rvb
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Posts posted by rvb
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Our Club is currently looking for a IDPA MD.I run the USPSA portion and i have no more time.
Basic functions would be to set up stages, organize the match, scoring ect.
We have props, targets, and all the things you would need to run the match.
If you have any interest please let me know.
Adam
I'm trying to find work in the area.... help me out, I'll help you out!
-rvb
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We could just get rid of the IDPA classification system entirely?!
Now we're talking !
I like the classifier as it give's me personal intermediate measurable goals. Other than that...........
-rvb
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Good point Ryan... there are problem only a hundred or less shooters who would be IDPA GMs
I don't have the answer... but "club shooters" who have shot the SSP classifer at 98.0 once in there life shouldn't be shooting against full time sponsered Pros that shoot the classifer in the mid 50s.
This is why I think SSP MA times should be ~90s as I don't think esp and ssp times should be -that- different, and to move up should be an ave of the last 3 classifiers or something to prevent the "lucky" bump up. I know that sounds like that other game, but I was of that opinion long before I started playing that other game. I think that would go a long way to "close the gap", especially in ssp. Otherwise at most state/regional matches the current system makes for a pretty ballanced MA match and at Nationals, well... why should people "expect" a trophy unless they can compete? That's really all we're talking about here is adding a trophy to the national level events. It's not like prizes or $ is on the line. IMO it's more fun to come in 25th against "the" competition at a national event than to come in 1st due to an arbitrary line in the sand.
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BTW--- there are plenty of matches with large enough numbers to get a M bumped up in IDPA... but if they made the rule bumped if you beat 5 in a sanctioned match it would be pretty fair.
It's pretty easy to have state/regional matches where there are 5 "average" masters. Before long all your "average" masters will be bumped right back where new class supporters don't want them to be... competing with the "GMs". Then people will be calling them "grandbagger GMs" and the cycle perpetuates. While I'm not in favor of a new class, I would think such hypathetical match bumps should only happen at a National-level match and require scores comprable to the "GMs" ... or via a very difficult time to acheive on the classifier (and require that score to be achieved multiple times in a row, not just one hero-or-zero run).
just my 2c.
-rvb
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I started uspsa as an idpa SSP master who had a trophy or two (placed but not yet DC). I went to uspsa and got a B card. ESP Master cutoff times might equate to upper B or A, imo. A good buddy who's solid SSP EX started as C and is now B.
Regardless, I see no need to modify idpa classes except I think ssp ma should be about 10s faster (more even w/ esp).
There's no need for IDPA classes and uspsa classes to align, either, imo. No big deal they are different, so are the games.
-rvb
This has always been my "take".. but obviously there are many variablesUSPSA ------------------------ IDPA
GM ------------------------------ ??
M --------------------------------Low Master to Master
A --------------------------------Expert to Master
B---------------------------------Sharpshooter to Expert
C---------------------------------Marksman to Sharpshooter
D---------------------------------Uncl to Marksman
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Hold up guys.
Steve, I was in no way trying to bash idpa and freeidaho, I was not trying to attack you. Honest. I'm sorry that's how I came accross. I specifically said "not saying you or your club" to indicate I was not directing my comments at you but at things I've seen and experienced where "tactics" and start positions were assumed to be common knowledge. I was specifically trying to do the OPPOSITE and say that I don't know what's "right or wrong" (and frankly I don't care about "tactics"); I just want to do what's in the stage description so it's ALL good so long as it's known up front.
The answer to the original poster's question should be "Their are no idpa rules against them, however their usefullness depends on the stage description."
I'll freely admit I don't use 95% of my idpa gear for "everyday carry." That doesn't change the legality of it. (My flashlight might be the only 5% that does transfer over.)
See ya on the range (or not if it's a dark match
).-rvb
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rvb
in Range Diary
30 minutes on the bike tonight.
went to On Target. 350 rounds. match SSP gun (EII). first time on that gun since early Oct.
idpa practice targets (kicked myself when I got there for not taking cardboard).
went through about 350 rounds. ammo was half 147 gr ball w/ win primers and half 147gr ball with Fed primers.
You know the ol trick of having someone put snapcaps in the mag... well, about 1/4 of the win primers wouldn't light in my EII. Always wanted to test that out. Now I know. Did 110 rounds at 25 yds. All but 8 rounds in the -0. Good flinch test with the win primers! Kinda enjoyed it!
Shot a lot of SHO preparing for using the flashlight. Out to 15 yds. incl lots of SHO DA. After practicing for a couple weeks with the heavier trigger in my practice gun, the EII felt like it shot itself, most notably SHO DA.
Did some 15 yds timing drills. I can't believe how much my hits and shot calling have improved after only shooting the dot gun for almost 6 months. More accurate, more confident, better shot calling, and faster!
Pulled the target up to ~4 yds for some fast trigger work. Wanted to focus on staying relaxed. Again I was calling the shots and tracking the sight so much better than 6 months ago. Jeff S (bassman) tells me that he notices that after shooting the dot for a while but it fades, so I need to keep up w/ the dot. I'll pick the open gun back up mid May after MD State IDPA.
Need to work on LH grip. Getting up too high and interfering w/ the slide stop sometimes.
While on the bike I read some more of Bassham's book. Changing your self image. I've been saying for almost a year now that I suck on the long 32-rounds field course; that I'm not smooth and can't keep it all in my head. No more. I rock on those stages from now out. When I occasionally win a long course I tend to think of that as the anomaly. From now on should I flub one I'll take the line right from Bassham, "that's not like me at all" so I'll purge it from my head. I can and do win those stages. That's proof that I CAN do it. Why shouldn't I focus on THAT?
Printed up directions, confirmation letter, info, etc for VIR on Friday.
I am the '08 VIR SSP Champ.
-rvb
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No one I know walks around at night with their flashlight in their hand using one of these devices.
Ok, I don't use that device or particularly like "gadgets", BUT have you ever left a show that the wife dragged you to in downtown Baltimore after sundown? Flashlight in one hand, Kershaw in the other. Starting position: hands in jacket pockets. I love the idpa rational "NO ONE does X because I/we dont."
As long as it's in the stage brief I'll start how ever you tell me cause it's all just a game. Just don't assume your methods are my methods and ding me after the fact... put it in the brief. I may not know "club tactics." (not saying you or your club doesn't, but 'been there done that, wasn't given the reshoot').
just another 2c to keep in mind, or lose in the sofa cushions.
-rvb
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our house had a couple of these when I bought it. First one came down during a tropical storm a few months after I bought the house. Just missed doing damage to the neighbors house. Second came down last summer in a thunderstorm a couple weeks after we got the wife's new xterra.... and it JUST missed it. They are fragile when the get full grown, so don't park under them or have them near the house.
-rvb
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rvb
in Range Diary
Tonight: 70 minutes on the bike
60 minutes dryfire with SSP gear.
While on the bike, a reality struck me about why I "forgot" those two targets this weekend at York. I was doing my walkthru, but at the same time watching everyone else wondering if their way was better than my way (probably was but that doesn't matter now). I wasn't focused on what I had to do. My attention was 50% elsewhere. I won't make that mistake again. I won't. Honest.
Oh, and I've now lost 20lb. 30lb to go.
update: looks like the classifier database got updated tonight, and I am now an "A" in Open! Woot!
OPEN Class: A Pct: 78.66 High Pct: 78.66
LIMITED Class: U Pct: 0.00 High Pct: 0.00
LIMITED10 Class: U Pct: 0.00 High Pct: 0.00
PRODUCTION Class: A Pct: 79.19 High Pct: 79.19
REVOLVER Class: U Pct: 0.00 High Pct: 0.00
SINGLESTACK Class: U Pct: 0.00 High Pct: 0.00
-rvb
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rvb
in Range Diary
Spent last night at the indoor range. 350-400 rounds. 115gr practice ammo. Beater gun.
After 6 months of focusing on shooting the dot, I can't believe how much my shot calling, sight tracking, and speed in aligning the sights with the irons has improved. (Take that all you who said the dot would ruin my iron shooting!
)Shot about 150 rounds at 25yds, both slow fire and fast. < 10% left the A zone and those that did were all w/in 1" of the circle. Considering I was hadn't shot irons in a while and I was using my junk gun with the heavy trigger and blocky sights, I was shooting more accurately than I was 6 mo ago at that distance.
Did about 100 rounds of two shot drills at 5-10yds SHO (DA followed by SA). Was pushing the DA shot left fairly often (about 30% of the time). Need to dryfire w/ just a hair more finger on the trigger to keep from pushing it over. My grip is working better than it used to as the slide locked back all but once (very important for idpa).
Have to get mentally into the upcoming VIR match. Been a while since I shot a dark match, but I remember feeling like I had to move cautious lest I trip over something I cannot see. Walkthrus will be very important.
I am the VIR SSP champ.
-rvb
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rvb
in Range Diary
Open gun has been cleaned and hung up for a couple months. Time to get ready for VIR so I dusted off the Berettas.
Last night mainly practiced with the beater 92FS w/ it's heavier trigger. Two weeks to remember how to shoot the DA/SA gun. Not usually a big deal but I haven't shot it in almost 6 months. VIR is a dark match so working on some flashlight handling. I'm going to try shooting SHO w/ FL in WH, seems better on the timer and more comfortable than screwing with any of the popular techniques. Spent some time working on reloading w/ the FL in hand. Worked on the DA shot SHO.
-rvb
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rvb
in Range Diary
2nd match of the year today. Shot Open (B ). Special Classifier, 08-01/2/3/4
Place Name USPSA Class Division PF Lady Mil Law For Age Points Stg %
1 Jim L1158 M Open Major N N N N Senior 771.7562 100.00%
2 Todd TY28555 M Open Major N N N N 769.0182 99.65%
3 Dan TY31488 M Open Major N N N N 761.5393 98.68%
**4 Ryan A56060 B Open Major N N N N 672.0161 87.08%
I could probably repeat post 18 word for word.
Field course performance was hit or miss. Still working on smoothness. Todd spent some time talking with me about my walk-through. To concentrate on 1) finding marks where I need to be 2) visualizing. Thanks for the advice, Todd! The stage following his advice I won. Didn't keep it up, though.
Tossed a couple Ms on Steeler Standards, only one of which I called, and it was very close, I thought it snuck in there but it was fully in hardcover.
Six/Seven were my best classifiers today, 8.9506 and 9.5775 respectively. Looking at posted classifiers on the forum it looks like Six should be ~87.2% and none of the others should count (too low).
My dot is finally tracking perfectly. Really noticed it on 4 Bill Drill (though I admit to hosing on this one. I was cold and wanted to go home and by this stage I really didn't care anymore. Wrong attitude, but that's life). I was shooting too fast and sloppy, but I was also having fun watching the dot track up, then down almost exactly to the point where it left. A winter of timing drills pd off.
Oh. forgot two targets again. 80 stage points on a 135pt stage. Pissed me off to say the least. Had I not been so dense I would have been right up there among in the 95%+ range for the match. Two matches in a row? Really have to get my head in the walk-thrus. I was VERY frustrated w/ myself after (and during) this match.
-rvb
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Hi all, especially you Indiana folk!
I have an intreview in Fort Wayne coming up. Since BE Land is "all about the shooting," what can you tell me? My impression is it's a pretty gun friendly state?
Lots of shooting for USPSA/IDPA/3-gun??
It looks like there are a lot of clubs in IN on uspsa.org's club locator. And Ft. Wayne looks close enough to hit matches around Columbus and Dayton, OH which seem pretty active. Good clubs w/in 100 miles of Ft Wayne to join where I can do practical practice (not just shooting from a line, but set up stages, work on transitions, steel, etc)?
Concealed Carry? Reciprocity w/ OH (I have family in OH which is why we are looking to move).
mag capacity limits?
Waiting periods? Gun registration? etc?
Lots of local restrictions??
What about NFA? Can I bring my silencer and SBR? What are the odds of me being able to buy more NFA toys?
Thanks for any input! Living in OH on the border might be an option if it's better for shooters, too... but I hate long daily commutes. I so hope I can get out of MD!
Thank you!!
-rvb
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Believe it or not, but this has been discussed before
Except those are not what he was asking about....
Bearing shellplate, not tool head clamp.
Looks neat (like all their stuff), but my 550'd ammo is good'nuff for me for our game, althought I love their powder micrometer for ease of setting and consistancy.
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Believe it or not, but this has been discussed before
oops... mouse button disconnector out of tune (doubled).
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If you ever attempt to get one, the term is "supressor"...silencer has an evil connotation with the Feds...
Why? "Silencer" is the term used on the ATF forms for purchasing//transfering a silencer. I put "silencer" on all my 5320.20 forms (Application to transport interstate). "Silencer" is on my form 4. ATF documents refer to them as "silencer" as does the Nat. Firearms Act.
Silencer/Supressor, potato/potAto IMO.
I've never done a corp purchase, but they do see nice in that you don't have to bother with fingerprints or your local law enforcement signoff. And anyone named as an "officer" or whatever can posess the NFA toy. To pass along the item to next of kin just name them in the corp and no tax to transfer, etc. Downside is you have to keep the paperwork for the LLC current, annual cost, etc. However, if the owner is an individual and not a corp, it is possible for the heir to take posession w/o paying the tax, so it's just a matter of when paperwork, annually or when you bite the dust.
-rvb
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Here is the COF:
I think it's better to NOT focus on the no-shoot target. What you focus on you will do, whether you wanted to or not. I looked at the card suit, found that target, then said to myself "shoot 1,2,4" (or whatever, I couldn't tell you which I drew now). Focus on the targets you DO want to shoot. I didn't actually do it in words like that, but I saw which was the noshoot and mentally pictured which 3 I DID want to shoot as the gun was coming up.
My screw up for the day was forgetting 2 targets on stage 6... 4 Mikes, 2 FTEs, 20 lost points. I hadn't screwed up that big in YEARS. That killed my match.
Was a great day, with great stages. And at a local event like that, I don't mind the occassional screwy stage like with the card. Keeps things interesting and fun, with weird challenges to your routine... that can't be all bad.
-rvb
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I'm only 30, but I already come from "better days."
At an early age I got the "you better never ever start a fight, but you are allowed to be the one who finishes a fight" lecture."
Fast fwd to freshman yr of HS, I was (and still am) quite the nerd, 4.0 ave, etc. One day coming home on the bus, bully a couple years ahead just decides to start hitting me in the back of the head showing off for his buddies. I turned and started wailing on him. He got 3 days or a week suspension or something, I got nothing. Both mine and this losers reputations were known, and the bus driver lady saw I didn't start it. Common sense -> I really miss it.
Kudos for teaching you son that valuable lesson. You can't depend on "the system" to protect you. The suspension sucks, but he's obviously much better off in the long run. In my case the bully's buddies kept trying to harrass me on the bus while he was on suspension... all I had to say was "don't make me do to you what I did to him" and I had peace and quite from then on out. People should not be FORCED to make themselves repeated targets.
-rvb
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rvb
in Range Diary
Assuming your calculations are correct, congratulations on the A card!Thanks, Al.
Of course, ya never know until you see the update... when things get submitted, etc can always make a difference.
Although my last 4 valid classifiers (incl this last one) average over 82%, so I'm feeling good about it!
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I load in the garage w/ no problems so far. I don't see where you're from, but winters are pretty mild here in MD.
I keep tool heads in the house to keep dies from rusting and keep powder in the hoppers at a reasonable temp/humidity.
I keep the press itself well lubed to prevent rusting. Several years now and it still looks/runs great.
If it's cold out I run a space heater and try to get the garage up to a decent temp (55 or so) before reloading so 1) I don't freeze and 2) no condensation forms on the powder or powder hopper as a result of temp swings going in and out of the house which could spoil the powder. If the garage is cold (like 40s or less) I don't bother for those reasons. When it's 100 degrees and 90% humidity in the summer I don't load much either for the same reasons, so most of my loading is done in spring/fall. I just try to get 6 months worth of ammo cranked out (if I do 500-1k per day I can do 6 mo worth in a 2-3 weeks).
I really wish I had a bigger place and/or basement to set up to reload inside......... but, you gotta do what you gotta do.
-rvb
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rvb
in Range Diary
The Good, The Bad, and the very very Ugly.....
Shot at va14, Fredericksburg, Sunday. Shooting Open.
My first stage was 03-18. String 1 went well. All those timing drills are paying off, dot tracked well and mid string I almost couldn't believe how fast I was hitting. First reload was smooth, second not so much. WHO I had trouble on the first target, lucked into the B and tagged a D. next two targets were better. Score came in at 7.7032 (109/14.15), which should be ~79%? I won the stage.
Stage 2 went well, except there was a lot of shooting on the move, at least how I shot it, and I got an M. Didn't even call it which is what made me mad, but I was moving pretty aggressively so I guess I need more practice shooting on move. Otherwise it was good.
Stage 3-5 I was very happy with. I won stage 3 (got it on vid, too). Stage 4 I lost a second to a gun jam (gripped too tight, didn't feed. Using 8lb spring w/ buffer the dot tracks well, but it doesn't like to be gripped hard or it won't feed). Good hits on two targets while half running...
Stage 6. Crash/Burn. Oh, You want me to shoot those TWO targets, also? There went 80 stage points (4 mikes, 2 FTEs, 20 lost points), and about that many match points. Lesson Learned, when you're not expecting to be first shooter, if you are not ready with mags/etc ask to be moved down a couple spots. I was hurrying to get shit together and did not do a good walk through Walked it once to make sure I saw the right # of shots and that was it. The "system" they were using to mix up order sucked which resulted in people who were last or nearly so on the previous stage being 1st on the next.... bassackwards.
Stage 7. who cares, I'm out anyway. I threw a M. Changed my plan while LAMR. not smooth. WRONG attitude.
Match: Came in at 88% of some very good shooters. Stage 6 cost me... I was 85 pts behind 1st, so I would have been right in with some very good Ms who were 1st/2nd.
The classifier should get me my A card (new ave should be ~78.1%).
-rvb
eta: stage 3:
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Really Gary, folks are having a great time arguing over which end of the egg it is proper to open and you come along like some Eastern Kentucky country boy with common sense and point out the egg tastes the same either way.
I think for the most part, the folks here are on the same page, use the decocker or if non exists thumb it down. And I think that's how the rules read, just like you and Gary.
The question/concern comes from this from Amidon and it's impact to pistols that do not decock "all the way down" (CZs/Sigs/HKs?/etc?):
Yup... that about sums it up."Fully decocked is all the way down, half cocked is just that. So it would
have to be lowered manually if the decocker did not bring it all the way down."
John Amidon
VP USPSA
Director NROI
I shoot a Beretta 92, decocked "all the way" and I'm happy to do so, so I don't have a dog in the fight, other than I think it's silly for someone with a CZ75 to not be able to just use the decocker. That's how the pistol was designed to be used, nothing "gamey" about it, imo. BTW, a Sig won't even operate from "fully decocked" if the spring that brings the hammer to the half-cock is missing or broken.
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Ultimate Retention Device for flashlights
in IDPA Shooting
Posted · Edited by rvb
Wow.
Since I seem to be the "antagonist" in this thread causing all these problems, let's air the laundry...
I'm not anti-idpa.
I AM an IDPA shooter.
I'm not a die-hard uspsa'er.
I AM a uspsa shooter.
I'm not trying to pot stir.
I'm not even "rule bashing."
I AM offering a somewhat different perspective (very slight at that).
This thread is the first I've seen this device.
Let's see, how best to say it all? ...
The device is not illegal. Using it is not illegal. Start positions/conditions should be defined in the stage brief (preferably written if it's a 'major' match). I hardly see how it can be construed to "circumvent or compromise the spirit" of idpa. Gamey? I dunno. Not real world? I dunno. Am I bashing the game which I have played for 7+ yrs? I guess I dunno that either. Am I allowed to offer different perspectives? Guess not.
dapribek, I'm sorry your question became so complicated.
As I always say.. when in doubt about how equipment or a plan will be perceived, ask the SO.
-rvb