Where did this starting stages with unloaded handguns come from?  I've shot 3-gun matches before and all stages using handguns started loaded/holstered.  Shot one this weekend and now all the stages with handguns started with magazine in/chamber empty, having to use "Israeli Technique" of drawing then chambering a round.  I don't like it.  Don't like it one bit.  Not that my opinion counts for anything.  Is this the new in-thing?

Handguns in the holster should be loaded/round in chamber. EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, unloaded handgun is cool, but not all the time.

Most matches around here have rifles and shotguns that are staged are cruiser ready. Full installed mag, bolt closed on empty chamber.

Yep, rifle/shotgun @ cruiser ready when staged is GTG.  That's how we do it in the real world.  Handgun holstered with an empty chamber, IMHO, is NOT GTG!  I've noticed the technique being used on a bunch of the big money match videos.  Sorry, I'm not going to start using some flavor-of-the-month technique required for competition that may cause me problems in real life.  If this is the look of things to come in 3-gun, I'll re-evaluate my continued participation.  


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Local match around here does that, but only on stages where you may be required or have the option of being prone or on a rooftop prop. In this instances the chambered pistol would have the muzzle pointed back at the other shooters so I understand why.

Starting like that for no other reason seems silly to me.

Typically if you are going prone at any time during the stage before you go to the handgun, you can have a mag in the gun, but no round in the chamber. If you go prone with a round in the chamber, you have broken the 180, and will be sent on your way.