Chronographing

Chronographing is performed to verify the integrity of the competitor's declared Division and Power Factor. The chronographing process runs concurrently with the Match, but must conclude at least one hour prior to the posting of the final Match results.

High level IPSC sanctioned Matches should have formal chronographing procedures, while lower level Matches (Level I and Level II Matches), may not perform chronographing at all and accept the competitor's declared Division and Power Factor without dispute.

The Match Director is responsible for ensuring the availability of a chronograph that has been properly setup and calibrated on each day of the Match.

Whenever possible, chronographing should be scheduled like a regular, separate Stage. With this method, it is convenient to verify a competitor's compliance to their declared Division and Power Factor when they arrive at the chronograph Stage.

It is the competitor's responsibility to ensure that they are chronographed before the end of a Match. If a competitor fails to report to the chronograph for the scheduled test, their scores are recorded in Minor Power Factor.

Forms should be prepared to facilitate chronographing, including:

•	Competitor List by Competitor Number – Use to track who has and has not been chronographed.

•	Competitor List by Competitor Name – Use for cross-reference purposes. For example, when competitor number is not available, but the name is.

•	Chronograph Statistics List by Competitor Number – Use to capture chronograph statistics regarding each competitor. This form should be able to track the following information for all competitors:

-	Competitor Number

-	Competitor Name

-	Competitor Division

-	Competitor's Declared Power Factor (Major / Minor)

-	Three Chronographed Bullet Velocities in feet per second (recorded as three separate entries)

-	Averaged Bullet Velocity in feet per second (recorded as a single entry that equals the average of the Three Chronographed Bullet Velocities)

-	Bullet Weight in grains

-	Power Factor (recorded as the Averaged Bullet Velocity in feet per second, multiplied by the Bullet Weight in grains, divided by 1000).

-	Firearm Fits in Box (recorded as applicable)

-	Firearm Has 5 lbs. Trigger Pull (recorded as applicable)

•	Competitor Chronograph Statistics Sheet – Used to capture the raw chronographing data for a competitor and to identify a competitor's ammunition sample. This form should capture all of the information necessary to complete the "Chronograph Statistics List by Competitor Number".

Chronographing Process

Ammunition samples should be collected at one of the following times:

•	During Match registration and/or competitor kit pickup.

•	Randomly while the Match is in progress.

•	When the competitor shows up at the chronograph Stage (stage is scheduled as a course of fire).

For each competitor, ten rounds are collected randomly by a match official and placed in a zip-lock sandwich bag along with the Competitor Chronograph Statistics Sheet (so that the ammunition sample can be positively identified later).

One bullet per competitor is separated from the cartridge and weighed to determine actual bullet weight in grains (the weight is recorded on the Competitor Chronograph Statistics Sheet). If this is not possible, the competitor's declared bullet weight is to be accepted. The gunpowder is usually poured into the zip-lock sandwich bag.

At the chronograph station, the competitor must not handle their firearm unless instructed to do so by the Chief Range Officer (CRO).

Ammunition is tested through the competitor's firearm. When they arrive at the chronograph station the competitor must place their unloaded gun on the shooting bench, slide locked back (if possible), muzzle pointed down range. Once the firearm is on the shooting bench, the competitor may not add, adjust, or alter anything on it until the chronographing process has finished.

The zip-lock bag containing that competitor's ammunition sample and Completed Competitor Chronograph Statistics Sheet is retrieved. Three bullets are fired over a chronograph, and their velocities are recorded in feet per second on the statistics sheet. If it is not possible to record velocities in this way, no ammunition may be protested as under power (minor).

Calculate and record the average bullet velocity. Calculate and record the competitor's Power Factor by multiplying the bullet weight by the average bullet velocity and dividing the result by 1000.

Other verification tests are also performed and recorded at this time:

•	Box test results are recorded, as applicable (per current edition of IPSC Shooting Principles and Rules).

•	Minimum trigger pull test results are recorded, as applicable (per current edition of IPSC Shooting Principles and Rules).

If the chronographer notices that the firearm does not meet safety criteria (inoperable safety, double, etc.), the Range Master is called and the competitor is not permitted to continue in the Match until the gun is rechecked and proven safe.

The Completed Competitor Chronograph Statistics Sheet is placed back into the ammunition sample bag and the data captured on it is later transferred to the Chronograph Statistics List by Competitor Number form. If changes to the competitor's Division or Power Factor are required, they are noted and forwarded to the Match Stats Officer.