[Sup3D]

I live down in Utah County and had the opportunity to participate in the "Fun Shoots" at Rangemaster's in Springville. They are put on by the Utah Defensive Pistol League. I went a couple weeks ago now for the first time. I have a lot of good to say about this event.

It was my first time there and I was a little nervous because each time is treated like a loose ruled IDPA event. They more want you to have fun and learn the safety procedures than get frustrated at nit picky IDPA rules. Even though it was my first time, I had a lot of fun. They were all very welcoming and helpful.

We had a training class before we shot, where they went over the terminology and safety procedures. You only have to do the training class the first time. After that we were allowed to go onto the range. The event was in 3 stages and your overall score was the combination of each stage. The following document explains the different stages and the results (stage explanation is at the bottom).

http://www.udpl.net/results/FunShoot/2007/FunShoot-10-16-07.pdf

The next event is Wednesday, November 7th. The cost was $12 or so and well worth it. I'm not a member of UDPL or IDPA, but if the other events are anything like it, I will probably become a member of both. Information on the fun shoots can be found at:

http://www.udpl.net/results/FunShoot/index.html

 

[Guest]

I'm interested in doin' something like that... when I can afford the ammo. *Is poor*

 

[Sup3D]

I'm interested in doin' something like that... when I can afford the ammo. *Is poor*

When I went down, I took 100 rounds of .45. I only ended up shooting 51 rounds. I should have shot more like 60. They say it usually is about 50 rounds but bring about 100 just in case. When you go, each stage has a minimum round count (MRC). That means in order to correctly finish the stage they will fire at least the MRC. Some stages allow more shots if you want because you missed the target completely, others allow only a certain number. I had 3 magazines loaded and ready but never finished the second magazine during a particular stage. Then you top off everything between stages.

During one stage when I was there, we had to empty our starting magazines to 11 rounds. That made sure that everyone no matter what their magazine capacity was would be forced to reload.

The thing about it is that you totally get stressed, shaky, jittery, etc. On the toughest stage, I totally got tunnel vision and my magazine went dry. The slide locked open and I just froze. It took a second to realize what happened and to reload and finish. I must have looked like a deer in headlights. I just sat there staring at my gun all wide eyed. It is that kind of thing that is most useful for training. To get all that stress and learning to deal with it.

 

[apollosmith]

Sounds like fun. I'm very much interested in doing these types of shoots and this look like something fairly laid back that won't involve a huge investment.

They have an IPSC/USPSA club up here in Cache Valley that I'd like to get involved in. Unfortunately, they have individual stages with over 30+ rounds (200+ rounds for the course), which means if I shoot production I'll need at least 4 or 5 magazines and two mag pouches = $100+ just to get started. Not a big deal, but the fact they don't follow the IPSC rules for stages makes it a bit more difficult to get started.

In addition to the Cache Practical Shooters, they also have groups that shoot up Parleys and in Fruit Heights. Details at http://www.utahshooters.org/

 

[Sup3D]

I think any sort of shooting competition based on accuracy and time is great training. I've heard it said it is the best training for a potential real life firearms encounter other than the real thing. Just the rushing and stress is so helpful I think. Plus, it is a good opportunity to support local firearms activities AND it is really fun.

 

[Maladjusted]

I emailed rangemasters about this and got no reply- good to know it's still going on, will have to put it on the list of things to do-

Too bad it's so far South of me.

There any "regular" IDPA events around here?

 

[Sup3D]

There any "regular" IDPA events around here?

Yes, Saturday November 25, 8:00 am at "The Range". On the UDPL website, this date is market as an IDPA match.

Below are directions to the Range. It use to be called "The Farm". I haven't been out there yet, but it looks cool. I heard it is now owned by the Department of Homeland Security and used by various agencies for training. From the website:

The UDPL is fortunate to be able to use the great facilities of the Global One Training Facility (The Range) just south of Fairfield - which is just south of Cedar Fort. It is a state-of-the-art facility utilized by many law enforcement agencies and has twelve outdoor ranges, with a myriad of reactive and automated targets, and an indoor simulator, "The Barn", which allows for low light, live fire, and force-on-force training. The Range is an R&D range for Action Target, and is constantly updated with the most exciting developments in target systems.

http://www.udpl.net/FARM/farm.html

 

[Strategic Tactical]

Are there any groups like that up in Davis County area?

 

[apollosmith]

Are there any groups like that up in Davis County area?

http://www.utahshooters.org/clubs.php

 

[Strategic Tactical]

Thanks for the info.

 

[Maladjusted]

Cool, will have to check that out. Been a while since I did any IDPA but it sure is a blast.

 

[Sup3D]

I had another Rangemaster Fun Shoot last Wednesday night. I did a lot better than last time. I wasn't near as nervous and shot about as good as I can right now. Now I just have to get better. I finished 16 of 36.

http://www.udpl.net/results/FunShoot/2007/FunShoot-11-07-07.pdf

I shot a non-threat on stage 2. That is why my penalty is so high on that one. I have a long way to go, but it sure is fun.

 

[Maladjusted]

I'm going to try to make the Nov 20 match down there - what time does it kick off and how early do I need to show up for the new guy orientation?

 

[Sup3D]

The 20th one this month was moved. The next “Fun” Shoot at Rangemasters will be on Tuesday, November 29th. New shooter orientation for that is at 6:30 pm.

The next UDPL match will be held on Saturday, November 24th and will be a Handgun/IDPA Match out at the Range.

http://www.udpl.net/FARM/farm.html

 

[Maladjusted]

The 29th is a Thursday.

You mean Tuesday the 27th?

I don't think I'm going to be in town the 24th but if I am that looks good.

 

[Sup3D]

I don't know! That line was copied from the last email reminder I received. I am pretty sure it is probably the Tuesday as Tuesday is the normal day. I'll post if it turns out to be Thursday.

 

[Tacomatose]

Here is the info on the next UDPL IDPA match.
Nov 24
Saturday Handgun/IDPA Match Sign-in: 8:00a
New Shooters Mtg: 8:30a
Match: 9:00a - 2:30p The Range

 

[natehunts]

I don't consider myself practiced enough to join the ranks of the competition world but I want to get into it. Is anyone welcome to come and watch these competitions?

 

[Tacomatose]

I don't consider myself practiced enough to join the ranks of the competition world but I want to get into it. Is anyone welcome to come and watch these competitions?

As far as I know, as long as you have eye and ear protection, and stay behind the competitors.....anyone can show up and watch. When it comes to not being "practiced" enough, these types of shoots are an excellent way to increase your skill level. Beginners and experts alike, share the excitement of competition yet are always willing to help and give advise to each other.

 

[natehunts]

As far as I know, as long as you have eye and ear protection, and stay behind the competitors.....anyone can show up and watch. When it comes to not being "practiced" enough, these types of shoots are an excellent way to increase your skill level. Beginners and experts alike, share the excitement of competition yet are always willing to help and give advise to each other.

Thanks, I'll try to get to one as soon as i'm able to get out of California.