Black Badge Training

The instructor should have given you a list of items and minimum skills (very basic) you need before coming. In the very least, belt, holster, gun, ammo, ears and eye protection and good attitude. Depending on the schedule, first class may be just classroom. Don't worry about having proper "IPSC" equipment at first as your instructor may have recommendations based upon your gun. Would be nice to have ammo pouches but these and your holster eventually are upgraded depending on whether you decide to compete regularly or not.
 
I took my course with just two magazines as I couldn't locate more in time. It was doable but definitely to be avoided as I consumed so much time running up range to recharge magazines. Four or better five magazines are a good idea. I suggest that you wear and bring creature comforts as it's a long day on your feet. In my case it was indoors on a concrete floor. So good footwear is recommended. I would also suggest water and even a few "bandaids" if you aren't used to firing that many rounds in a short time. My hands were sore from the shooting and handloading so many mags. A loader such as the MagLula should be standard equipment for IPSC shooters and likely is; I have two of them. I was decidedly older than the rest of the shooters but not the only one to get tired towards the end of the course.
 
Thanks...

How difficult will the testing be? I have a few years shooting experience, but I'm worried about speed requirements as I've always been a safety first guy...
As it turns out just last week my newest batch of .45 produced 5 squibs in the 100 rounds I fired and that terrifies me... Guess I'll be spending some extra cash and grabbing some factory 9mm...
Sounds like I'll be like you Herc... I just know I'll be the oldest...
Silver... I'm scheduled to meet and do a preliminary shoot with the instructor... 9/10 @ 20m or something like that... guessing more info will be provided then.

Thanks I'll keep watching for tips.... any nuggets are welcome
 
During our BB test speed was not an issue. You had to put a specific number of rounds on the target, and you had multiple chances to do this and there was no time limit. Being safe was the primary goal, accuracy hopefully comes later on (especially for me).

Your instructor might be able to give you some practice drills, these may include single hand strong and weak side. This seems to be the biggest challenge, and something that we don't practice enough of.

BTW I was the oldest in my group by far.

Relax, be safe and have fun.


Thanks...

How difficult will the testing be? I have a few years shooting experience, but I'm worried about speed requirements as I've always been a safety first guy...
As it turns out just last week my newest batch of .45 produced 5 squibs in the 100 rounds I fired and that terrifies me... Guess I'll be spending some extra cash and grabbing some factory 9mm...
Sounds like I'll be like you Herc... I just know I'll be the oldest...
Silver... I'm scheduled to meet and do a preliminary shoot with the instructor... 9/10 @ 20m or something like that... guessing more info will be provided then.

Thanks I'll keep watching for tips.... any nuggets are welcome
 
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Take your time and get your alphas. Being fast will come with time. Practice at home your draw and reloads once you get taught the technique. Practice pointing your finger (down range) to always be aware of your muzzle direction. On the written don't forget the rule numbers :p Have fun.
 
The course starts very slow and escalates through the shooting exercises gradually. At the time I found it challenging and fun. Mind you I had a brand new gun with maybe 100 rounds through it and had just turned 65. The gun was a big SIG X-Five in .40; not exactly a beginner's gun and DA/SA as well. As a beginner I had trouble accuracy wise with that first DA round. I have bad legs and knees and that didn't help. If I were you I would go at it in good spirits as I'm sure you will do well. As IPSC stands for the skills are a combination of accuracy, speed and power. I would shoot 9mm if I were you and get some decent factory stuff as you don't want to be dealing with extra nonsense. I use Wolf reloads exclusively when I can get them and SFRC is an excellent
supplier.

As I said, the speed and complexity of the drills is very progressive. The last exercise is the "El Presidente" and by the time that comes you will be happily pumped.

To give you a further boost, I'm 70 now and shoot in all the action disciplines here and in the US. I started 3Gun in the US two years ago and love my AR-15 in the tactical carbine matches I shoot in Texas. I shot a 12 Ga for the first time on over 50 years during my first shotgun match. Now I have my own Tactical Shotgun and love it all. If I can do this so can you and any other motivated person who is humble enough to take direction.
 
Thanks...

How difficult will the testing be? I have a few years shooting experience, but I'm worried about speed requirements as I've always been a safety first guy...
As it turns out just last week my newest batch of .45 produced 5 squibs in the 100 rounds I fired and that terrifies me... Guess I'll be spending some extra cash and grabbing some factory 9mm...
Sounds like I'll be like you Herc... I just know I'll be the oldest...
Silver... I'm scheduled to meet and do a preliminary shoot with the instructor... 9/10 @ 20m or something like that... guessing more info will be provided then.

Thanks I'll keep watching for tips.... any nuggets are welcome


There is no speed requirements. I took mine BB with CZ75 Shadow and 5 mags. No issues. Everything is nice and easy.Makes no difference how old or young you are. I have physical disability and still did mine perfect. Finger of trigger, do not break 90 and you are flying.

The only important thing is that you can shoot your gun. They are not there to teach you how to shot.
 
If you're taking your course with Alex out at silverdale, he will expect you to do the written exam before the weekend. Make sure that you allow yourself more than a few days to get through it. be prepared to stand and move all day for both days. Finger off the trigger, muzzle down range.
 
5 squibs out of 100 rounds? You need to re-examine your loading procedure. You're missing a very important step - powder.
 
A little time pressure is not a bad thing. Even the old times were attainable.
 
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I was looking into doing my BB in NS, however I noticed the requirements specify 9mm or greater for the course, I would assume this is to exclude .22LR but would that mean I couldn't use a TOK TT-33 7.62x25mm? I have used many handguns in 9mm and .45ACP and I just like the TT-33
 
"During our BB test speed was not an issue. You had to put a specific number of rounds on the target, and you had multiple chances to do this and there was no time limit. " Bugout.

Things are very different in other parts of the country.

9x19 is the minimum cartridge case dimension for IPSC competition. (5.1.2)
 
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