Talon Training Group presents Introduction to competitive shooting (USPSA / IPSC / IDPA). Taught by USPSA Master class shooter John Rasmussen. Taught at the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy (Institute for Public Safety). Class begins at 8:30am, and will run until roughly 6:00pm. Lunch will be provided. Topics to be covered: Although we will be doing quite a bit of shooting, this class will focus on the things you need to know to get involved in competitive shooting. We will discuss the history of the sport, safety, rules and regulations, stage procedures and equipment selection. We will also cover drawing, shooting and reloading on the move, moving (quickly and safely) with a handgun and how to safely deal with some of the unusual shooting challenges faced by competitors. Each shooter will be coached through a number of stages representative of a USPSA match, and feedback and critique will be given to help the shooters improve. We will discuss training and practice techniques, as well as match preparation. And most importantly, it’s going to be a fun day of shooting. By the end of the class, each shooter will have the skill and ability needed to safely and competently participate in a competitive shooting match. Also, in addition to the class, each student is cordially invited to compete in the next local USPSA match held at the Tallahassee Rifle and Pistol Club on Saturday June 4th. You will be squadded with John at the match, and guided through each stage, with John offering tips and feedback throughout. This is an ‘extra’ and is not required for the class, and is provided at no additional cost (except that you will have to pay the match entry fee). Required equipment: - A centerfire handgun 9mm or larger. Revolvers are fine, however unless you are just a glutton for punishment, a semi-automatic handgun will likely be more enjoyable, for both the class and for competitive shooting in general. Examples of handguns that are common in the sport include, but are not limited to, the following. Glock 19/17/34/22/35, Sig 220/229/226, 1911s in various configurations, Beretta 92/96, CZ, S&W M&P/3rd gen autos, HK etc. If you have something that you are not sure about, shoot me an e-mail and we can discuss it. - 300 rounds of ammunition. You can bring your own, or purchase ammo from Talon (please let us know in advance if you want to purchase ammo from us). - A stiff belt. The heavier the better. - A quality holster that covers the trigger completely—no open trigger holsters. - A magazine pouch. - At least one spare magazine for your handgun, for a total of at least two magazines. - Eye and ear protection—preferably wrap-around shooting glasses (we can provide these for you if necessary). - It’s likely going to be hot, so dress appropriately, put on your SPF 80 and bring lots of water (we will have water on hand as well). If you don’t have the required equipment, but want to participate in the class, let me know. I have a couple complete sets of equipment (gun, belt, holster etc) that I can loan you—all you need is ammo. If you don’t have the required equipment, still want to take the class, have some money burning a hole in your pocket and you want to purchase all your equipment to take the class and would like some advice, e-mail me and I’ll help you out. - The class will be limited to 8 students, so if you want to participate, let us know as early as possible. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at razzman1@hotmail.com