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.

The Fantasy World of Liberals

Like many folks this morning, I was in a online discussion regarding gun control when the "no semi automatic/automatic weapons" argument came up. So I asked if they thought people should only be able to defend themselves with revolvers, figuring the poster was just using the terms without understanding their meaning. Until she replied:

"If Detective Callahan can do it with a revolver, I'm sure it's ok."

And just when I think I've heard all the arguments.

Starr Hill The Hook

This summer seasonal from Starr Hill Brewery is part of trend of the "session IPA." Part of me thinks "hoppy Pale Ale" when I red the term, but I still enjoy the full-flavors that most of these lower ABV beers offer. I first tried The Hook Grapefruit Session IPA a few weeks ago on draft and enjoyed it, so I brought a six pack home when I was shopping for a beer to wash down some steamed shrimp this weekend.

The beer pours a very attractive copper color with a moderate white head. The aroma is citrusy with some faint caramel mat. Grapefruit zest is the prominent flavor, with a bit of pine, along with caramel and bready malts in the background. The Hook is very light bodied and finishes clean. While the grapefruit zest of the beer was dominated by the extra spicy shrimp we paired it with, it still served well to cleanse the palate. A second pint after dinner, it's only 4.9%ABV, proved quite quaffable.

Wibby Brewing for Lagers

Another brewery I visited during my stay in Longmont, CO was Wibby Brewing. Wibby specializes in lagers, so I was going to be enjoying some different beers than my usual preferred Pale Ales and IPAs. The Wibby taproom features a large, open-air seating area. Even sitting at the indoor bar I was treated to the fresh and cool Colorado weather.

The first beer I tried was the Wibby IPL. The "India Pale Lager" is a bridge between a hoppy IPA and a lager. The beer is an attractive reddish color with a think beige head. The aroma is mildly toasted malt with resinous pine. The bitter citrus flavor and finish was reminiscent of a classic IPA.

I enjoyed my pint of Wibby IPL quite a bit, but I wanted to experience some of the other offerings. I opted next for a glass of Moondoor Dunkel. The Dunkel pours a rich deep brown color with a beige head. The aroma is cocoa and roasted grain. Lightly roasted grain, chocolate, toffee and touch of vanilla come through in the taste. The beer has a very creamy and smooth mouthfeel.

Finally I ordered a Lightshine Helles. This seemed to be the most popular beer being served in the time I sat at the bar. The Helles is a clear, bright yellow color with pure white head. The aroma is that of bready yeast and a slight sweetness. Sipping brings a refreshingly light sweetness and spicy hop notes, with perhaps a hint of lemongrass and a crisp, dry finish.

Wibby Brewing makes it easy to enjoy a number of their beers by offering four different serving sizes; 4, 8, 12 and 16 ounces. The larger three glass sizes are all the same classic style, just in varying in capacity, while the smaller is a more standard sampler glass. I appreciate very much the glassware options to enhance the tasting experience. I consider it notable if a pub offers a half-pint option, and Wibby goes a couple steps further.

I was impressed with the beers I tried at Wibby Brewing. Unfortunately there is never time to try them all. Perhaps next time.

West Virginia State IDPA Match

"Tough. And exhausting." Those were my first words when I was asked how last weekend's West Virginia State IDPA match went. It was a long afternoon of shooting eleven challenging but fun stages. The Tier Three match was held at the Peacemaker National Training Center. This was my first sanctioned IDPA match so I expected a challenge, and was not disappointed in that regard.

While all were fun, a few of the stages offered especially memorable challenges. "Hug the Wall" simulated a terrorist attack in a hotel. After pushing over a popper that activated a quick up and down target, you moved to a "hallway" to engage more targets. In two positions you had to put your body flat against the wall, either your front or backside depending on the hand used to shoot, with the support hand on the wall. It was an unusual position, shooting into a narrow target area. I shot strong-hand only so had my back against the wall at one position, and my front in the second. Here's an instance where a "mature'' belly was a benefit and gave me some space away from the wall.

"Save the Hostages" was unique in that the non-threat targets were moved around between each shooter. The stage had two arrays of three shootable targets and two non-threats. You didn't know which targets were non-threats until you come upon the target groups.

Two stages made use of an actual crashed airplane. For "Down in the Desert" we started seated in the plane, gun loaded with six rounds on the glare shield. The first three targets were engaged in tactical sequence. After a reload, we yanked on a microphone cable which activated a pop up target and a very fast swinger. Part two of the scenario involved moving a bag from the cargo area of the plane to the tail, while engaging targets over the aircraft's body, while on the move. The stage finished with more targets from the cover of the tail section.

There were a couple fast stages mixed in with the scenario stages. "Turn Fast" had two targets on the 180° line at 7 yards, and a center target at 9 yards. You started facing one side target, shooting two body and one head shot, turned 180° to the second target, then back 90° to the center. The second string was the same but requiring three shots strong-hand only to the body of each target. The mental challenge to the drill was not shooting the center target as you swung past it; a challenge some shooters failed. "Cody's Sidestep Drill" was even faster, with targets at 3 and 5.2 yards. Stepping to the side at the start, you engaged the targets with 2 body and one head each. String two required three body shots strong-hand only to each. It was a fun "go fast or go home" type drill. 

I found the stage "Hit the Ground" to be especially fun. You started prone, with the gun on the ground. There were six targets to be engaged through a picket fence, all while lying with your stomach flat on the ground. There were three levels of priority which meant a lot of shuffling your body back and forth. Being the next to last stage of the day, I kind of wanted to remain lying down after I finished shooting!

The stage at which we ended the day was called "Fishing Trip Trouble." You sat in a "boat" which was suspended by cables allowing it to sway freely in all directions. Your gun was placed at your feet inside a tackle box. The shooter pulled on the anchor at the side, holding the boat to the side. Letting go of that started the boat swinging, while leaning over to pick up the gun added to the motion. The eight targets were place downrange with varying amounts of hard cover. It was a fun stage, and finished my match with a chance to sit down!

I opted to shoot the match in the afternoon, not realizing just how late that afternoon session would go. We started shooting after 2:00PM and finished after 8:00PM. There were actually twelve stages planned for the match. One stage, which looked fun and was shot among the trees, had been thrown out due to inconsistent running in the earlier squads. It was available to shoot for fun. By the time my squad got to it the daylight was already fading and we still had two stages to go, so we opted to forgo it. Disappointing, but I was glad to finish the match before dark. By the time I got home around 10:30PM, that cold beer was exceptionally refreshing!

The match was much longer and more challenging than the local, monthly matches I've been shooting. However, I was very happy for the chance to shoot it. I had more misses and hit more non-threats than I would have liked, but enjoyed the sanctioned match experience. At the end of it all, I finished 66th out of 156, and 12th out of 23 shooters in my division and classification. It wasn't my best match, but I'm not too disappointed given the level of competition. This was also the first time I visited the Peacemaker facility. The range is a little over two hours away from my home and in the future I think I'll consider attending some of the monthly IDPA matches held there. 

Longs Peak Pub, Longmont, CO

While I was in Longmont, CO for work, a coworker recommended I check out Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse. Waking from a short after-work nap I headed over to the brewhouse. The pub offers both outdoor patio seating and spacious interior space. Naturally, I opted to sit at the bar.

The restaurant is part of the Mountain Sun Pubs & Breweries group, and serves the complete lineup of Mountain Sun Beers, as well as a few guest taps. Immediately after taking my seat I was greeted and given the lay of the land. The employees at Longs Peak share in all duties. That was made evident as the service was attentive and my glass (water or beer) was never left wanting. The staff is extremely friendly and welcoming.

There are around twenty Mountain Sun beers on tap, so my decision process was tough. I mentioned to one of the folks behind the bar that I liked hoppy ales, and immediately found sample of three IPAs in front of me. The pub serves half pints as well as full pints, which is a welcome option when looking to try several beers. I opted to start out with a half pint of Resinous Rye. Brewed with Simcoe hops and malted rye, the seasonal beer had pleasing resinous and citrus notes. Less sweet than some IPAs, with a nice bitter citrus flavor, the small serving was quickly consumed. Judging from comments from employees stopping by for conversation, Resinous Rye is quite popular among the staff too.

My food decision was no less difficult than the beer choice. I finally opted for Tim’s Blackened Chicken Quesadilla. The quesadilla is made with with jack and cheddar cheeses, spinach, tomato, diced jalapeños, blackened chicken and garnished with salsa, guacamole and sour cream. The blackened chicken has a very robust, spicy flavor. The plate is as colorful as it is generous in size.

After my initial half pint of Resinous Rye, I ordered a half pint of Newman's Altbier. Pouring an attractive reddish-brown color with a thick white head, the beer has toasted and caramel malts with a pleasant earthiness to the flavor. Only slightly sweet with a smooth toffee finish, I was struck by the rich flavor of the beer. I've tried numerous altbiers over the years, but I don't recall one I enjoyed as much.

About the time I finished the half pint of Newman's Altbier, the skies outside opened up and the rain came hard. Being in an unfamiliar city, driving an unfamiliar rental car, the wisest course of action seemed to be to wait it out. So I ordered a pint of Resinous Rye and nursed it until the rain slowed.

It's worth noting that Mountain Sun pubs are cash-only establishments. However, there are ATMs on site if you happen to be short of greenbacks. I really enjoyed the beer, the food, and the friendly staff at Longs Peak Pub. It's definitely on my list of places to revisit when I next get back to Longmont.

An Expensive Target Holder

Much to my chagrin, we've had to make some major HVAC "investments" recently. But, they say when life throws you lemons, you make lemonade. So I'll look on the bright side and make use of the nice target stands the contractor left street side.

All ready for the rifle range.

Indoor Range Trip

Now that the outdoor range is following summer hours, I haven’t even needed to hit the indoor range for practice in a couple of months. While I prefer shooting outdoors, it didn’t look like my schedule this week would allow for that, so a quick trip to the indoor range was called for.

This week I went a bit later in the day than usual and was pleasantly surprised to find just two other shooters present, and they seemed to be shooting at a conservative, controlled pace. (I make a point to observe for a few minutes before I get set up.) I stuck an IDPA target at 10 yards and went through 50 rounds, shooting in strings of one to four shots, concentrating on watching the movement of the front sight during recoil.

For the next 50 shots, I used splatter targets at 7 yards and concentrated on slow, aimed fire. I like the splatter targets in the dimly lit range mainly for the bright orange aiming area, more than the extra visibility of the hits.

As is typical, it was a short visit. I purposefully pack only 100 rounds when I go to the indoor range during the work day. Otherwise I’d never make it back to the office in a timely manner. Despite the short session, the practice was beneficial, and quite enjoyable. (I know I call it "practice" but it's really about the fun, and getting away from my desk for a bit.)

During the winter, the temperature inside the range varies little from the temperature outside. And the same applies during the summer, although there was certainly more breeze outdoors. That’s something I’ll keep in mind  if  when I visit mid-summer.