Posted: 9/8/2006 5:10:19 PM EDT
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A polite reminder that there is a Steel Plate Match on 24 Sep at the Dickson IPSC range. Entry fee will probably be in the $20-25 range, I'm not certain what it will be as I'm not connected to those running the match. For those who aren't aware of what these matches are, please allow me........ Two shooters at a time are on the firing line. At the sound of the horn/buzzer, both draw & start shooting at their own row of steel plates about 20 feet or so away. After knocking down all the plates (about 6, IIRC), they then knock down a pepper-popper (large bowling pin shaped). First one to knock down their plates & popper wins that stage. Each shooter goes 2 out of 3 each stage. For those who worry about being outclassed, there are different classifications: production, unlimited, etc. This way a guy with a single stack 1911 won't be shooting against a guy with a $2000 race gun with optics & comps.  One of the cool things is, even if one is ahead in knocking down their plates, sometimes the other shooter may in fact get their pepper-popper down first by double-tapping instead of single shooting said popper. While each shooter seems to be competitive as hell while shooting, the fun everyone has is immeasurable! Men shoot against women, no sex catagories as it doesn't require strength to pull the trigger. And yes, I had my behind smoked by a woman shooter too!  So for those who have always wondered what it would be like to walk down Main Street at High Noon in Dodge City, well, this may be as close as one can safely get with live ammo! All one really needs as far as equipment to compete is a holster that allows a quick draw, i.e. no thumbstrap/retention & a fairly reliable gun. Extra mags can be carried in one's belt or even back pocket. Since a shooter doesn't move or run around, nothing should jiggle loose or fall out. Thus several mag pouches aren't necessary, although they're handy to have. The other cool thing about these types of matches is with no running, if one has asthma or may not be in the best of physical shape, they can still compete & have a wonderful time! Some shooters use 9mm, some .45acp, some .40, etc. so there's no huge advantage as long as one is in the same class. It's also tons of fun watching the race gun guys go against one another. I swear it sounds almost like full-auto!  The match probably won't be listed on this web site, but the directions to the range will be: www.ntps.org As usual with TN matches, the folks that run it are first class & helpful as all get-out. They really go out of their way to put beginners at ease & make them feel comfortable. For those who may not be confident in their talent, don't sweat it. Someone will usually come along & do worse & allow you to feel better. Another reason *I* like these matches is one doesn't have to paste over bullet holes, just pull a rope & reset the plates!  Hope some of ya'll can make this one, they only have about 2-3 a year, as far as I know. |