Shot IDPA last Sunday

[getsome]

My son and I shot our first IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) session last Sunday and it was the most fun shooting I can remember in a long, long time...My son shot 3rd out of 12 and I shot 6th in the beginner group so he beat me again but I don't care because it was a blast...(Bawanna you could have done this too as being seated wouldn't have been a problem at all)...They had 3 sceanarios set up and all required movement, cover and 2 reloads per round...The first started out in total darkness and required the shooter to pull a flash light from a pocket and then draw their pistol and shoot 2 rounds each into 3 targets which were moved around while the lights were off...The targets were at 10, 12 and 15 feet and that round started while sitting at a desk to simulate bad guys breaking into your office and killing the lights in the process...after the first 6 shots you had to move 20 feet to a cover position and take out 2 more targets, reload then move to the next cover which was another desk and you had to shoot 3 more staged targets while kneeling behind...(My legs are still sore)...The other 2 sceanarios required you to hit a stationary target while on the move from cover to cover and all this sounds pretty easy due to the short (combat) shooting distance but believe me it's not and once the adrenaline kicks in and with all the thinking about what to do and not to do and trying not to fall on your face, it becomes quite a challenge...We had to shoot my S&W 4506 which is a tank due to my 1911 being stolen and my son hadn't shot it much but did pretty good after all....Most of the other guys shot 1911's but there were a few glocks and one CZ in the bunch..The instructor was a former Army Ranger and shot a 1911 and smoked everyone on all three target sets making it look easy but he was a super nice guy, very humble and most helpful to the several new IDPA shooters in the bunch...If you can find an IDPA match at a range close to you I would highly recommend giving it a try...This takes target shooting to a totally different level from the normal every day at the range practice....:59:

[Bawanna]

Sweet! I'd love to find some of those games somewhere relatively close so I could go watch. I'd love to give something like that a try just for the fun of it. You add a little competition to any shooting and it changes things up immensely.

My son generally out shoots me as a rule but occasionally I give him a whooping which just makes me feel warm and wonderful I gotta tell ya.

I was so excited when I got my first power chair thinking I could do a little skeet shooting again without having a gun bearer to pack the shotgun between stations. Would be the ticket for your IDPA scenario too. Hard to shoot and move in a manual. Unless of course your aiming for spokes or tires. Now I just gotta get around to getting out there and doing it.

Used to shoot it alot every weekend and it was a blast too.

[Sliebl]

Getsome,
That sounds like a fantastic event! I've got trying out IDPA on my short list for this coming year.

[Jeremiah/Az]

We just had about 40 guys in wheelchairs shooting trap at our club. What a nice bunch of guys they were. They seemed happier than most pickle faced trap shooters on two legs. LOL

[Bawanna]

Dang, thats a lot of derelicts in one place. That would be cool to go to something like that. Roll around and be like everyone else. Maybe have wheelchair sack races or 2 wheeled races?

40, thats a lot of wheels rolling around for sure. Good place to open a tire shop.

It's funny your pickle faced comment. Except for my grumpy self most people I encounter with handicaps seem to be more cheerful and happy to be alive than people with everything going for them. Wonder why that is.
I usually have the urge to give them the Hawaiian good luck sign and throw roofing nails under their tires but it don't even seem to phase em.

Just happy to be alive I guess. Play the cards your dealt and quit power whining. My credo if I was to have a credo that is.

[Jeremiah/Az]

My old head is trying to visualize a wheelchair sack race. Would you put the sack over your head?

[Bawanna]

Probably what I'd do, don't know what else I could do with it.

Guess you could cut it in strips and tie inside wheels together so you and your partner only get to use one hand. That might be interesting.

Course some wheels are 300 bucks or lots more a shot so many don't like to get em scratched up.

[getsome]

Bawann with that sleeper Hemi powered chair you got I think you might think about NHRA funny chair racing or perhaps that new fangled drifting thing where you're going around curves with the back end hanging out (Watch it Dietrich) smoking them tires all the way and hey why not set up some targets along the track and take them out all at the same time kinda like they do on the Top Shot TV show.....:D

[Bawanna]

Now thats what I'm talking about. I'm putting you in charge of research and development for Kahr Games.

I did have a fella that wanted to fabricate a chair for me with a Harley motor, figured it would be obnoxious in the office but it would perfect with my personality and natural charm.

[garyb]

My son and I shot our first IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) session last Sunday and it was the most fun shooting I can remember in a long, long time...My son shot 3rd out of 12 and I shot 6th in the beginner group so he beat me again but I don't care because it was a blast...(Bawanna you could have done this too as being seated wouldn't have been a problem at all)...They had 3 sceanarios set up and all required movement, cover and 2 reloads per round...The first started out in total darkness and required the shooter to pull a flash light from a pocket and then draw their pistol and shoot 2 rounds each into 3 targets which were moved around while the lights were off...The targets were at 10, 12 and 15 feet and that round started while sitting at a desk to simulate bad guys breaking into your office and killing the lights in the process...after the first 6 shots you had to move 20 feet to a cover position and take out 2 more targets, reload then move to the next cover which was another desk and you had to shoot 3 more staged targets while kneeling behind...(My legs are still sore)...The other 2 sceanarios required you to hit a stationary target while on the move from cover to cover and all this sounds pretty easy due to the short (combat) shooting distance but believe me it's not and once the adrenaline kicks in and with all the thinking about what to do and not to do and trying not to fall on your face, it becomes quite a challenge...We had to shoot my S&W 4506 which is a tank due to my 1911 being stolen and my son hadn't shot it much but did pretty good after all....Most of the other guys shot 1911's but there were a few glocks and one CZ in the bunch..The instructor was a former Army Ranger and shot a 1911 and smoked everyone on all three target sets making it look easy but he was a super nice guy, very humble and most helpful to the several new IDPA shooters in the bunch...If you can find an IDPA match at a range close to you I would highly recommend giving it a try...This takes target shooting to a totally different level from the normal every day at the range practice....
I totally agree. I have not shot IDPA yet, but for gun handling, it is a tremendous event. I have been getting prepared for the last year. Always competed in martial arts and black powder. Now that my sword is ths PM40, I can't wait to give it some recoil time on the IDPA range to build better skills with it. No better way that I can think of. Tons of fun and gun handling practice. Thanks for sharing. You just got my blood boiling again.

[Ljutic]

I have to agree that IDPA has taught me a ton about shooting well. For decades, range time was punching holes in stationary paper. IDPA is a whole new challenge and I really like it.

One of my local ranges runs .22 matches once a month. I started attending those and found out that the other Tuesdays of the month were IDPA matches. I thought about trying it for several weeks and finally gave it a try. I had a blast. I know I will never be seriously competitive at it, but I try to shoot twice each week with the goal of my second run being faster than my first run. I also strive to be in the top half of the group of people shooting in my class.

You get exposed to so many things in IDPA that I would never see in a "typical" range visit. Movement, cover, weak hand, strong hand, reloads, tactical reloads, drawing from concealment, shooting from crouch, shooting from prone, shooting while seated, shooting out your car window, the list goes on and is only limited by the course designer's creativity.

I may shoot the qualifier the next time it's offered, but I don't think I will ever try any of the competitive matches. It is fun to watch the best shooters and see how they navigate the course.

[wyntrout]

Hey, Bawanna', one of the last Sons of Guns episodes I saw, they mounted a Saiga semi-auto shotgun on a vet's wheelchair so he could do some hog hunting.

The young vet lost the use of one arm in Afghanistan and was expecting to pay big bucks for the modification. Will, the gun shop owner gave it to him... really nice.

Wynn:)

I edited to correct Top Guns to Sons of Guns.

[Bawanna]

Hey, Bawanna', one of the last Top Gun episodes I saw, they mounted a Saiga semi-auto shotgun on a vet's wheelchair so he could do some hog hunting.

The young vet lost the use of one arm in Afghanistan and was expecting to pay big bucks for the modification. Will, the gun shop owner gave it to him... really nice.

Wynn:)

I think your thinking Sons of Guns, not Top Gun, or is it Top Shot? Now I'm confused myself.

That was cool of him to do that. I had planned to do a little hog hunting myself a few years ago. Lord knows in my youth I spent enough time trapped in the corn crib where some mean ole boar had me until my grandpa usually chuckling came to rescue me. It's pay back time.
I've seriously thought of trying to buy the old farm, its vacant now, house falling down but tons of fond memories there cept them gosh darn mean hogs, not all of em, but just a few.

[wyntrout]

Yeah, you're right... Sons of Guns. They do some interesting stuff on there, but sometimes they act like they invented the idea for a lot of the projects. It's entertaining, though.

Wynn:)

[garyb]

I have to agree that IDPA has taught me a ton about shooting well. For decades, range time was punching holes in stationary paper. IDPA is a whole new challenge and I really like it.

Ljutic,
I will be new to IDPA this year. I am very curious how far I can go with my PM40. A couple of buddies of mine and their wives are very active with their 40 and 45 cals. Of course they use larger framed Glocks, etc... I am initially getting into IDPA for the gun handling benefits and to get as good as I can with my PM40. With that in mind, I have a great curiousity concerning just how far this gun can take me and where my personal limitations will be. In other words, I also wonder at what point will another gun (perhaps a gaming gun) benefit me. I woiuld love to discover that it will be fun and continuously rewarding to stick with the PM40, but at this time, I just don't know where things will go. I have purchased a reloader, in preparation for burning through alot of ammo. But I still need to learn how to use that as well. I competed alot in the martial arts and with traditional blackpowder in the past. It was fun. IDPA is opening up a whole new sport and hobby (reloading). It is exciting and I can't wait to get started.

[Ljutic]

Ljutic,
I will be new to IDPA this year. I am very curious how far I can go with my PM40. A couple of buddies of mine and their wives are very active with their 40 and 45 cals. Of course they use larger framed Glocks, etc... I am initially getting into IDPA for the gun handling benefits and to get as good as I can with my PM40. With that in mind, I have a great curiousity concerning just how far this gun can take me and where my personal limitations will be. In other words, I also wonder at what point will another gun (perhaps a gaming gun) benefit me. I woiuld love to discover that it will be fun and continuously rewarding to stick with the PM40, but at this time, I just don't know where things will go. I have purchased a reloader, in preparation for burning through alot of ammo. But I still need to learn how to use that as well. I competed alot in the martial arts and with traditional blackpowder in the past. It was fun. IDPA is opening up a whole new sport and hobby (reloading). It is exciting and I can't wait to get started.

I really don't see anything in the rule book that would keep you from using your PM40 for IDPA. http://www.idpa.com/Documents/IDPARuleBook2005.pdf If nothing else, please take a few minutes to read through the holster, concealment, and firearm classification/modification section to verify you will have the correct gear. I'm assuming you will be shooting club matches to start so much of the rule compliance will be up to the Range Officer's discretion. For example, I did not shoot from concealment until I had several matches under my belt. Gun safety is top priority so safe handling from and to the holster is best observed, by the range officer, without concealment. I wanted their help to tell me when I was messing up. When I felt I was ready, I added my concealment vest to my competition kit.

I had a new XDm 9mm on hand that I had never shot previously, so I decided that would be my starting IDPA gun. I stayed with that gun for over a year until my skills were developed to a level where new equipment would help me progress. Ideal starting guns are any of the High Cap 9mms. You will see G17, XD, XDm, S&W Sigmas, CZs, etc. as it's really all about personal preference.

If you are committed to using your PM40, then my all means please do so. I will say that you will be at a distinct disadvantage to most other shooters due to magazine capacity. Most people you will be shooting with are going to the line with 11 + 10 + 10. Most stages don't require that many rounds, but I think you get the picture about how many mag changes could be required if you use the PM40. Anything that adds time or detracts from accuracy will hurt your IDPA scores. So, you may be better off getting a full size pistol than investing quite a bit of money in a bunch of extra PM40 magazines.

You asked me to comment about your personal limitations. I'm assuming you are the greatest shot in the world and on par with the best of the best because I don't know that you aren't, and it would be wrong of me to assume you were anything less. So, it's really your call if you think a full size pistol would improve your IDPA scores. I will say from my personal experience that there is no way I would score as well with my PM9 as I do with my XDm 9.

Bottom line is have fun with it and trigger time should be happy time so go with what puts the biggest smile on your face.

[aray]

I've been wanting to try IDPA since last year but have not yet done so. I hope I can do it this summer.

In my case I'm going to use my CW9. I know that will decrease my score. Don't care. I'm not competing against anyone but myself. When I carry (i.e. out of state but hopefully someday in state) I always carry my CW9, so why not be most proficient with what you plan to shoot, is my logic. Indeed some time back I bought another 7 round magazine so that I'll have three 7-rounders just so that I could complete a full IDPA stage.

I might, someday, go for this using my Beretta 92Fs too, but that would be just for fun and diversity. I'd still be just shooting just for my own benefit, not against anyone else.

[garyb]

Ljutic,
Actually those were all questions and issues I had for myself. Sorry, I did not mean to have them come across as asking. I am merely wondering to myself (just speaking out loud) that I have these questions of myself...wondering to myself how I will do, etc.... I am already committed to go in with the PM40... the gun I carry. I have read the rules and researched the local club I will be attending. I have the gear and mags for 18-19 round stations which are typical for thate local club. Holster meets requirements too. I am good to go gear wise. But alot to learn on the competition line with this PM. I also agree that the limited mag capacity will limit my scores. But so will I...haha. Pertaining to my contemplating how much the PM will limit me and when I will want to go to a gaming gun, I was simply throwing that out there as a personal issue to myself. Once again, I did not mean to sound like I was asking. Just thoughts in my head about this IDPA thing. I realize the gun will limit me, but probably not as much as I will limit this gun...haha. It's a new game and I have lots of things to learn about it. I do plan on going out to have fun and get some gun handling time with my PM. The IDPA shoot I attended looked to be a blast. Can't wait. I do appreciate all the input. Good dialog. Thanks.

[Ljutic]

Ljutic,
Actually those were all questions and issues I had for myself. Sorry, I did not mean to have them come across as asking. I am merely wondering to myself (just speaking out loud) that I have these questions of myself...wondering to myself how I will do, etc.... I am already committed to go in with the PM40... the gun I carry. I have read the rules and researched the local club I will be attending. I have the gear and mags for 18-19 round stations which are typical for thate local club. Holster meets requirements too. I am good to go gear wise. But alot to learn on the competition line with this PM. I also agree that the limited mag capacity will limit my scores. But so will I...haha. Pertaining to my contemplating how much the PM will limit me and when I will want to go to a gaming gun, I was simply throwing that out there as a personal issue to myself. Once again, I did not mean to sound like I was asking. Just thoughts in my head about this IDPA thing. I realize the gun will limit me, but probably not as much as I will limit this gun...haha. It's a new game and I have lots of things to learn about it. I do plan on going out to have fun and get some gun handling time with my PM. The IDPA shoot I attended looked to be a blast. Can't wait. I do appreciate all the input. Good dialog. Thanks.

You will have fun. I'm sure of it. Let us know if your RO allows you to use your Crimson Trace. I've never seen anyone use a laser. If they won't let you use it, just cover the lens with a target paster.

[apheod]

idpa rules require lasers and lights to be removed from the weapon. club practice matches might, but technically its not legal.

i haven't tried shooting my kahr in idpa, but ive been shooting an hk p2000 LEM for a few months and its improved my shooting with both weapons quite a bit, and i was already a decent shot.

[Tilos]

Lurking here, but I have convinced those at my club to offer a 'bug" class for iddy biddy guns and there has been lots of interest in it.
I've shot my CW9, just to do it.
I have found most clubs are flexable with local matches to get more people involved.
Tilos

[garyb]

idpa rules require lasers and lights to be removed from the weapon. club practice matches might, but technically its not legal.


I called the president of a local club to find out about taping over the laser. I could not get an answer. I'll try the tape first, even if they don't let me score. My holster is fitted for the CTL. If they are so fussy that they don't allow tape over the CTL, then it may mean me not entering scores and just shooting for the practice. I may try to get another holster for the PM40 without the CTL, just for IDPA Time will tell if IDPA is something I decide to stick with and invest any more $.