Rules for Sanctioned High-Powered Rifle Matches

Establishes rules and regulations for sanctioned high-powered rifle matches.
Governs authorization of shooting ranges, equipment standards, range etiquette, rifle storage.
Regulates issuance of transport permits for high-powered rifles.

Applies to all legitimate holders of licensed high-powered rifles using them in sanctioned matches.
Matches must be held in shooting ranges accredited by the Firearms and Explosives Division (FED) of PNP.

Permit required for matches sanctioned by Philippine Practical Shooting Association (PPSA).
Matches conducted according to latest International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) rules.
Only active National Range Officers Institute (NROI) members may officiate PPSA sanctioned matches.

Outdoor ranges must have a single bay, minimum 10m width and 30m length.
Location at least 1000 meters from national highways or main roads.
Safe distance from residential houses, avoiding nuisance to neighbors.
Pit dimensions: 8 ft depth, 5 ft width, length equal to target wall.
Bunkers must be impenetrable to high-powered rifles or assault weapons.
Backstop:
- Concrete, at least 15 ft high and 5 ft thick.
- Baffles required if structures are visible on firing line.
Target wall preferably in front of hill/mountain and able to stop any caliber bullets.
Construction or transfers of ranges require approval from Chief, PNP.
Gun clubs must post safety rules conspicuously and incorporate unloading/loading safety areas.

Only licensed semi-automatic and manual action rifles allowed in PPSA matches.
Fully automatic, burst-fire, or multi-shot per trigger rifles prohibited.
Minimum barrel length: 14.5 inches excluding flash suppressor.
Only standard ammunition permitted; armor-piercing and tracer rounds are banned.
Maximum caliber allowed: 7.62 mm.

Rifles must be cased except when at firing line.
Rifles to be recased immediately when leaving shooting stage.
Visiting competitors must deposit rifles at range or appointed armory; no rifles in hotels/inns.
Rifles stored securely (e.g., metal vaults) at licensee's address when not in use.

PTT issued only to PPSA members.
Only Firearms and Explosives Division (FED) authorized to issue PTTs.
PTT issuance requires endorsement by PPSA President or representative.
Validity: 2 days before and 2 days after competition.
Maximum ammunition allowed during transport: 500 rounds.
Holders of PTT must participate in the indicated match.
Match participation checked against results; non-compliance leads to denial of future PTTs.

Rifles transported in locked cases, out of plain view, separate from ammunition.
Rifles not allowed to be carried by individuals on commercial flights or ships.
Inter-island transport of rifles must be by cargo handled by authorized FED personnel.

Unlicensed high-powered rifle holders encouraged to avail of gun amnesty under Executive Order No. 585 (Nov 15, 2007).

Any rules inconsistent with this Circular are rescinded or modified accordingly.