So, at the 2011 Pro-Am this weekend, there was one stage where there were issues with the shot timer. You had to shoot as many steel plates as you could in the allotted time (par) and any shots over time could count against you (if you hit the plate, you got the point but lost it. Over-time misses are what killed you). Generally the RO would tap you on the shoulder when the time was up, but it was up to the shooter to pay attention.
During one round, the boxes were set up like a baseball diamond and you had to engage targets from each ‘base’. One guy was kicking ass and taking names but realized the buzzer never went off informing him time was up. Nobody heard it, but the RO was adamant that it did even though he couldn’t figure out if he should deduct 1 point or 4. I don’t particularly think the RO was in the right on this one, but that’s neither here nor there.
What is important is that there was a LOT of anger from the contestants. I mean shouting type anger. From a bunch of well armed people. Now, if you believe the anti’s, the aggrieved should have whipped out his pistol, put 10 in the RO’s chest, shown clear and asked for his time. However, there was no such thing. Instead, strong words were exchanged, dirty looks given, and a few thrown objects, but no murder.
I mean, aren’t we told that hot tempers and guns don’t mix? That most people are just a hair’s breadth away from slaughtering innocent people and all they need is an excuse?
We’re told that, but it’s a lie.
One other thing I’d like to point out is that many of the people arguing were arguing in favor of their competitor. One guy was LIVID, yelling at the RO “If you’d do your job, I’d be down 4 points rather than 1!”