RickB

Available = present. Some clubs got into the "two steps away = available", or "three steps away = available"; where'd that come from? Even before this clarification, we wouldn't allow shooters to plan to run dry in the open. If you did, you were required to go to cover to reload, then leave cover and move back toward your original position, so that you could comply with the on-the-move requirement (that's why you're out in the open, right?). While it is dangerous to mix "tactics" with "games", our rationale was, if you had just engaged 3x2, who'd leave cover with their gun downloaded so? Before stepping into the unknown, you'd reload, right? So, we made running dry so onerous that nobody would do it. Regardless of the rationale, the new rule book allows reloading only behind cover, if the stage contains cover.

I used to shoot a lightly-modded Colt '91A1, but since the new rule book came out, the only CDP-legal gun I own is a Detonics Combat Master (no grip safety). I don't place too well anymore, but it's fun. Edit re: supporting the sport: We've hosted the last four WA state championships, and every year we've had sponsorship (read guns on the table) from Springfield, along with a Smith & Wesson this year, and two Colts last year. Kimber is spending so much money on color magazine covers, that they don't have any marketing dollars left for sponsorship. We've also been offered discount deals by CZ.

It appears that Steve was wearing his mags a bit too far forward on his belt. Not to say his technique wasn't good, but the leading edge of the front mag has to be behind the body centerline; about where the rear mag is in the video clip.

Neither of Vickers' stages posted to this thread are legal. Limited Vickers is a scoring tool, to allow re-engagement of paper targets without having to score/tape between strings. And, the new rule book makes no allowance for par time stages.

The latest iteration of the XSE has just about all the bells and whistles, except a true beavertail. Recent production has Novak knock-off rear (NOT the proprietary Colt Competition rear sight found on the XS), dovetail front, ambi safety, front serrations, etc. If you still want a XSE with G.I. dovetail rear, staked front, etc., then you want an early '05 or earlier gun.

2005 Washington State IDPA Championship -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Saturday, August 20th, at Renton Fish & Game Club (rfgc.org). Additional info will be posted here, and at nwppa-idpa.com 11 stages, ~150 rounds. $40 match fee includes lunch. Awards per IDPA rules Random-draw prize table with four guns (thanks Springfield, and Smith & Wesson). We usually have a long range stage (35yds), a strong hand/weak hand standard, and the rest are scenarios. One stage is a big production, with motorized targets, swingers, drop/turners, etc. Free ice cream, if the weather justifies it. http://northwestsection.org/waidpac05/ __________________