Range Master Stage Review
Range Master Stage Review
A stage review by the Range Master is a critical component of safe and fair match execution. Whether it's a Level I local match or a higher-level sanctioned event, every stage should be evaluated for safety, legality, and target integrity before competitors step to the line.
Safety
Shooting area free of tripping hazards?
Walk all shooting areas to identify and remove uneven ground, holes, or objects that may trip competitors.
Remove any large rocks on berms behind targets?
Ensure the backstop is free from obstacles that could cause dangerous ricochets or deflections.
Fault lines secured to ground
All fault lines should be clearly marked and anchored to prevent shifting during use.
No sharp edges on walls, barrels or other items
Inspect for exposed screws, cracked plastic, or metal edges that could cause injury.
Ensure steel targets are not damaged
Check all steel for craters, bends, or unsafe conditions. Replace damaged steel immediately.
Barrels used as shooting supports
If competitors will engage targets over barrels, ensure the lip is flush with the ground to prevent tipping.
No blind areas or pathways
ROs must maintain visual contact with competitors at all times. Avoid layouts that introduce blind corners or obstructed views.
Rounds must remain safely within the range
Check that all shooting angles, including those involving swingers or high targets, cannot result in rounds leaving the bay or range property.
Avoid low targets
Ensure low targets do not promote rounds impacting the floor and skipping over berms.
No RO traps
Stage layout should not force ROs into awkward or unsafe positions during a competitor’s run.
Legality
8-round neutral
No position or location should require more than 8 rounds. Applies to all levels of USPSA competition.
32-round limit (Level 3 or Nationals)
Ensure total round count does not exceed the legal maximum.
Consistency in target types
Do not mix USPSA and IPSC targets, including steel no-shoots. Maintain target discipline.
No full targets as hardcover
Only partials may be used as hardcover. Do not obscure a full target with another full target.
Steel distance
- Minimum 23 feet if behind a barrier
- Minimum 26 feet if exposed with only a fault line
This includes all steel, even those acting as hardcover.
180 safety check
Ensure targets cannot be legally engaged from beyond the 180-degree safety line.
Legal fault lines
Use materials that are a minimum of 0.75” tall, preferably 1.5”, for clear definition.
Vision barriers and props must be anchored
Walls, fault lines, and barriers must be staked or clearly marked to prevent shifting during the match.
Targets
Replaceability
Ensure cardboard targets can be quickly and consistently replaced during reset.
Check for shoot-throughs
Inspect from all legal positions to ensure that rounds cannot unintentionally hit props or other targets.
Coroplast reinforcement
Use coroplast behind walls that are likely to be hit to minimize damage.
Paint vulnerable props
If barrels or walls are expected to take hits, paint them for easier post-match damage assessment.
Distance from 180
Ensure no targets are too close to the 180 line, especially angled shots that may approach the safety line.
A-zone exposure
Confirm that minimum scoring area requirements are met, especially for long or partial targets.
Avoid freestanding no-shoots
These are prone to movement and often lead to scoring complications. Anchor no-shoots wherever possible.
Stake all targets
Cardboard and steel targets should be properly staked to prevent shifting or tipping mid-match.
Match documentation
Verify that the number of targets, steel, and total round count matches what’s programmed into the tablets.
Moving Targets
Hidden from view when set
Ensure moving targets are concealed until activated, if required by the stage design.
Legal presentation at rest
Verify whether targets are disappearing or non-disappearing and that their presentation follows USPSA rules.
Spare parts
Keep extra cables, pulleys, connectors, and springs on hand in case of failure.
Cable safety
Activator cables should not cross the shooting path or become tripping hazards.
Consistent presentation
All activated targets should operate reliably and consistently from run to run.
Malfunctions and reshoot potential
Evaluate moving targets for any common failure modes that could lead to reshoots or range equipment failures (REFs).
Ammunition compatibility
Test moving targets using both sub-minor and major power factor ammunition to confirm reliable activation.