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A very comfortable size group completed the IPSC TC last weekend.

There were 4 shooters in the class using an eclectic mix of pistols; 1 FNS, 2 Sigs and one SW M&P, all in 9mm Luger. No Shadows to decock.

With the growth of Classic Division and the many easy and outstanding things that can be done to the 1911 platform, I am thinking that this will become the go to Division for beginners. Let’s see if that comes true. 😉

Steve from International Firearms Corp and his son Nate, dropped by to not only sign up for the next class but also show us some Colt pistols and an AR. Colt still is a premiere maker and they seem interested in IPSC. I am looking to Colt to bring what we need to market so beginners can experience a great gun makers products.

All right handers and no reloaders… yet. 😉 Club members Chris and Matt came by to chat and lend club support to the group, two of whom were new members. Good to see our club members taking part in club activities.

I have to again compliment our staff and volunteers. The front door was out of kilter and it wasn’t long before someone showed up and sorted that out. Thanks to Rod and Clyde for their help.

Downside to the weekend; I found a crack in the slide on my red Open Gun. My back up is just fine and I have another at Dlask to convert from .38 Super to 9mm Luger. Another reason for a back up gun or two. 😉

These classes certify the students for holster use anywhere holsters are used. That is a great testament to the quality and trust the IPSC TC provides. The class also provides a peek into the world of IPSC and, hopefully, intrigues the students to continue on. I used to be shocked that there was a 40-60% attrition rate but have come to grips with the fact not everyone is an IPSC junky like me. 🙂

It was obvious this group got it that the TC first priority is SAFETY while learning to shoot a wide variety of skills; freestyle, strong hand, weak hand, reloads, kneeling, prone, movement and more that students may encounter in matches.

Metro Van has finished all the qualifiers this year, not including Provincials. I am hoping that the 2017 match schedule appears soon. Opportunities to complete TC requirements can be a challenge to the students. Can Abby be far behind to put on matches? 😉 I know I am booking my classes for 2017 in the next few weeks.

If you can’t get into qualifiers, check out ISL on the Island. They host club matches that are good practice for qualifiers. These are held in Victoria, Nanaimo and Campbell River. And, of course, steel matches at TMSA and Mission. Chilliwack does IDPA for yet another exposure to pistol shooting challenges.

In my last report, I had mentioned to some folks that with the rapid filling of matches locally, Abby may have an opportunity to help those who did not get in. My vision would be a club shoot of about 4-5 stages, 120 or so rounds. One or more indoors and 3 outdoors which would leave R#2 open for members. No movement on that so far but the future may see changes.

Students can, and should, shoot steel matches before their first qualifier. TMSA has a steel match Sat Sep17.16 and so does Mission. I am hoping that Abby again puts on Steel Challenge matches as steel matches are THE way newbies can ease into our great shooting games. Even coming out to a qualifier just to watch is a good idea to get a feel for how the game is played.

Another IPSC class is scheduled for Sep10/11.16. Still lots of time to stop saying, “I really want to shoot IPSC and take the course” and ACTUALLY sign up to prove it! 🙂

You can join this fast growing dynamic shooting sport by being a class graduate. Classes and more information can be found at http://mdgardner.com/extreme-pistol.htm#SCHED

I look forward to having you involved.
DVC
Murray “DOC” Gardner