"charged firearm"?

[Standpat Steve]

Howdy again,

So, I'm reading the new by-laws included in the current issue of "The Shootist" and have one last question. Under the Safety and Procedure Rules, item #12:

"No running under time with a charged firearm in hand."

What exactly is the definition of a "charged firearm"? For instance, in SASS matches you are not allowed to run with a cocked firearm, or a loaded firearm that has a live round under the hammer. Are these rules essentially the same, or would there be some different circumstances included under the NCOWS rules?

Thanks . . .

[Grizzle Bear]

There was considerable debate on this subject, as I remember, it came down to this:

If there was still a live round in the gun, it was to be considered "charged".  Didn't matter if it was under the hammer or not.

I did not agree with this interpretation, but was out-voted.

(Used to IPSC, with just a safety between me and a live round.  Never felt unsafe.)

Grizzle Bear

[Standpat Steve]

 

Howdy Grizzle Bear,

My Goodness, that is certainly different from what I thought. I'm glad I asked! Thank you for your reply.

I find this to be a rather severe interpretation. Like you, I have run with a gun in my hand and lived to tell the tale<G>. Still, I try to play by the rules. Now that I know what is meant by "charged" - I know what is expected of me. Thanks again. 

[Ornery Orr]

I'm pretty sure that Grizzle Bear is correct on this one.  At NTR it is encouraged that nobody runs at all even if the gun is in the holster.  (Safety issue with possible slippery surfaces).  Movement (from a window to a doorway, for instance) with a COCKED firearm is a safety violation.  Then of course we have the 170 rule and the "crossdraw shuffle" and all that good stuff that keeps us happy and alive to enjoy the next shoot.