heybone111

(Shooting picture: Robin Boruta)

1. Improve your gun-handling skills
This is the main goal of IDPA practice. Various gun-handling/self-defense skills are built into the scenarios. For example: drawing from concealment, shooting while moving, reloading, strong-hand/weak-hand shooting, transitioning from one shooting position to another, engaging threat targets from cover, and more

2. Safety
Safety is the one element that will over ride everything you do in IDPA. We want everyone to have a great time, and that can only happen in a safe environment. We typically have at least two Safety Officers for every stage, watching over each shooter. We run our match as a “cold range”. This means that no ammunition is allowed in the gun until you are on the firing line, and the gun is completely unloaded before leaving the firing line. We believe that this helps promote a safer environment for all skill levels.

3. Equipment Reality Check

IDPA encourages you to participate with your real world carry equipment. There are few other circumstances where you can actually test your conceal carry equipment, to be sure that it’ll run in the moment of truth. Recommended equipment:
1) A firearm, typically 9mm/ 38 special or larger.
2) A strong side holster of some sort, Inside the waistband or Outside the waistband is acceptable. It should be suitable for all day continuous wear, the firearm with enough tension to complete normal daily tasks without fear of losing the weapon.
3) If you have a semi-auto pistol, you will need a double magazine pouch. If you have a revolver, you will need a moon clip or speed loader carriers.
4) For semi-auto pistol shooters, three magazines is the ideal number to have. For revolver shooters, three moon clips or speed loaders.
5) Some sort of garment to conceal your equipment.
6) Ear and Eye Protection.
7) 100 rounds of ammunition.
8) A good attitude and a willingness to have fun!!

4. Everyone’s Gun Has a Place

IDPA has five different gun divisions. They are:
1) Stock Service Pistol for DA, DAO, Safe Action users, typically 9mm or .40 S&W.
2) Enhanced Service Pistol for SA users, typically 9mm or .40 S&W.
3) Custom Defensive Pistol, a class for .45 ACP pistols only.
4) Enhanced Service Revolver for full moon clip revolver users.
5) Stock Service Revolver for revolvers that don’t use full moon clips, and require speedloaders.

5. Skill Levels for Everyone
There are also five different skill levels, or classes, which everyone is divided up into. From lowest to highest, they are: Novice, Marksman, Sharpshooter, Expert, and Master. These classes ensure that everyone is competing, not only against themselves, but against shooters with similar skill levels.

6. Learn About Time vs. Accuracy
Virtually everything you do is on the clock. You gradually learn how long it takes you to do various tasks, and then you try to do them a little bit faster. However, if you go to fast then your accuracy will suffer, and penalty points will start to be added to your time. It’s a balance between speed and accuracy.

7. Social Atmosphere
It’s also a great way to meet some new friends. You will find that typically, we all have very similar interests. People in IDPA are friendly, encouraging people. We all have had a first match and can usually remember our first match jitters. So, with all of that being said, jump in and come have some shooting fun with us!

For complete IDPA rules, the IDPA Rule Book (4.5 MB file) can be viewed at the IDPA web site.

A short 2-1/2 day excursion. I will give full details when we return.

My son came home from school one day,
With a smirk upon his face.
He decided he was smart enough,
To put me in my place.

‘Guess what I learned in Civics Two,
that’s taught by Mr. Wright?
It’s all about the laws today,
The ‘Children’s Bill of Rights.’

It says I need not clean my room,
Don’t have to cut my hair
No one can tell me what to think,
Or speak, or what to wear.

I have freedom from religion,
And regardless of what you say,
I never have to bow my head,
And you can’t make me pray.

I can wear earrings if I want,
And pierce my tongue & nose.
I can read & watch what I like,
& tattoo from head to toe.

And if you ever spank me,
I’ll charge you with a crime.
I’ll back up all my charges,
With the marks on my behind.

Don’t you ever touch me,
My body’s only for my use,
Not for your hugs and kisses,
that’s just more child abuse.

Don’t preach about your morals,
Like your Mother did to you.
That’s nothing more than mind control,
And that’s illegal too!

Mom, I have these children’s rights,
So you can’t influence me,
Or I’ll call Children’s Services Division,
Better known
As ‘C.S.D.’

Mom’s Reply and Thoughts

Of course my first instinct was
To toss him out the door.
But the chance to teach him a lesson
Made me think a little more.

I mulled it over carefully,
I couldn’t let this go.
A smile crept upon my face,
he’s messing with a pro.

Next day I took him shopping
At the local Goodwill Store..
I told him, ‘Pick out all you want,
there’s shirts & pants galore.

I’ve called and checked with C.S.D .
Who said they didn’t care
If I bought you Nike, or converse shoes,
just so you have a pair.

I’ve canceled that appointment
To take your driver’s test.
The C.S.D. Is unconcerned
and guess that I know best.’

I said ‘No time to stop and eat,
Or pick up stuff to munch.
Today you will begin to learn
To make yourself a lunch.

Just save the raging appetite,
And wait till dinner time.
We’re having liver and onions,
A favorite dish of mine.’

He asked ‘Can I please rent a movie,
To watch on my VCR?’
‘Sorry, but I sold your TV,
For new tires on my car.
I also rented out your room,
You’ll take the couch instead.
The C.S.D. merly Requires
a roof above your head.

Your clothing won’t be trendy now,
I’ll choose what we will eat.
That allowance that you used to get,
Will buy me something neat.

I’m selling off your jet ski,
Dirt-bike & roller blades.
It’s the’Parents Bill of Rights’,
when you don’t get the grades.

Hey, is that you crying,
Why are you on your knees?
Are you asking God to help you out,
Instead of C.S.D..?’