Double

Grab a box of Federal with the flight control wad and test them out, it was an eye opener for me. I figured it was just marketing hype... not anymore, full believer.

There are many ways other than just limiting the type of bullets you shoot to assist you in lowering your BLL. I monitor mine every April and October (six months) as well as my staff. I've gone from the low 20's, to 19 to 12 to 9 and last month 8. And this is working in two indoor ranges with a very antiquated ventalation system operating at the lowest permissible limits. (with most lane averages listed as failing)

Mike doesn't mess around, I think he posted the results faster than he can reload a bottom feeder!

Hope everyone grabs a bit more ammo than what was sent out.... A few more targets were added when the plans were taken from paper to the shooting bays. Everything is all set and a historic first, the cadets even got to shoot four of the stages this afternoon, normally they never get to shoot the match, just work it. The weather is PERFECT and everyone is looking forward to a great match. Time to get some sleep!

Only FOUR open slots left on Sunday.

Start with light on and in reaction hand, cargo bay inspection. (Handheld light will be used)

Cover will be required on certain stages. (not a cover garment) There is plenty of free fire areas but one also has to remember that this is not the "Iron Man" HGC has a requirement that all rounds fired must impact the rear backstop. This was the greatest challenge and I think they came up with some really interesting stages (and more of them this year, you'll see two or three strings in the same bay this year) Dropping loaded mags, manage your ammo, you're in the fight you make the choice, don't worry about procedurals for this, PRESS ON. Mags, stuff them full. Just remember the length limits by division. The other thing I am going to ask be modified in the "Rules" is not only "Drum" style mags but to include those like the new Sure Fire 60 and 100. Technically they are not drum so I can see some folks trying to get an edge by purchasing these. Simple fix- stuff more than 30 in it and your now in open class. Competitor cost was a factor in this match and stage design. There won't be any "Round Dump" stages that will force a competitor to blast $40 worth of ammo from one spot at a single target. We added more shotgun because it's both cheap and challenging for the competitor. BTW, the boat was shot in a match the first year I was here, they still remember it and won't let me use it again..... I tried!! The order for the Combat Arms T-shirts is going in soon and will be available for purchase at the match.

No slugs, No Buck. The following sizes will be sufficient: #6, #7 and #7.5 (Lead only, Needed to note this just in case) No slings needed, optional item. Hot boxes will be used to dump long guns as needed for the stage. With the addition of pigeon flipper this year to some of the stages the decision to remove buck and slugs was made. This will increase safety by reducing the chances of someone shooting those types of rounds at the pigeon and it leaving the bay. The breacher used last year was sold. ETA: There are only 9 open slots left for Sunday. Saturday is sold out!

Using a large number of MGM 10inch flash targets. The distance will be no greater than 200. The plans also have a few IPSC flash targets in the mix. If used the breaching door wouldn't be hit with a heavy weighted breacher but rather have wooden pins that are blown with a shotgun, once cleared you push the door forward, pass through and then engage the given targets. This is a shooting match not a crazy running/lifting/crawling match..... plan on shooting. Plenty of consideration has gone into stage design for those that enjoy shooting this match every year not triathlons. The one thing I've learned from Frank Glover the last three years is that match directors/stage designers are in the entertainment business. Folks want to and should be challenged in the match however they shouldn't need to be in pain three days later because they over did it physically. Handheld light will be required for a dark indoor stage. Max shotgun on a stage..... One stage will test the non-shotgunners... plan on 25 rounds for a minimum for one of the stages, you'll start empty and can pre-stage your shells so don't run out and buy all kinds of carriers unless you really need an excuse. This stage also has rifle mixed in with it.

Registration is open. The dates are set for the 22/23rd of Oct. (one day match format) It's the same match format as past years and now that registration is open get in on it fast it's been up for 24 hours and over 50% full. The Cadets of the USCG Academy Combat Arms team have submitted final stage designs for HGC approval, our next meeting set for this Tuesday. We'll have the full round count posted by the end of the week. We've also lowered the price a few bucks from last year to $95. There will be seven squads of eight shooters with a one day format. Pick your day and pray for sunshine, we are limited to 112 shooters. The stages will have more reactive steel this year, you'll see a MGM Whirly-Gig, several plate rack and dueling trees along with some additions to our pepper poppers. If you never seen a pigeon flipper you might want to search youtube and get your shotguns ready. I know the twisted mind that came up with the courses. (hint, work on your balance) Shotguns are a blast and ammo is cheap so work on your reloads you'll be needing it. (keeping it simple with birdshot only this year, slugs ain't fun for juniors and just cost too much) You might just want to check out your sights for pistol shots farther outside your normal range. Scoring will be mostly IDPA as will be the cardboard targets used. One thing to announce here, use of cleats (soft or hard) will not be allowed. We have a few considerations on one of the stages, you'll be just fine in your boots/running shoes. Also, if you shoot on day one and video tape it, don't put them up until noon the next day. Everyone should have the same amount of prep time to come up with a plan of attack for each stage. If we get enough feedback we'll put a breaching door in the match again, I don't know what it is with that beast but folks like blowing sticks apart. Let me know quickly! We are ordering awards this year for the match, bragging rights aside people want bling! Open, Tac-Optics, Heavy Metal........ yep, pick one. HGC is looking at a few vendors showing up, EAR Pro will be fitting custom molded plugs while you wait. Food and a few others will be setting up some tables too so bring some cash. If you would like to be a sponsor or set up a booth, contact Mike on the registration website. He's handling match logistics, stats, food, targets, sponsorships, match director, range master, match safety officer, parking lot attendant, water boy, certified umbrella holder, media affairs and whatever else we can pile on. (Many thanks to Mike for all he does!) This annual match helps support the teams upcoming season and HGC is hosting it for a fundraiser. In years past they didn't get to shoot it, they set it up and ran everyone else through, we hope to get them on the range Friday afternoon. This is the same team that designs/builds and staffs stages at the CT State IDPA championships and for the last two years the S&W IDPA Indoor Winter Nationals. This year they have 5 seniors on the team making this seasons team the most experienced in recent years. With the National Exposure they have been receiving from winning the 2011 SSC Northeast Cup and the coverage on Shooting USA the Command has been taking greater interest in the team. We are attempting to build up the program to get these young men and women down to Ft. Benning this coming spring for the National Scholastic Steel Challenge match. The match is the same week as the collegiate national pistol championships. Check Matchreg.com for registration, updates and round counts.

How often does the CAT run a classifier? (I assume your on the Combat Arms Team)

Shot it last year in SSR but I have a 625 on order and plan on using it. I need to find a good holster and moon clip holder that is IDPA legal, any suggestions? -Gunner

My staff member eventually was able to shoot a match before he finished his training. (Not that night) Additionally at the 2011 Indoor Winter Nationals last month the entire team shot with duty gear without issue. Anyone who thinks there is an advantage to using duty gear has not spent much time in it.

Sure it can be done but it's not healthy for you to do so. I can't imagine what his Blood Lead Level (BLL) is or if he/she's ever had it tested. Smoking and eating on the range or doing so prior to washing your hands after shooting is asking for health risks. Take a break and have another SO step in for you for ten minutes, wash, grab a bite and puff away then come back (wash hands before you come back so you don't stink up my timer or score cards)

Did a 158gr test this past week with loads from 3.8 to 3.2 of TiteGroup. Lifted the muzzle for six shots then loaded muzzle down and slowly raised for those shots. Even at 3.2 raising the muzzle then slowly lowering so the powder was against the primer the shots were 664-680. However, starting from muzzle down just like you would while loading and it was a bit erratic from 470's to 580's. I could not believe the spread in FPS. This was a chronograph only test, accuracy and steel test is next week.