Another full house for the IPSC TC last weekend.
There were 8 shooters in the class using an interesting mix of pistols, all in 9mm Luger, of course; 1 Sig 226, 1 Glock, 1 Shadow 2 and 2 Shadows and 3 varieties of Walther PPQs (I don’t know all the iterations 😉 Now, here’s the kicker, 4 of 8 were left handers! (standing, naturally, to my left). The odds are 15% of people are LH and many classes have no LH. The average just kicked back in 😉
Again, only two students currently reload. Never ceases to amaze me how much $ folks put into guns and gear yet nothing into the “gas” to run the car.
Some of this group came from long distances for the class; 3 from Vernon and 1 from Victoria. Glad to have them on board to grow our sport.
We used the trigger pull gauge again and big eyes all around when they found out what their guns had. Then the shock of Open, Classic and Standard gun triggers from those of the TCI and my assistants. As they try my Open gun trigger, the concept of GST becomes much more tangible. If you don’t know what GST, not the tax, means you will find out in my class.
Kevin H. and George P. helped with the group to share their combined knowledge and team involvement from not only qualifiers but also Provincial and National matches. I like to have a wider perspective of what IPSC is other than just my take on it. The students seem to appreciate this as the evaluations indicate they completely enjoyed the experience.
A thank you shout out to some significant others who came with their spouses and picked brass and taped targets. I’m going to miss them in future classes. Thanks Eric and Max.
These TC 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.
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.
The IPSC BC 2017 schedule is up: http://ipscbc.com/index.php/match-information/match-calendar?year=2017&level=0
applications from Wms Lake, Terrace, TMSA (only Mon left), Kamloops (only Sun left), & Ft. St. John so far. Metro Van has 5 qualifiers left this year as well as Provincials which come early, July 01. Opportunities to complete TC requirements can be a challenge to the students. My IPSC TC classes for 2017 are scheduled. Take a look and contact me to register in the one that works for you.
AFGC has approved mid-week classes. See the club and/or my class schedule to find one that may work best for you. They are limited and conditions apply. Call me for more information. There is one set for May16/23 and room so far.
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.
Students can, and should, shoot steel matches before their first qualifier. Abbotsford has Steel practice every Tuesday evening on Range 4 starting at 7 pm and runs until 10. $5 drop-in fee, members and non-members are welcome. TMSA has a steel match Sat May 06.17. Mission also shoots steel, check their site. Even coming out to a qualifier just to watch is a good idea to get a feel for how the game is played.
I am very pleased that AFGC is now putting on club matches. See the web page and get involved.
I put out a “sorta” weekly email announcing matches of which I am aware, Abby courses and more. If you want to be on that email list, send me an email asking to be added. Anytime you want to opt out, just send another email asking and it will happen.
My next IPSC class is scheduled for May13/14.2017 but almost full. 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. Class dates 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