Crosswind - well done on noticing the juxtaposition in the rules, however I think that if you read the rule,
8.1 Handgun Ready Conditions
The ready condition for handguns will normally be as stated below. However, in the event that a competitor fails to load the chamber when permitted by the written stage briefing, whether inadvertently or intentionally,
the Range Officer must not take any action, as the competitor is always responsible for the handling of the handgun.
This appears to be a clear istruction to the RO not to interfere with the competitor while they are getting ready - basically 'don't stop them making a mistake, OR trying to game it', NOT (IMHO) an instruction that they cannot issue penalties to a competitor who deliberately does not chamber a round.
APPENDIX D4: Production Division
Special conditions:
15. Handguns with external hammers must be fully decocked (see Rule 8.1.2.5), at the start signal.
First shot attempted must be double action. Competitors in this Division who, after the issuance of the start signal and prior to attempting the first shot, #### the hammer on a handgun which has a loaded chamber, will incur one procedural penalty per occurrence. Note that a procedural penalty will not be assessed in respect of courses of fire where the ready condition requires the competitor to prepare the handgun with an empty chamber. In these cases, the competitor may fire the first shot single action.
So this is pretty clear, however, I don't think the rules can be interpreted as saying that an RO cannot take action against a competitor who deliberately does not chamber a round. However if you want to avoid a penalty you must attempt a 'shot' double action.
So kinda begs the question, if you start with 11 and burn 1 double action how are you worse off than starting with 10 and racking the slide??
Of course the flipside is the question how 'on target' do you have to be to avoid a penalty? - if you look back at some of the classic IPSC pictures from the '80's shooting from the hip in bill drills was de-rigeur. On of the turning points in the sport was Brian Enos actually bringing the sights up to eye level and aiming.
So in the case of targets at a distance and a run down to start which is better - 1) start with no round in the gun, draw, 'attempt' a DA first shot (shout 'darn!') with the gun pointing in the direction of the targets and rack the slide as you run to your firing position, OR 2) Draw, fire your first DA towards the targets as you run down and then engage.
The answer??? - there is no answer apart from what you think gives you the best result on the stage on any given day, but this has been quite an entertaining thread to read
