Do you own a pistol? Do you have a CHL? If you answer yes but don't shoot IDPA/USPSA, I challenge you to find and compete in a match this year.
After watching the video in this thread of a store employee defending himself against armed robbers, BrazosDog02 made the following observation:
He is exactly right. But short of being robbed yourself, how on earth can an average guy with a pistol test himself against the challenge of drawing from concealment, engaging targets, not hitting bystanders, reloading under pressure, etc? After all, most ranges won't let you even shoot "rapidly", much less draw from concealment, move and shoot, etc.
We are not the first set of people to ask that question. There is an entire world of shooting sports out there that are based on the premise of helping prepare lawful citizens for the stressful act of defending themselves against violence.
Do you know how quickly you can draw from concealment and put rounds on a target? Do you know if you can make a hit on a threat at 20 yards and not hit the "no shoot" target right next to it? Do you know if you're capable of reloading on the move and under pressure? If you shoot at a traditional range, the honest answer is probably no. You have no idea whether or not you can do any of those things. However, if you shoot USPSA/IDPA....you do know what you and your pistol are capable of in a variety of situations, shooting positions, etc.
Is it exactly like actually having to defend yourself? Of course not. But it allows you to shoot in ways you often can't, and can help you better learn exactly what you're capable of with a pistol when under stress.
And if that wasn't enough of a pitch for trying it out, it's FUN and the people are welcoming. I highly encourage anyone who carries or owns a pistol for self defense to try out IDPA/USPSA to challenge yourself and your skills as a pistol shooter.
If anyone has any questions about the sports, the rules, the equipment, needs help finding a match close to them, etc....please reply and let me know what I can help you with. I firmly believe more Americans (and more Aggies) who are not only armed, but armed and skilled is a net positive for the world, and I want those of you who haven't yet tried it out to jump on in.
Heck, if you'd like to try it out and don't have the equipment I have enough to let you borrow a gun and the equipment necessary to shoot a match, so you're welcome to meet up with me and shoot a match in Central Texas.
After watching the video in this thread of a store employee defending himself against armed robbers, BrazosDog02 made the following observation:
Quote:
Seeing this is real life really drives home the point of how important it is to practice with your weapon. Practice shooting, loading, drawing, clearing a jam.....Getting it out of your gd holster when it's under 3 layers of clothing. This happens so fast. It makes it clear how smooth you must be and the decision that is made without any hesitation if the situation arises. That guy was caught off guard with his back to them and still got business taken care of. That to me is nothing but practice and muscle memory....Second nature stuff. If he had paused at all it could have ended a lot differently.
He is exactly right. But short of being robbed yourself, how on earth can an average guy with a pistol test himself against the challenge of drawing from concealment, engaging targets, not hitting bystanders, reloading under pressure, etc? After all, most ranges won't let you even shoot "rapidly", much less draw from concealment, move and shoot, etc.
We are not the first set of people to ask that question. There is an entire world of shooting sports out there that are based on the premise of helping prepare lawful citizens for the stressful act of defending themselves against violence.
Do you know how quickly you can draw from concealment and put rounds on a target? Do you know if you can make a hit on a threat at 20 yards and not hit the "no shoot" target right next to it? Do you know if you're capable of reloading on the move and under pressure? If you shoot at a traditional range, the honest answer is probably no. You have no idea whether or not you can do any of those things. However, if you shoot USPSA/IDPA....you do know what you and your pistol are capable of in a variety of situations, shooting positions, etc.
Is it exactly like actually having to defend yourself? Of course not. But it allows you to shoot in ways you often can't, and can help you better learn exactly what you're capable of with a pistol when under stress.
And if that wasn't enough of a pitch for trying it out, it's FUN and the people are welcoming. I highly encourage anyone who carries or owns a pistol for self defense to try out IDPA/USPSA to challenge yourself and your skills as a pistol shooter.
If anyone has any questions about the sports, the rules, the equipment, needs help finding a match close to them, etc....please reply and let me know what I can help you with. I firmly believe more Americans (and more Aggies) who are not only armed, but armed and skilled is a net positive for the world, and I want those of you who haven't yet tried it out to jump on in.
Heck, if you'd like to try it out and don't have the equipment I have enough to let you borrow a gun and the equipment necessary to shoot a match, so you're welcome to meet up with me and shoot a match in Central Texas.