Mojave

I just sent the email below to all registered competitors (if you didn't get it and are signed up, we may just have a problem with your email - email me and I'll fix it). This should address some of the biggest questions out there and we'll be communicating regularly over the next couple weeks. We wanted to send a quick email to pass along key information about the upcoming match. If you are receiving this email you have successfully registered for the match. Below are some questions we're sure are on your mind. How can I submit a squad request? If you would like to be squadded with specific competitors, please email names to brian@uscarbineassociation.com. I will do my best to accommodate all requests. We intend to keep squads to a maximum size of 10 competitors to help the match move quickly and efficiently. Where can I verify match information and my squad? Please visit the match profile on the USCA website. Keep in mind that squads will be changing frequently as a result of load balancing and accommodation of squad requests. You'll also want to bookmark this page, as the results of the match will appear here once we get started. PRO TIP: This link is also available on your USCA profile - My Account > Settings > Upcoming Matches. Will you be making stage descriptions available in advance of the match? Yes. The stages are going through final tweaks. We will make descriptions available to you as they are firmed up. We will send through email and Facebook. Some of the safety rules are unique from other multi-gun sports - any chance that will change? Yes. As much as we hate to change rules this close to a national match, we'd hate even more to DQ a competitor for an action that's perfectly acceptable in another sport. We will be releasing an updated rulebook in the next few days. We will send another email to clarify where changes were made and we will also review these changes at the shooters' briefing prior to the match. How will the prize table work? There will be a separate prize table for each division. See the match page referenced above to get an idea how many competitors are in each division. What if you didn't answer all of my questions? We will be sending out frequent updates between now and the match, and if you have a specific question please contact me directly atbrian@uscarbineassociation.com.

Rifle must be slung any time a shot is fired. This does not necessarily mean that the rifle will be slung for the entire stage - that totally depends on stage design.

Here is a Facebook post announcing the match. There's a link on the post to the formal press release - you may be interested in that.

Thanks benos! I'll call them shortly and post what I find out. Would be nice to simply swap out baseplates.

During the recent IDPA South Carolina State Championship I experienced a significant malfunction caused by a Wilson Combat ETM (their newest, most highly positioned magazine). It cost me 30-35 seconds in the middle of a stage. For reference, I was shooting my Wilson Combat CQB Elite (.45 ACP) and using 4 relatively new ETM's. It appeared that the magazine over-inserted. I was at slide lock and executed a reload. When I went to drop the slide nothing happened. I tried the slide lock, then a sling shot, and neither would even move the slide. Then, after a moment of panic caused by this strange experience, I tried to drop the magazine and start over. It too was locked in place. The gun was completely frozen. I finally managed to break it free, load my last magazine and complete the round, but the damage to my score had been done. I immediately switched back to my high-mileage Wilson Combat Legendary magazines (which have never, ever failed - I love them) and did not suffer another malfunction. Another shooter in my squad experienced the same issue several times during the day with her Les Baer. I called Wilson Combat after the match. They, as usual, were extremely friendly and helpful. While they hadn't heard of this issue with the 45 mags, they had heard of this issue with their 9mm ETM's. He immediately offered to exchange them for new magazines and offered a few tips (like keeping them loaded for some time to soften the springs). I've tried these suggestions but have experienced the issue several times in training since. It should be said that I'm a huge fan of the design of these new magazines. They load effortlessly even with the slide closed (notable improvement), the base pads are much improved, and the numbered witness slot is just plain handy. I'm curious, have any of you experienced a similar issue? Are there any tips to making these magazines more reliable? I am considering taking WC up on their offer to exchange them, but haven't decided if I'd like more ETM's or if I'll ask for the tried and true older design. This post is in no way meant to hurt WC's reputation. I can't say enough how loyal I am, and will remain, to Wilson Combat. The CQB Elite is a dream to shoot and the company has always been great to deal with (including having custom work done to a previous gun and in this specific situation). Lesson learned - I'll never take anything into a match that I haven't vetted thoroughly.

I agree that the issue doesn't seem to be with the OAL at all. If the rounds are fitting the magazine and chambering (at least until they stick) it sounds like a brass issue. Headspacing and overcrimping are sound theories. I have no experience with Starline brass so it's hard for me to comment further. I've loaded hundreds of Zero 230's into WIN brass at an OAL of 2.250" (+/- .002") and have had zero issues through a Wilson Combat CQB Elite nor a Springfield Champion.

I use this workbench purchased from Lowe's and it's worked incredibly well. It's a little more than a stand, but I think it consumes an ideal footprint. It's big enough for the press, but small enough to fit in many places. I also have not bolted it to the floor or the wall and find it plenty sturdy for my 650. The one thing I did was to add 3/4" to the workbench top. It comes with a fairly thin particleboard top which is probably sufficient for projects, but not quite something I'd trust to mount a press. I used the included top as a template and then glued them together. It's working exceptionally well. The pegboard backing and light are a bonus. Everything I need for reloading is within arm's reach. http://www.lowes.com:80/pd_2218-55738-LWWB08-3D4563_4294857657_4294937087?productId=1235425&pl=1&currentURL=/pl_Work%2BBenches%2B_4294857657_4294937087_?newSearch=true$ddkey=http:CategoryDisplay

Thanks everyone - I appreciate the reviews. About to pick one up myself to replace a Sig Sauer bag I've had for several years. Initially I thought I needed a bag that would be truth in advertising (I shoot a Wilson), but after reading this it sounds like I have a lot to gain. For what it's worth, the Sig bag has been very nice, though I wish it had more compartments so that my PPE and ammo wasn't rolling around together in transport. Further, it doesn't quite have the structural qualities that you're all describing here.

Black shirts - great idea! I can see how that would be a marked improvement over white or gray shirts which plainly show the holes.

I put this load together a couple weeks ago just for the chrony data. It was so light I laughed out loud! After quickly realizing it had no chance at making PF I just had fun shooting the rest of the batch. I'm pretty sure that it could even be made softer and still cycle the gun. Bullet: Berry's 185gn HBRN-DS Powder: Accurate No. 2 Charge: 5.1gn Case: WIN COAL: 1.24" This load is also responsible for my commitment to run 230's from here on out.

I've only used Accurate No.2. My Dillon throws stupid-consistent charges with it due to its physical form. I've got a jug of Bullseye to try next (and possibly will get a few others after reading this thread). I've not been advised anything specific to avoid.

I shot a match recently where EVERY target was covered by a t-shirt. I honestly like the idea as it adds some challenge and realism, however I do think it has it's flaws. The advantage clearly goes to later shooters of a stage. The first shooters essentially "mark" the concealed targets with their groups (right or wrong). Later shooters need only aim for the largest concentration of holes in the shirts, while it's more guesswork for earlier shooters. I would imagine that the ideal situation would be that the courses are identical for all shooters. Given that, pasters do a much better job. So unless t-shirts can be changed out every 10 or so shooters, I think pasters win the fairness factor.

Sam's scene in "We Were Soldiers" was pretty hardcore. I don't know if I believe the movie representation, but it would make a great (and challenging) COF.

Nice - thanks! Had drill this weekend, but would love to get a look at a longer term calendar for local events. Can you please hit me with a link? Thanks for introducing yourself - definitely hope to meet you at a shoot soon.