IDPA Shoot
Don "Dead-Eye" Dineen
Osburn, Idaho
Saturday, June 18, the Shoshone County Public Range in Government Gulch, south of Silver King, hosted the first International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) match in our area. This group specializes in the defensive use of handguns normally carried by everyday citizens. No fancy "race guns" allowed. Handguns must be .38/9mm or larger. No "bug guns" (small pocket pistols) allowed. Barrels on revolvers cannot be over 4.2 inches long.
At this event a wide selection of pistols, and a revolver, were in use by the competitors. Several Glock pistols in 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP were seen. One shooter used a SIG .40, another a Ruger .45 and several M1911 .45's. The lone revolver shooter was a young man using a 1950's era Smith and Wesson M10 .38 Special.
Each stage of the shoot involved multiple targets with friend and foe (don't shoot the unarmed cardboard), each at various distances but all within about 7 yards or less. Only 14 rounds were normally shot during each stage. Being based primarily on the 7-shot M1911, it forces a reload to complete the course. Competitors are restricted to one magazine loaded to 11 rounds, and another loaded to 10 rounds, maximum. Each shooter enters the course with 21 rounds. This was done to allow shooters from restrictive states to join without a handicap.
Safety dictates that only one shooter is on line at any one time. A Safety Officer, the "SO," stands behind and follows the shooter with a timer and shot counter ensuring that all range rules are followed.
The "STAGES" are newly created for each match. Two of the events had moving targets, creating a serious challenge.
Speed is important. The faster the shooter can finish the event the better the score. But, it takes good shooting to not drop points by hitting outside of the "zero" deduction areas on the targets.
Eleven shooters participated some with well honed skills, a few older rusty shooters, two deputy sheriff's, and civilian shooters just out for the fun.
Personally, it was the first time I had done any shooting of this type since retiring from police work nine years ago.
The added challenge was going to the match with a new Glock M22 in .40 S&W, and with a new holster I had never even slid onto a belt before. My old service pistol was an early Glock M17 in 9mm. That pistol would have actually allowed me to run the course in a faster time. The .40 S&W cartridge does require more time to shoot since it recoils more then the 9mm. More muzzle flip, means slower times, at least for me.
Even though this was competition, I was just shooting to see how I did against my former life. What I found is I don't move as fast as I did in my youth. But, I also found out that I can still shoot quite well. Now if I could just move like a 19 year old again, I could probably finish a bit higher.
At the end of the day, I am sure everyone had a great time. Prizes were donated by merchants and everyone left with a prize. First place shooters won plaques.
A representative of the NRA was there to sign up new members, although I think every shooter was already a dues paying member. He passed out free gun locks to those needing them.
Kellogg High students and parents sold hamburgers and hot dogs as a fund raiser for the school.
Entry fee is only $15. A shooter should bring 100 rounds of ammunition, although you normally will not need to shoot all your rounds.
I am hoping that the sponsors will get another match scheduled in August or September. If you are interested in joining in the fun call 208-784-0355 and encourage the group to set up another event.