Apologies to all that this might be a bit long, but what I heard on the weekend was utter bull crap...
Are they Legal or Not?
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With the introduction of new rifles onto the shooting circuit here in Australia, we're beginning to see interesting attachments, and people testing various "theories" to improve accuracy.
Everyone wants that "killer" rifle, so a barrel attachment, or different stock, different trigger, through to 80x scopes and spider crosshairs are being used, tried, trialled, discounted, discarded.
At all levels of competition, there are rules and guidelines to be followed. We don't want to get to the stage with smallbore rimfire benchrest where, to simply compete, we need $10,000 rifles, or rifles that are rail guns. It should come down to the shooter, their skill, their wind reading abilities, the selection tune and care of their equipment, and the bullet selection.
In recent months, there's been an argument whether the Parallel Noodle/J&J Slide is legal or not. This has lead to a broader questioning of the rules regarding smallbore rimfire benchrest in general. I've heard ridiculous arguments stating that according to the rules we're not even allowed to use scopes!
Whether an attachment/accessory is legal or not depends on which competition shooters are using that device in. This is what is causing some shooters much angst here in Australia.
We shoot under the TRA banner two different forms of benchrest:
* Smallbore Rimfire Benchrest, using the standard 20-shot 10.4mm 10-ring target, or 60-shot English Match; and
* RBA, which uses a 25-shot 6mm 10-ring target. This form of shooting was run privately, then by NSWSARAI, but is now taken over by TRA. To "confuse" matters, the target card itself was redesigned (for the better) to more closely mimic the WRABF standard.
Both of these disciplines have different rulesets applied.
In addition, there is a third discipline of Rimfire Benchrest we commonly shoot called IRB, which is run by the SSAA, and uses a completely different set of rules again. I will not comment on this discipline, as I do not shoot it.
As you can see, it's important to know what set of rules you're shooting under when shooting in an Rimfire Benchrest match.
To determine the legality of the Parralel Noodle/J&J Slide, we need to review the rules for each discipline. I'll start with the rules for the TRA Smallbore Rimfire Benchrest match.
The Chain of Rules
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If I shoot in a Prize Shoot at a club affiliated with NSWSARAI, and they're using the 20-shot cards, or the 60-shot English Match electronic targets, where the 10-ring is 10.4mm diameter, I am governed by the TRA Supplementary Rules and the ISSF Rulebook.
It's interesting to note that the ISSF Rulebook makes no mention whatsoever about benchrest, so people would think that that rulebook would not apply.
This is incorrect. It very much applies, but it is "modified" by rules set out in the TRA Supplementary Rulebook.
Starting at the top, the TRA Supplementary Rulebook (Version 3.0 of 2010) states in bold right on the front page:
"These Rules are supplementary to and to be read in conjunction with the current ISSF Official Statutes, Rules and Regulations, as endorsed by Target Rifle Australia Inc."; and
"Should any conflicting rules other than those appear; those contained herein shall take precedence."
These two statements tell us that if there is a rule in the TRA Supplement, and a rule in the ISSF Rulebook, the TRA rule shall take precedence. This is why the TRA rulebook is called a _supplementary_ rulebook, and not a rulebook in its own right.
Benchrest Rifles and Equipment
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Because there is no mention of anything related to benchrest shooting in the ISSF rulebook, the TRA supplement seems to be the bible as far as we are concerned. But if there is no rule in the TRA supplement regarding an aspect under question, and there is a rule in the ISSF rulebook, we must abide by the ISSF rulebook.
Section A.5.4 begins to detail the benchrest rifle. There are three classes of benchrest rifle defined:
* A.5.4.3 - Benchrest Sporter Rifle - no greater than 3.5kg, no wider than 60mm and the foreend must be convex in shape. Nothing is to be attached to the barrel bar a sight and sight bases. Scope is limited to 12-power.
* A.5.4.4 - Restricted Benchrest Target Rifle - no greater than 4.5kg, scope magnification unlimited, can be electronically triggered, barrel tuning devices allowed. Stock may be flat foreend, but no wider than 3". There is a 3cm rule regarding width at the butt in contact with the rear bag. We don't see any competitions using this class of rifle.
* A.5.4.5 - Open Benchrest Target Rifle. Same as that for the Restricted Benchrest Target Rifle, except weight must be no greater than 8kg.
**** NOTE: Scopes are allowed, as they're specifically mentioned in the TRA Supplement.
**** NOTE: There are no rules specifically mentioning devices like the Noodle/J&J Slide, Harrels Tuners, etc. The rules only state "barrel tuning devices allowed".
Section A.5.5 outlines rules regarding the benchrest rear bag, and front rest.
Section A.5.7 outlines wind flags, noting ISSF standard windflags are allowed - no private flags permitted.
Section A.6.3 outlines the course of fire and timing for benchrest competitions
Section A.6.4 outlines benchrest range safety.
Section A.6.5 outlines shots per target.
... and that's about it.
So, it could be construed from the Supplement that the Parallel Noodle/J&J Slide is allowed. Unfortunately, it's not as clear-cut as it seems. There is nothing said regarding the perforations around the body of the device.
The ISSF rules (Edition 2009, 3rd Reprint) state:
Section 7.4.1.2 "Barrels and extension tubes must not be perforated in any way. Any construction or device inside the barrel or tubes, other than rifling and chambering for the cartridge or pellet, is prohibited."
Section 7.4.1.2.1 "Compensators and muzzle brakes on rifles are prohibited."
... and that's about it.
The ISSF rule says that barrels and extension tubes must not be perforated.
**** I get from this that a Parallel Noodle/J&J Slide is PERMITTED, so long as the holes in these devices are completely covered up. These devices essentially become a "bloop" tube when the holes are covered. Note that the aluminium sliding block cannot be used to cover these holes, as it too has "perforations" in it, and it doesn't completely cover up the holes in the noodle itself. The only safe way is to cover the holes with tape.
Why you would have one on the end of your barrel/tuner, is completely up to you, the shooter. I use one on my Harrels Tuner purely to add a tad more weight.
RBA/WRABF Rimfire Benchrest
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As stated above, RBA was a private venture, which was taken over by NSWSARAI, and hence by TRA. There are no rules on the TRA website covering this discipline whatsoever, so I assume we refer to the WRABF Rulebook for any and all rules, (this aspect should be looked into).
WRABF is NOT affiliated with the ISSF. So none of the ISSF rules apply in this case, and thus none of the rules in the TRA Supplement also apply in this case.
The rules pertaining to rifles is laid out in Section B.6 of the WRABF 2009-2011 rulebook.
There are three classes of rifle:
* International Sporter - no heavier than 3.855kg, scope limited to 6.5 power, barrel attachments are not permitted.
* Light Varmint - no heavier than 4.762kg, scope power unlimited, barrel attachments unlimited but included in the overall weight. No electronic or mechanically assisted triggers allowed. Stock tape allowed.
* Heavy Varmint - no heavier than 15 lbs, scope power unlimited, barrel attachments unlimited but included in the overall weight. No electronic or mechanically assisted triggers allowed. Stock tape allowed. No rail guns.
There are other rules related to front and rear rests, sand bags, restraint of rifle, etc.
**** I get from this that a Parallel Noddle/J&J slide is PERMITTED WITH NO RESTRICTION on whether the holes are covered up or not. It is left completely up to the shooter. I could, in theory, turn up with a 50-cal muzzle brake on the end of my rifle...
Conclusions
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What else is there to say about the legality or otherwise of these devices? If you disagree with the above, I welcome discussion, along with the facts as stated in the rulebooks to back up arguments.
To me, these rules are clear. Sure, we may not agree with some of them, but at the end of the day, we shoot under them, so we must understand them, and the intricacies of them.
I make no apologies for understanding the rulebooks, nor stating to others what I believe the rules are.
As an exercise in really getting to know the rules, are these possible or not?
1) Return to sighters during a TRA 60-shot English Match?
2) I'm shooting a 20-shot benchrest card, and I shoot two shots into one scoring target. What are the rules regarding the second shot?
TL;DR: For TRA, Parallel Noodle is ok but the holes need to be completely covered. Scopes are specifically mentioned, along with the maximum power permissible. For WRABF, any Noodle configuration is allowed.
G"day Bec,
Its good to see that your up on the rules and this occurence usually happens when someone has had a go at you or any other shooter because their not happy that they lost a match or did not not perform as well as they thought they could because you had an equipment edge or (cheat) and hence you have read the rules to defend in what you believe.
All of what you have stated is true and fact as I have read the rules also.
It pretty much sums up as-
TRA -If its a 60 shot match or a 20 shot match, the noodle/jj slide holes have to be taped or covered.
RBA- its ok to use either.
IRB- Its ok to use either.
Its pretty rough when its come down to the point where we have to tape a noodle/ JJslide up because its deemed to have enhanced the performance enough that it gives the shooter an edge!!!(coug,cough Bullshit.)
Returning to sighter for TRA-
TRA supp rules-A.4.3
A.4.3.1-All sighting targets provided may only be used before firing a shot on the first competition target.
The rules are a bit unclear to me for the overloading of a target but as I understand it - you must notify the RO of what has happened and skip the next target as not to exceed the 20 shots per target allowance.
This is stated in the ISSF rules but really is directed at prone shooting.
As it stands there are far more shooters attending IRB,RBA than there are TRA benchrest and also alot of TRA shooters dont venture to far afield and tend to stick to one disipline.
So thats my take on it.
Question- Are their many shooters using uncovered Noodle/JJslides in TRA benchrest.??
Regards
Native
Native,
This discussion has come up as more of these devices have appeared recently on the end of rifles (mine included), and people have questioned the legality or otherwise of them in the various competitions.
I think the ISSF rule originally stems from the idea that a device with holes in it would be construed as a muzzle brake, so noise and inconvenience the shooters either side with escaping gas.
A braked 22LR rifle would have negligible recoil, which would be a benefit in prone and 3P competition (especially standing).
You nailed the first question. I didn't know this rule existed until someone pointed it out to me whilst down at Geelong!
The question of what happens with an overloaded target popped up whilst I was shooting at the NSWSARAI Springwood Prize Shoot. The answer is surprisingly commonsense for a rulebook, but not as easy to deduce as you think. You're partially correct, though!
Bec,
I too think the perforated thing is to make sure no muzzle brakes or such are used but its being used in the wrong context and purpose now it was most likely designed for.
Can you shed some light on the overloaded target.??
Regards
Native
ISSF Rule 6.8.15 - reported to range officer. You're correct in this regard.
ISSF Rule 6.11.7.2 (Too many shots per paper target). The shooter should not be penalised for the first two shots. The shooter must fire fewer shots into the remaining targets so as not to shoot more than the alotted number of shots in the match.
The scoring of the excessive shot(s) are transferred to the target(s) with less than the expected number of shots.
In other words, if you overload a benchrest target, you should skip a target in compensation, but ensure you've still fired 20 shots for score. If you overload more than one target (or is that more than two *head scratch*), you begin to get penalised 2 points for every time you do it.
Note that none of this is in the TRA Supplementary Rules, only the fact we do 20 shots onto 20 targets for score in 30 minutes.
Agreed.
In the context of Olympic Games, World Cups, and Commonwealth Games that is ISSF events, it may well be reasonable to ban perforations/muzzle brakes.
What's lost in a lot of rule books I've seen is the context surrounding a rule or set of rules being created.
When I was sailing little model boats around lakes, we had rather state of the art little boats worth $4000. Some of the technical rules were downright arcane, like not allowing carbon fibre in certain spots in the boat. Why? It was due to cost, and the rulemakers decisions to try to keep costs to a minimum. Otherwise the class (IOM or International One Metre) would have ended up the exclusive domain of rich men running $10,000 boats.
Ok, Ron, I stand corrected on that class.
Yes, I don't shoot it, but nor have I seen a specific comp for that class of rifle. All the prize shoots I've been to or seen advertised have been for Open class and Sporter. This is in NSW. I don't know whether this class is shot in other events.
At the TRA National Championships, we only shoot Open class.
Thus my comment.
As a relative newcomer to the sport I have found different governing bodies,SSAA,TRA,RBA etc,rules and targets to be a bit frustrating .Some clubs even put there own interperation on rules.Rimfire benchrest is a great sport and I would like one governing body with diagrams accompying ambigious rules.