Saffer

I interpret the round count flexibility on freestyle for level I and II matches, to be flexibility regarding the balance between short, medium and long courses(rule 1.2.1.4). Not actual round count. But I could be wrong. As for El Presidente, lol, just when you think you understand the new rules, someone comes along and kicks you in the pills, reminding you of something you never considered. Good point on the 9 rounds from any one position rule.

It isn't a big deal. Virginia count is usually for short courses anyway. Short courses are now defined as a CoF with 12 shots or less. However a short course can include mandatory reloads and can define shooting position, stance etc. Take El Presidente as an example. It is dead in its old guise. But because it is a 12 shot course, it is a short course. So you offer the same CoF but you introduce a mandatory reload EVERY 6 shots. If you want to shoot more than 12 shots, knock yourself out, but you will need to make an additional mandatory reload.

The OP asked about the new 124gn 9mm HPRN-TP Berry bullet. It has a thicker plating and is designed for competition shooters, where velocities can reach 1450fps. I shoot 9mm Major, using 7.6gn of Silhouette powder and achieve 170pf. I used to use 124gn Frontier bullets, but recently changed to the Berry's. I have experienced no signs of tumbling or key holing, and my accuracy remains consistent. The benefits over the Frontiers are the price. I will add that the bullet is longer and therefore seats deeper. It has a hollow base, which is probably to help prevent powder compression. I was very wary of Berry's given what I had read, but as soon as I saw they had released a competition bullet I decided to give them a try. So far I like them.

There is a lot written about Ramshot Silhouette on the BE forum. It is the go to powder for 9mm Major.

Albert, hi. I am an ex-SAP member (exams completed and held the rank of Warrant Officer), and now residing in Canada. Inasmuch as policemen may need writing skills, in South Africa they definitely need shooting skills. I recall way back in 1984 there was no IPSC culture in the SAP. It was just beginning to surface in small pockets, particularly in Pretoria. I agree with you, the rank and file should be exposed to IPSC type shooting, especially when you consider how many SA Policemen are killed each year. We have a few tactical members that shoot IPSC, but for the most part policemen don't partake, for whatever reason. I think you are going to find it hard to justify on the basis of a sport. The powers that be see it as elitist, and given that ammunition is paid by the taxpayer, I doubt they are going to fund you. You probably have a better chance using IPSC as a training platform. My approach would be to show them how poorly the average policeman's marksmanship is relative to a regular IPSC competitor. But I also know the politics involved, and know it isn't going to be an easy sell. Good luck.

Not true regarding plated bullets not holding up, at least not all plated bullets. I used to use 124gn Frontier bullets in front of 7.6gns of Silhouette, which generated a 170pf out of my STI Trubor. The bullets never separated or showed any signs of keyholing. Also, for interest sake, Eric G uses Frontier. I now use the new double plated Berry and it also has no separation issues, and is far more cost effective, and readily available.

Thanks for the feedback. I currently load to 1.171 and use STI mags with spacers, only because I was told it was more reliable. I have not tried the magazines without spacers since they have been flawless ... well at least since I tuned the feed lips. My currentl question revolves around converting mags, since I am looking at buying additional mags that are currently set up as 38 Supers. Tuning the lips is straightforward, and I use the Dawson kit for that. I think my approach would be to check the feed lips, then to test them in their current configuration. If they work, great. Otherwise insert spacers and swop out the followers. I think the springs may be okay, and won't rub against the spacers, but I may be wrong.

Does converting 38 Super STI magazines to 9mm Major magazines just entail adding a spacer? If so, are you not also required to change the follower and spring to a set that have a narrower breadth, to allow for the spacer? If all of the above are true, would changing the internals on tuned magazines affect the maximum loading capacity with the new caliber? In other words, after the conversion will the magazines still achieve maximum capacity? Any feedback would help.

Well I guess it will depend where the holes are on the frame. Mine is mounted on an STI mount, fitted to an STI frame.

No you can't. You have to file the inside of the thumbrest, to provide a little wiggle room for the slide stop. It is easily done.

Welcome Peter. Whereabouts you from?

Don't have the Dawson, but if you send me measurements I can compare.

Yes, although it is a consideration if you want to shoot IPSC Standard, say at the next world shoot in Florida. I use the large magwell, as I shoot Open. I have included some pics to show you what I mean by the ridge. In the first pic you can see that my palm covers part of the magwell. In the third pic this is clearly visible. In the fourth pic you can see the ridge I am talking about. It isn't a big deal because you get used to it, but you are very aware of the ridge at first.

I use a Cape Magwell on my Open gun. The difference between the two is the IPSC box; the one fits the other doesn't. Your hand does have more space, but the Cape Magwell also has a very pronounced ridge which can dig into your palm. It takes getting used to. If you have the chance try one out first.

+1 For Speed Shooters International.

I am Canadian and had to make a similar decision. I use a Cameron's on my STI Trubor, with a CR Speed Thumbrest. It is great. You do not get much residue on the scope and there is sufficient space to rack the slide. It takes 5 minutes to fit. I chose the Cameron's because I didn't like the look of the others. The Cameron's offered me the option of a mount without branding, which I liked. It has worked out well. By the way, the Cameron's is freely available. I bought mine from Speed Shooters International who offer excellent shipping rates and are accustomed to dealing with Canadians.

I've trained on and off for decades, more off the past few years. You need to start out knowing what your fat percentage is. This will help you determine your lean body weight, which in turn helps calculate your basal metabolic rate. Your basal metabolic rate is the minimum amount of calories your body consumes at rest. Once you have that figure you can determine your diet and training regimen, with the goal of burning more calories than you consume. For example, if you burn 2000 calories at rest, and you consume 2500 calories, you would need to burn more than 500 to reduce weight. Also, fat is burnt by muscle. So although diet does most of the work, rapid weight loss tends to lead to muscle loss. This is why you must do weight training in order to prevent this loss. Over time your fat percentage reduces and your muscle mass increases, which increases your rate at which calories are burnt. For me I do treadmill work 5x per week (walking) and I do light/moderate weight training 3x per week. The hard part is keeping your diet under control.

Well I'm the co-match director, so I'll be there.

Interesting. I was told otherwise. Draw on the largest target first, as it is easier/quicker to acquire the dot, then transition from there. But I'm also only a B shooter. Perhaps a few more opinions may help me here.

Just a question; I noticed in the one stage you drew and engaged the steel first when there were larger targets? Was there a reason for that?

G'day mate; welcome to the forum. As an expat South African I have to say it's too bad the Springboks lost to the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup (I wonder how much the ref was paid). But as a consolation it is good to see you are using South African kit (CR Speed). I too have a CZ75 TS in .40, but I compete in Open with an STI. You'll find lots of great info here to help you make a decision.

I made the same mistake. I bought a G17, did my BB, competed in my first match and hated it. I immediately bought an Open gun with all the bits and have been there ever since (8 months).

What? Someone new in Open? No.

No; it's Ian. You're right. The season is over until next year, so not much to do except work on the skills. Missed you at the Phoenix, Edmonton match this past weekend.

Where in Alberta? I'm in Calgary.