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 Such items must be applied and remain fitted to all affected targets for the same period of time, until the order is rescinded by the Range Master."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.

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.