USPSA: 2013 Utah State Championship

I spent the last weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah, competing in the USPSA State Championship. Some of you might wonder why, given that it is one helluva trip from Canada. Well, there are many reasons. I like the style of matches, I like the people, it's very affordable and, besides, I won my class the previous year.

This year I happened to be squadded with Christopher and Leighton Oosthuisen, who also happen to have a South African connection. Okay, it wasn't serendipitous. I had witnessed these two compete at the USPSA Area 1 Championship, when I was working as a match official, and when I saw that I could be squadded with them, I took the opportunity. I didn't regret it.

The match was it's usual style; fast, high round count, plenty of steel. I was amazed at how much better I shot, simply because I had a few hard charging competitors on the squad. I ended up achieving 80% of the winning performance, and winning my class again. Check out my video below.

   

While you're at it, also check out the match video of the Open Division Utah State Champion, Christopher Oosthuisen. Enjoy.

IPSC Rules: When To Cover Targets With Transparent Plastic?

The Canadian Nationals 2013 was a wet affair. We had to contend with a lot of rain. I don't know what it is with 2013; I've shot more in the rain and snow this year than ever before, and it's not without it's problems.

 

What is the rule regarding covering the targets with transparent plastic bags?

 

"Rule 2.3.5: During inclement weather, the  Range  Master  may  order  that  paper  targets be fitted with transparent protective covers and/or overhead shelters, and this order is not subject to appeal by competitors. Such items must be applied and remain fitted to all affected targets for the same period of time, until the order is rescinded by the Range Master."

 

The above rule applies to both IPSC and USPSA.

 

I raise this issue for a reason. I was the CRO on a stage, which meant that I was responsible for ensuring that targets were covered. One particular squad, consisting of top caliber competitors, was on the receiving end of the "call to cover" order.

 

 

The call to cover targets came through with the instruction, "Cover as soon as possible". I am fully aware that competitors do not like engaging targets with plastic covers, since it makes it more difficult to "see your hits". It was raining fairly heavily at the time, so I made the decision to cover the targets in the midst of a squad. One of the competitors was facing a reshoot, and was upset, as were the remaining squad mates. The verbal exchange, which is usually of the bullying variety in order to get you to respond in favour of the competitors, insisted that the rules specified I had to cover the targets between squads.

 

Of course this is nonsense. The key component of the rule is "for the same period of time". Let me explain why. In this particular event we had 16 stages. It is highly unlikely that any two stages start at the same time, let alone 16 stages. Actually, the probability of 16 stages starting at the same time is 16^2, or 1 in 256. It is for this reason that we cover when the order comes through, if we are to approximately cover all targets for the same period of time. So you cover as soon as possible. Naturally their whining was ignored.

 

Then, in conclusion, make sure you're equipped for the rain. Have a raincoat, umbrella, something to cover your gear, a towel, hand warmers and perhaps a change of shoes.

Benchmarking: Who do you benchmark yourself against?

How good are you actually? Do you benchmark yourself against your local peers? Do you strive for a Provincial/State ranking, or do you look further afield, like National or International?

 

 

I know we all strive to improve, and we do this by comparing ourselves to our immediate peers. It's important to know how we rank. That's why Qualifier and Slot matches always get a better turn out than regular club matches; rankings. But what about the 15% or so, of serious competitors? Is a Provincial ranking important? Not really, because you get to compete at a Provincial and National level anyway, regardless. And it's really your National ranking that counts, if you're interested in seeing how you stack up against the country's best. But what if you want to benchmark yourself against the world's best? Well, you could shoot a World Championship, and deduce your ranking from that. But if you're not talented enough to earn a slot at the World Shoot, don't panic, a new service is at hand.

 

Recently I came across a site that is attempting to rank IPSC and USPSA competitors, using past performance. It has potential, and certainly provides a service that has been lacking. It's called IPSCRating.com. Take a look, you may be humbled. If you don't find your name on the list, it means, quite simply, you don't shoot enough Level III matches.

IPSC Equipment: All The Other Stuff - Part II

Okay, so this is a continuation of an article I wrote some time ago. Since that time I've competed in easily 50 matches, in different countries, and at different levels. I've also officiated at everything from small local matches to large national competitions. So I have a better grip on what "other stuff" you may need. 

 

Range Bags

 

You may recall I started out with a conventional range bag. But it didn't accommodate my every growing list of stuff, like space for spare parts, paperwork, shoes, kneepads, liquids. Now there are two schools of thought; either you're a minimalist, and you basically walk between stages with nothing other than ammo in a small bag, and perhaps a few additional items; or you haul everything with you. I fall in the latter category. I like to have a chair, umbrella, rain gear, extra shoes, a cooler, food etc. I figure if I'm there for the day, I want to be comfortable. This meant that my range bag needed an upgrade, but I didn't enjoy hauling all this stuff around. What was I to do? Well, as far as range bags were concerned, there was only one option; the DAA Range Pack Pro. 

 

It is a great piece of equipment. It holds my belt, both guns, shoes, ammo, paperwork, water, spare parts, tools, magazines, rain gear, a chair, basically everything. But it is pricey at $200.00 plus shipping. Then you have to haul this thing around. At least it has shoulder straps. Personally I prefer an easier option.

 

Hand Carts

 

My first option was the DAA Foldable Hand Cart, which is $60.00 plus shipping. I actually acquired one from Canadian Tire for CA$70.00. It works a treat, but it a little short, if you are taller. It has great wheels, and otherwise does an excellent job. Costco sells a similar one for a lot less, but it is rubbish, and the wheels are simply too small to handle rough terrain.

 

The only hassle with the cart is that you have to offload everything at every stage, use what you need, and then pack it all up again. I continue to use my cart for indoor events, where you don't have to haul as much stuff, but I noticed a trend at the larger US matches, and switched for outdoor competitions; a wagon.

 

 

 

 

Wagons

 

Yes, the ultimate in gear hauling devices. I acquired mine from a sports shop somewhere, for about $70.00,  a bargain at the price. They are simply awesome, and I've never regretted the decision. These are available from various outlets, most commonly Costco. I was an early adopter and I've noticed many more of these things around. You can comfortably carry around your cooler, range bag, chairs, etc. They fold flat, and are very easy to use. You no longer have to unpack and repack, since everything is easily accessible. But beware of the lazy team mate that dumps his crap on your wagon.

 

Okay, I must admit, I did "upgrade" mine. I couldn't help myself, and it was for pure vanity reasons. It's the big daddy of wagons, which I acquired from Frontgate for $200.00. It isn't any better, or more functional. It is just more rugged looking and more spacious. Take your pick.

 

 

Rain Gear

 

It is surprising how many times you end up shooting, and working in the rain. Make sure you have an umbrella. A cheap golf umbrella will do the trick. Also, keep a raincoat handy. This helps with your working stints. For shooting, I use a DAA Shooting Vest. It fits in a way that allows me to still access my equipment, and also has a hoodie. It provides warmth and keeps me dry. But I notice they don't stock them anymore. Too bad. 

 

Finally, don't forget the bug spray and sun screen.

2013 Canadian IPSC Nationals: Successfully Concluded

This past week saw the successful conclusion of the Canadian IPSC Nationals. This was an event that attracted over 320 competitors. I was there, of course, but given the remoteness of the site (for Albertans at least) I had chosen to volunteer as a CRO for the week, which helped offset some of the costs. This meant that I shot the pre-match. Being a CRO, at an event of this size, isn't without it's issues, and shooting the pre-match is also something else. Both are stories for another time. The results are viewable here.

 

For those of you wondering what the stages were like, here is a good depiction, courtesy of one of the competitors. Enjoy.

 

 

And here we have a friend, test running my gun.

 

 

 

 

Part IV: Returning To Canada By Car

So you've successfully concluded your USPSA shooting matches in the US, and are returning to Canada. What can you expect? Well, it's similar to entering the US, except it has it's own documentation requirements. As they say in Thailand, "Same, same, but different." Don't be one of those folks that fixates on entering the USA, only to neglect your return home.

 

 

Just like travelling around Canada, domestically, you require paperwork. Here is the checklist for returning to Canada:

 

1. Passport

2. Authorisation To Transport (ATT or STATT)

3. Firearm license (PAL or POL)

4. Registration certificates for each firearm in your possession

 

Occasionally the Canadian authorities are skittish when you declare firearms, however the vast majority of times it is a relatively painless process, as long as you are prepared. Again, I hand over all documentation immediately. This gets the declaration out of the way, leaving no surprises. Quite often you will be required to have the firearms examined, which usually necessitates a visit to the inspection booth. 

 

Some other useful information:

 

You can travel with somebody else's firearm, as long as it was declared on your Form 6, and as long as you are in possession of the registration certificate.

 

Sometimes the Canadian authorities will ask you to present evidence that you attended a match. Naturally this isn't a precondition to returning, but compliance is easy, so simply present a copy of the Match Invitation.

 

You will find that the more frequently you travel, the easier the border crossings become, as you establish a track record.

 

Be familiar with the legislation, both US and Canadian, regarding returning with any firearm related purchases (parts, components, ammunition etc). These are heavily restricted. It is common practice for the US to hold check-stops just before the Canadian border. If you are caught in possession of unlawful items, there can be dire consequences. In this regard, be aware of any recent changes to the legislation, and keep copies of any paperwork to verify this.

 

You can return with the ammunition you originally entered the US with, in fact you must. This includes the spent brass, as these items are declared on your Form 6NIA.

 

You can use photocopies of your registration certificates. The originals are not required. I usually make multiple copies, and ensure I have copies in abundance, just in case I lose something.

Plan your trip, and ensure you use border crossings that are listed on your ATT, otherwise acquire a STATT to cover any alternative routes.

Part III: Crossing The USA Border By Car

Okay, so the day has arrived, you're all packed and ready to go. Make sure you not only have the paperwork to get into the USA, but that you also have the correct paperwork to get back into Canada, or wherever you're from. Also, make sure you have made the necessary prior arrangements.

 

You definitely need to get a Match Invitation from the Match Director. This can be in the form of an email, and it will be asked for at the border. It is also good practice to attach a copy of the match, if it is available, and to have the Match Director's contact details handy. Also, it's a good idea to research the firearm laws in the States you will be travelling through, so as to familiarise yourself with the various do's and don'ts.  

 

The checklist for entering the USA is as follows:

 

1. Passport

2. Approved Form 6NIA

3. Match Invitation

4. Match Copy

5. Accommodation Details

6. Match Director contact details

7. Ammunition not exceeding the amount specified on the Form 6

 

We probably all have ways in which we engage with the Border authorities. In my experience it is easier if you declare that you are travelling with firearms upfront. I do this by handing my passport to the Officer, together with the Match Invitation, Match Copy and Approved Form 6NIA. Make sure the Form 6 is on top. Usually this results in the conversation immediately centering on the firearms and the purpose of the trip. It is usually a painless process, but be prepared to have to park and go inside for further questions, and to have the firearms inspected.

 

Of course, it goes without saying that you should be courteous and don't travel with any forbidden products, like fruit, meat or Cuban cigars.

 

Part II: Documentation Requirements

First things first. You'll need to have an Approved ATF Form 6NIA. This is basically a document that you complete, and submit to the US Department of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), where they presumably conduct a background check. If you are approved, the same form is returned to you, with Approved endorsed thereon. You can get a copy of the Form 6NIA by following the link.

ATF Form 6NIA

 

Now, in order for your Form 6 application to be successful, you will need a few things. If it is for a specific match, you will need to submit a Match Invitation with the application. This you can get from the Match Director. But then be warned, your Form 6 may only be approved for the match. If you are a regular competitor, you would be better off submitting the appropriate support documents, to get approval for 12 months. What I do is submit my USPSA membership and credentials, as well as a hunting license from a US State. This allows me to get a 12 month approval. I know it has been suggested that the hunting license requirement has fallen away, but until the Form changes, I continue to follow the old process. The best place for an online hunting license is Alaska. A small game license is US$20. Of course, to shoot any matches larger than a club match, you will require a USPSA membership. This is easy to acquire, and can be done online.

Once you have your USPSA membership and your hunting license, you can submit your Form 6 application, along with a copy of your PAL (If you're Canadian). It is always better to submit enough supporting documents, to assist your application. Send the application via fax. The number is listed on the Form 6, and remember to provide a return fax number. The process usually takes a couple of weeks, but can take as long as 6-8 weeks. So plan in advance.

Part I: Ever Considered Competing In The USA?

So, you enjoy shooting IPSC, but there simply aren't enough matches to attend, and you're considering competing in the USA, but it seems daunting. Sound like you?

 

Well this is your DIY manual, which will cover everything, including ATF paperwork, match registration, how to find matches and clubs, match invitations, crossing the border, flying with handguns, and preparing your equipment. Follow closely.

IPSC Rules: Should No-Shoot Targets Be Listed In The Written Stage Briefing?

This has some background.

 

A recent Level II match had a competitor shoot a No-Shoot target. He argued that the WSB did not specifically highlight No-Shoot targets, and therefore how was he to know they were penalty targets. Something to that effect.

 

The match director responded by saying that a No-Shoot is not a target, and that it is not mandatory to list No-Shoots. This was confirmed by an individual who was involved in obtaining IPSC sanctioning for a Level III match.

 

I disagreed as follows:

 

"A No-Shoot IS a target, and the current IPSC rulebook specifically says this in the glossary. The only time one differentiates between the two, is where a specific rule makes mention of the two different types of targets.

 

Target(s) - A term that can include both scoring target(s) and no-shoot(s) unless a Rule (e.g.  4.1.3) differentiates between them.

 

Therefore, it is not unreasonable to expect the stage briefing to include a tally of no-shoots, given that Rule 3.2.1 does not differentiate between the type of targets [snip]"

 

I also took the issue to Global Village, to find some clarity. This is the response that I received:

 

"The RM was correct. It is not necessary to state the number of No Shoots in the Written Stage Briefing. We include regular targets, because they are things you are supposed to shoot, so you need to know how many to seek during your walkthrough. It also impacts the production of score sheets.

 

Under Rule 3.2.1, "Targets (type and number)" means how many paper targets, poppers and plates to shoot.

 

The Glossary definition of Targets is an overlooked remnant of a short period of time when No-Shoots were called Penalty Targets. We will remove the definition from the 2015 Rulebooks."

 

Fair enough, except this past weekend yielded an experience that makes me think that listing No-Shoot targets in the WSB should be considered good practice.

 

Whilst viewing the stages for the 32 Special, I noticed that the No-Shoots were the same colour (white) as the metal targets. This prompted me to suggest that I place a conspicuous X across the face of each No-Shoot, which I duly did.

 

Rule 4.1.3 No-Shoots must be clearly marked with a conspicuous "X" or be of a single, unique color different from scoring targets throughout a match or tournament (i.e. if no-shoots are yellow, they must all be yellow in a match or tournament).

 

You would think that was the end of it, but no.

 

 

 

I have included two pictures as examples. During the aforesaid match I was approached by more than one person, asking if the targets with "X's" were actually No-Shoots, or merely simulated hard cover. At the time I didn't respond with clarity because the rule is clear, but upon reflection I can see how competitors can become confused.

 

Firstly, we seldom shoot matches with No-Shoots marked with "X's". Secondly, the WSB did not list any No-Shoots. Therefore, I would contend that, even though it is "officially" not necessary to list No-Shoots in the WSB, it should be considered good practice. Will it? That's unlikely. It's likely that there will be as many opinions as there are Range Masters.

 

A Premier Match: The Brooks Annual 32 Special

If you are a regular competitor on the IPSC Alberta circuit, and you didn't choose to attend the Brooks Annual 32 Special, you need to have your head read, or you're just a party pooper, because this is a premier event.

Until recently, this was an event that was included in the "official" list of matches. But for reasons only known to them, our elected officials decided Brooks wasn't "playing ball", and so they were taken off the 2013 match schedule. It was a bullshit decision, no doubt, and everybody knows it.

 

However, the goods news is that Brooks has forged ahead, and continues to add value to the sport on there own. This past weekend they hosted their annual 32 Special, and it was fantastic (check out the video below), as usual. But they went even further than usual. There was a prize table on both days of the competition, consisting of all sorts of goodies, including handguns.

 

 



Also, a big plus is the addition of a "Shooting House"; a house like structure that we can use for all sorts of scenarios, and a first in Alberta. Excellent stuff, and I look forward to helping shoot it to pieces. Here's one that gets used extensively in Utah, which I thoroughly enjoy.

Anyway, guys, you make me proud. Keep up the good work. I also, very much, enjoyed the BBQ on the Saturday night, which gave us the opportunity to socialise. Nice stuff. Also, thanks to the hardworking crew, who kept the quality of the match high (I couldn't fault anything), as well as the sponsors.

 

If any of you want to know if my shooting skills have improved, just have a look at some of my earlier videos ... lol.

 

   

IPSC Equipment: Shoes

Perusing my older equipment articles, reveals that I haven't discussed shoes. Is this even important? Well, it depends. If you've invested a substantial amount in your equipment, in the continual search for improvement, why would you overlook your traction? I found that normal track shoes, or runners, weren't effective on wet grass or loose gravel, so I decided to explore what my options were.

 

Shoes aren't really marketed to the IPSC community. I found a single type, cleats, that were sold on an IPSC website, and observed what some of the local shooters wore, and bought my first pair.

Nike Land Sharks

 

 

Fairly common amongst IPSC competitors.

 

These are affordable, at anywhere between US$40 - 70. My first pair, black and white, lasted me two seasons, and certainly provided me with far more grip than I had experienced before. There are shortcomings, though. They are useless on hard, smooth surfaces. So if you are shooting indoors, or a stage has an obstacle, like a smooth ramp or stairs, then your traction is seriously compromised. Nevertheless, I liked them and eventually colour co-ordinated mine, to match my every growing red gear. However they are not comfortable for all-day wear, as they have a very rigid structure. So I found myself wearing running shoes, during my working stints, until I lost my footing severely, whilst RO'ing a competitor.

 

 

That being said, they remain part of my equipment, with me using them for muddy surfaces, so as to not ruin my more expensive shoes, or where solid traction is a must. They're also easier to clean.

 

Because of the nature of our climate, I find we tend to shoot a lot indoors, and cleats weren't a good option. Neither were traditional running shoes, which didn't handle standing on spent brass too well. This resulted in me looking for shoes that could be used for indoors; in other words, had a soft sole to handle smooth surfaces, but which were also aggressive enough to provide traction where spent brass was in abundance.

 

Salomon Speedcross III

 

Increasingly common amongst IPSC competitors, particularly at the larger matches. Receives good reviews on IPSC blogs.

These shoes are really nice, albeit a bit more expensive at US$120 - 150. They are also very narrow, giving you a tight fit. I like the lacing system. It's easier and more convenient than traditional laces. They seem well constructed and offer very good traction on smooth hard surfaces. I haven't used mine outdoors all that much, but because of the softer sole, you can expect these shoes to wear out faster. They are also comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time. The sole padding seems reasonable, and standing on brass isn't uncomfortable. They're really nice, and are available in all sorts of colours.



 

Inov8 Mudcaws

 

Not as common, but well reviewed on IPSC blogs. 

I've always known about these shoes, and have seen a growing number of people use them. When I saw them in my colour I couldn't resist. They look aggressive, and comfortable. They are also relatively expensive at between US$120 - 150. They are very light, which was surprising. Also, the construction is very thin, which gives you the impression that they are cheap. The lacing system is traditional, and the padding in the sole is barely existent, to the point that you can feel every pebble that you stand on. The traction is good, although I have slipped a few times on loose surfaces. I'm still new to these shoes, and have been somewhat disappointed, but that may change. They are comfortable for long wear, but I would have liked more sidewall support, and a more padded sole.

 

At the moment, I would say the Salomon's would be my top pick, and if you are more budget conscious, the Nike Land Sharks. These shoes are freely available online. I usually buy from Zappos USA.

A Headcam: A Cool Accessory

I saw some footage of a headcam and instantly decided it was a toy that I wanted to acquire. So I did. It is a GoPro Headcam, and it comes with various attachment devices. I have tested it briefly, using the head strap, and it has potential.

I like the results, and hopefully if I combine it with a third party video of my movements, it will assist me in improving my performance by revealing what I am doing wrong.

Did you spot the oops moment in the second video?

The head strap works very well, and you don't notice the weight, which is neglible. Also the video quality, as you can see, is very good.

IPSC Equipment: In Search of Reliability

You might recall from my earlier posts that owning an open gun, especially a 9mm Major STI, can be an exercise in patience. Last time I mentioned that my magazines needed tuning. Well the dawson Precision Kit arrived, and I set about hammering the feed lips to perfection. Ever since I have done that the magazines have performed flawlessly. The tools that came with the kit are really nice, so now I include examining my magazines as part of my match preparation ritual.

You might recall, way back, that I had extraction issues. I had seemingly overcome these by replacing my standard extractor with an Aftec. At the time of inserting the extractor it seemed to be too loose, but hell it was an Aftec, so it must be right. Right?

Anyway, after I had sorted out the magazine issues, the gun started smokestacking again.

What now?

Because I had already replaced the extractor, I immediately assumed ammo. So I double checked and re-chronographed my ammunition. No problems there. I reduced my recoil spring from a 9lb to an 8lb spring, after the Brian Enos forum suggested that 8lbs is the "right" number. Didn't make any difference. I then got a second opinion on the extractor, and they concurred that it was too loose, and as a result was not holding the round effectively. The Aftec warranty stated that I must not "tune" the extractor, so I contacted Aftec in desperation. I was told to place the extractor in a vice and to "tune" it using, what I call, a BFH (a Big F*****g Hammer). I did this, and voila, a tighter extractor.

I then range tested it, and it worked flawlessly for all but one round out of 250. It may need to be tweeked a tiny bit more. In the interim I have also ordered a sideways mount, to remove the red dot from over the ejection port. Hopefully this improves the reliability too, and helps me eliminate the odd C-More Shuffle (failure to find the red dot). I will report on that, once installed and tested. So next month it is off to the Provincials, and I am holding thumbs that I get to enjoy a 100% reliable gun for once.

IPSC Equipment: STI Magazine Shortcomings

This article is somewhat related to an earlier one I wrote on Open Gun reliability. Granted, I am not the best shot, but you cannot expect to make vast performance improvements without equipment that is 100% reliable.

So far, for me, it was extraction issues, which were eliminated by replacing the standard extractor with an Aftec; which meant goodbye to smoke stacking.

Now we are dealing with double feeds. This is when two live rounds are attempting to chamber at the same time. It is a common STI magazine problem, particularly with 9mm Major. The issue revolves around the magazine feed lips. They are usually too far apart, so the round isn't effectively held in position.

I use 140mm magazines, which are high capacity, which compounds the problem. The magazines have to be limited to 10 rounds (Canada), and arrive from the supplier with this primitive plate rivetted in. This plate causes a huge amount of problems. For starters, these things look like they have been cut by a hand saw. Each plate varies in length. The net effect is that, ceteris parabis, when you try to seat the magazine in the gun, those with slightly longer plates make it impossible to seat. You need a little bit of give in the spring to allow this to happen. I initially overcame this by replacing the cheap basepads with sturdier alumium ones. This provided a little more space, which loosened up the spring. But this advantage was short-lived. Another issue with the plates is that the rivets catch on the magazine spring, resulting in feeding issues. A final problem is that you cannot remove the spring and follower, since the plate blocks this process; so cleaning your magazines is a non-starter. Overall the rivetted plate is a bad idea; especially in magazines costing around $75.00 a piece.

Once I started experiencing double feeds I realised that I needed to tune the magazine feed lips. This involves using a caliper to measure the gap between the feed lips, and to adjust inwards/outwards using a combination of brass hammer and/or pliers. The trick is finding the correct measurements for your caliber, and then tweaking the lips to perfection. For me, solving one problem created new problems. I needed to tighten up the tolerances. This meant that the rounds would be tighter, but because of the plates, it meant that tighter tolerances removed the advantage I achieved with the new basepads. So I ended up with some magazines not seating in the gun again.

I then ordered Arrendondo Lim10 inserts, and decided I would remove all of the plates. I removed two, and tested. Voila, the magazines seated properly and didn't experience and double feeds. But the inserts are for 38 Super, so you have to "tune" them to make space for the spacer and spring. Also, because the dimensions of each magazine are not quite the same, you may need to file the tops of the inserts until you get 10 rounds to fit comfortably. Another big problem is the DAA basepads with the Arrendondo inserts. I really struggled to get the basepads to slide over the inserts. In the end I drilled a small hole in the basepads, and I push the insert down, using a thin allen key. Then the basepads slide on easily. I then went off to the range and tested all my magazines, which seemed to be working fine.

But alas, it takes a match to prove you wrong. Straight away my double feed issues were back. So now, out of desperation, I have ordered the Dawson Magazine Precision kit.

So all up, the magazines will have cost me $130.00 per unit, excluding all the time and effort to get them right. You might ask why I persist. Well, you just have to shoot an STI that is performing well, to be hooked.

IPSC Equipment: The Brass Bag for Expended Ammo Casings

Okay, so many of you may not be using a pouch to gather your used casings, because you aren't reloading .... yet. Well the time will come when you need to control the quality of your loads, as well as the cost. When that time arrives you will probably want a pouch to store your used casings. I mean you hardly want to throw them in with your other equipment.

If you purchased the correct range bag from the start, then you would have received a "Brass Bag" with your purchase; problem solved. If you didn't, like most of us, then you need to look for alternatives. Brass bags can be bought as after-market extras, and are usually around $8-12 a unit. But beware, some of them have really shoddy quality.

Yes, this branded unit from Competitive Edge Dynamics, lasted all of two outings and then tore apart. A Brass Bag consists of a mesh base, to allow for the dust, soil or any other particles to escape; as well as a drawstring and a metal clip, to help attach the unit to your range bag. If the unit is poorly made, it will not withstand the weight of the brass, and will easily tear. As was the case with this unit.

A bit disappointing as I expected more from the brand. I guess I was wrong. 

So it meant that once again, I had to source a better unit. It so happened, by chance, that a really nice unit is made in Canada, by Shooters Gear. Obviously these guys had experienced similar problems because, although the unit is about double the price ($17.00), they have addressed all the weaknesses.

The drawstring section, which is the part that easily tears, is made of the same strong material as the rest of the bag. Also, it has a gigantic clip to attach to your range bag.

It is also slightly bigger than the usual Brass Bags, and has the mandatory mesh bottom. In my opinion; so far the best Brass Bag on the market.

IPSC Equipment: Are You Considering Getting An Open Gun?

If you've been following along you will have noted that my first IPSC firearm was a 9mm Glock 17, which meant that I shot in the Production division. This is no doubt a very competitive class, but for me I hankered to compete in the Open division.

This has always been the case; when I paraglided competitively I couldn't stay in the Intermediate Glider division, I had to "upgrade" to the Competition Gliders. They were faster, with a better glide ratio, but they also were much more temperamental, requiring constant pilot input. 

The same can be said of my foray into superbiking. I had to compete at the top, despite being beaten by better riders, with lessor bikes. It's something about wanting to have, and use, the "best equipment" that the sport has to offer; even if the downsides could have a detrimental affect on your performance.

So, as per usual, I very rapidly changed my focus to that of the Open Division. If you have a similar disposition, then there are a few considerations. I wanted a 9mm Major, primarily because of the brass issue. I had a 9mm, and my focus was 9mm. My reloading efforts were going to be 9mm.

I was more than happy to entertain a used Race Gun, and was prepared to compromise on what I wanted, but only if the price was right (Remember: Value = Benefit - Cost). I figured, you had to factor in the cost of compromising (the cost of used, the added cost of additional reloading equipment, the cost of brass, the loss of warranties). If there wasn't significant fat left over, then I figured it was far better to buy new. Which is what I did; I acquired a brand new STI Trubor.

Is it everything I expected? Yes and no. The obvious difference between Production and Open firearms is that Production guns work straight out of the box, at a fraction of the cost. Hell, my Glock 17 would work, come rain or shine. Not so, with the Trubor; and at the price this can really piss you off. Yes, it has the potential to be a nice gun, but it takes tweaking, and you learn the hard way. It's the usual; there is no information available to prepare you.

As a precursor, take a look at the video, which are snippets from the Phoenix competition.

Three problems are obvious; blockages (stovepipes), C-More shuffling and magazine seating problems.

The blockages have now largely been cured by replacing the stock extractor with an Aftec competition unit, but it is still early days. Would I have expected this from a competition unit? No. I expected it to work, but now it comes to light that "everybody" changes their extractors. This is a cost that you won't budget for. (For those polymath types that want to point out that I need to use Major ammo, I know and I do).

Additionally; I say largely cured, because every now and then I still get a blockage. I suspect I may eventually resort to remounting the optics on the side, so as to clear the ejector port completely. Also an unbudgeted expense.

The C-More shuffle; this is a tendency for the uninitiated to lose the red dot, which happens to me now and again. I suspect I will get better at it.

The magazine seating; Canada restricts its magazines to 10 rounds, which means you have to peg your higher capacity magazines. In the STI's case, this means that there is a metal block inserted. The problem is the block is slightly too long, which means the 10th round is so tight that when you seat the magazine it does not want to clip in, requiring a little extra violence. To cure this problem requires that you machine the metal block ever so slightly, to allow for a little give, which then allows for easier seating. A hassle for sure, and also an effort that you will not bargain on.

Next; don't expect your Race Gun to come equipped with a large Mag Release button, it doesn't. So expect to upgrade this too.

Now, after you have factored in all the additional expenses, hassles and lost time, you might find your Value equation has shifted somewhat.

Personally, in hindsight, a used firearm may be a better bet, given that the previous owner might have sorted out all these glitches. If not, move on, and always ask for a test fire.

As for new, don't expect to receive any advice, you won't get any. The decision to go to Open class is like any other sport; it is assumed that you know what you are doing, which invariably isn't the case. In my case, I have been lucky to have the help of an Open contestant, who uses a 9mm Major, otherwise "cognitive dissonance" might have been the order of the day.

IPSC Competition Rig

You will recall that my first rig (belt, holster and mag pouches) was a combination of regular trouser belt, Fobus holster and mag pouches. This was my first mistake, given that I very rapidly upgraded my firearm (more on that later), which required a new rig.

My new firearm came fitted with a compensator and optics, so the added toys required an open race holster. Also, my magazines were metal, and meant that I could use magnetic pouches, plus I saw the value in being able to angle the mag pouches to suit my grip. This meant that I needed some magnetic pouches, and a few race mag pouches.

As I have mentioned before, a complete rig could cost you around $450; a sum that I could not justify. Fortunately there are options; you just need to shop prudently, and combine various pieces of equipment.

I chose to use CR Speed mag pouches and holster, which I combined with magnetic mag pouches and a velcro belt. My setup has cost me about $300 so far. The magnets are a must; I really like them.

The mag pouches took a little adjusting, and are a little irksome because you can dislodge the angle, given the leverage placed on the pouch by the magazines.

Also, setting up the holster was straightfoward. Be very careful when you rearrange the trigger spacers. My firearm required me to remove most of the spacers. But what I didn't realise was that the screw that fastens these spacers, was now longer than the thickness of the spacers. This meant that when I inserted, and withdrew my firearm I scratched my trigger guard. So now I have a nasty scratch. I fixed this by adding an outer spacer. Also, you need to familiarise yourself with the locking switch. Sometimes "unlocked" just isn't unlocked enough. You may want to remove the little nipple that stops the switch, so that you have a larger range of movement. Below is a video explaing the CR Speed setup. It is a little longwinded (two parts), but he eventually gets his point across.

Finally, I added two magnetic pouches. The one, a standalone unit, I placed at the rear of my belt, and I use it to hold my "stripper magazine"; the magazine I use to load one round into the chamber, then remove. The other magnetic pouch I attached to my CR Speed mag pouch. It didn't come with instructions, but Saul Kirsch at Double Alpha Academy sorted that out in literally 5 minutes. It was very easy to install.

In conclusion; setting up your belt isn't an exact science. Hell everybody seems to have a different setup. I am sure mine will change a lot, as I gain experience; so view this as just one option, and discover what works for you.

IPSC Training: Getting A Timer

Recently I mentioned that training with a timer was something that I do. Those much more informed than I, have suggested it, and it is of course intuitive. A vital part of the sport is speed, how do you improve your speed if you don't know where you should improve? But timers are pricey, and hey, they aren't always so great. They are cumbersome, they can't calculate hit factors, they don't replay your course of fire, they don't save a history and they love to record echoes or secondary shots. What alternatives are there?

Well this got me thinking; what software options are available? More specifically, what iPhone/iPod Touch options are available? I don't have an iPhone, but I decided to get one of the new iPod Touch's if the software was compelling enough. Why, you might ask, given that the cost would be greater than a timer? Well there are the added benefits of the camera, video capability, internet access, and a whole host of other stuff. So I did the usual; hit the internet and started to research all the software. The features I wanted, were essentially what I could get with a traditional timer, anything else would be a bonus. Turns out there are some bonuses, and some drawbacks.

I selected, and purchased two packages, which I will briefly review here. They are the IPSC Timer, which costs $4.99, and the IPSC Shot Timer PRO, which costs $9.99.

The IPSC Timer is a very nice package. The setup is simple. Basically you set the random timer delay, and choose between major or minor hit factor, and you are ready. You simply hit the start button and you will hear a beep after a random period of time. Thereafter your shots are recorded. You will be able to view your draw time, your splits and your reload times. The downside is that, like a normal timer, it will record echoes and other secondary shots, coming from adjoined ranges.

The big bonus with this software is the scoring capability. I don't know about everybody else, but league nights, with a clipboard is just bollocks. You never really review your score, nor compare your hit factors with other contestants. Another point is that knowing your hit factor helps you to either improve your accuracy or speed up. I, for one, know my accuracy is above average, but my speed is well below average. This would be obvious to me if I had the hit factors to compare to. The same can be said of matches. Sure, we get a copy of each stage, and some of us may calculate the hit factors later, but you rarely have instant results. 

Anyway, back to the software. Scoring is as simple as adding your hits per target, including No Shoots, Mikes etc. The software does the calculation once you add your time. The beauty of the score calculator is that it can be used independently of the timer. So you slip your iPhone/iPod Touch into your cargo pants, and after you complete a course of fire, you take it out and score your round. Voila. For the calculator alone it is worth the $4.99.

Next up is the IPSC Shot Timer PRO. The package is more expensive. It offers the wonderful idea of an algorithm that identifies the "uniqueness" of the sound of individual guns. You have to record a shot from your handgun first, in order to create a profile. Thereafter, theoretically at least, it will only record your shots and not secondary shots or echoes. I found that it works very well, as long as nobody else is shooting the same gun, or something that has a similar sound signature. Also, once you have a profile, it is only good for that range and bay. Indoors is different to outdoors, which is different to bay choice. It is best to always set up a new profile, and even then, it isn't perfect, but it is not too bad either. 

The package, however, also has some nice bonuses. It will provide the usual shot timer, showing you your draw times, splits and reloads, but you can also save the course of fire, and replay it. This allows you to see how you performed. Also, it has a PAR timer feature, which is great for dry fire training. Let's say you have the enviable draw of 3 seconds, and you would like to bring it down. You set the random beep, to give yourself time to take up your stance. Then you select a PAR time, say 2 seconds. You then get a start beep and an end beep. You practise over and over until you get to within the alloted time. The same can be done with your magazine reloads.

Another nice feature, although I haven't tested it yet, is the Slave feature. Apparently the timer will start on the beep from another timer, say the RO's timer. This allows you to record the course of fire too, which you can use to double check the RO; theoretically. It is just a pity that it doesn't have the scoring capability that the former package does, otherwise it is an outright winner. So for me it ends up being a bit of both. The first package has the scoring capability and a basic timer. The latter has a better timer, and the added benefits of a PAR timer and Slave mode.