IPSC Range Commands 2026: All 8 Official Commands, the 1-4 Second Standby Rule & Your First Match

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 10:30:00 +0800

🎯 The 60-Second Answer

The eight official IPSC range commands, in order (Section 8.3, IPSC Handgun Competition Rules, January 2026 Edition):

“Load And Make Ready” — or just “Make Ready” if the stage starts unloaded (8.3.1)
“Are You Ready?” — silence means yes; say “Not Ready” if it is not (8.3.2)
“Standby” — one word, and the beep follows within 1 to 4 seconds (8.3.3)
“Start Signal” — the beep itself is an official command (8.3.4)
“Stop” — any RO on the stage, at any time (8.3.5)
“If You Are Finished, Unload And Show Clear” (8.3.6)
“If Clear, Hammer Down, Holster” (8.3.7)
“Range Is Clear” — nobody moves downrange before this (8.3.8)

Three things that will cost you: creeping after “Standby” is 1 procedural penalty under Rule 10.2.6. Reacting to the beep and then stopping without an official time recorded gives you zero time and zero score for the stage (8.3.4.2). And only the RO’s timing device counts as your official time (9.10.1) — your own timer never does.

Start Signal on Airsoft Shot Timer

IPSC Range Commands 2026: All 8 Official Commands, the 1-4 Second Standby Rule & Your First Match

🎯 The 60-Second Answer