Air rifle palm blocks

[PaulB]

I am trying to make sure that the NRA precision air rifle rules and ISSF rules are not drastically different. Also, I would like to make sure the collegiate club rifle shooters and coaches understand what the rules are.

ISSF rule 7.4.2.2 for air rifle states: "A thumb hole, thumb rest, palm rest, heel rest and spirit level are prohibited. A heel rest is any protrusion or extension on the front or side of the pistol grip designed to prevent the hand from slipping. The pistol grip, cheek-piece or lower part of the stock may not be anatomically formed."

Rule 7.4.5.2 Palm Rests states: "A palm rest is any removable attachment or extension below the fore-end that aids the support of the rifle by the forward hand. Such extensions must not extend more than 200 mm below the centerline of the barrel."

Picture 7.4.4.1 shows a palm block / palm rest below the fore-end which is adjustable and removable on many of the guns of current manufacture.

7.4.2.2 and 7.4.5.2 seems to contradict one another. 7.4.2.2 says a palm rest is prohibited. 7.4.5.2 says in the first sentence that a palm rest is any removable extension while in the second sentence it implies that such an extension is allowed by stating what its maximum depth can be.

What is the current interpretation of these clearly contradictory rules? Obviously, the ISSF is allowing these palm rests. Since they are, what are the limitations. They must be within the maximum 60mm width and the new maximum 120mm depth. Can they be angled front to back? Is there any limit on the attachment point or attachment method? At the new 120mm depth one will be able to wrap their fingers around the extension; is this allowed? Can they be stippled or have grooves cut in them to help with gripping, possibly at odds with rule 7.4.2.6 "Material that gives increased grip may not be added to the fore-end, pistol grip or lower part of the stock", i.e. what is the difference in manufacturing the part to be non-slick to begin with and adding something to make it non-slick, such as gluing on a piece of elbow pad material or sandpaper?

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

[TenMetrePeter]

The "palm rest" prohibited in 7.4.2.2 is the type fitted to the pistol grip. Aka heel rest or palm shelf.

Badly worded you might say. I wouldnt dare.

[PaulB]

Palm rest and heel rest are different. Palm rest goes under the fore-end of the stock (7.4.5.2) and heel rest goes on the pistol grip (7.4.2.2).

[TenMetrePeter]

Palm rest and heel rest are different. Palm rest goes under the fore-end of the stock (7.4.5.2) and heel rest goes on the pistol grip (7.4.2.2).

Exactly, so 7.4.2.2 needs the words "palm rest" deleting. But it never will be corrected because "everyone knows what they mean"

[TenMetrePeter]

Interesting that CMP Precision air rifle rules 4.4.5 and 4.4.7 address the "Palm rest " conundrum by utilizing ISSF rules but explaining the difference between palm rests and fore end risers in a way that ISSF have not managed to do.

"4.4.5 Pistol Grip and Stock Fore-end
Any protrusion, extension or depression on the front or side of the pistol grip designed to prevent the hand from slipping (such as a hand or heel rest) is not allowed. Fore-end riser
blocks that do not exceed dimension D in Rule 4.4 (120 mm maximum depth) when attached to the fore-end may be used in one or more positions or removed in one or more
positions.
4.4.7 Special Features
A thumbhole, thumb rest, palm rest, heel rest (Rule 4.4.5) and spirit level are prohibited.
Detachable fore-end risers are not regarded as palm rests provided the dimension limit for the depth of the fore-end is not exceeded when they are in place (Rule 4.4 D) and the weight limit for the rifle is not exceeded (Rule 4.4 M). A detachable fore-end may be removed for one or two positions. Material may be added to the stock as long as it does not exceed maximum dimensions. Any addition must conform to the existing form and may not be anatomically formed. ... etc"

Yes. Clear and concise! well done CMP!