Bill Filiaga

My first match was awesome....never seen or heard of IPSC, then saw a couple of guys at a pistol range practicing, I told them that looks fun, they invited me out to a match the next weekend. I showed up with gun holster and two mags. They gave me a safety briefing (5 Min), which consisted of the 4 safety rules and said do not handle your gun except on the line when RO says so, or in the safety area.......I watched, shot and learned....RO's were helpful, gave me instructions on how to shoot the stage and that's it.....What a blast, since then, I founded two clubs, built a range, became a range officer and filled in for several years as Section Coordinator. Glad I was't required to take a class (I might not have tried the game).....people require more respect from the start, only if they demonstrate lack of brains should they be turned away, I have never turned anyone away from shooting one of my matches and hope I never have too. I do however offer classes for those interested, some people like this route others don't need it. Offer it but don't require.......Most "A" personalites ie.. YOUR future SC's, RO's, Club Officers, workers are quick learners and can be offended if treated like children.....they may go elsewhere and shoot skeet or something which would be our loss.

I have been shooting single stack mostly since the mid 80's. A few years in limited then back to the single stack and production. Just recently a really nice trubor (9 major) worked over by Eddie Garcia fell into my lap. I am having more fun then ever before, my eyes aren't as good anymore so the dot is nice to see, however having shot irons forever, the dot movement takes a bit of getting use too. Working up Major loads has been fun and figuring out what the gun likes to shoot the best is challenging compared to 9minor, .45 and .40.. Remembering to turn off the dot and changing batts has been a pain, but Im working on it. Most of all the dang thing just wants to run....fast.....I have to focus more on accuracy and being more visual with the dot than with irons (I originally had thought it would be the other way around, maybe cause ive shot irons for so long).....the dot is just always there jiggling somewhere on the target, the finger wants to always press, press , press.....the thing is snappy and comes alive I really like it, awesome. GO OPEN....but it requires a lot of homework and ammo......

Mike is among the best instructors/trainers I have had a chance to shoot and train with. I learn something from him every year at matches or training. He is also one heck of a sportsman. He won a match I was at and gave his spot at the prize table to the top junior shooter......that young man will remember what Mike did for a long time, awesome!!

The weather page say 90+ for the Match......Maybe, I'll put the mag & ammo on the exhaust a bit and run at high idle!! Heat it up faster!! I chrono right outside my shop and did do the heater trick. But it is not the same, I just wanted some more experienced persons opinions on this load..... Anyway, this ammo is at 170 pf, I left the OAL the same and increased powder slightly, Fed SP primers still looking good, not near as flaten as a 3n37 load I tried earlier. Good shooting load, we'll see what happens.... Thanks everyone.

Ok thanks for the replies....But will the FPS go up much in the heat? I chrono @ 28 degrees F. The load is MG 115 JHP-- 8.8 grains of HS6-- Federal SP primer--OAL is 1.141 to 1.145-- 10 shot average 1468fps.....PF 168...and it shoots really good. Its not even a compressed load like some have suggested. NO EXCESSIVE pressure signs. I was looking and St George is in the 80's and 90's..... with your experiences...should I leave this load alone? This is my first "GO" with HS6 and Major 9....or an OPEN gun period. I am a newbie in this open arena....but having a lot of fun so far!!!

New Gun..... 115 Gr bullet & HS6 (its what I could find) -- worked up a load... temps here have not been above freezing yet..... Area 1 in a couple of weeks....... 8.8 grains makes 168pf...... do I need to worry about PF or excessive pressures in the warm weather of St George, UTAH........ Bill

The match is looking awesome,Ken and crew are fantastic.... I am really excited to shoot my first real match of the year. Not to mention seeing many freinds and making new ones. The temps look very HOT....hope there is some sun shade in each stage! Or this Alaskan is gonna melt away......

365 competitiors in one Division....Cool I counted over 40 "M" skill level or higher shooters attending (some are classified U)....Extra Cool Single Stack division is "Dead"......not by a long shot.... As always I am really looking forward to shooting this match with you all..... -Bill

Hey Pat, The one you ran with the most shooters, it was the USPSA rules run.....I think. USPSA time plus scoring is also appealing as I will be running some of my multi gun matches this way..... Plus you can run a pistol classifier.... Plus hey, you'll have a really cool Section Coordinator....not to mention a almost as cool Area Director!!!

If you don't live in that state / section, you will never be the "State Champ". I've won HOA in Limited at a few state / sections outside of my own (FL, IN, MI) but there was always a trophy a little bit bigger than HOA for the guy who was 2nd or 3rd place, just because he lived in the local area. I suppose he is deserving of the title, but I've seen it commonly misconstrued to the point that it appears falsely to others that this person is the division winner. But then again I suppose it's all in which side of the fence you live on. Hey Chris, Ive watched you shoot and would consider 2nd against you as an achievment...... anyway, size don't matter, its how you worked it and who the competition was. When I look at certain trophys they remind me of the hard work required to have the privilage of taking them home, others I can't even remember the match. State/Section Championships are to determine who the biggest fish "IS" in that pond. Your pond may have better water and other big fish with many more oppertunities to tone your skills.......So you don't count except to make the competition better. I always love shooting more when the big fish from other ponds come to play in my pond.......Which is frozen 6-7 months out of the year

I believe its the performance of 2010 SSN that will earn you a slot for 2011....I haven't recieved mine yet....But I am sure they are trying to get the others out to the SC's first, the deadline is approaching fast!!

I just put in a Apex spring kit, sear and striker plunger kit. Much better.....easy to install.... I have another M&P Pro needs a little work. Any other suggestions (experience) on manufactures of trigger parts I might want to give a try? Thanks

Im there for the SS, you could count me in for the revo too.....I think shooting it back to back will bring more shooters to both matches..... Bill

I talked to Matt today at American shooters. They are the folks to use..... I really appreciate them taking the time to help us out. Bill Filiaga

Thanks for the replys. I did email American Shooters (Matt) but haven't got a response. I have buisness trip before and after the NATS and do not want to haul my guns and ammo with..... I'll try American shooters again, phone this time.....

Anyone shipping their guns and ammo to Nationals this year? If so who are you using? Thanks Bill

Tim any competitor stats available....# shooters in each division and classifications? Thanks

My 2 cents...I like the two day format. More time to spend with friends I don't get to see often. Flying from Fairbanks sucks....but hey, SSC is a very good & fun match, I'll shoot it regaurdless of the format. -Bill

I got the call and will be there.....sure its far & expensive....but thats where all the fast shooting, good looking folks will be

I think the staff does a fine job for all the Nationals I have attended. East Coast, West Coast, Alaska, Hawaii or anywhere in between. If I got a slot I am going......

Shoot whatever bullet weight you want just make sure it goes faster than 749.9999999999 fps (average of 3 rounds), and be sure that whatever bullet weight your using at that speed equals 120 or better power factor. I've gone one step further on my steel challange matches on my range and that is to limit high end velocity to 1275fps, and no magnums in any caliber.......my plates last much longer. Along with the obvious-no steel core, armor percing, tracer etc...... We don't have a shortage of shooters playing.

Thanks for the intel....I usually pack shorts on trips to the lower 48, I'll be prepared for the worst.....Sunny sounds good as we have only 3 hours daylight that time of year. -Bill

Ok, I did a little checking. Im in, just sent in my registration........ It will be nice to get out of some 40 below weather for a couple of days that time of year. -Bill

$2000.00 worth? If so, any hotel recommendations for me to stay in? Thanks Bill

Yes. Should a D class L10 shooter get a slot in front of Eric G or Saul K just cause they do not live here? It would only hurt the competition. Plus it is a slippery slope, every year Area II is over booked should we keep you Area I folks out so we can shoot OUR area championship? Hi Dave, I would say yes to both your questions......the D class shooter could win D class and Area II shooters wanting a slot to Area II should get one ahead of the better shooters in Area I There are supurb shooters in every area of the USA......Wouldn't hurt the quality of the compitition at all......In my opinion. # 107 on wait list. Bill Filiaga