Fairfax IDPA Match

This weekend's IDPA match at the Fairfax Rod & Gun club had four stages offering some interesting and enjoyable shooting challenges. It was also quite a pleasant day weather wise, especially considering we're in the middle of July.

The first stage our squad shot started with us facing a non-threat target, with two very close targets to our right. We turned to shoot the two close targets from retention, before engaging two more distant targets while backing up. To finish the course of fire there were four more targets shot from cover, two of which were head shot only targets. It was fast but fun stage. A lot of folks had never shot from retention prior to this, so they had a new experience here. I finished -0 on the stage.

The next stage was a standards stage with three strings — shot freestyle, strong hand only, and weak hand only. Shots were limited to one per target each string, and fired on the move at six reduced scoring zone targets. I do try to practice one hand shooting regularly, and feel fairly confident while standing still, but I have no opportunity to do it while moving, unless it's in match. I know I had a couple misses, and a bunch of -1 shots, giving me a big 15 down for the stage.

As we were making our way to our third stage, we could hear ringing steel coming from the bay. Then I caught a glance of a swinging target and knew what was up next. We started this stage behind a barricade holding a "cell phone" in front of our face. Dropping the phone, we engaged a fallen popper to activate a swinging target, which we shot while on the move across the bay towards cover. From cover we shot 4 paper targets and another falling popper. It was another -0 stage for me.

The last stage of the match consisted of just three targets, set between 25 and 35 yards. There was a lone non-threat place about center view down range as well. This was going to be the toughest challenge of the day. I've done very little long range shooting of late, and have been less than satisfied with the results. However, I had fortuitously worked on 20 yards shots during the range trip on Friday, and the success that day did help boost my confidence here.

This stage was on a mostly shaded bay, and there was a cloud cover at the time. Though I never thought I'd say it, I lamented not having the bright sun in the afternoon at a match. To my eyes the targets were quit faint in the distance.

Way. Out. There.

Four hits were required on each target. My shooting plan for the stage included a few extra shots on each increasingly distant target; 5 shots, 6 shots, reload, 7 shots. While shooting, it seemed to me that the front of the pistol was dancing all over the place in relation to the target, though I did feel confident in my sight alignment. With great anticipation I walked down range to hear the scores called out. "Down 0. Down 1. Down 2. Non-threat clean." To say I was pleased with the -3 was an understatement.

In general I was happy with how I shot. I need to work more on strong hand and weak hand shooting, but otherwise it was a good day. Overall I ended up 10th out of 75 shooters, and 3rd of 9 in SSP Sharpshooter. Not bad for a guy "that old."

This match is becoming more popular and the club is working to accommodate an increasing number of shooters, though the large crowd makes for a long day. The four stage match took five hours to complete, but it was a most enjoyable way to spend time. Shooting well always raises the fun level up a notch or two, and this month's match was especially fun I thought.

Fairfax IDPA Match

On Saturday I shot the monthly IDPA match at Fairfax Rod & Gun club. The club had five stages set up this month, with five large squads rotating through each. The event is growing in popularity and there's actually a waiting list for the monthly matches.

Our squad started on the standards stage. When I saw the set up, I thought "I got this." Two close targets weak hand only, two mid-range targets strong hand only, finishing with two head-only targets shot freestyle. Each target required a minimum of three hits. I've been practicing my one-handed shooting, and even working on head shots out to 15 yards. As I shot the final two targets I wasn't seeing the holes appearing in the targets. But the targets were shaded and I typically can't see the holes, even at the 10 yard distance anyway. I called the shots good and felt confident. But then came the scoring. One of the targets had a really nice group of three holes — right in the neck area. 15 points down right there, 20 down for the stage. Sometimes I wish that IDPA had "mulligans."

That wasn't a good start to my day, and I admittedly struggled mentally for a brief time. I was the second shooter on the stage so I had plenty of time to "get over it" while the rest of the squad shot. We had four more stages to shoot and I was there to have fun. Interestingly, for the rest of the day I was rotated to shooting first on every stage. 

The next stage was shot from a seated position. The gun with the mag inserted, but no round in the chamber, was placed in a box on the table. Six targets were set out in pairs to be shot near to far. This was a chance to push the speed a bit, especially on transitions, while still maintaining accuracy. Having to rack the slide before taking the first shot provided a bit of mental complexity, and I saw many shooters pull the trigger on an empty chamber at their first shot.

The scenario for the next stage included a mocked up "car" from behind which we engaged seven targets placed from one to fifteen yards. We started holding a hammer and a yard sale sign in our hands, dropping them at the start. The first target was set right in front of the starting position, but was deceptive in its simplicity. If you shot straight at the target from the start position, the shot would pass through to a non-threat target placed at the back of the bay. The rest of the targets were hidden on either side of barrels, requiring some movement along the "car" to shoot them all.

As we headed for the last two two stages, the match director told us to "go shoot some clowns." And that's what we did. For the first of these, nine targets were decorated with clown noses and wigs. We engaged the targets behind cover from two shooting positions. The last course of fire was shot from a kneeling position. Four shots were required on a close clown target that had the center -0 cut out to save on target replacement. Then, leaning to either side we engaged two falling steel poppers. Even though it was an extremely quick stage, I walked away with a smile from the fast shooting. I did end up with the 3rd fastest time on that stage, 4.97 seconds. That was a great stage on which to finish the match.

Despite some disappointing shooting on my part, it was still a fun match. My overall finish was 13th of 60 overall and just 8th of 9 shooters in SSP SS; the poor shooting on the first stage having a significant negative impact on my score! However, all the stages were interesting, and I saw the benefit of some of my practice sessions, and certainly noted some things that I will focus on in upcoming range trips. Besides, any day shooting...

We finished shooting around 2:00 and I began my nearly 2 hour drive home — twice the time it took to drive TO the match. Despite this match being actually the closest of the local matches, the perils of traffic make it less convenient. The summer time congestion has yet to really build, but it will be a consideration for my match plans in the coming months.

More photos from the match here.

Fairfax IDPA Match

Last Saturday, I made the drive north on I-95 to shoot the IDPA match held at Fairfax Rod & Gun Club. It had been raining for several days prior, and the weather was questionable for Saturday, but after missing my range trip earlier in the week, I was committed to attending the match, even if the weather was inclement. Fortunately the rain held off, although it did remain overcast, damp and cool throughout much of the match.

We began the first stage holding an AR-15 blue gun shoulder in a shooting position. At the start signal, we hung rifle by its sling and drew our gun, which was loaded with six rounds. There were three targets to be engaged around a barricade. Then two targets to be engaged while on the move to the next shooting position. The stage ended with three more targets around a barricade.

The next stage again made use of the prop gun, which was simply slung over our shoulder. We also carried an ammo can in our weak hand. Three targets were engaged on the move strong hand only. After moving to cover we dropped the ammo can and engaged three more targets.

Both of these stages were a lot of fun to shoot, and the added props served to keep us off our stride. 

The next stage required both strong and weak hand shooting, with all shots taken while kneeling. We started with the loaded gun in our weak hand, facing two targets. Six shots were required, weak hand only, on the first target. Transitioning to the strong hand, we then put six shots on the remaining target.

The next course had eight targets to be engaged from three different shooting positions. We began the stage holding a box in both hands, and after dropping the box we shot three targets around the right side of a wall cover. Moving to the other end of a wall, there were three more targets from the left side of cover. Moving to a third point of cover, we finished off the last two targets.

The final two stages were shot on a course of fire that was shot twice, in opposite directions each time. On one side of the course was a barricade from where three targets were engaged, while other side of the stage featured stacked barrels which also hid three targets. All targets required three hits each. 

Our group was the last squad to shoot these two stages, and a result of many other shooters moving through and shooting the ground was now especially muddy and slick. The ground conditions behind the barricade was especially poor which meant extra attention was required for sure footing. In addition, dropping empty magazines meant they would definitely need a serious cleaning afterwards. Interestingly, many shooters opted to retain their mags and drop them in a pocket rather than let them fall to the ground.

The match was very enjoyable, and the stages offered interesting challenges. I tried to pick up my speed a bit, but I did drop a few points on most of the stages. Most of those were from low shots. I really need to get in more live fire practice shooting around barricades; unfortunately given local range restrictions that will only come with shooting more matches. Despite a disappointing 13 points down, I managed to finish 3rd of 27 in SSP, and 3rd of 47 shooters overall.

As expected the drive home on the interstate took more time than the morning drive to the match. I had neglected to bring spare shoes and socks, which made the drive time with cold wet feet seem even longer. Arriving home I was looking forward to warming up. Alas, as I drove into my driveway I was reminded of the consequence of a week of rain — a yard full of extra tall grass in dire need of mowing! That hot shower and hot mug of coffee would wait just a bit longer.

More pictures from the match are posted here.

Fairfax IDPA BUG/CCP Match

Once again, I headed north on I-95 Saturday morning to shoot the IDPA match at Fairfax Rod & Gun Club. For this month's match, participants were encouraged to shoot in the BUG or CCP divisions. I decided to enter the CCP (Compact Carry Pistol) division. I've only shot in that division in a Classifier match previously, but I do enjoy shooting the SIG P239, even if I shoot it infrequently.

After the safety briefing, the match kicked off with the playing of our National Anthem. (No one took a knee.) We hiked over to the range where our first two stages awaited. There's a moderate walk between the ranges at the club, but I was surprised by how many people drove their cars between the ranges. The first stage I shot had three groups of three targets arranged across the bay. The first group was shot on the move, the next two from behind cover. As I would soon realize, the day's stages were geared to the six shot BUG guns. I finished the stage down zero.

The next course of fire had three t-shirt covered targets, with non-threat targets placed in between. Shot while stationary, each threat target required six hits. Since the targets were covered, no perforations were visible, so the shooter had to judge carefully where to aim. I learned the lesson long ago that the -0 zone on an IDPA target is in the upper half, not the center. All my shots hit within the -0 zones.

Moving over to next range we found two more fun stages waiting. The first was shot while seated, and had two paper and two falling steel poppers. Starting with just six rounds in the gun, we were required to engage one paper target with three rounds WEAK HAND ONLY, followed by three shots on the other paper STRONG HAND ONLY. A quick reload while seated and the two steel targets were engaged.

On the second stage in this bay, we started in front of a swinging target, holding the activation rope in our strong hand. Pulling the rope and drawing the gun, we engaged the swinger with four rounds, and then moved to behind a barricade to shoot four more targets. After the first three stages I was still down zero for the match, but alas, finished this stage -3.

The final stage of the match consisted of two strings of fire. Starting on the left side of the bay, there were two targets to be engaged with three rounds each while moving to the right. Then from behind cover, another target required six hits. For the second string, we repeated the scenario, this time moving from right to left. Two deviously placed non-threat targets added to the challenge. Start shooting too soon as you moved, and your hits on the targets would pass through and hit a non-threat. Move too fast across the course and your shots on the second target would pass through onto a non-threat. I didn't hit any of the non-threats, but shot a little hurried and finished the stage -5 points. That meant a total of 8 points down for the match.

The match went quite quickly due to the quick and straightforward stages. We finished shooting around 1:00 PM. The quick match was welcome as the temperature was in the mid-90's with the typical Virginia humidity. 

As an added treat, the club provided a free lunch for the shooters at the match. Volunteers were grilling burgers and brats, and chips and soda were also included. I downed a quick venison bratwurst when I finished shooting, which held me over for the drive home. Even though the drive to the match is the shortest of any of the matches I attend regularly, the same cannot be said for the afternoon drive home. Google Maps did present me with a quite scenic drive which avoided the south bound congestion on the interstate, but was still 20 minutes longer than the morning leg.

The match was a lot of fun, with interesting, but not overly complex courses of fire. I enjoyed shooting the compact gun, and was pleased with my performance despite not having shot it for many months.

Fairfax IDPA Match

Last weekend I headed north to Manassas to check out a monthly IDPA match put on at the Fairfax Rod & Gun Club. Driving I-95 on the weekend anytime holds the possibility of sitting in non-moving traffic but I decided to risk it for another chance to shoot. Fortunately the morning drive to the range was without issue and I arrived after about an hour on the road.

The club sets up six stages on three ranges. The ranges are spread out and require a few minutes walk (some folks drive it) between each. Most of the walks, and two of the three stages are pretty well shaded, which was welcome on the warm day.

The first stage we shot started with the loaded gun on a table along with a beach ball. At the start the beach ball was knocked away (simulating hitting an attacker), then grabbing the gun there were three targets to be shot on the move. Moving next to behind low cover, we engaged five targets that were arranged in a rotated sequence. (Imagine a tumbling ninja.) Each target was to be shot in sequence with two hits required on each. The challenge here is that the -0 zone is not centered on an IDPA target so you had to pay attention to the orientation of the target.

After we shot that scenario, we reloaded and move right over to a quick stage in the same bay.  The lone target was engaged in a single six-shot string; two freestyle, two strong hand only, and two weak hand only.

The scenario for the third stage simulated being surprised by bad guys as you left an elevator. At the start you moved behind cover to engage three targets from behind the "elevator" door opening. Then moving to the other end of a wall to find three more threats, as well as a couple non-threat targets. The next stage was an adaptation of the F.A.S.T. drill designed by Todd Louis Green. Starting with two rounds in the gun, the drill required two head shots, followed by a slide-lock reload, and four body shots. We ran the drill three times for 18 shots total.

On the fifth stage we started by dragging a duffle bag backwards and engaging two targets on the move, strong hand only. After depositing the bag behind a barrier, there were four targets engaged from behind the cover.

The final stage of the match was shot standing in one position at targets arranged from near to far. Starting one either side, the targets were engaged in a reverse "U" order; near, middle, far, middle near. Each target required three hits apiece. The trick here was to manage your speed as the target distance increased than shortened. This was a fun stage to shoot, though it may not be technically legal under IDPA rules.

In a somewhat unusual requirement forced by the host property, we were required to case all ammo and guns when moving between shooting ranges. Even within the gun club property, neither open nor concealed carry is allowed. This is true even for unloaded guns during an event. It's unusual to have to stow gear between stages at an IDPA match, but at least we were frequently reminded to avoid any infractions. I find it ironic since the rule actually increases the amount of unsupervised gun handling required by participants, but it does protect club members from seeing people actually carrying guns.

I was a little irritated by a number of questionable SO calls I heard, but being a first timer at the club I held my tongue. (The match director was very responsive to my feedback after the match.) Despite a few issues, I enjoyed myself and found it to be a fun match. The folks running the event are very enthusiastic and the other shooters all friendly. The stages were not overly complicated or difficult, which allowed all six stages to be shot and the props broken down fairly quickly at the end. Alas, the drive home was not as quick as the morning drive as I hit a few complete traffic flow stops on I-95. Still, it is another option for a place to shoot each month.

In adding this event to my calendar I had a realization. Although no events are actually in Fredericksburg, there are enough options within a one or two hour drive that it's possible to shoot an IDPA match just about any weekend, when I have the time and inclination to do so. And that's a good thing.