Title pretty much says it all. Easton usually incorporates their Classifiers into a regular match. They will break the classifier into, probably, nine smaller stages and then add three scenario-type stages.

 

Easton now has new safety requirement for new shooters.

 

New shooters must provide proof of attendance at an NRA Firearm Safety Course or that they hold a current classification in IDPA – USPSA – IPSC or ICORE.

 

I would suggest you contact the match director if you are new.

 

Information about Easton Matches can be found here...

 

http://www.nepaidpascores.net/efga/efga_club_master.html

 

See you there.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

Kind of disheartening that our on hobby/sport is doing what the antis want to do.

 

If you are a new shooter, how can you show proof of your IDPA, USPSA, IPSA, ICORE classification?

New shooters must provide proof of attendance at an NRA Firearm Safety Course or that they hold a current classification in IDPA – USPSA – IPSC or ICORE.

 

Or attendance in a NRA firearms safety course

I seen that, that's why it's disheartening. Same thing our the anti firearm politicians want us to do before we even buy our firearm.

Or attendance in a NRA firearms safety course

Kind of disheartening that our on hobby/sport is doing what the antis want to do.

 

If you are a new shooter, how can you show proof of your IDPA, USPSA, IPSA, ICORE classification?

 

I get your point, BUT you have to look at this from strictly a SAFETY issue.  Our society has Old Fudds like me who grew-up around firearms and as a result, are completely capable to accept training tips to "play a gun game".  Or several, as in my personal bio.  We also have brand-new firearms owners with practically ZERO experience being introduced into the various shooting sports.  These Newbies are well intentioned, excited about becoming a gun owner for the first time (since they didn't grow-up with guns in the house), and often watch You-Tube videos involving gun handling and/or gun games.  

 

Once the mystery unfolds of buying range time and shooting at paper targets at a commercial range can be slightly redundant, these new shooters look to "try-out" a League at a private club prior to joining said club (or in some cases, more than one).  It is at this juncture where some form of formal training is required in order to keep the game moving and maintain SAFETY!  Leagues at private clubs are set-up so as to enable those with average gun handling skills to become above-average to exceptional.  I'm talking both safety-wise as well as target accuracy.  In order to be welcomed into a League, most clubs make most shooters go through some sort of "try-out" to demonstrate SAFE gun handling and the ability to follow simple range commands.  It is in this area where complete Newbies sometimes fail, and are therefore "weeded-out" and instructed to go get some additional training.  This sounds rough at first glance, but if a new shooter can't stop "sweeping" everyone it becomes a blatant SAFETY violation.  If they can't put two rounds each into a 2-target array at 15 feet from a stationary position (4 rounds shot), then reload and repeat, and unload and "show clear", then perhaps they need some additional help to do so! 

 

Having run a League as Match Director and League Chairman at a private club for the better part of a decade, I can tell you that I've seen all types of shooters.  From complete Newbies with very limited experience to "shooters of known ability" who often are transplants from other States or areas of NJ.  The folks with their very first gun coming-out to play gun games sometimes need more help than we can give in a Match situation.  To simplify the registration process and to ensure the highest quality of SAFETY is maintained, some clubs are requesting proof of credentials and/or minimal SAFETY training.  This is to be applauded and not challenged or criticized.  In case you haven't taken a head-count lately, there has been an EXPLOSION in the volume of new shooters (in all age brackets).  Some clubs are closed to accepting new members at this time, but still allow non-members to come-out and shoot a League.  So the club often has never seen how some of these folks can handle firearms.  You can't blame them for instituting a SAFETY Policy, for just one accident could close a club FOREVER!

 

I hope I've given this situation some perspective.

 

Dave

Match Director, Shootist, All-Around Nice Guy

Kind of disheartening that our on hobby/sport is doing what the antis want to do.

 

If you are a new shooter, how can you show proof of your IDPA, USPSA, IPSA, ICORE classification?

 

In this instance it's a choice made by the match director at Easton. The new IDPA rules have put liability squarely on the MD and this person feels like the best way to handle it is to vet potential shooters BEFORE match day.

 

Am I a fan? Not really, but if I were him I would want to do my due diligence not to get sued as well. I'm not sure what the thinking at IDPA HQ was on this one.

Smokin, I understand that a MD would want to Cover Their A, and safety is paramount. I guess I'm looking at it as an extra burden to low income shooters that would like to get into the "fun" competitive shooting sport.

 

 

Smokin, I understand that a MD would want to Cover Their A, and safety is paramount. I guess I'm looking at it as an extra burden to low income shooters that would like to get into the "fun" competitive shooting sport.

I can kind of see your point but if you look at the cost of a match and ammo and holsters and mag holders and such you are not going o find many low income shooters looking for matches. The cost of an NRA safety course is about the same as cost of a match and ammo to shoot it. So you skip one match and take a course which will make you an all around safer shooter in all situations

To get into a "fun competitive shooting sport" entails responsibility. While any good lawyer can beat a waiver of liability, the fact that this MD went the extra mile to vet the competitors shows he did his due diligence. When the governing body made the MD solely liable, it only makes sense to do all you can to protect yourself or get out of the game. In their zeal to protect themselves (IDPA), I wonder if they considered the unintended consequences this would have on participation in the sport.

 

As for expense. if you look around, you can find NRA courses that are inexpensive. The MD and co-MD are considering putting together an NRA course combined with the usual IDPA safety briefing, so that all issues are satisfied.

 

Given the rules change, what this MD is doing is nothing but prudent.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

I can kind of see your point but if you look at the cost of a match and ammo and holsters and mag holders and such you are not going o find many low income shooters looking for matches. The cost of an NRA safety course is about the same as cost of a match and ammo to shoot it. So you skip one match and take a course which will make you an all around safer shooter in all situations

 

I understand where you're coming from, and you have good intentions, for which you are to be applauded, BUT I just wanted to point-out something that you may or may not be aware of:

 

Several Gun Games DO NOT require a holster, mag pouches, CR-Speed Belt, etc., etc.  As a matter of fact the PPC League that I run as well as Indoor Action (USPSA), OBRAMS (outdoor rimfire Action League), Static Steel, etc., are beginner-friendly and let shooters with limited equipment start from the "Low-Ready" position (gun pointed down at ground at 45* angle, trigger finger indexed on the side of gun, safety on), and all are also .22 rimfire friendly to keep the expense lower.

 

As a Match Director and former Board Member I would rather see folks go for the training and bring a .22 to a Match.  We have members that will loan ammo, mags, holsters, eyes, ears, even hand guns to others just so they can enjoy themselves.  I've seen members forget their gun bag at home and viola, they're completely outfitted for the evening with everyone's spares.  It's amazing what kind of relationships are forged at gun ranges!

 

And to NEAHS:  I can understand your concern for those of limited means.  I also want to draw an analogy:  I can own a car and have the Title in my hand.  If I want to DRIVE it, I need a license, training from a relative, friend or Driving School, a set of plates (registration), proof of insurance, and another $50 to pour gas into it.  And the act of driving is merely a privilege, NOT a RIGHT!  Folks can own guns for self-protection (in their homes in NJ), but they don't have a RIGHT to shoot a Match for free OR to shirk their responsibility of learning average-level gun handling skills.  What it all boils-down to is this:  SAFETY is NEVER considered a burden!

 

If someone were to come to me and tell me that Joe X. was very familiar with his gun, had it for years, but never went to a NRA training class and isn't a member of a nationally-recognized gun-game association, I'd invest a little time to learn more about Joe through a short in-person interview.  Maybe Joe just came home from the Sandbox?  Maybe Joe is a War Hero?  Maybe Joe just needs an extra mag to "play the game"?  I'm free to use my own good judgement and treat each case individually, so if you know any Joe's that want to see what a beginner-friendly League is all about, just have them PM me. 

 

Dave

I have seen new shooters show up for IDPA and USPSA matches with the same level of gun handling as someone who has never touched a firearm in their life. These people slow down the start of the match, send other participants ducking for cover, and cause arguments when they're told that they are unsafe. Mandating a basic firearm handling course is a fantastic way to keep these people from attending. Frankly, a USPSA/IDPA event is not the place to first start drawing from a holster.

 

With that said, as Dave mentioned, should you show up to shoot without one of the per-requisites yet have a considerable amount of experience that you can demonstrate, I highly doubt you would have any trouble being allowed to compete.

Thank smoking I am aware of those matches and have shot some of them. I was just responding to the point on making the new shooters have a NRA safety course or a classification. I also feel steel and obrams I a great way to start action sports. Steel is probably the best as there I no movement an if shot with a center fire it will get you more used to drawing from a holster and the investment is a lot less.

This will be my last reply on this, Pizza Bob sorry for hi-jacking your thread.

 

Safety training is a good thing, I never said it wasn't.

 

I guess it's the same mentality is in the firearm community as it is everywhere else. Those that can will, those who can't tuff s_it. We as a community claim that we want as many as possible to get involved, including inner city low income persons. Gun for Hire Radio has been pushing to get minorities involved in their last few broadcasts.

 

How can they get involved and properly trained when the average price for ( Did a search here http://www.nrainstructors.org/searchcourse.aspx using Jersey City zip code, 50 mile radius ) Basic Pistol course near them is $175? If it's about safety why not offer say a $50 basic course, I'm sure more people would be more inclined to go to the training.

 

I'm sorry for ruffling feathers, but I see things from a different angle. And IDPA from what I have read here & other boards, is suppose to be the less expensive starting point on honing your defensive pistol skills.

This will be my last reply on this, Pizza Bob sorry for hi-jacking your thread.

 

Safety training is a good thing, I never said it wasn't.

 

I guess it's the same mentality is in the firearm community as it is everywhere else. Those that can will, those who can't tuff s_it. We as a community claim that we want as many as possible to get involved, including inner city low income persons. Gun for Hire Radio has been pushing to get minorities involved in their last few broadcasts.

 

How can they get involved and properly trained when the average price for ( Did a search here http://www.nrainstructors.org/searchcourse.aspx using Jersey City zip code, 50 mile radius ) Basic Pistol course near them is $175? If it's about safety why not offer say a $50 basic course, I'm sure more people would be more inclined to go to the training.

 

I'm sorry for ruffling feathers, but I see things from a different angle. And IDPA from what I have read here & other boards, is suppose to be the less expensive starting point on honing your defensive pistol skills.

The course materials and registration cost more than the $50 you mention.  So you need to "adjust your angle a little bit".

 

Getting inner-city responsible adults to arm themselves is one thing.  I'm in full support of this.  And I volunteered for the program you mentioned (GFH).  Having them participate in gun games (without any formal training) is another!

 

Your wise-ass crack about the firearms community isn't helpful in the least bit.  Writing a check to pay for some training for an inner-city adult would be proof that you want to help instead of just bloviate.

Can new shooters who are interested in trying out competitions jut come and watch without the safety training?

Can new shooters who are interested in trying out competitions jut come and watch without the safety training?

I know that cj let's you come in and watch a match. Make sure you bring eyes an ears with you. As far as Easton shoot the match director an email and ask.

Can new shooters who are interested in trying out competitions jut come and watch without the safety training?

 

At Old Bridge, not only CAN they "just watch", it's actually a major part of the probationary membership training process!  At Member Sign-Up Day (2nd Sunday of each month), all new probies are handed a file folder with Range Rules, Bylaws, range lay-outs, their Probationary Sign-Off Paper, etc., and are instructed that they all need to show-up to FIVE Leagues, with a minimum of (2) being "Participation's" where you register and shoot the League!  The other (3) can be "Observations", so it's in our SOP to introduce new members to several League Disciplines.  League Chairmen have to fill-out and sign the Probationary Report for each Probie and indicate whether the appearance is a Participation or an Observation.  These forms are collected by our Membership Committee Chairman who then recommends each Candidate for full active membership status.  It's a well-oiled machine at this point, and it identifies any potential gun handling no-no's before they get a chance to cause a problem.

 

I've never shot at Easton, so I can't speak for them.  My suggestion would be to email or call the Match Director and inquire.  It goes without saying, but I'll mention it anyway:  These Leagues are usually all-volunteer, so a little help setting-up or breaking down after a Match is always welcomed and a great way to get invited to come back.......And always remember your eyes and ears!

 

Dave

PPC Match Director 

Old Bridge Rifle and Pistol Club

Just a reminder, this classifier is this coming Sunday, 8/25. No pre-registration required.

 

See you there.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

Smokin, I understand that a MD would want to Cover Their A, and safety is paramount. I guess I'm looking at it as an extra burden to low income shooters that would like to get into the "fun" competitive shooting sport.

I don't view a $150 basic safety course OR a classification in USPSA (40 membership and shooting some <3 I think> events) as a burden, at all.

 

Besides, this is Eastons decision...not the local match decision.  That low income shooter could still likely find other matches to try the sport.

I would really like to go shoot the classifier, but with this requirement I'm not going to bother. I've been shooting for several years and can recite the 4 rules by heart, I started IDPA several months ago, have been to 4 events and haven't racked up a single safety violation. Never swept anyone at the range, never had an ND.

 

But if I wanted to go to this event... well, there was a basic pistol course today for $273, missed that. But there's one on Thursday... for $250. I work during the week anyway. But there's 2 on Saturday! And one is only $175... plus a $25 range fee. The other is $195, but limited to 4 people.

 

I think I'll just stay unclassified for now.

If you don't like what is being required, don't shoot.

There are plenty other events that you can do.

I would really like to go shoot the classifier, but with this requirement I'm not going to bother. I've been shooting for several years and can recite the 4 rules by heart, I started IDPA several months ago, have been to 4 events and haven't racked up a single safety violation. Never swept anyone at the range, never had an ND.

 

You guys are making more of this than there is. If you have already competed four times (which means you should be an IDPA member) that is most likely acceptable - just e-mail the MD. Ken is a very reasonable (and nice) guy.

 

If you haven't shot IDPA at Easton you are passing on a great opportunity, as this will probably be formatted as a regular match with stages added beyond the classifier stages. Probably looking at 130 - 150 round count (90 for the classifier).

 

As Ron said, if you don't like the requirements (even though I think you already qualify), stop whining and go shoot someplace else. If it were my ass personally liable, I don't think I'd stop where Ken did.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

 

ATTENTION: This thread was started to be informative about this upcoming Classifier Match - not to be a debate on the requirements to shoot at a particular venue. If you want to debate the merits or lack thereof, of trying to make our sport safer while CYA'ing, start your own thread.

 

JMHO

 

PB

+1 Bob sorry I was one of the ones that took this thread off topic

Mikey - No harm, no foul.

 

Just a bump for the weekend - looks like great weather.

Should be able to make this.

Should be able to make this.

 

Are you classifying with your revolver???

Think so. That or PM9