Empty Chamber Indicators Are Required for NRA Pistol,
Smallbore Rifle, and Highpower Rifle Competition
NRA rules now specify the use of an "empty chamber indicator" during conventional pistol and smallbore rifle events. This rule is consistent with a similar longstanding requirement for highpower rifle matches.
Strict enforcement of open bolt / slide locked back is becoming the norm at sanctioned matched; it is no longer just a warning. If an empty chamber indicator is not in place, the violation can result in a match disqualification.
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CONVENTIONAL PISTOL Rule changes effective 2008 |
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3.21 Empty Chamber Indicator (ECI) - An Empty Chamber Indicator (ECI) is required in all NRA Sanctioned Pistol Competitions to indicate the slide is open and the chamber is empty. The ECI, when inserted into the revolver or pistol must extend into the empty chamber or cylinder and must be externally visible. |
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As an added layer of safety before going forward of the firing line, OSC implemented the empty chamber indicator requirement at all bullseye and rifle events. Range/line commands will remind all shooters that the indicators must be in place before the line can be declared safe.
"Magazines Out - Slides Back - Guns on the Bench - Make the Line Safe - Empty Chamber Indicators in Place"
OSC has always conducted its operations with safety foremost on its mind. This practice will train you to develop a good safety habit, one which you will have to obey when you shoot as a guest on another range or in any competitive events.
Empty chamber flags are available on the indoor range (and on the outdoor bullseye range in the late spring-early summer) for use during weekly organized events. Most of our active pistol shooters purchased their own empty chamber flags in 2008 when their use was first directed.
A new shipment of empty chamber flags has arrived and are available for sale to OSC members. New shooters (and anyone else who needs a replacement or a few extra) are encouraged to acquire their own flags. Consider them as accessories essential for any organized event. I recommend one for every firearm you use in competition; pack it with the firearm so, like your magazines, you always have it when you need one.
A few empty chamber flags are presently available for sale on the indoor range during weekly events. (They're in a plastic bag; $1 each.) Please do not take the club's flags which are marked "Property of OSC".
Alternatively, you may submit the following order form via email:
Empty chamber indicators are available from a variety of sources. The two pictured above are available from the NRA Program Materials Center. The .22 cal green flag indicator is Item No. CT 17515 ($27.75/50 pack), and the yellow flag indicator is Item No. CT 17510 ($15.00/25 pack).
