You need to play IDPA

For those that don't know, IDPA is an acronym for International Defensive Pistol Association. It was organized in 1996, and it was meant to simulate real life defensive scenarios. The folks that designed it also intended for the average Joe to be able to 'play'. No high dollar "race" guns in this sport. Practical gear and practical weapons only. It's challenging, and at the same time, just plain ol' fun.

My weapon of choice for this match was my CZ 75b. I can't speak too highly of this pistol. It melts into my hands, and really does become an extension of said hand. It's natural aiming characteristics are not matched by anything else in my safe.

Some of the scenarios require a lot of movement, and you have to shoot while you move. While this looks easy when the Hollywood types do it on TV and the big screen, it's not. The sight picture moves with every step, and it's quite difficult to keep the weapon on target. Not only are there "bad" or "threat" targets, there are also "non-threat" targets. Sometimes the non-threat targets are moving in front of the threats, and your timing has to be just right so that the non-threats remain solid (as in, no holes in them). Unfortunately, I plugged one non-threat right in the forehead. Whoops.

Here are some pictures from the match. Momma Schu was kind enough to come along. She took a few pictures, not to mention scavenged a TON of brass for me. She's an awesome chick.

The pic above was taken as I was running from one barricade to another, while engaging five targets on the way. I received a 'procedural' penalty here because I dropped a magazine while reloading while there was still a round in the chamber. Meh.... learn the rules as you go.

Moving backwards while firing.... the Range Safety Officer (RSO) follows your every move - not just so the timer can keep the score, but to make sure you are safe. He also keeps everyone else on the range safe. It's a normally thankless job. This guy was good. Not only did he offer good advice on engaging targets, he also explained many things.

More movement. The black on the targets represents what is called 'hard cover'. In other words, if you hit the target where there is black, the hit doesn't count as a hit. It counts as a miss.

Here, the RSO is asking me if I am ready. In this scenario, the shooter stands with his back to the bad guys, hands in the air. When the buzzer sounds, the shooter spins, draws, and engages all of the targets. My cover garment was too heavy for this weather. Next time I will wear a shirt similar to the RSO's.

Shooting from cover. Leaning to one side or the other while both feet stay behind the barricade. Again, the RSO is close by, making sure I don't do anything stupid.

Words can't describe how much fun this type of shooting is. It challenges the shooter to something different each time. The people involved in this are really nice. I've only shot two matches, and I have yet to hear any foul language or trash talk. Then again, it wouldn't be wise to start talking trash to a person(s) carrying a sidearm. An armed society is a polite society, and for good reason.

I highly recommend shooting in an IDPA match. Go to IDPA.com to search for matches being held in your area. You don't have to be a member of any range or gun club. IDPA will help hone your shooting skills, as well as your 'tactical' awareness. It will teach you speed and accuracy, and will show you where you need to practice. Competition generally makes one try harder, and when that happens, you will improve your skills.

Get out and shoot. Don't wait. Don't think you need to practice more. Go compete. You won't regret it.