arizonaguide

Great thread.

Fantastic Info, ALL. Thank you! Yep, I was looking into that ICORE shoot, but I probably won't make the one this Sunday, but I DO intend to make the PHX R&G on the second Saturday (which should be next weekend on the 8th) to check it out. I DO also want to check out some of the other styles/disciplines also...it ALL just looks like a ton of FUN! I've heard good things about the Scottsdale club also. MUCH appreciate all the info! And, I have to agree with Neomet's SIGline. Ain't it the truth about this area being the mecca of shooting sports! We are truly blessed.

Guys, I can't thank you enough for that information! I've GOT to get into some of this, but didn't have a clue as a 5-shooter. Jflowers, what an AWSOME post. Sincerely, thank you for taking the time to "square away" the "new guy" with all the questions. Exactly what I was looking for, and answers the differences in style AND equipment. OUTSTANDING POST, and again: Thank you!. It's hard to put that out there like that because it's kinda like comparing styles of martial arts. There are as many opinions as there are styles, and each has is merits and shortcomings. AZshooter, you have also put me on the right track with LOCAL options, and also MUCH appreciated. Sincerely, Thanks folks! Now, I gotta go do some google mapwork ("looks for range") We've GOT to get a range on the Westside here, someday!

So what are the typical events that most REVOLVER shooters HERE are shooting? Not necessarily Jframe type 5-shooters, but most of the folks here...which I understand are using larger frame DA's. And are you using the same holsters as you might Conceal Carry with, or is there MANDATORY "strong side carry" requirement? How does one get started/equipment? Sure, I'm reading the threads and stickeys...but there doesn't seem to be a "Basic Revolver Options for Beginners" thread and so it's a lot of trying to "piece the information together" for me...in bits and pieces Is the IDPA more of a "tactical"-vs-"practical" type of option.? Being a newby I'm not even sure what the differences are. What are the equipment requirements? IWB or strong side Serpa would be okay? Which event is more of a "shoot on the move" type event? Because THAT'S the next level that I want to work on. I've had my FILL of "static" square range "defensive" target work in classes...but they ALL seem to ignore the fact that in a "real life" situation I would more than likely be shooting while moving at an also moving target...likely at close range. So, I'd REALLY like to develop non-static MOVE/SHOOT skills...from concealment...with my Jframe. I don't care about posting record times, but more about improving my own skills through good fun and/or friendly events. Kinda like Weekend Golf, only MORE fun...(less frustration!?) THANKS for Any words of wisdom?

I also have a 442 that I LOVE! (3500+rds, IN CLASSES...and without a hiccup!) It's easy to carry concealed in AZ warm weather, so I don't leave it at home. It fits my hand with a "natural point" so that I'm as accurate with it as a longer barrel at defensive ranges. I feel that with the right +P ammo I'm pretty much on par with the 9mm. I prefer a heavy-fast bullet, and I have gone with the +P 158gr LSWCHP...which has a GOOD track record. Another round that has a decent weight and good track record is the good old 148gr WC. I have always wondered why they don't come up with a good +P in a 180grain FN or WC for the .38special.

Thank you ALL, and especially AZshooter! At least I have a good starting point to get off the couch and get my butt out and check it all out. As it says under my avatar...time to get out and "Looks for Range"! I definitely don't mind being the guy with the 5-shooter that's reloading a lot...as long as I'm learning and improving. I look at this a lot like Golf in that as long as I'm improving and having fun...it's worth the effort. And since the Jframe WILL be the everyday carrypiece for me, it only makes sense to use it and train with it. Looks like I've got to get 3more speedloaders and get them all loaded with snapcaps and work on serious reload speedwork. Something like THIS guy, I guess. I'll look into possible BUG events also. Is there a typical "strong side carry" holster requirement for most events? Or, are (at least the BUG) event's allowed to draw from concealment? I have both a IWB that I like (for CCW) and an "open carry" Serpa (level II) retention that I like. But, should I be thinking about a the strong side carry holster as a "mandatory" requirement? Thanks for the help folks! I look forward to getting to the "next level"...with my little Jframe!

Request guidance on Phoenix area events for a Jframe (5shot) revolver shooter for 2011...looking to come and observe, then eventually participate. Grew up in Alaska shooting single action revolvers...and upon moving to AZ I decided to get serious about a defensive pistol. The most comfortable pistol for my hand "fit" and carry (for ME) was the little Jframe. I have now been through several "defensive classes" with my chosen everyday carry pistol, a S&W442...and I'm not sure where to go from here for fun and recreation. (about 3500rds through it in classes so finally getting confident enough to think about more serious improvements to the "next level"). I'd like to find some kind of "recreational" mildly-competitive OR "challenging" shooting for the little 5 shot to help me improve my "defensive" skills and presentation techniques, and continue to grow and learn...perhaps with some more experienced shooters to guide me and without shooting myself in the foot. I really know NOTHING about the different types of competitive shooting, but started reading a little about IDPA a bit, and discovered that it's kinda geared toward 6shot pistols, correct? Is there anything geared toward a Jframe other than being the "odd man out" at other competitive events...usually geared toward semi-autos? Is there ANYTHING in the PHX area (or Mesa, whatever) that is geared toward the (close range) "defensive" use of my (beloved/trusted/reliable) Jframe?

Hello, Just got back to full time in the Phoenix, Arizona area, and I'm thinking of ways to get my shooting skills more developed...and what a great forum this is. I'm somewhat confused, as I'm just an old single action revolver shooter (grew up in Alaska) and have now moved to a small Jframe for "tactical" use. So, being a revolver guy...not sure how much I can contribute, but I hope to get involved somehow. Perhaps some IDPA shoots, if they have a place for a 5-shooter Jframe. So (of course), I'm a bit lost as to what's available to a snubby shooter for fun. But, hope to learn and contribute any way that I can. Anyway, NICE to be here on a more regular basis. Ty

Thanks bd! That sentence kinda wraps up exactly how I'm thinking. I don't plan to be a top competitive shooter, but what a great way to learn and improve, not to mention have fun! I can't wait to get the equipment pulled together (I'm busy "overthinking" (admittedly!) the holster now) and start getting to it!!! Thanks everyone for the excellent advice, and for the kind way you have treated a new person!!! Again, I think the best thing was just finding this forum and great folks! Thanks everyone! Ty (arizonaguide)

Kinda like a Golf Swing! I probably am overthinking it a little, just as I did with my Golf swing at first (darned engineering background!). But, with Golf that focus on the correct technique, and the SLOW ingrained practice/focus on correct basics NOW allows me to hit relaible shots (without thinking) whether I'm standing on uneven ground, or wet grass, or whatever...because the "basics' were ingrained into "muscle memory"...and now it's second nature, even under pressure...with just minor adjustments. But it did take a concentrated effort (of well over 3000 correct repititions they say) to ingrain it to become second nature muscle memory. This is where I want to take my drawstroke/handgun training. I think (also like the golf swing) it would be a major issue to have to change things later, because I did not start off with the right personal equipment and technique. (handgun/holster/technique). I probably am taking this way to seriously, but I want to work into being very very good (on a limited budget!) so I'm trying to avoid mistakes "up front" as much as possible. Again though, I don't think I could have found a better forum than the folks here, and I'm by no means closed to any and all advice here. You folks have gone thru it! And it is still somewhat intimidating to me. But with the openess and help here on this forum I'm (slowly) attempting to figure out a proper holster setup, and getting my nerve up to at least go check it out! This is the opposite of the way I usually jump in blindly with both feet, but this is much more than the usual responsibility also.

Thanks everyone! I've gotten some great advice here, and I think finding this forum is one of the BEST things I could have done to start out properly! I'm NOW considering a "three pronged" approach (after the difficult task of deciding on a holster/carry technique): 1.) review (basic slow motion practice w/snap caps) some DVD's (3gm and Ron Avery). 2.) get to a basic match to observe, help get my nerve up! (Thursday Night Steel shoot, etc). 3.) get enrolled with the GCC program. (CCW first, then Defensive Pistol). Further Information on my background is that of growing up in Alaska and hunting small game with a belt holstered .22 single action Ruger Bearcat from about the age 12yrs old. Safety rules /trigger and muzzle discipline were ingrained (by my Dad) from as old as I could remember, along with several Hunter Safety classes. So, the Rules of Safety (trigger finger/muzzle awareness/etc) are ingrained. I also have been exposed to a "tactical mindset" in the Military (Rifle training), and with my Security Guard work, which I carry "concealed" pepper spray, and in a bad neighborhood that DOES make you evaluate/read/study proper "patrol-tactical" techniques. (but just with pepper spray!) So, my logic was that the next steps (due to some recent incidents/kidnapping) was to: 1.) get the heck OUT of the unarmed/no back-up security job (with only pepper spray and no backup + combined with a boss that dont give a crap!) which I have done. 2.) get the "tactical" training for protection of the "homefront"/wife/family. (the security job made me MUCH MORE aware of the real threats!) This currently amounts to (at Home) a strategy of hiding(tactical position) in the locked bedroom with the 12ga/cellphone/dog, and the wife being sent to the (second locked soon-to-be-steel door) saferoom/closet. However, the pistol is the logical backup/and will ALSO soon be a daytime carry (will be getting CCW soon) and so proper training in the "tactical" side of the pistol is necessary/responsible. The CCW class will instruct some of the responsible tactics, but the correct and proper grip and presentation will probably only be slightly instructed. So, without spending $1500+ (that I don't have), I'm looking for a good "post-CCW class" or method of instruction to make sure my grip/presentation is polished and correct. I'm Always studying the "patrol / tactical" side of it, but need help with the "muscle memory" work of stance/grip/presentation, which just cannot(should not!) be learned just through the CCW and reading. "Supervised muscle memory training", so-to-speak. "Stance, grip (to include proper trigger finger safety), sight alignment (to include proper muzzle awareness), trigger control, follow through and all that good stuff" all being part of the "proper presentation" muscle memory training I'm looking for (responsibly). Part of the "roadblock" is that before I can work on muscle memory, I have to finalize a decision on which holster/carry technique to go with it. Think Arizona hot/clothes. I guess I'm leaning toward a basic strong side belt holster, that can be hidden if necessary under a long polo shirt / vest...but this is undecided, and I'm sure I need to finalize that before actually shooting a meet/working on technique. It's hard to decide on a holster that is concealable (Arizona hot WX light polo shirt), yet ALSO has good retention(would like level II) features...as I'm NOT a big person. Decisions, decisions.

Exactly! So there is a "section" where the KAHR is acceptable to compete. I wasn't sure if it had to be a specific size or fit in a certain "box" or whatever. Thanks Duane. It is kinda secret decoder ring stuff to me (right now), because of my ignorance...and not having any friends in it yet. But, you guys have pointed me in the right direction, and I feel a lot more comfortable with my information. Thanks again, everyone! (as he "Looks for Range")! AZ

I just wanted to post another THANK YOU to all who helped with my question. I appologize for the ignorance, but I wanted to make the right moves on this...and not spin my wheels too much. Can't tell you folks what it means to me, and what a great forum this is, as I did ask the same question on a couple others and didn't get anything close to this kind of help! Thanks everyone! I look forward to becoming more of a contributer here, in the future. Thanks! sincerely, Ty (arizonaguide)

Thanks everyone! Maybe I am more worried about it than I should be. It's funny because I already have "Combat Hand Gunnery" by Massad Ayoob. (thanks Larry!), and several DVD's, but have been leary to start with them without instruction. Plus it's taken me this long to get the KAHR, and decide which holster to use for carry. But from looking at the classes, they all want you to use a strong side carry belt holster to begin with, not the actual concealed carry holster you will use in real life anyway. I was just worried about starting bad habits...but I think I'll just give it a shot and start with the basic stuff from the books and DVD's...THEN get my nerve up to contact some match folks (as Chills said, maybe find a mentor!) and give it a whirl! That Glendale CC idea isn't bad either, as they are LEO instructors and are not (I think) just trying to pull in more students, but should be interested in maximizing good training. So, may do that later when funds increase! (still broke from the Christmas KAHR!) Is a KAHR P45 a decent IDPA/USPSA type gun? I also wanted to say what an EXCELLENT forum, and what GREAT help I've already received here. I just didn't know where to start! Thanks folks! Arizonaguide