Finnish Brutality

Finnish Brutality

Finnish Brutality is a 2-gun-style shooting competition that began in 2018, testing competitors’ physical and shooting skills across various stages.

Important Information

The upcoming Finnish Brutality will be at least as physically demanding as previous ones, and possibly even more so, depending on weather and snow conditions provided by Mother Nature. In addition to basic soldiering skills, participants will need survival skills for winter conditions – such as the knowledge of proper layering of clothing, recognizing early signs of frostbite and hypothermia, and an overall ability to withstand the cold.

Competitors will mostly be on their own between and during stages – there will be no heated vehicles or shelters to retreat into. So, bring plenty of warm clothing, especially spare clothes, because it is highly likely that competitors will also get wet, among other fun experiences. And if the weather is slushy, you might get somewhat wet on every single stage. If you don’t yet have the necessary gear for a weekend-long winter competition, get it now and learn how to use it!

What You’ll Experience in the Competition:

  • Extreme cold shocks
  • Cold creeping into your limbs during waiting times, without access to warming areas
  • Intense physical exertion and sweating during performance
  • Your own limits

This is Finnish Brutality – the best, most interesting, and fun, but also the most brutal shooting competition in the world. So, carefully consider whether your shooting skills, fitness level, and mental toughness are up to the challenge to make it to the end in one piece and without quitting!

Minimum requirements for participation:

  • Finnish SRA card or Finnish IPSC safe shooter status – OR a result in 3 practical shooting matches (USPSA, IPSC, IDPA, Brutality, Tactical Games, Moons Out, Goons Out, Zombie Invitational, etc.) that can be found on Practiscore, SSI, or such platform (we will check these out).
  • Experience dealing with cold weather

Finnish Brutality is a 2-gun-style shooting competition that began in 2018, testing competitors’ physical and shooting skills across various stages. The first Finnish Brutality was organized with InRangeTV in 2018. Now, Brutality competitions are held in multiple countries, organized by different parties.

Partners

 

 

Divisions

 

Irons

  1. Rifles and handguns with iron sights only.
  2. Rifle magazines may not be larger than 30 rounds.
  3. Pistol magazines may not be larger than 17+1 rounds.
  4. Configuration of gear may not change throughout the event.

You, everything you're wearing, and your gear will remain unaltered throughout all stages. Example: If you wear kneepads on one stage, you wear kneepads on all stages. Exceptions: Snacks, repair parts, water, ammunition.

Open

No restrictions on gear or equipment.

Armored (SRA TST)

No restrictions on gear, weapons or equipment as long as all of it is retained throughout the entire match. Gear needs to be carried/worn on stage, those can be removed when the shooter is not on the stage. All the mandatory gear needs to be carried/worn while on stage. It is forbidden to drop mandatory gear while on stage in order to lighten carried gear (Note: While doing quick magazine change it is ok to drop the magazines)

Mandatory gear needs to be accessible so that the shooter can access those with one hand. (For example the 3 mandatory rifle mags must be accessed with one hand, but any additional rifle mags can be for example in a backpack)

The stage staff is monitoring the Armored division shooters gear and can perform an inspection or measure the weight of the gear if they think the weight is under the 12 kg minimum weight. In case the gear of a Armored division shooter is inspected and noticed that the gear is not fulfilling the regulations then the shooter is removed from the Armored division. This follows the same principle if the shooter in Irons division shoots one stage with Open division rifle the shooter is automatically transferred from Irons to Open division.

Equipment required during the stages for Armored Division (SRA TST) shooters. Shooter needs to carry these when the stage starts (In the stage briefing it can be instructed that some combat division mandatory gear is not needed on that stage):

  1. Pistol which shooter is using in the contest. Pistol is carried in the holster which shooter is using in the contest, if pistol is not needed in the stage then the shooter can insert an empty magazine into the pistol with range officer's permission.
  2. When the stage starts, at least 90 rounds of rifle ammo which are at least in three 30 round magazines. Exception to this are the magazines of rifles which are using "long" cartridge (for example 7,62x51), in this case magazine of 20 rounds is enough
  3. When the stage starts, at least 30 rounds of pistol ammo which are at least in two magazines
  4. At least 1 liter of water. (Note: Shooter can drink the water during the contest, however shooter needs to make sure that he/she is carrying at least 1 liter of water while on the stage)
  5. Knife/multitool. (Length of the blade has to be at least 90mm)
  6. Flashlight
  7. Gloves. (Color needs to be discreet so that the gloves could be used in military service)
  8. Sling (Needs to be carried, not necessary attached)
  9. First aid kit. (Has to include at least CAT / tourniquet)
  10. Plate carrier / Chestrig
  11. Long sleeved shirt and pants with long leg, color of these clothes needs to be discreet so that those could be used in military service.
  12. Military grade boots which color is dicreet so that those can be used in military service. Shoes needs to be give support to ankle and cover malleolus
  13. The weight of the gear need to be at least 12 kg

Gear which is weighed (rifle, clothes, shoes etc. are not calculated in the weight):

  1. Pistol the shooter is carrying
  2. Plate carrier / Chestrig
  3. Battle belt / Belt
  4. Helmet (All the accessories attached to the helmet are also counted into the weight. Note: Hearing protection, goggles etc. are not calculated if the shooter doesn’t use helmet)
  5. All protective vests
  6. Gear that needs to be carried during the stage (listed above)
  7. All the gear that is carried on the stage inside the shooters pouches, pockets, and such (magazines, ammo, etc.)
  8. Knee and elbow pads

Category: Breacher

  1. The contestants will perform a physical task after each stage.
  2. The contestants' scores will be in both the Breacher category and in the Armored (SRA TST) division.
  3. Breacher equipment rules are the same as Armored (SRA TST) division equipment rules.
  4. Breacher category has room for 60 contestants. If more than 60 contestants enroll for the Breacher category, participants will be selected randomly. Confirmation for approval to the Breacher category will happen after all tickets are sold.
  5. NOTE: Finnish Brutality 2025 will not feature Breacher Category, as the stages will be shot back-to-back. Contestants can of course perform impromptu snow shoveling duties or long range reconnaissance ski patrols after the day is done, if you can still stand on your feet after the stages.

Category: Cosplay

  1. Best outfit will be rewarded. The outfit must be safe and in accordance with the division rules. A secret conclave will be summoned to perform the judging of the best outfit.

 

 

Rules

 

1 General Conduct & Dispute Resolution

1.1 Eye protection is mandatory for participants, spectators & officials at the event site.

1.2 Ear protection is mandatory for participants, spectators & officials while on or near a stage.

1.3 No participants or spectators shall consume or be under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs at the public event site during the shooting event. Any participant found to be impaired as a result of legitimate prescription drugs may be directed to stop shooting and leave the event site.

1.4 Clothing with any offensive images or wording will not be worn or displayed while at the event site.

1.5 Participants may be subject to event disqualification for safety or conduct violations. Disqualification will result in complete disqualification from the event, and the participant will not be allowed to continue nor be eligible for prizes.

1.6 Participants and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous and sportsman-like manner at all times. Any person who violates this rule may be ejected from the event site at the Range Master’s discretion. A participant shall be disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct, including (but not limited to) cheating, making threats, assault, disruptive or distracting behavior, and willful disregard of Event Official instructions.

1.7 All disqualifications and reshoots are subject to approval by the Range Master.

1.8 Participants must compete for score according to the published match and squading schedule.

1.8.1 A participant who is not present at the scheduled time and date for a stage may not attempt that stage without the written approval of the Range Master, and the provisions of rule 6.1.11 will apply.

1.8.2 The challenge of practical shooting includes adapting to prevailing conditions. Participants will not be permitted to defer due to lighting or weather conditions, except when the Range Master determines that a stage attempt would (i) start outside the published hours for sun rise to-sunset, or (ii) put participant or Event Official safety in immediate jeopardy.

1.9 Any aspect not expressly covered in this document will be resolved with a ruling by the Match Director in consultation with the Range Master as they deem appropriate. Any ruling by the Match Director will be final, and will serve as a precedent for the duration of the event.

2 Safety

2.1 All events will be run on cold ranges.

2.1.1 Participants’ firearms must remain unloaded at the event site except under the direction and immediate supervision of an Event Official.

2.2 Firearms may only be handled and/or displayed in a designated safety area.

2.2.1 Safety areas will be clearly marked with signs.

2.2.2 No firearm may be loaded in a safety area.

2.2.3 No ammunition (including dummy ammunition, snap caps or ammunition feeding devices) may be handled in a safety area.

2.3 Firearms may be transported to, from and between stages only in the following conditions:

2.3.1 Handguns must be cased or holstered, de-cocked and with the magazine removed.

2.3.2 Rifles must be cased, or secured muzzle up or down in a stable gun cart/caddy, or carried with the muzzle up or down. The chamber must be empty and detachable magazine removed. The use of high-visibility open bolt indicator devices (chamber flags) is mandatory as a courtesy to other event participants. When moving between stages, rifles must be in cases or bags, or carried with the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and with a chamber flag insterted.

2.4 A participant who commits a safety violation will be stopped by an Event Official as soon as possible, and shall be disqualified. Examples of safety violations include:

2.4.1 An accidental discharge, defined as follows:

2.4.1.1 A shot, which travels over a backstop, a berm or in any other direction specified in the stage briefing as being unsafe. Note that a participant who legitimately fires a shot at a target, which then travels in an unsafe direction, will not be disqualified.

2.4.1.2 A shot which strikes the ground within 10 feet of the participant, except when shooting at a target closer than 10 feet. Also, a shot which strikes a prop where the bullet is deflected or does not continue to strike the ground, if the Event Official determines that the bullet would have struck the ground within 10 feet of the participant had it not been deflected or stopped by the prop.

2.4.1.3 A shot which occurs while loading, preloading, reloading or unloading a firearm.

2.4.1.4 A shot which occurs during remedial action in the case of a malfunction.

2.4.1.5 A shot which occurs while transferring a firearm between hands or shoulders.

2.4.1.6 A shot which occurs during movement, except while actually shooting at targets.

2.4.2 Unsafe gun handling, including (but not limited to):

2.4.2.1 Handling a firearm at any time except when in a designated safety area, or when under the supervision of, and in response to a direct command issued by, an Event Official. This does not apply to the carrying of rifles to safety areas or rifle racks.

2.4.2.2 If at any time during the course of fire, a participant allows the muzzle of his firearm to point rearwards (i.e. further than 90 degrees from the median intercept of the backstop, or in the case of no backstop, allows the muzzle to point up-range), whether the firearm is loaded or not.

2.4.2.3 If at any time during the course of fire, or while loading, reloading or unloading, a participant drops his firearm or causes it to fall, whether the firearm is loaded or not.

2.4.2.4 Allowing the muzzle to point at any part of the participant’s body during a course of fire (except for sweeping of the lower extremities while drawing or re-holstering a handgun, provided that the participant’s fingers are clearly outside the trigger guard). During certain stages, the rifle might start empty or be emptied under range officer supervision, after which it is allowed to be carried e.g. on a sling on the back, muzzle pointing up or down. In this case, the handling sectors are defined in detail in the stage description.

2.4.2.5 While facing downrange, allowing the muzzle of a loaded handgun to point up-range beyond a radius of 3 feet from the participant’s feet while drawing or re-holstering.

2.4.2.6 Having more than one handgun and one rifle at any point in time during a course of fire (except for stage guns).

2.4.2.7 Failure to keep the finger outside the trigger guard while clearing a malfunction where the participant clearly moves the firearm away from aiming at targets.

2.4.2.8 Failure to keep the finger outside the trigger guard during loading, reloading, or unloading (except when de-cocking a handgun).

2.4.2.9 Failure to keep the finger outside the trigger guard during movement (except when engaging a target).

2.4.2.10 Holstering a loaded single-action self-loading handgun with the safety not applied, or a double-action handgun with the hammer cocked and the safety not applied, or a revolver with the hammer cocked.

2.4.2.11 Handling live or dummy ammunition, loaded magazines or loaded speed loading devices in a Safety Area.

2.4.2.12 Having a loaded firearm other than when specifically ordered to by an Event Official.

2.4.2.13 Retrieving a dropped firearm. Dropped firearms must always be retrieved by an Event Official who will, after checking and/or clearing the firearm, place it directly into the participant’s gun case, gun bag or holster.

2.4.2.14 Drawing a handgun while facing up-range or while prone.

2.4.2.15 Firing a shot at a metal target from a distance of less than 8 m / 26 feet with a handgun or 20 m / 66 feet with a rifle. The distance is measured from the face of the target to the nearest part of the participant’s body in contact with the ground.

2.4.3 Possession of any prohibited ammunition as defined in rule 3.3.

2.4.4 Unsafe abandonment of any firearm. Firearms may only be abandoned as stipulated in the stage briefing and in one of the following safe conditions:

2.4.4.1 Rifle loaded with safety/selector fully in the "safe" position. Handgun in the condition prescribed in rules 4.4.1.1 - 4.4.1.4. Muzzle pointed in the designated safe direction (e.g. pointing down into the receptacle).

2.4.4.2 Completely unloaded (no live ammunition anywhere inside the firearm). Muzzle pointed in the designated safe direction (e.g. pointing down into the receptacle).

2.4.5 Unloading any firearm in an unsafe manner.

2.4.6 Firing a shot while not legitimately engaging a target.

2.4.7 Pointing a firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, in any direction deemed by Event Officials to be unsafe.

3 Ammunition

3.1 Handgun ammunition shall be caliber 7.62x25 (30 Tokarev) or larger.

3.2 Rifle ammunition shall be centerfire, minimum caliber 5.45mm, maximum caliber 12.7mm, unless otherwise stipulated in equipment division rules.

3.3 Ammunition containing tracer, incendiary, explosive, armour piercing, bare steel jacket or steel/tungsten/penetrator core projectiles is unsafe and prohibited. Bimetal projectiles (lead core with mild steel jacket covered in copper) may be permitted at Match Director discretion. No belted magnums or marking ammunition.

4 Firearms

4.1 All firearms used by participants must be serviceable and safe. Event Officials may inspect a participant’s firearms at any time to check they are functioning safely. If any firearm is declared unserviceable or unsafe by an Event Official, it must be withdrawn from the event until it is repaired to the satisfaction of the Range Master.

4.2 Participants must use the same firearms (handgun and rifle) for the entire event.

4.3 If a participant's firearm becomes unserviceable, that participant may repair their firearm with directly equivalent replacement parts. If replacement parts result in a significant change to the firearm configuration, then the repair must be approved by the Range Master.

4.4 Unless otherwise stipulated in the stage briefing, the participant’s equipment will start the stage in the following conditions:

4.4.1 Handgun loaded to division start capacity and holstered as follows:

4.4.1.1 Single-action auto must have a manual safety catch fully set to the "safe" position.

4.4.1.2 Double-action auto must be decocked.

4.4.1.3 Safe action pistols must have all safety systems in place and functional.

4.4.1.4 Revolver must have the hammer down.

4.4.2 Rifle loaded to division start capacity and held in the low ready position (i.e. oriented with sights uppermost, buttstock in strong-side shoulder, hands in normal firing hold with finger outside trigger guard, muzzle at belt level), safety catch set to the "safe" position.

4.4.3 The participant may not touch or hold any firearm loading device or ammunition after the "Standby" command and before the start signal (except for unavoidable touching with the lower arms).

4.4.4 All equipment must start the stage secured on the participant’s person or firearms (i.e. equipment may not be otherwise pre-positioned on the stage). Belts, holsters, ammunition carriers and other equipment worn or carried by the participant may be changed, repositioned or reconfigured between stages according to the rules and restrictions of the divisions.

5 Equipment Divisions

5.1 Participants will declare one equipment division at the beginning of the event.

5.1.1 Equipment divisions are: IRONS, OPEN, and ARMORED ("TST")

5.1.2 Failure to meet all of the equipment and ammunition requirements for the declared division shall result in the participant being placed into OPEN division. If the requirements of OPEN division are not met, the participant’s scores will be excluded from the final event results.

SPECIAL NOTE 1: SERPA and "Race" holsters are expressly forbidden.

6 Scoring & Penalties

6.1 Stage time will be based on time to complete the stage plus applicable penalties.

6.1.1 Each stage will have a written stage briefing:

6.1.1.1 The stage briefing will stipulate the number and type of targets, the manner in which they must be engaged, and the hits required to neutralize them.

6.1.1.2 The stage briefing will stipulate a time limit ("par time") for completing the stage.

6.1.1.3 The participant must complete the stage as stipulated within the time limit. Targets may not be intentionally left unhit – the participant must continue to engage the targets until they run out of ammunition or time. If a participant exceeds the time limit, they will be stopped by an Event Official and the stage will be scored as shot with the scored time at PAR time and all applicable miss penalties. Event Officials may prompt the participant on engagement of targets, and this will not be deemed to be interference.

6.1.2 Paper "shoot" targets must be neutralized:

6.1.2.1 Only holes made by bullets will count for score/penalty. Evidence that the bullet made the hole must be present on the target (i.e. crown or grease ring/mark). Holes made by shrapnel, fragments or flying debris will not count for score/penalty. A perfect "Keyhole" round will count for score.

6.1.2.2 Paper targets require a minimum of hits detailed in the stage description to an area in the target (also detailed in the stage description).

6.1.3 Knock-down targets (e.g. Pepper Poppers) must fall to be neutralized, or per RO discretion.

6.1.4 Reactive/ringing targets must react/ring as prescribed in the stage briefing (Event Officials will call hits).

6.1.5 Frangible targets (e.g. clay pigeons) must break by gunfire to score. A target with a significant piece visibly detached is considered "broken".

6.1.6 Scoring a hit on each designated "No Shoot" target will incur a penalty. These will not be cumulative, there is one penalty for a hit "No Shoot" regardless of how many hits have struck that particular target.

6.1.7 Penalties may be applied at the Range Master’s discretion if a participant fails to comply with prescribed stage procedures.

6.1.8 The stage briefing may stipulate a shooting area sequence. During such a stage, once a participant begins shooting from a shooting area, they may not return to any previous shooting area (violation will incur penalties per rule 6.1.7 on a per-shot basis).

6.1.9 Additional penalties may be applied as stipulated in the stage briefing.

6.1.10 Stage Not Fired (SNF) penalty is 5000 seconds per stage not fired.

6.1.11 A participant who, by negligent or willful act, causes damage to range equipment or targets will be required to pay for repair thereof.

6.1.12 Some stages may have scoring requirements that deviate from the ones specified here and that will be clearly stated during in the stage description. It is up to the contestant to understand the scoring requirements per stage.

6.1.13 Penalties at this match are usually +60 seconds per instance - no shoots, non-neutralized targets, etc. The stage description may indicate penalties of different lengths.

6.2 Match Time

6.2.1 Each participant’s Stage Times with bonuses and penalties will be totaled to produce a Match Time.

6.2.2 Match Times for all participants will be ranked in order, lowest to highest, to determine match placement.

6.2.3 The participant with the lowest Match Time wins.

Insurance and release of liability

Organizing parties have not insured any of the participants. All participants are required to have an adequate insurance policy in place.

Every participant will be required to sign the Release of Liability. You can find the release form below, and it will also be available at the registration:

All participants are bound to follow match safety rules and range officers during the match. If the participant violates the safety rules or range officer commands intentionally or by negligence, the match organizer has the right to remove the participant from the match without refunding the entry fee.

The organizing party will not carry any liability of intentional or negligence incidents caused by participants. Prior to entering the match, the participant needs to be sure that they have needed mental and physical capabilities to perform match in a safe manner. Participants commit to using appropriate safety gear during the match. The organizing party will not carry any liability of damages due to the faulty or inadequate safety equipment.

Participants are required to have a suitable insurance policy covering shooting events. The organizing party has not insured participants.

Participants are responsible for their own gear, guns, and equipment. The organizing party will not carry any liability of possible damages for gear, guns, and equipment during the match.

I have read and understood the presented terms and conditions.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

 

What are the minimum requirements for participation?

-Finnish SRA card or Finnish ISPC safe shooter status – OR a result in 3 practical shooting matches (USPSA, IPSC, IDPA, Brutality, Tactical Games, Moons Out, Goons Out, Zombie Invitational, etc.) that can be found on Practiscore, SSI, or such platform (This will be monitored). Also, experience dealing with cold weather.

Where are the stage briefings and shot counts?

-Stages are not published beforehand. The minimum required shots will be about 250-300 for the rifle and 150-200 for the handgun. More details will be sent to contestants before the event.

I have never shot a rifle or pistol in my life. Can I compete?

-No. You must have a background in competitive shooting, such as IPSC, USPSA, another similar sport, or proper military service. This is to ensure safe handling of firearms during challenging and brutal stages. See the first answer in the FAQ.

Can I borrow a gun from you?

-Unfortunately we have no guns to lend.

How do I bring my guns into Finland?

A) From within the EU you must have a valid EU Firearms Passport and the match ticket printed out. The firearms you bring must be listed on the Firearm Passport and must be listed as Class-A, if applicable due to magazines. The firearm is not presented when crossing the border unless requested by customs officials. ALSO bring your OWN AMMO, you will not be able to purchase it here.

B) From outside of the EU you must have a private import licence. It's easiest if you can get a Finn to apply for one locally, but may be possible in the Finnish embassy of your country. Attach a copy of your valid local firearms licence and passport with the application. Magazines are not restricted. ALSO bring your OWN AMMO, you will not be able to purchase it here.

In either case, you can ask for details from the firearms department of the Helsinki Police: aseasiat.helsinki@poliisi.fi

I bought a ticket but can't make it, what now?

A) You can sell the ticket on your own, just let us know who is coming instead.

B) Return the ticket no later than 7 days before the start of the event for a full refund.

Can my mom and little brother come to watch me suffer on the stages?

-Yes! Spectators who follow the instructions of the range and organizers and wear eye and ear protection are most welcome. No need to register or buy a ticket for this, just show up and the staff will assist you.

Can I reserve a ticket?

-No.

Can I buy several tickets?

-No. The ticket is personal and buying it means you're the one entering the match.

Can I participate with a pistol-caliber carbine?

-They are not prohibited. Do note that you may have to activate a spinner from 150 meters away.

Can I stay overnight at the range?

-No camping at the range area. There are camping sites, cabins and such nearby, we can recommend those. Here's a list of various options, but it's all in Finnish.

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