I'm relatively new to shooting (licensed last may). One of the guys at the range suggested I should take the upcoming black badge course. I;m wondering what the minimun I can get away spending on equipment is? I know I'll need a belt, holster and a couple of mag holders. Another issue I have is that I'm not sure about what gun I should use (and buy a holster for) or if any of what I have is appropriate for IPSC. So far in terms of semi automatics I have a Grand Power K100 (9mm), two Browning Hi-Powers (9 and .40) and a retro style CZ 75 limited edition in 9mm)....everything else is a revolver or a .22
To complicate matters further I'm left handed.
I'm also worried that I'm not a good enough shot. I can put 8 or 9 out of ten in the black at 15 yards but at 25 yd's it's more like 7 of 10 even in the rings.
To get through a BB course equipment wise at a minimum, other than the pistol you'll "need" a sturdy belt, a holster, 2 mag holders, and 4 magazines that you know all work together. Once you start competing, in my opinion, you should really get a 2 piece, inner/outer belt. It is far superior to stringing your stuff along a single belt once you think about things like the belt loops on your pants, where you want your mag pouches placed, etc. And if you're doing a BB, and competing in IPSC, everyone will be using an inner/outer, so you'll be at a disadvantage otherwise. If you don't care and just want to shoot the best you can with what you have, that's fine too, and don't be surprised if you beat some people with fancier gear. You should also have 6 mags. I didn't understand at first when people told me 6 when almost always you can finish a course of fire with 3. Well, if you use a stripper clip, that's 4. If you want an extra full mag for back up in case you miss more than you thought you would, etc. And it's nice to be able to use the best 4 out of 6 mags you have. You know, the ones that insert smooth, and drop the slickest, etc. You run your equipment so hard if you participate regularly or train for it regularly you'll be glad you don't have to run your 2 worst mags. But the large majority of courses will not require more than 4 magazines.
In terms of gun/holster, etc. Do you care what division you're in? Because that could dictate the gear you buy. Or do you want to compete with the gun and rig you enjoy shooting and scoring be damned? "Production division" is pretty much the CZ division with guns that relative unmodified beyond say grips, or sights I believe. You'll see the odd Glock long barrel and more and more M&Ps. In fact I see more M&Ps than Glocks in my neck of the woods at IPSC events. The CZ is a nice shooter in 9mm with very little recoil, great sights, heavy metal frame, long sight radius, etc, so it's popular in that division.
Next is "standard division" and the key hear are the issue of minor and major power factor. Basically you get scored differently if you're shooting a snappy .40 than a softer 9mm. And more modifications and upgrades like sears, triggers, are allowed. And "classic" which is single stack 1911s, and "open division" (very little rules about the gun) which it doesn't sound like you're interested in.
As to which of those I'd take to the BB course? The one I shoot best. During your BB course you'll be expected to do things like shoot a standard IPSC target at 15m from draw, with a time limit, of about 3-3.5 seconds or something like that, 8 times, and score either all 8 on paper, and at least 4 of the 8 a C or better or all 8 within the C, but no A required. It's not too hard when you're by yourself to draw and hit at 15m. But if it's your first time with the "beep", it's intimidating under the time pressure. Most people shoot well under the required time because of the pressure when they have no problem doing at their leisure at their home range. You also have to draw, shoot twice at 15m, within 4 seconds, 4 times, same standard. You have to shoot around a physical barrier, usually stacked plastic drums, and lean around the barrier to keep your feet in a box, and shoot I believe 6 shots at 15m, then reload, and do the same on the other side, no time limit. And shoot weak hand at 10m 2 shots at a time, I believe no time limit. I would say these are the required tasks that most people struggle with and require multiple attempts to pass in a BB course. If any of those sound difficult under pressure, just practice a little now that you know what they are. Although I was told at the time some of the tests I am discussing were in the process of changing. I believe somethings that didn't have time limits will get them, and some time limits will go down slightly. And some tests will be modified slightly like number of shots in a string, or repetitions from draw. But that should give you a very good idea of what skill level you should have going in.
Most people pass, but most people also come in with a reasonable amount of experience, but still end up requiring repeated attempts at a task. Many also require time at the end of the last day to do "re-shoots" just to get that last task or two they've been struggling with all weekend and at that point is more psychological than anything else. And lastly, listen to everything your instructor is telling you and give it an honest effort to do it his/her way at least for the weekend. Whether you stick with it over the long haul is another thing. But most people find that 99% of what they are told to do in their BB course helped and improved their shooting.
Remember it's a balance of power, accuracy and speed. Power will be the pistol you choose (.40 or 9mm), accuracy and speed are mostly up to you and partially your rig. Most people struggle shooting at distance under time constraints, and a few with their weak hand. Other than that, have fun!!!
