.22 in IDPA

IDPA in .22 rimfire. Yes! But as a side match similar to BUG or as a completely autonomous event. Our range has held several rimfire IDPA shoots that were well attended by shooters who normally use their centre fire guns. But we also attracted people who did not own guns which qualify for regular IDPA and they had a great time. That is the real reason IDPA should have a rimfire division. To attract new shooters who may not have all the appropriate equipment.

When hosting a rimfire match in Blenheim we've modified the start-ups to eliminate the need of a holster, we've included rimfire rifle stages, we've reduced the size of the targets to accomodate the shorter lengths of our indoor range. While adhering to the rules of IDPA we've made minor adjustments to the equipment requirements. I don't believe we've detracted from the IDPA program at all, I believe we've expanded upon a sport which will in turn expand our base of shooters.
 
In the end it will be up to Bill Wilson and is Board s to what they decide to do. One thing for sure if they do decide to add .22 shooting to the sport it won't be mandatory and if clubs don't want to shoot it they sure won't have to.

For us in the iwnter time it lets us get out when we might not otherwise. Unless there was a way to come up wi much smaller targets then I don;'t see much of a challenge to the use of .22 pistols. Time will tell.

Take Care

Bob

I think logistically they would need to be separate matches, as indicated by a few on the board here already. I don't see much way around that.
If .22 rimfire shooting is accepted into IDPA in whatever form, and there is a large enough group of people in the ATHL that want to shoot it, I would obviously support it.

The problem we face though, as I'm sure other clubs do, is that while a lot of guys say they'd shoot it, there are very few that are willing to nut up and do the work to put it on.


1/3 sized targets could work, as I'm sure a host of other ideas - I think .22 offers quite a few differences to frankly be a much different animal. Mags don't have to be limited, and shooting positions and range setup could vary greatly. I think a different sport altogether would make it much more attractive.
 
I think logistically they would need to be separate matches, as indicated by a few on the board here already. I don't see much way around that.
If .22 rimfire shooting is accepted into IDPA in whatever form, and there is a large enough group of people in the ATHL that want to shoot it, I would obviously support it.

The problem we face though, as I'm sure other clubs do, is that while a lot of guys say they'd shoot it, there are very few that are willing to nut up and do the work to put it on.


1/3 sized targets could work, as I'm sure a host of other ideas - I think .22 offers quite a few differences to frankly be a much different animal. Mags don't have to be limited, and shooting positions and range setup could vary greatly. I think a different sport altogether would make it much more attractive.

Your comment regarding volunteers is unfortuantely true in the extreme with few exceptions. Rotating the MD position for matches helps sometimes. I can appreciate we all have different demands on our time depending on work and family considerations but from my experience all can help in some fashion or another. There is unfortunately some who just never do. I wish I had the answer but I don't. The shooting sports are not the only sports group that suffers this problem.

I must say though at our club in Terrace, small as it is, manages quite well in as to being able to attract volunteers. Virtually all contribute beyond just attending matches, from helping with set-up, volunteering as MD for the monthly shoots, welding up new props or SOing.

Our average age is older so it may be a case of largely being empty nesters with more available time on our hands. Maybe not. I do know if our shooting sports whether it be IPSC, Cowboy Action or IDPA none will survive long term without volunteers. If you are reading this post and have never raised your hand to help out you might want to think about what I just said.


Mike you and others are right in that IF a 22 Match set of rules were developed matches would either be separate events or run as a side match similar to BUG matches in the US. I don't see .22 shooters shooting a regular match for score. See my comments regarding targets. I guess IF it comes to pas each club will have to decide whether they wish to pursue .22 shooting or not.


Take Care

Bob
 
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