Question about Modified Light Level at Firing Position

[Bob LeDoux]

As noted in an earlier post ranges vary greatly in the level of light falling on the gun sights. I prefer a lower level of light, one that does not require me to employ blackening techniques for the sights.

Is it legal for a shooter to mount a shade, on a separate stand, that reduces the level of light falling on the sights? I know ISSF rules prohibit pistol-mounted shades on front sights. But what about a separate stand with a diffuser that might be set a foot or two above the shooters' firing position, between the light source and gun?

[Al Dart]

I believe that the rules state, in essence, that the overall lighting on the range be of uniform nature. I would think that what you proposed could be construed as modifying your firing point to gain an advantage. Without further digging into the rules, my gut feeling is that, if I were a match director and this was attempted, I would not allow it.

Al

[David Levene]

I think I would agree with Al.

You would probably be in breach of sentance 2 of rule 8.4.1.1
"............Anything (pistols, devices, equipment, accessories, etc.) which may give a shooter an unfair advantage over others and which is not mentioned in these Rules, or which is contrary to the spirit of the ISSF Rules and Regulations, is prohibited........."

[Bob LeDoux]

Could they prevent me from shielding my rear sight with my free hand?

I think these opinions are far too narrow. You are effectively saying we are at the whim of variable shooting line parameters.

Neutral density and colored filters are permitted on shooting glasses. Does this give an unfair advantage to the user? They perform much the same function to reduce light level or modify light to benefit the shooter.

[David Levene]

Bob

When the ISSF rules are not specific on a topic you will always run the risk of individual interpretation of the rules going against you. If a Match Director / Jury Member interprets them in one way then you will need evidence rather than just your interpretation to win the arguement.

If you want something that will sway most Match Directors can I suggest that you email the ISSF and ask for their views.

[Guest]

Could they prevent me from shielding my rear sight with my free hand?

I think these opinions are far too narrow. You are effectively saying we are at the whim of variable shooting line parameters.

Neutral density and colored filters are permitted on shooting glasses. Does this give an unfair advantage to the user? They perform much the same function to reduce light level or modify light to benefit the shooter.

Simpler to:
- get used to a properly lit range, and
- blacken the sights (like the rest of us?)

The ISSF rule book is big enough as it is.
A lot of the shooting procedures in the various matches is left to common sense and established practice.

What next, a personal enviro-tent so that a shooter can have the temperature and humidity levels like 'back home'?

Have a look at the photos and videos of World Cups and Olympics ... see anybody using a light shield? shooting with the off-hand shadowing the sights? Eveybody else seems to understand what is required.

Simpler to:
- get used to a properly lit range, and
- blacken the sights (like the rest of us?)

[Bob LeDoux]

The ranges I have shot air pistol are all 50 foot firing lines. They tend to be NRA-based facilities going back 50 years. All use cable return target changers. In most cases auxiliary lights have to be placed on the range floor to illuminate targets that are sent out 10 meters, sometimes measured by a piece of tape on the target cable.

This situation is pretty typical in the USA where ISSF shooting sports represent a small minority of range operations.

The one time I shot at an ISSF-type facility I was at a disadvantage because the higher light level falling on the sights caught me off guard.

I think few shooters, especially in the USA, enjoy facilities that meet the ISSF standards.