COSSA PRACTICAL SHOOTERS

Practical Shooting specifically concentrates on self-defense/home defense and related skills which would be considered “practical” in such circumstances. Our objective is to develop safe shooters who have an interest in improving such skills. Toward that end, we have over 45 matches and instructional sessions scheduled in 2010.

CPS has implemented a Safety Program which includes a Safety Manual and Exam. People who wish to shoot with us are required to study the manual, take the exam and bring it with them to their first match. They are then given a Safety Briefing followed by assignment of a match mentor who is an experienced shooter and most likely a Range Officer. Safety is first and anything else is secondary. Our priorities are Safety, Sportsmanship, Learning and Winning. These elements cannot be reversed or transposed.

CPS has four activities with a fifth being added in 2010. More information is available using the links on the CPS homepage.

The first of these is USPSA, the United States Practical Shooting Association. This discipline uses various props such as rooms, vehicles, fences, barricades, barrels, etc. that are used to create scenarios that shooters must figure out in order to shoot accurately as fast as possible. Paper targets are used and scoring is done on the basis of points scored and time. There are no tactical considerations in these matches.

The second is IDPA, the International Defensive Pistol Association which is similar to USPSA matches but requires conformance to what would be used in a concealed carry/defensive mode. Cover must be used, reloads in most cases are tactical and scenarios more closely approximate what might be expected in a self-defense/home-defense situation. Targets are primarily paper with a greatly simplified scoring system. Accuracy is emphasized.

The third is Mixed Steel which is pure, fast shooting. Targets are steel plates, poppers, a plate rack and other steel target configurations. It is excellent training in gun handling skills, accuracy and speed.

The fourth activity consists of two or three-gun matches which can incorporate shotguns and/or tactical rifles along with pistols. These matches are designed to develop a well rounded shooter with capabilities in pistol, shotgun and tactical rifle.

We are adding a fifth activity in 2010, namely Long Range Precision shooting. Beginning in the May/June timeframe we will begin holding monthly sessions for those interested in precision shooting out to around 700 yards. Various classes will be held.

Weapons used by CPS shooters run the gamut from stock Glocks, Springfield XD’s, 1911’s and various revolvers up to extremely expensive specialized weapons. Shotguns are predominately Remington 870s/1100’s, or equivalent, and rifles are AR’s. One need not spend a fortune on guns to participate and have a great time. In fact, for many matches, a 22 revolver or semi-auto is perfectly acceptable. Kids are welcome provided they are mature enough to follow rules and are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Match fees are only $10 for the steel matches and $15 for matches with paper targets. Junior shooters are ½ price in terms of match fees.

For Safety and Schedule information the CPS Homepage. You will find our Safety Program and 2010 Match Schedule. Come visit, have a great time and improve your practical skills. For additional information you can contact Tom Allen at 593-7202 or Larry Wiemer at 318-1168.