Can someone school me on acronyms?

[A.J.]

In a few days I'm going to be the proud owner of my first 1911, a Kimber Eclipse. While I bought it as a duty weapon, I'm really interested in getting my feet wet in some of these competitive shoots (even though the closest one's about a hundred miles away). Could someone explain to me the different kind of shoots (and what the letters stand for)? IDPA...etc.

[Rod Snell]

http://www.idpa.com
International Defensive Pistol Association, a pretty impressive name for a shooting body headquartered in Berryville, AR. For your single-stack .45, you need a strong-side holster that covers the trigger, a weak side mag holder for two mags, and I'd take 4 mags, either 7 or 8 round. You need a vest or something for concealment. Take at least 100 rounds of ammo. My best advice is to read over the rules on the IDPA web site, and then GO SHOOT at a club match. You are going to find lots of friendly people, and it is a gas. So many people "futz around" worrying about learning everything and being perfect the first time, when all anyone expects of a first-timer is to be safe and have fun!!

[tams72]

There is also www.uspsa.com ...It is a little more liberal when it comes to cover and concealment (you don't have to have it). You will need alot more mags because they have a lot higher round count stages. Same as IDPA in the meeting great people department.

[Buzzdraw]

You'll find lots of USPSA in Tulsa, OKC, and points north in KS. Ponca City has a USPSA listing, but do not know for sure. IDPA is very active in Tulsa area. Wichita has IDPA also.

Both IDPA and USPSA have club locators on their webs.

[A.J.]

Thanks for the info. I don't think the Ponca City shoot is happening anymore...think they lost their range.

[Buzzdraw]

Last I heard Ponca was considering building new range. I'd suggest contacting the Club's official person per the USPSA website, then we'll know status currently.

How far up into KS would you have to go to shoot?

[A.J.]

Don't know...I'm about 65 miles from Wichita

[kansas45]

Ark Valley Gun Club is just south of Augusta Ks. About 60 miles north of the Oklahoma state line on U.S. 77 The are listed on the USPSA web site. I'v only been there once, but it is a very nice place. Seems that there were some Okie's shooting that day. I think a few of them were from Tulsa. A old guy & his kid. They were both very good.