what is the Black Badge course??

I saw a guy using a metal detector at the beach and I asked him where he got the scar on his chest, he told me that he got it at an IPSC match when his Mom pinned his Black Badge on his shirt :)
 
I took the bb course in 1987 and shot ipsc for years
I think it is great way for a new shooter to learn the game
What I do have issue with is after taking a few years off from ipsc but still shooting other action sports actively ipsc now wants me to do the bb course again just to shoot local matches again
I would be ok with a check out shoot or similiar test to prove I still am safe but having to redo the course just seems elitist and a tax grab
 
I was given a card that says i have successfully completed the minimum training and may now compete a novice qualification match. I got a plastic card from IPSC for that year as well.

That means you don't have your Black Badge yet. You need to shoot one qualification match to get it. You will get the pin after successfully shooting the qualification match without getting DQd.
 
That means you don't have your Black Badge yet. You need to shoot one qualification match to get it. You will get the pin after successfully shooting the qualification match without getting DQd.

thanks...I tried my best to explain it. ;)
 
Black badge course or as many call it "wish I was a cop" course


Oh yes, it comes with a real "Badge" and a Ham radio licence to boot. This let's you walk around with a holster and a walkie Talkie on your belt at the same time.


I saw a guy using a metal detector at the beach and I asked him where he got the scar on his chest, he told me that he got it at an IPSC match when his Mom pinned his Black Badge on his shirt :)


"Insults are the arguments employed by those who are in the wrong."

Jean Jacques Rousseau
 
I just finished a Black Badge course last weekend. I was a skeptic when I signed up, but I wound up enjoying it. It is definitely worth it if you want to learn about IPSC style shooting. I've got plenty of years of gun handling, but I'm new to IPSC so I learned quite a bit. I'm also not afraid to ask questions or make sure I get my share of the instructor's time.

Based on the number of "DQ" errors that happened while on the course, personally I'm glad that IPSC uses the BB course as a prerequisite for competition.

It was a great opportunity to practice under the guidance of a very experienced competitor, as well. Too bad that it's costly, but IPSC shooting isn't exactly a budget activity.

I think it's huge overkill as a qualifier for holster use at a club, but my club doesn't do that so it's not a concern for me personally.
 
My Black Badge

I took my Black Badge in my first month or so of starting shooting with an almost brand new gun. Because I was pressed for time, I challenged the safety courses and knocked off all of the requirements in five months. The BB course was the climax of a very full and exciting few months. At 65 I was easily the oldest in my class and had to struggle a bit because of physical limitations and having just two magazines.

I held my own and finally got through the dreaded "El Pres" with considerable pride and relief. I regard the course as one of the high lights of the last few years. It was challenging, well taught and for me very rewarding. Newbies should not pay too much attention to the nay sayers and jokers here.

I travel to the US each winter and shoot wherever I go. I consider my gun handling and safety practices to be very good compared to what I see elsewhere and I owe that to the BB and my participation in IPSC. Despite my short experience, I can comfortably join USPSA, IDPA, and Steel Challenge groups at the club I joined in the US and never feel embarrassed by my skill levels at any of the basics.
 
Question: Why is it so bloomin' hard to get a black badge course or maybe the correct phrasing is "seems so hard"? I am not in a position right now to take one, but I would love to in the near future. It just seems from the outside looking in that there are only a few courses a year and they are almost always full. Is it a lack of numbers, or qualified instructors, or ranges willing to participate....or am i just a victim of the postings which make it seem like you need to collect a gallon of "stuff" just to show that you are serious bout a course :D
 
Question: Why is it so bloomin' hard to get a black badge course or maybe the correct phrasing is "seems so hard"? I am not in a position right now to take one, but I would love to in the near future. It just seems from the outside looking in that there are only a few courses a year and they are almost always full. Is it a lack of numbers, or qualified instructors, or ranges willing to participate....or am i just a victim of the postings which make it seem like you need to collect a gallon of "stuff" just to show that you are serious bout a course :D

I took mine at Waterford which could be a reasonable drive for you. Ron Molloy does the courses. PM me and I will give you his contact info.
 
Question: Why is it so bloomin' hard to get a black badge course or maybe the correct phrasing is "seems so hard"? I am not in a position right now to take one, but I would love to in the near future. It just seems from the outside looking in that there are only a few courses a year and they are almost always full. Is it a lack of numbers, or qualified instructors, or ranges willing to participate....or am i just a victim of the postings which make it seem like you need to collect a gallon of "stuff" just to show that you are serious bout a course :D

can't speak for anyone else..but in my case it would be that I work shiftwork (sometimes work weekends), have a family and kids to look after. For the most part, the instructors time is voluntary. On top of that, the range needs to be booked,...etc. I would like to work a 9-5 for a few months next year. It would free up my weekends.
 
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