Carlos

Nik's advice is on the money. May also want to consider the original Isreali-made Fobus for about $20 - it is excellent and as with all the polymer holsters, it is easily modified with a hot knife. Fobus also makes an excellent dual mag carrier. Keep polymer holsters slick with silicon or lube/slick stuff of choice and they are suprisingly FAST. I started shooting IPSC with a Fobus and the Glock 19 I had on hand. Start cheap, shoot fast, and plan carefully for the big time matches to come. If you must have a full on race holster, I have the Ghost holster I started with when I bought my STI Edge. $75 to your door.

Seems that the lowering of the PF to 165, combined with 9x19 factory loads that make major and guns specifically marketed as being safe with +p+ factory ammo, would be a clear way out of the 1990 resolution. How could USPSA be held liable for the use of a cartridge/firearm that the firearm and factory ammunition industries have declared safe? Is the Board saying that their 1990 resolution (drafted in light of a power factor that no longer exists) would hold up in Court against current industry/ SAAMI standards? I find that scenario doubtful at best, although I agree that some liability reduction would not hurt the USPSA (for example: disavowing any responsibility where a competitor chooses to use reloaded ammunition of any caliber since the reloading process is beyond the control of USPSA). Moreover, if a competitor were injured with a factory stock 9mm, using factory loaded 9mm major ammo, any resulting lawsuit I would file would name all involved parties (including USPSA). Generally, failing to name a defendant during an initial filing waives the un-named party from later impleader. However, in a theoretical lawsuit, my focus would be on those with the greatest responsibility and in light of those with the deep pockets; i.e., the manufacturers. Both you and your client receive no financial benefit by winning monetary damages against a defendant who lacks the ability to pay. USPSA would come in a very distant third place in terms of both their culpability and their ability to pay. However, the results of the BOD are in and the decision has been made for now. Assuming we shore up the liability exposure of USPSA (a good idea in any event), I see no reason why the vote will not go the other way next time. Regards, D.

Sounds to me like Bruce is on our side (pro-9mm major) and that he worked to approve major9. He appears committed to approving major9 in the future. Thanks Bruce. I would also like to thank him for his patience in explaining what happened and why, although I am disappointed with the final BOD vote. His response indicates to me that there are several BOD members who are open minded about this issue. Now that it appears that the sticking point has been narrowed to legal liability surrounding the 1990 resolution, perhaps we could discuss a way around that. Surely, I am not the only lawyer in USPSA. How much time do we have until the next BOD meeting? D.

Not sure who this guy was who had reliability problems, but he likely forgot to read the owners manual; the Saiga has a two position adjustable gas system for light or heavy loads. Every Saiga I have seen at the range has run 100% (like all AKs). I know the .410 Saigas (not legal for USPSA b/c min bore is 20) used 10 shot mags - and they are made for the 12 Saiga, just not sure if they are imported. The assault gun ban rules are different for shotguns than for rifles - just not sure if they ever will import the 10 rounders - or even an 8 for LTD class use. As for the mag release, I recall somebody in SGN advertizing an extended release that allowed one to drop an AK-47 mag using the index finger without taking your hand off the pistol grip (note: no pistol grips allowed on the Saiga). Still, there are ways around the problems of a stock Saiga (if we had given up on the 1911A1 due to "design problems", where would we be today?). I think the Saiga could be an excellent platform for an IPSC shotgun and no, it should not be bumped into open just for having a magazine. Open is also about dot sights and clamshells as well as speedloaders.

"Might be time for some new blood on the BOD." Here here! May just have to run next time - or find someone who will. Brian?

Thanks for getting out the good word; I guesse I'll postpone buying that 9x19 Bar Sto threaded barrel for the Glock 34. I suppose I'll just have to buy an SV open gun in 9x23 instead (gee, funny how that works, isn't it?). At least I am not bitter. (rant mode: "OFF").

This just in from George Jones, A8 AD: 3. The Board addressed a member request to allow 9mm for Major Power Factor in Open Division. Following very lengthy deliberation, the Board voted to retain the resolution (restricting 9mm from Major PF) in force at this time. I will add that although I do not specifically oppose the basic premise, I voted in favor of keeping the restriction in effect. It is my opinion that the various sources of evidence were inconclusive and sometimes contradictory. As a result, I felt insufficient evidence was available at this time to remove the restriction without exposing USPSA to significant liability exposure. I think the BOD is stuck in the past; let's just make sure to tell all the major 9x19 shooters at the next world shoot that they are dangerous and don't know what they are doing. Sheesh!

My glock's striker channel was VERY difficult to clean until started using gunscrubber and pipe cleaners - they seem to be the only way to clean out the crud that gets forced forward ahead of the striker and stuck in the channel. As for my 650? The primer system jams more than any other part on this otherwise excellent machine. There is an adjustment on the primer ram; just make sure the ram has plenty of travel (to the point of overtravel) and that the shellplate bolt is not too loose; I keep the plate as tight as possible without causing drag on its movement; dry moly spray under plate helps keep its operation smooth. The only crimped brass I have run accross was marked "FC" and had a two digit date (i.e. Federal Cartridge [19]99). Tried removing the primer pocket crmp with a Lee chamfer/reamer - sometimes it worked, but not worth the effort.

Anyone know if they make an easyloader ramp or gate for the Win. Super X2? Reloads killed my score over at the NRA the other night. Sidesaddle for this gun? Thnaks. D

Started with a fiberopt front - and may soon ditch it. Its very fast for close range hosefests - but lacking in enough precision for 30, 40, or 50 yard shots. May try a thinner front. Get a quality rear and then try out a bunch of different inexpensive fronts to see what works best for you. D.

Hodgdon's straight Clays works VERY well & VERY clean for me in .45 - and that's at the new 165PF - bet its a dream at 125PF. As for bullets, I tried the copperized (not plated) National 152 grain SWC. Talk about low recoil! Also, West Coast makes 200s in Round nose, TC/FP & SWC - I see no reason to use the heavier 230s or 255s w/ the current PFs in either IPSC or the lower IDPA PF. Ever try to hit a moving target w/ a 255 moving out at 650 fps?

Thank you Chriss - I appreciate your hard work in sending the BOD evidence that 9mm major is possible (I still can't believe they need any more evidence than a trip to Europe or anywhere else they shoot IPSC for that matter). As for Frontsight being marketed to the public - I also agree that it would help out with growth of USPSA, though not sure if its financially practical currently. Strangely I noticed that Frontsite has a price on the cover, but in the last required publication of its accounting data, I also noticed: copies sold to the public/on newstands: 0. Perhaps Frontsight could be adapted to hook the interest of non-USPSA members/ non- action event shooters and thereby lure them into the sport? It seems like the promise of gun-review information or product information and an attractive cover could lure the average gunowner into buying frontsight. While I love Frontsight and find it VERTY useful, I doubt Frontsight's current narrow focus would sell a lot of magazines on news stands. Maybe some new Frontsight marketing ideas could be tossed about at the BOD meeting??

Shot a local NON OFFICIAL uspsa/IPSC type 3 gun match last night. Being non-official, there was no PF requirement, just classed Major/minor by caliber.On the pistol stage, I decided to back off 1/2 a grain on my usual 165 PF loads for .45ACP (went from 4.something gr. of straight Clays under a Westcoast 200grn SWC to 3.9 to 4.0 grns of straight plain old regular Clays - OAL of 1.245 to 1.250"). Functioned well in my STI so why not? We shot a stage something like an El Pres, onle with 6 shots on each target (2 reload,2 reload,2)Well, I shot nice, tight, little groups - right into the neck of each target! The lighter charge of powder threw the 200s 6" higher than the sight settings for my normal rounds! To make it worse, there were steels at the foot of each target backed by a NS, guese where my high-flying bullets hit? Yup - the no shoots! Very stupid mistake on my part and it cost me loads of points. Don't be a boob like me and remember to test everything first whenever you make a change.

As for growth and retention, I agree w/ Shooter Grrrrrl and also with the ideas in BE 's article last year in gungames mag. on what's wrong with IPSC. While on the topic of the BOD meeting, here is another suggestion: At the risk of another "here we go again", I am in favor of 9x19 major. VV publishes loads at 165PF major. The rest of the world does it - and used to do it at 175 without massive carnage or bankrupt manufacturers. We already allow 9x21. Its time for 9x19 major. Anyone else? D. (Edited by Carlos at 3:51 pm on Jan. 29, 2002)

Thanks Shhoter Grrrrl and Erik! Both sites worked without that anooying flash-thing I can't get. Everytime I tried the rest of the glocklinks, I was stopped dead by "download our plugin please" crap. Both links offered gobs of info. Looks like those of us in DC can shoot: Apr 28/9 in Richmond (tent) May 19/20 in Waldorf MD or Aug 17-18 in Topton, PA. That's 3 shots at winning a glock - maybe my open gun project will get off the ground afterall. Thanks shooters!! D.

Would like a chance at winning a free Glock (even though I am a total hack when it comes to pistol shooting). Whats the GSSF schedule for 2002? When are they shooting in Area 8 (near DC?) Anyone else going? Regards, D.

BE wrote: (old roadracers adage) You raced also??! Wow - good to know there are some USPSA folks who have raced more than the guns (and mouths, at times). At least 4 of us in Area 8 are former sprint/endurance roadracers. Burnie Conester at VA Arms still races his TL. For the rest of us, we figured its too dangerous though, so we gave it up to play with loaded firearms while running instead. D. "Hey! I resemble that remark!"

What cal.? (Edited by Carlos at 6:24 pm on Jan. 24, 2002)

Terrific drill to help cure for the flinch is: 1: Borrow a revolver 2: load between 1 and 5 rounds (but leave at least 1 chamber empty) Better yet, have a friend load it, not tell you what's in it, and leave it on th table "hot". 3: Shoot slow. When shooting this drill, you will never know if the thing will go off. You might have 5 dry fires followed by a live one, or any other combination you choose. Your flinches on the empty chamber shots will be obvious; the following shot will likely be flinch-less (is that a word?!?!). D.

I think the ejector has to be replaced as well - no big deal, but you could not switch back and forth with the limited cal upper (.40??).

Agree w/ DB as to the .45 being low pressure and low stress to reload - if you do not experience bullet set-back, an undersize die is not a requirement in .45 ( and as he stated, .40 is another story altogether) one other down-side, a U die will "work" the brass more and reduce caselife a little. Completely agree that the Redding Competition seating die is a great die - have used in in .223. VERY accurate. I uderstand in handgun cal.s it will help guide bullet straight into the case better than other dies - something to do with the seater. If you have the $$$$, there is nothing wrong with Redding dies. As for expanders, here is where Lee has a downside - they are rough! Luckily, you have a 650. The 650 expander should be fine. For the Co-ax if your expander (of whatever brand) is not mirror smooth, chuck it in a drill press and try a little Flitz polish on it. The Redding Competition seating die is a great die. BTW, Matt: are you doing the 3 gun out at NRA next Tues.? I am on the 9pm squad.

I shoot an STI Edge 1911 (err - 2011- whatever) and a 9mm Glock in USPSA. Some thoughts: No one ever asks who built my Glock. Glock: $499 new in 93 w/ 1 highcap; STI $1000 used w/ no mags in 2001; day at an USPSA match: priceless. 9mm loaded to minor recoils less than .45 loaded to major (duh). Glock: >3.5 lb trigger w/ connector and reduced power striker spring - DIY gunsmithing. STI: 2.75 lb trigger w/ stock parts and a total of $100 worth of gunsmithing plus down time to always take it over there (though trigger reset is shorter). Personally don't want a lighter trigger than 2.5/2.75 lbs. Agree that the 1911 crowd (in general) needs more of a "live and let live" attitude about tupperware. We are all shooters.

If you have a Beneli or 1100/1187 - shoot it, its fine. Shopping for a new gun? CDNN's deal is a steal on the browning gold w/ the speed feed option. I needed a semi so I got one of the prototype run Super X2s off the USPSA classifieds; unprotected tru-glow fiberoptic front sight - the rear is exactly like a stock Ruger 10/22 folding leaf & its mounted ahead of the cantalever scope rail. The frontsite gun had proto-type sights that you can't get until the new gun comes out - I hope they offer an upgrade. Dirt simple and so far its reliable with everything from 3' mag lead goose loads to slugs to light 1 1/8 oz trap loads; seems overpriced for such a simple action - get the browning. D.

Welcome Matt! I shoot and live in VA as well. Drop me an e-mail sometime. As for your question, not sure about the co-ax as I have swithed to the DIllon 650 exclusively. You are on the money as far as carbide dies - that and a little OneShot case lube will make resizing simple. Two tips you may want to consider - 1) Undersized dies. Lee and possibly others make a slightly tighter resizing die that will leave your reloads with that "coke bottle" shape. Why is this desireable? - the smaller case diameter prevents bullet setback or pushback while allowing you to use minimal crimp. Also, the smaller case will fit better in tight match chambers (see Lyman's Hangun reloading manual - the chapter "Reloading for Competition"). 2) The Lee Factory crimp die. In handun calibers, it has a second carbide ring that will remove any bulges in the case on the last stage of reloading. Though not a requirment, it does seem to reduce the number of rejected cases. While I insist on Dillon equipment for most of my reloading, I use Lee brand dies - the Lee dies are of excellent quality despite the ridiculously low price. Do not worry too much about reloading .45 - just find a load thats relaible and recoils the way you want it to. .45 is the most forgiving IPSC/USPSA caliber as far as reloading safety and insensitivity to minor variations in components/process (EG - I don't sort case headstamps or count the number of reloads on practice or local match ammo). Finally, use a fast, modern, powder. Regards, D.

I keep excess tumbling media from getting all over the bench by attaching a small bag or dixie cup under the holes at the back of the casefeeder hopper. The powder measure is supposed to be loose enough to rotate freely, but not too loose. I finger-tighten the screws at the beginning of each run. To keep down static, I put an anti-static clothes-dryer sheet around the powder measure using a rubberband. I made small "tabs" to make the bass locater buttons easier to remove and replace. I used the thin white plastic from a small yogurt container.