Novice Shooter - IPSC
- Thread starter Shroker
- Start date
ezzyfreeway
Regular
well get ready for a surprise ,,cause you do have to fullfill certain criteria,,and by the way get yourself a real gun for ipsc,,,a cz or tanfoglio or even a glock,,with a little work they do very good on the rangeRight right. Doesn't thr black badge require certain requirements before taking anyways?
Exciting.
This is a checklist I got from Rich prior to the start of my Black Badge course. Pretty basic stuff. I love my CZ and Grand Power X-Calibur, but if you go that route - you will need to practice that first shot in double action (if you are going to shoot in the production division). I didn't know that before I started the classes and it definitely slowed me down - I was definitely the slowest guy in my class . Still had a lot of fun though.
1. BEFORE THE COURSE
1.1. you should be able to hit a 8.5"X 11" paper at 20m at your own time, with your pistol, 9/10 times
1.2. you should know how your pistol works and name its parts; slide lock, magazine release, safety, etc.
1.3. you should be able to clean your pistol, including minor disassembly if required
2. FOR THE COURSE, you will need the following:
2.1. Equipment – call and I can arrange for you to purchase what is needed
2.2. A pistol, preferably a single action semi-automatic, but any centerfire 9mm or larger will work
2.3. 500 rounds of light load ammunition. (250 rounds minimum, but most will use 500)
2.4. A holster, 3 magazines, magazine pouches and belt
2.5. Eye and hearing protection; knee pads and prone mat for the 2nd and 3rd day
2.6. Pen and paper for notes and marking the exams
3. SUSTENANCE
3.1. Coffee, water, snacks, lunch (we do not leave the range)
3.2. Clothing
3.2.1. Warm clothes, gloves and shoes depending on the weather
3.2.2. A cap for protection from the sun/rain and warmth
4. SCHEDULE ( Before the first session)
4.1 Complete the Open Book Exam from the Rule Book provided BEFORE the first session; go to www.ipsc.org for the PDF searchable document; this takes about 1.5-3 hours
4.2. Read the Training Manual for familiarity with the terms
5. FIRST DAY,
5.1. bring everything including ammunition
5.2. theory and learning the draw and other skills
5.3. may begin live fire qualification exercises (for 3 eve course) for 2 day course will start live fire (Note: we progress as fast as the slowest student)
6. SECOND DAY
6.1. bring everything, including food, ammunition, etc.
6.2. live fire qualification exercises
6.3. you will need knee pads and a prone mat
6.4. we do not leave the range
7. THIRD DAY (for 3 evening courses)
7.1 Completion of live fire qualification exercises
7.2 Bring the same as day 2
8. AFTER THE COURSE IS OVER
8.1. You will receive your course results
8.2. Written exam marks
8.3. Qualification Checklist
8.4. Instructor Evaluation Form
8.5. Interim Activity Card for your first Qualifier match
9. TO FINISH YOUR COURSE REQUIREMENTS :
9.1. After your shoot your first Qualifier, return the signed Interim Card to the IPSC BC TC Coordinator
9.2. You will be mailed your Badge & certificate showing full completion of the TC
. Still had a lot of fun though.1. BEFORE THE COURSE
1.1. you should be able to hit a 8.5"X 11" paper at 20m at your own time, with your pistol, 9/10 times
1.2. you should know how your pistol works and name its parts; slide lock, magazine release, safety, etc.
1.3. you should be able to clean your pistol, including minor disassembly if required
2. FOR THE COURSE, you will need the following:
2.1. Equipment – call and I can arrange for you to purchase what is needed
2.2. A pistol, preferably a single action semi-automatic, but any centerfire 9mm or larger will work
2.3. 500 rounds of light load ammunition. (250 rounds minimum, but most will use 500)
2.4. A holster, 3 magazines, magazine pouches and belt
2.5. Eye and hearing protection; knee pads and prone mat for the 2nd and 3rd day
2.6. Pen and paper for notes and marking the exams
3. SUSTENANCE
3.1. Coffee, water, snacks, lunch (we do not leave the range)
3.2. Clothing
3.2.1. Warm clothes, gloves and shoes depending on the weather
3.2.2. A cap for protection from the sun/rain and warmth
4. SCHEDULE ( Before the first session)
4.1 Complete the Open Book Exam from the Rule Book provided BEFORE the first session; go to www.ipsc.org for the PDF searchable document; this takes about 1.5-3 hours
4.2. Read the Training Manual for familiarity with the terms
5. FIRST DAY,
5.1. bring everything including ammunition
5.2. theory and learning the draw and other skills
5.3. may begin live fire qualification exercises (for 3 eve course) for 2 day course will start live fire (Note: we progress as fast as the slowest student)
6. SECOND DAY
6.1. bring everything, including food, ammunition, etc.
6.2. live fire qualification exercises
6.3. you will need knee pads and a prone mat
6.4. we do not leave the range
7. THIRD DAY (for 3 evening courses)
7.1 Completion of live fire qualification exercises
7.2 Bring the same as day 2
8. AFTER THE COURSE IS OVER
8.1. You will receive your course results
8.2. Written exam marks
8.3. Qualification Checklist
8.4. Instructor Evaluation Form
8.5. Interim Activity Card for your first Qualifier match
9. TO FINISH YOUR COURSE REQUIREMENTS :
9.1. After your shoot your first Qualifier, return the signed Interim Card to the IPSC BC TC Coordinator
9.2. You will be mailed your Badge & certificate showing full completion of the TC
Same list I read on the IPSC BC page. awesome.
Lots of good info on their website.
, when the funds are there perhaps. Either way even just shooting at ones pace and pushing whatever they are running with to the ragged edge should be pretty wonderful.
I know it's very competive and all.
awesome. Lots of good info on their website.
, when the funds are there perhaps. Either way even just shooting at ones pace and pushing whatever they are running with to the ragged edge should be pretty wonderful. I know it's very competive and all.
For ammo, you should plan to stock up at the Christmas sales at Italian Sporting Goods and Reliable. I picked up 5 cases of Blazer 9mm brass cased 124gr @ ~$235/case last time. And give Custom Reloading Services in Maple Ridge a call. They may even give you a deal if you do a bulk purchase of 10,000 rounds or more. Once you start practicing for IPSC - that will be about a 5 months supply lol
ps - all these guys are site sponsors and great folks to deal with.
ps - all these guys are site sponsors and great folks to deal with.
That is another thing I want to get into. Reloading
Hey VanMan, I definitely will check out CRS as well. Shipping from Maple Ridge to Vancouver shouldn't be too bad. Wonder if they do pick up.
Oh nice. That's pretty good pricing. I thinm I'm gonna stick it with the. 45.. I feel like I'm walking into a road of hell with that decision!
Oh nice. That's pretty good pricing. I thinm I'm gonna stick it with the. 45.. I feel like I'm walking into a road of hell with that decision!
I don't want to be to blunt but for your first handgun I would not be thinking 1911 or .45acp. Get yourself a CZ 75B, a Glock or M&P in 9MM. Factory ammo is waaayyyy cheaper than .45acp, recoil is less and you will be able to learn a lot about shooting for relatively little money. All three of the guns I mentioned can be had for around $600 new or used if you look for the right deal. Watch the EE on this site. You are going to need a holster, and mag holders. For IPSC at least five mags. For hearing protection go buy a set of ear muffs at Canadian Tire. A good set there will run you around $35. and be way better than foam ear plugs. Your hearing once damaged won't come back so protect what you have now. One day you will thank me for that bit of advice.
Lastly, the three guns I mentioned will sell quickly if you find shooting handgun is not your bag you thought it might be. It can be a lot of fun but it is not an inexpensive sport to play unless you reload and even then you still just end up shooting more for the same outlay of money.
Take care
Bob
ps 230 grain ball should feed in any 1911 you buy.. if you still want to go this route.
Get the gun that interests you and makes you happy. 45 is more expensive to shoot, but if that's what you want, and can afford it, go for it.
Then get lessons, and learn to shoot properly before your bad habits become ingrained.
Then get lessons, and learn to shoot properly before your bad habits become ingrained.
I have seen friends and spouses snapp pics and record shooters at events. I have yet to see someone just visiting or not known to me or event organizers (strangers) take pics of competitors. So I think that I'm safe to continue competing.
If you're going single-stack 45, you could learn a lot from the old masters. Back in the day, the .45 1911 was the definitive IPSC pistol. Personally I was very happy to see it's return in the Classic Division. A couple of books I would highly recommend are The Combat Auto by Bill Wilson and You Can't Miss by John Shaw. Check Amazon for them.
Also check out Rob Leatham's YouTube channel.
DVC.
Also check out Rob Leatham's YouTube channel.
DVC.
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1riot1ranger
CGN Regular
- Location
- Calgary, AB
If you just got your RPAL get whatever gun you want. I started shooting IPSC with a 1911 in .45ACP.
Now, was this the *best* choice? No. (Especially since there was no Classic Division at the time) But I still have the gun and have since upgraded to a 1911 in .40 S&W. I don't know very many IPSC shooters who have only used one gun past their BB course, so be prepared to purchase another 1911 if the IPSC bug bites you.
Have a good time on the BB course and let us know how the first match goes.
Now, was this the *best* choice? No. (Especially since there was no Classic Division at the time) But I still have the gun and have since upgraded to a 1911 in .40 S&W. I don't know very many IPSC shooters who have only used one gun past their BB course, so be prepared to purchase another 1911 if the IPSC bug bites you.
Have a good time on the BB course and let us know how the first match goes.
No, 1911's are not finicky to learn on. Like Slavex has already stated in an earlier post, buy what makes you happy and get some quality pistol training.
My first gun was a Norc NP22. Even shot my first qualifier with it. Not the smartest choice but it was my only gun at that point lol. Oh man that trigger!
Quickly went to CZ SP01. Every other handgun I've shot since has to compare to it.
Not rich enough to move out of Production yet. May never move out of it
For the Black Badge, shoot with what you have. You don't have to get the best because you are just learning. Beg borrow or steal someone's discarded pouches and belt because the course and first qualifier will inform you on what is a better future purchase. Look on the EE to buy someone's used stuff for when they upgrade.
Quickly went to CZ SP01. Every other handgun I've shot since has to compare to it.
Not rich enough to move out of Production yet. May never move out of it
For the Black Badge, shoot with what you have. You don't have to get the best because you are just learning. Beg borrow or steal someone's discarded pouches and belt because the course and first qualifier will inform you on what is a better future purchase. Look on the EE to buy someone's used stuff for when they upgrade.
Shroker,
I hope you were able to visit the match. Visiting a match and asking questions is the best thing you can do before you put money down on a pistol. If you see something you like at the match you should ask them about it. You may even be able to try the gun out. There might even be used ones people are looking to sell.
If you were looking for a nice Springfield 1911 in .45 acp twenty years ago I had one for sale. It has a trigger job that put it into open division back then...I was recently shooting IDPA Custom Defensive Pistol Division, which requires .45 acp guns, with a stock Glock 21. I was also able to compete in USPSA/IPSC production and standard with that gun.
Definitely ask if someone is okay with taking video and pictures. They may go as far as ask you to send a video to them for their training or just say no. It can go both ways. I've held a lot of smartphones taking videos at matches.
Seriously consider shooting production. You can be competitive with a stock out-of-the-box gun and 9mm ammo is cheap. Spend the money on ammo...buy as much ammo as you can afford.
Most of the cost of shooting is the ammo not the gun or equipment even if you reload. Factory .45acp ball ammo is expensive and a handful to deal with while trying to learn the game. It's a matter of the amount of metal and powder per round and 9mm is the smallest so the cheapest. 9mm is almost just as cheap to buy as it is to reload. Once again, ask the shooters that show up to the matches. The internet can get confusing and there is a lot of it is cryptic talk about details that don't matter to you right now or to the group you'll be shooting with.
Buy the best belt you can afford. Just picture trying to get your gun out of your holster with the belt twisting everywhere.
+1 on approved safety glasses from Canadian Tire. Safety is the main criteria for shooting glasses, style really doesn't matter. Then once again ask about other shooter's glasses like what color is good. Right now I'm using rose colored glasses from Mountain Equipment Co-op but yellow might be better for BC when I shoot outdoors. Indoors I have a pair of clear approved safety glasses.
Regardless of what gun you end up with buy Steve Anderson's first Dry-Fire book and write down your par times http://shop.andersonshooting.com/Books/Refinement-and-Repetition.html. You will quickly beat the people at your level. I've done it and so have many others.
This is all pretty boring and un-###y stuff but it is a lot more fun to go conservative and be successful than to dump a bunch of money on the wrong stuff and get frustrated at your first match. One thing I like about the shooting sports is that it's a long-term activity. The source of my original excitement and enthusiasm disappeared long ago. I am WAY MORE motivated and excited about shooting now than I was then!
You have NO IDEA of how fun Action Shooting actually is. Shooting out of a car at night while holding a flashlight. Shooting into a car with targets in it as fast as you can. Running with your gun, falling and realizing that you didn't get disqualified and you're still on the clock! Grabbing a "pick up" gun that you've never shot before and shooting three targets while dragging a dummy to cover. Flipping cards to see if you shoot the red or black marked targets. Turning over a table to provide cover. Wondering where the shot went as a blue barrel ricocheted the bullet into a no-shoot.
It's a lot of fun and well worth the money and time.
DavesNotHere
I hope you were able to visit the match. Visiting a match and asking questions is the best thing you can do before you put money down on a pistol. If you see something you like at the match you should ask them about it. You may even be able to try the gun out. There might even be used ones people are looking to sell.
If you were looking for a nice Springfield 1911 in .45 acp twenty years ago I had one for sale. It has a trigger job that put it into open division back then...I was recently shooting IDPA Custom Defensive Pistol Division, which requires .45 acp guns, with a stock Glock 21. I was also able to compete in USPSA/IPSC production and standard with that gun.
Definitely ask if someone is okay with taking video and pictures. They may go as far as ask you to send a video to them for their training or just say no. It can go both ways. I've held a lot of smartphones taking videos at matches.
Seriously consider shooting production. You can be competitive with a stock out-of-the-box gun and 9mm ammo is cheap. Spend the money on ammo...buy as much ammo as you can afford.
Most of the cost of shooting is the ammo not the gun or equipment even if you reload. Factory .45acp ball ammo is expensive and a handful to deal with while trying to learn the game. It's a matter of the amount of metal and powder per round and 9mm is the smallest so the cheapest. 9mm is almost just as cheap to buy as it is to reload. Once again, ask the shooters that show up to the matches. The internet can get confusing and there is a lot of it is cryptic talk about details that don't matter to you right now or to the group you'll be shooting with.
Buy the best belt you can afford. Just picture trying to get your gun out of your holster with the belt twisting everywhere.
+1 on approved safety glasses from Canadian Tire. Safety is the main criteria for shooting glasses, style really doesn't matter. Then once again ask about other shooter's glasses like what color is good. Right now I'm using rose colored glasses from Mountain Equipment Co-op but yellow might be better for BC when I shoot outdoors. Indoors I have a pair of clear approved safety glasses.
Regardless of what gun you end up with buy Steve Anderson's first Dry-Fire book and write down your par times http://shop.andersonshooting.com/Books/Refinement-and-Repetition.html. You will quickly beat the people at your level. I've done it and so have many others.
This is all pretty boring and un-###y stuff but it is a lot more fun to go conservative and be successful than to dump a bunch of money on the wrong stuff and get frustrated at your first match. One thing I like about the shooting sports is that it's a long-term activity. The source of my original excitement and enthusiasm disappeared long ago. I am WAY MORE motivated and excited about shooting now than I was then!
You have NO IDEA of how fun Action Shooting actually is. Shooting out of a car at night while holding a flashlight. Shooting into a car with targets in it as fast as you can. Running with your gun, falling and realizing that you didn't get disqualified and you're still on the clock! Grabbing a "pick up" gun that you've never shot before and shooting three targets while dragging a dummy to cover. Flipping cards to see if you shoot the red or black marked targets. Turning over a table to provide cover. Wondering where the shot went as a blue barrel ricocheted the bullet into a no-shoot.
It's a lot of fun and well worth the money and time.
DavesNotHere
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Probably would shoot production for a while. Whole other box of worms once you move out of that haha.
Thanks for the reply!
A 45 would be a nice fun gun but I think easing in with 9mm is the better choice. More affordable to feed as well.
Haha yes! A good belt is surely important! Consitent draws. I can only imagine what it'd be like to go for the draw and not have the pistol be there.
Thanks for the tip on par times. That was something I wanted to do. Either using my phone as a shot timer or picking up a shot timer.
I will look into the books and such you people have suggested. Thanks! Great community bring everyone together
