IDPA Monument Beach 6/1/13

Last weekend I attended one of my favorite local matches.  The Monument Beach club had an IDPA match.  I shot my custom Ruger SR1911 in CDP.   Due to heat cover was not required which was a good thing but after the match I was sunburned to a crisp.  I used my red Comp-Tac paddle holster and mag holders and together with the SR1911 everything worked perfectly.  Due to a score card mistake I was scored with the SSP class but if my score is moved to CDP I was 2nd of 4 and 14th of 30+ overall.  I used the contour camera and the videos linked below are from the match.


Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Stage 6

Steel Challenge Monument Beach 5/19/13

Yesterday afternoon the Monument Beach club ran its first Steel Challenge match.  This was also my first time at a match of this type so I brought both the Ruger MKIII and the SR1911.   When I saw that about half the shooters had rimfire guns I did some math and realized that shooting the 45ACP would cost me about $75 while the .22 would cost less then the matches $10 entrance fee.  Shooting plates at high speed is fun and having 5 runs at each stage and dropping the lowest score only increases the enjoyment.  The match moved along quickly with no taping or painting targets.  I had 4 magazines and quickly realized a 5th would make things significantly easier but gun people are always helpful so magazines were reloaded for shooters as they were shooting.
I was shocked today to get the results and find myself 3rd overall out of 16.  Brian almost won with a stock Ruger SR22 but Sam and his open class .22 1911 won the day.  I plan to come back for the match next month with a 5th magazine and some sunblock... and possibly a hat.

IDPA Monument Beach 5/4/13

This was my first shooting competition that I had my contour camera and also the first since I got this crazy blogging idea.  I shot my customized Ruger SR1911 with a Comp-Tac paddle holster, twin mag pouch, and belt.  I had a couple brain farts and a couple weapon malfunctions but shot well enough to place second of 3 in class and 14th of 28 overall.  The filming was done with a Contour camera on a headband mount. Below are the videos.

Stage 1

http://contour.com/videos/watch/monument-beach-idpa-stage-1-5-4-13

Stage 2
http://contour.com/videos/watch/monument-beach-idpa-stage-2-5-4-13

Stage 3

http://contour.com/videos/watch/monument-beach-idpa-stage-3-5-4-13

Stage 4

http://contour.com/videos/watch/monument-beach-idpa-stage-4-5-4-13

Stage 5

http://contour.com/videos/watch/monument-beach-idpa-stage-5-5-4-13

So your gonna buy your first gun

So you have your shiny new class A "unrestricted" license to carry, or live in free American, and have decided to remain unarmed no longer. After hours of internet drooling, renting guns at a range, or trying friends guns you have decided to buy your first handgun.  The next question is what do you buy with it.  There are some items that are mandatory and some that are optional and can be ordered later.

Mandatory:
-Gun ...
-Carry Ammo - You can't throw the gun at an attacker. 1 box minimum but a few boxes are better to ensure function and that it shoots to point of aim on the sights.  I like Critical Defense rounds for carry but any modern defensive round should work.
-Practice Ammo - Most modern guns do not need a long break-in period to be reliable. You do however need to learn how the gun handles and get some practice in with the new gun so getting a few boxes of FMJ or other inexpensive range ammo is a must. 100-500 rounds or more.
-Safe - You don't need a big safe or even a fancy one to comply with safe storage laws but you do need to lock the gun up.  A handgun size lockbox can be had for under $30. I believe MA law requires ammo to be locked up too. The best option is an ammo box.  The free lock that comes with the gun can be used to secure ammo.
-Eye and Ear Protection - These can be upgraded later but basic sets can be $10-20.  Your hearing and eyesight are priceless.

Optional:
-Holster - Holsters are nice to have and absolutely essential for carrying a firearm.  If u can't find a suitable holster in store, you can find plenty on the internet.
-Extra Magazines or Speedloaders - Every semi auto needs 2 magazines but not all come with 2.  3-5+ magazines are needed for competition.  For revolvers a speedloader is not necessary but are super helpful and 2-5 should be obtained for carry or competition.
-Cleaning Supplies - This needs it's own article but basic kits are available in stores or you can get a boresnake, solvent, and lube.

Now go shopping and then to the range!

Gun Stuff

This will be an index for reviews of gun stuff that does not fit elsewhere.

Under Construction!

EDC

Every Day Carry Items
The decided focus of this blog is on guns but I have a bit of a fetish for EDC stuff like knives, lights, tools and other stuff that I fill my pockets with.  This page will be an index for items I choose to review that are not necessarily gun related.

Under Construction...

Belts

Belts:
The belt is the foundation for carrying anything heavy on your waist, especially a gun. A good belt is strong and supportive. A good belt supports the weight of the items carried and redistributes the weight evenly around the waist. I listed belts before holsters because I feel like it is the most important piece of gear when it comes to carrying a gun. A good belt can make a full size 1911 and a hip full of magazines comfortable for a day of competition. A bad belt can quickly make even the smallest gun a chore to carry. There are a ton of companies making good gun belts this list is in no way exhaustive just a way to share what I have tried. Any reinforced or double layered belt will work and finding one that is just right is half the fun. I will list a few recommended belts and eventually turn this post into an index for my reviews of belts.

-Crossbreed Holsters Gun Belt is my favorite belt now and I wear it every day even if I am not carrying. 2 thick layers of leather support the weight of the gun while still flexing enough to be comfortable. Velcro lining allows for the use of totally stealth holsters. A full review will follow but this belt is highly recommended.

-Comp-Tac Kydex Reinforced Contour Belt is another fantastic option. I have one and use it for competition and occasionally for carry. This belt has 2 layers of leather over a Kydex core. This plastic core supports heavy loads without requiring the belt to be tight. Another full review will follow on this belt but it is also recommended.