Wrists Above Shoulders vs. Low-Ready Explained
Steel Challenge competitions feature two distinct starting positions, tailored to the type of firearm being used: Wrists Above Shoulders for centerfire pistols and Low-Ready for rimfire pistols and all rifles. Each position is designed to ensure safety, consistency, and fair competition, while also accommodating the handling characteristics of different firearm types.
Centerfire Pistols - Wrists Above Shoulders
Centerfire pistols use a holster, and the starting position is “wrists above shoulders.” This position is also called a “surrender start.” Your wrists must be visible to everyone behind you. It helps to create a consistent index for these kinds of starts, like touching your hearing protection or the rim of your hat. Using the same hand positions at the beginning will help develop consistency as you move from the starting position to your pistol grip.
Whenever a competitor is in the shooting box and the range officer has given the command to “make ready,” you must always keep the muzzle of your firearm pointed downrange as you prepare for each string. When you have settled in with your wrists above your shoulders, this is the signal to the range officer (RO) that you are ready to go.
Rimfire Pistols and all Rifles - Low Ready
For rimfire pistols and rifles, you will make ready and point your firearm at the designated aiming point. This point is usually a safety cone, flag, or sign, up to 9 inches wide, centered downrange ten feet from the shooting-box start position and set 18 to 24 inches high. Always keep the firearm pointed downrange and your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
Whenever a competitor is in the shooting box and the range officer has given the command to “make ready,” you must always keep the muzzle of your firearm pointed downrange as you prepare for each string. When you have settled with the firearm pointed at the designated aiming point, this is the signal to the range officer (RO) that you are ready to go.
Key Considerations for Steel Challenge START Positions:
Consistency:
Adopting the same starting stance for each string enhances performance consistency and aids in muscle memory development.
Safety:
Always keep the firearm pointed downrange, and ensure fingers remain outside the trigger guard until the start signal is given.
Readiness Signal:
Assuming the correct start position signals to the Range Officer (RO) that the competitor is prepared to begin the course of fire.
Understanding and practicing these start positions are essential for competitors to perform effectively and safely in Steel Challenge matches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two start positions in Steel Challenge?
Steel Challenge uses two starting positions based on the firearm. Centerfire pistols start wrists above shoulders, also called a surrender start, from a holster. Rimfire pistols and all rifles start low-ready, pointed at a designated aiming point downrange.
What does "wrists above shoulders" mean?
It is the surrender start used for centerfire pistols. Your wrists must be raised above your shoulders and visible to everyone behind you. Once you settle into that position with the muzzle pointed downrange, it signals the range officer that you are ready.
Where do you point the firearm in the low-ready start?
For rimfire pistols and rifles, you point at a designated aiming point centered downrange, usually a safety cone, flag, or sign about ten feet from the shooting box. Keep the firearm pointed downrange with your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
How do you signal the range officer that you are ready?
After the make ready command, you settle into the correct start position, wrists above shoulders for centerfire or the firearm on the aiming point for rimfire and rifles. Holding that position tells the range officer you are prepared to begin.
Why does a consistent start position matter?
Using the same starting stance for every string builds muscle memory and makes your draw or first shot more repeatable. Consistency at the start carries through the rest of the run and improves your times.