Failure to fire!

Any thoughts?

 

The 2 FTF per sub event rule has been in place for a few years.
I haven't seen it abused but that's just me.

I probably wouldn't squad with the 5 FTF guy again.

I have lost a pot when the wad just cleared the barrel.
It was the last target of the 50 with a factory AA.

Did you have a better rule you would like to propose?

Storm

 

If it is a registered ATA event, then the rule applies. If it is practice or a non-registered event, then it is up to the club. Wasted targets cost money. If it is an uncommon situation with an individual, then I would tend to ask if they had a mechanical or shell issue. Try and make sure they get it fixed before they come and shoot again. If the individual does not like the target, then he can pay for the extras or go waste other clubs targets. That scenario is why clubs are installing target management systems.

 

"If it is a registered ATA event, then the rule applies. If it is practice or a non-registered event, then it is up to the club."

That pretty much covers it.

Flyersarebest

 

Regardless of how much we happen to like or dislike a certain rule, our game is one of rules that must be followed and adhered to. Without that, it certainly isn't much of a game is it? If there's a rule you feel is unfair or being violated, talk with your state delegate and give him your thoughts on a necessary change. A change that's fair to everyone and especially our sport? I do realize change is sometimes necessary but must be done with forethought. Common sense rules for a simple game should be the challenge, not some trick rule that may favor one looking to fudge the system a tad.

I used to write on the old TS site; the current powers that be wouldn't care much for my rules! Forget to place a shell in your gun? Lost target. Call for a target and flinch with no shot attempt? Lost target, next shooters turn. At your post, once your head hits the comb, your target is alive so be ready to attack at your call. No gimmies whatsoever and one page of rules would suffice for such a simple game.

HAP

 

Hap, rules are made for a reason, and for us all. Even though you may not agree, a failure to fire is still a do-over. It is a rule. Get it changed or abide by it. Simple to do.

 

How about this. Happened to me this weekend. Mounted the gun, stuck my thinly gloved finger in to set the release trigger, and the gun went off. As always the gun is held above the trap, so no harm to anyone but my nerves obviously. Never had the chance to call for the target. I immediately called lost target on myself. Is this in fact a lost target, if I never called for, or had a target thrown?

 

Well, how could you own a target that you never called for, that you did not fire at? Just reload and call for another target, in your scenario. Correct?

 

A shooter does not have the right to just not shoot at a target for no reason. If he didn't have an actual flinch, gun malfunction,or other involuntary occurence, the targets should have been called lost.

 

St Flyn,

That was just an "oops"
Reload and try again.

 

Nudie, what led you to believe I don't abide by all the current rules? I may not like ALL of them but I certainly do abide by all of them!

One doesn't have to shoot at a fast or slow target either, as long as the gun doesn't fire while the bird is in the air. Who makes that decision?

Getting a do-over for pure negligence or forgetfulness is asinine in my opinion but it's the rule and we must abide by it!

HAP

 

I would agree. No target in the air. No lost.
I've been on a squad with a pretty good shooter that had to go to a release. He called for a target, it came out broken. Without dismounting he waited a sec to regroup and before he called again the gun went off. OOPS! Do over.
The only problem was he always held on the roof when he set up.
Flyersarebest

 

I have done this when loading, If I suspect a bad shell I weigh several complete shells on my Digital Scale, if one is lighter than the others average weight, I tear it down and weigh the shot and powder. The MEC loader shuttle bar was hanging up at times causing lite drops, I caught it before it caused problems.
Dr.longshot

 

That is not a lost target ... you did not call for it. Do over.

 

How about a "FTC"

The first 500 marathon I shot was in the first year of my ATA shooting. Yes boys and girls from the old site that are reading these post, I did shoot registered targets.

The club really had it down to a science. They limited the entries to nine squads shooting on five traps. It went pretty quick. Not much down time between 100's to relax. Another coffee and a roll and back out the door.
I thought I had everything under control. Heck, I was a young gun. I could handle 500 no problem.

Somewhere around 455 or so I mounted the gun,,,pulled the trigger,,,,,and called for the target.
FTC?

After the laughter died down, the puller, who had tears in his eyes, said to try that one again. The gun going off kinda got his attention so he didn't really think about pushing the button.

No target, no lost.

Flyersarebest

 

Thanks guys, it was at a money shoot and I was not running them, so I figured I would just give up the target, and not cause a stir. Plus I was to frazzled, and would have missed anyway.

 

Stl Flyn
If it wasn't an ATA shoot then the rules are whatever management says they are.

Sounds like you handled the situation well.

 

Its not the rule that's bad its the honorable trapshooters that abuse the rule. Rick