Holster rules, IPSC and non-IPSC members

GuiltySpark

GuiltySpark

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I'm looking for some clarification on a conversation I had at a shooting range recently.

I was asking about the black badge course and how it relates to people using a holster at the range while just shooting on their own.

Specifically I was asking if the black badge course was just for IPSC shooting or do I need it anytime I want to use a holster even for target practice. I've heard some ranges make members take a holster safety course.

He explained that some ranges do safety courses but a safety course run in Ottawa wouldn't necessarily carry over to a range in Smith falls. He didn't answer if the black badge course would cover me for all ranges. He also said (I'm assuing for IPSC) I could only use a holster on a belt that someone would use for CCW. When I asked about a drop leg holster he laughed and said that those are frowned on because I would be 'lazing' people anytime I tried to take my pistol out and I couldn't control the muzzle.

He indicated if I wanted to use a drop leg holster for IPSC I would need to "show up" in everything I use at work-uniform body armor chest rig. Is that an actual rule? if someone wanted to shoot in an IPSC competition they need to show up dressed for work??
 
I believe if you have Black Badge, it's universal for all ranges that approve holster use. I think he meant IDPA for CCW type holsters. iPSC holsters are generally not concealment types.
My range approves holster wear with no specific course. Their common sense approach is if you are smart enough to own a gun, you should be trusted to use a holster properly. Not sure how a drop leg holster would be considered lazing anyone, unless you are using a crossdraw? Shoulder holsters and crossdraws are usually prohibited since they do sweep the range during draw.
No, you don't need to wear full SWAT gear to shoot an IPSC match!
 
The training requirements for individual clubs are set by the club. It has nothing to do with IPSC. Many clubs that require "holster training" allow the BB...but again...that's up to the individual club. Keep in mind that the BB is not a holster course...it's much more then that, and is over kill for someone who just wants to use a holster (ie. not shoot IPSC)

The rule regarding drop leg holsters is as follows:

5.2.7 Competitors must not be permitted to commence a course of fire wearing:
5.2.7.1 A shoulder holster or "tie-down" rig (visible or otherwise), except as specified in Rule 5.2.8;
Note: All other rules regarding muzzle direction and covering of the trigger still apply to duty rigs

5.2.8 Competitors deemed by the Match Director to be active law enforcement officers or military personnel may be entitled to use their duty holster and allied equipment however, the Range Master will remain the final authority in respect of the safety and suitability of using such equipment at IPSC matches.

In plain English...if you are a legitimate active LEO or Military...you can use your duty holster, at the approval of the Range Master. It also means if your duty rig has retaining snaps, flaps, ...they must also be used (hence the reason that the few people who do show up and can legitimately use a duty rig...don't)
 
GuiltySpark said:
I'm looking for some clarification on a conversation I had at a shooting range recently.


He indicated if I wanted to use a drop leg holster for IPSC I would need to "show up" in everything I use at work-uniform body armor chest rig. Is that an actual rule? if someone wanted to shoot in an IPSC competition they need to show up dressed for work??
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Drop leg holsters are not allowed for IPSC
 
Drop leg, offset , cross draw, appendix carry and shoulder holsters are not allowed in IDPA.

If you think you might want to play IPSC or IDPA in the future buy yourself a well made belt holster for you pistol. It will serve you well as a range holster and will work in IPSC and IDPA.

Take Care

Bob
 
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Still alive said:
I believe if you have Black Badge, it's universal for all ranges that approve holster use. I think he meant IDPA for CCW type holsters. iPSC holsters are generally not concealment types.
My range approves holster wear with no specific course. Their common sense approach is if you are smart enough to own a gun, you should be trusted to use a holster properly. Not sure how a drop leg holster would be considered lazing anyone, unless you are using a crossdraw? Shoulder holsters and crossdraws are usually prohibited since they do sweep the range during draw.
No, you don't need to wear full SWAT gear to shoot an IPSC match!
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So these clubs do exist! Unfortunately few and far between the bed wetting clubs that treat us like children with their asinine rules.
 
Gunslinger said:
So these clubs do exist! Unfortunately few and far between the bed wetting clubs that treat us like children with their asinine rules.
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Ontario clubs are under the thumb of a Provincial CFO. I would be careful how you draw your conclusions. They may not have a choice in the matter.

Take Care

Bob
 
Canuck44 said:
Ontario clubs are under the thumb of a Provincial CFO. I would be careful how you draw your conclusions. They may not have a choice in the matter.

Take Care

Bob
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Very true!
We are in BC.
Seems we have the best CFOs in the country! Don't flame me for this!!
We can get a STATT immediately emailed to us if doing a drop off at the post office or dealing privately. Takes 1-2 days if buying from a store. Ontario sucks!
As for holsters, OP, get a good DeSantis, Safariland, Milt Sparkes, Alessi strong side carry type. Can't go wrong! Perfect for when we can get universal ATC!! HAHAHAHA!
 
OK so the Black Badge is a program created by IPSC in Canada to qualify people to shoot IPSC matches. It's intent is for nothing more than that. Fortunately it is well liked and recognized by many other third party organizations and most holster friendly clubs. Whether the organization/club chooses to recognize the BB as holster certification is 100% up to them. For instance, almost all of the other action shooting groups (IDPA, PPC, etc) recognize the BB. Some clubs who may or may not have their own holster training/programs will also recognize the BB as holster qualification, Silverdale being the most recently discussed club. Keep in mind this recognition of the BB is purely the choice of the club/organization.

As for the dropleg holster, there is a rule in the IPSC rulebook with regards to the placement of the holster. It has already been mentioned that you can use your day to day duty gear in competition as per the discretion or the range master.

My recommendation is do your BB and come out and have fun. By doing this you open yourself up to a multitude of matches, not only IPSC but other disciplines too. I chose to get my BB because of the number of options it has opened up for me and I have been having a great time ever since.
 
The BB is relatively expensive if you don't intend to shoot IPSC.

Drawing from a holster is not rocket science. Back in the 50"s most of the kids 12 and under could do it in there sleep. With Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, the Lone Ranger, Hopalong Cassidy as radio heroes we all learned to ride and shoot with, most without, horses. Two gun western rigs were the badge of a great summer. So too were BB handguns in the shape of 1911's and an assortment of cap guns capable of maintaining piece in the valley. I am always amazed we all didn't turn out to be mass murders but then we were to busy ridding the world of bad guys to care much to join them. Too, out West at least we learned never to vote Liberal.

Take Care

Bob
 
I took my BB course with no intention of getting into IPSC in all honesty.
I wanted some formal training of some sort, just for my own confidence and it was a amazing experience.
I Shot my first IPSC match 15 days ago, and my next one is only 12 sleeps away.
The people I met and fun I had in the shoot, has given a whole new definition to the word fun.
Even if IPSC isnt your thing, it is a lot easier to get holster recognition and privileges anywhere with the Black Badge certificate than it is with any one range card.
My local range puts on holster training for 200 bucks, you get to use your holster then afterwards there, but its not recognized anywhere else.
My bb course was 300, and I am now literally internationally certified to be safe and proficient with using a holster while action shooting.

Totally worth it in my mind, and am a better shooter because of it.
 
Thanks for the replies. I don't as of yet have any intention to shoot any IPSC stuff. In all honestly it seems a bit too technical and rule oriented for me; I'm just looking to shoot recreational. That's not a slight against the shooters that do shoot ipsc of course.
 
1000yards said:
I took my BB course with no intention of getting into IPSC in all honesty.
I wanted some formal training of some sort, just for my own confidence and it was a amazing experience.
I Shot my first IPSC match 15 days ago, and my next one is only 12 sleeps away.
The people I met and fun I had in the shoot, has given a whole new definition to the word fun.
Even if IPSC isnt your thing, it is a lot easier to get holster recognition and privileges anywhere with the Black Badge certificate than it is with any one range card.
My local range puts on holster training for 200 bucks, you get to use your holster then afterwards there, but its not recognized anywhere else.
My bb course was 300, and I am now literally internationally certified to be safe and proficient with using a holster while action shooting.

Totally worth it in my mind, and am a better shooter because of it.
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I doubt USPSA cares since they don't have a BB course. I took my BB course for $125 and getting the rules of the game explained was well worth the fees. Too, the fee included one years membership in IPSC BC which was worth it to me because I wanted to shoot the sport. I would not have paid $300 for it though. Different strokes for different folks.

Take Care

Bob
 
GuiltySpark said:
Thanks for the replies. I don't as of yet have any intention to shoot any IPSC stuff. In all honestly it seems a bit too technical and rule oriented for me; I'm just looking to shoot recreational. That's not a slight against the shooters that do shoot ipsc of course.
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You can shoot IPSC for fun. It is all up to you. I'm in no danger of winning any trophies but I get to shoot the same stages the 'pros' get to shoot and that's awesome. I call that recreation. The 'shooting for lawyers' part concerning the rules, scoring and gaming can be as little or large a part of the sport as you make it.
 
Canuck44 said:
I doubt USPSA cares since they don't have a BB course. I took my BB course for $125 and getting the rules of the game explained was well worth the fees. Too, the fee included one years membership in IPSC BC which was worth it to me because I wanted to shoot the sport. I would not have paid $300 for it though. Different strokes for different folks.

Take Care

Bob
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I would have certainly jumped on it at that price, the 2 instructors I had to choose from were either 300 and a hour north of me or 250 and 3 hours south, but both were 2 days. Covered my range fees for the weekend, first year IPSC fee, first match and now that I passed my first qualifier, my pin and certificate are on their way.
Still feel I got a great value for my money, as my instructor was just incredible and really improved my shooting overall, not just for IPSC. We had a small class of 6, which was also nice.

Plus, everything costs more in Alberta lol Except gas.
 
1000yards said:
I would have certainly jumped on it at that price, the 2 instructors I had to choose from were either 300 and a hour north of me or 250 and 3 hours south, but both were 2 days. Covered my range fees for the weekend, first year IPSC fee, first match and now that I passed my first qualifier, my pin and certificate are on their way.
Still feel I got a great value for my money, as my instructor was just incredible and really improved my shooting overall, not just for IPSC. We had a small class of 6, which was also nice.

Plus, everything costs more in Alberta lol Except gas.
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That brings up a point. For the Black Badge you have to take a course, participate in an IPSC qualifier that first year and attend at least one match every year thereafter.
Keeping a BB current for someone not interested in IPSC is not likely.

I wonder if that $200 for a club only holster course price was set as a deterrent to keep casual users away.
 
charles u farley said:
That brings up a point. For the Black Badge you have to take a course, participate in an IPSC qualifier that first year and attend at least one match every year thereafter. Keeping a BB current for someone not interested in IPSC is not likely.
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Does this mean the BB cert expires if you don't shoot at least one IPSC match per year?
 
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