or holsters and depart the line.

“The line is clear. Go forward and reset targets.” After a round, shooters who were not on the line and are not called to the line for the next round are informally expected to set the pins for the next round of shooters. Persons setting pins should examine the condition of the pin to determine if it remains satisfactory for further use.