JWinTN

Depends on the shooter. Some use rounds forward just like you would with pistol mags. Pouch looks well done, good job.

TAC2, or Old Cotney at his grandfather's house.

Hey, I categorize them as power tools, so it's within the realm. I have had one of the blue Dysons for a few years (not a ball one). Just all around pretty crappy vacuum, though it works okay as a glorified shop vac. The auto-level adjustment doesn't work well, so you have to hold the handle in just the right position to get the brushes to engage the floor. My wife won't even use the daggone thing because it is so frustrating to do anything with it. I recently got a Shark Navigator Pro. Wasn't too expensive, decent reviews, and the thing works well and is well thought out. I can't attest to durability, but I'm impressed with it so far. On top of that, my wife will use it, which, of course, is a good thing.

Not a three-point user myself, but I've used other Boonie Packer slings and they've performed well. http://www.redi-mag.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=28

Hype or not, it's a Glock world. As such, there's parts and accessories everywhere. It is, like it or not, the best service weapon available, due to its reliability, relative accuracy, and the support available for it. That's not to say there aren't better guns, but there aren't any better guns with a similar support system. What it comes down to is that it doesn't matter which one you start with, you're eventually going to want to try them all, because you can't know until you do. And, again, a day at the range, though it may provide better feedback than just holding it at the counter, is not enough to properly evaluate a gun. Two thousand rounds and a variety of drills and you might be getting close.

Kettlefoot, TAC2, and Watauga Gun Club. I've only shot once at Kettlefoot, but I know a few folks who shoot there regularly. They put on a good sanctioned match. I shoot mostly at TAC2, which is unsanctioned and IDPA style, so some stage setups might not meet sanctioned match standards, but all the same rules apply. I haven't shot any at Boone. When in doubt, buy a Glock. Remember that you are not buying only a gun but also the things available to support that gun, such as sights, holsters, magazines, parts, etc. You can't tell how a gun will work for you with just a few visits to the range. You have to get it and run it a while before making a decision. Which means, basically, that you may end up buying and selling a few guns to get to know what you like before committing to one platform. That's not to say that you will get lucky and the first one you buy will be perfect, but you won't know if something's better without trying it. For the money, you cannot beat a Glock. If you want a comp-only gun, get a 34. If it's going to do double duty, get a 17 or 19. Then buy a bunch of ammo, get some training, and shoot some matches. I see a few XDs, but they are in ESP division, and I personally wouldn't want one if I had other options. The new competition model may be something to look at. If you are completely unfamiliar with IDPA matches, holler at me and I can meet you at a range and show you some of what to expect when you go. But really, you can just show up at one, and provided you are safe the people there will walk you through everything you need to know.

Don't over think it. Buy the gun you want, take it and shoot it. The gun that works for IDPA is the gun that works for you. You will see a whole gamut of pistols. If you're not shooting a 1911 pattern gun, you'll see mostly Glocks with a smattering of M&Ps and some XDs, along with representatives of many other makes and models. I shoot an M&P 9FS. Where are you planning on shooting? Bristol, Boone, or Greeneville?

The local gun store here does safety checks at the door if you're bringing one in, and you can't bring it in without it. CC is okay, as long as it doesn't come out of the holster.

If I'm not mistaken, it's still season 2. They split it in half, and the upcoming one is the midseason premiere.

Doesn't hurt that it's Tennessee bred. And Dolomite has it right, it's for, as its name implies, discretion, should you want to be prepared for whatever may happen, wherever you are, maybe even in places or states where firearms are vehemently frowned upon. I know that there is a .308 version, so a .458 may not be outside of the realm of possibility. If you buy the kit, you can still build it yourself.

TAC2 is doing a steel challenge-ish match on the second Sunday of the month. They also allow rimfire in the IDPA matches. Here's a link: Tac2

Hey folks, just chiming back in to say that there's still a few slots left. Classes in the East with Ken will be limited in the future, so don't pass this one up.

Well, I know there are grouse in Northeast Tennessee, don't personally know about farther south.

No need to just watch. I just showed up at my first match and didn't know a soul there and didn't know a thing about shooting IDPA. It's a welcoming bunch. I shoot a couple of matches a month, mainly at TAC2. Let me know when you want to try it out and I'll guide you through it. First match is free. The zombie stage was at TAC2 and was a leftover from the championship match, except at the championship match you had to drag a 140 lb. full-size dummy, and there were a few more targets.

You should look at TAC2.

Folks, I took this course of instruction over the weekend, and can report that it's worth every penny and then some. I will also say that the December class will be one of the few remaining opportunities to train with Ken Hackathorn, especially this close to home. Don't pass it up.

Ah-ha. Thanks for settin' me straight.

That's too bad. Not sure if it will happen again in 2012. I do know that the last time he was here was 2000 or 2001. Hopefully we can get him back next year. Like I said, I was going to sell something to make sure I got in. I will be able to buy a gun next year, but I don't know that I'll get another chance like this to get a Hackathorn class this close to the house.

That's odd. I've only started one thread, but I can edit the title by hitting edit post and then going advanced. Sorry about the digression. Can't believe those other guys missed with the .22.

It should be. Go advanced.

Folks, don't pass this up if you can help it. I was going to sell a gun to make sure I got in (ended up not having to). If you're serious about pistolcraft, you don't want to miss this class. ETA: I thought I'd share this quote from Todd Green: "You'll learn more just standing next to Ken listening to him talk than you will shooting on the line with almost any other instructor."

Folks, this is a great opportunity for training in this area. I don't have any dog in the race other than if this is successful, other classes may follow. I would like to see more classes in this area to cut down on travel expenses to places like NC, NOVA, and OH. If you don't think you can attend but know someone who might be interested, I would appreciate if you could pass the word. Again, let me know if you have any questions about the class.

​Alright folks, Ken Hackathorn is coming to East Tennessee. If you don't know who Ken is, here's a short bio: Ken Hackathorn has served as a US Army Special Forces Small Arms Instructor, Gunsite Instructor, and NRA Police Firearms Instructor. He is currently an FBI Certified Firearms Instructor, Certified Deputy Sheriff with Washington County SO, Ohio, and a SRT member and Special Response Team trainer. Ken has trained US Military Special Operations forces, Marine FAST and SOTG units and is a contract small arms trainer to FBI SWAT and HRT. Ken has provided training to Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies and been active in small arms training for the past 25 years. He has written firearms related material for Guns & Ammo, Combat Handguns, Soldier Of Fortune, and currently American Handgunner and contributed to at least six other gun/shooting journals. Ken was also a founding member of IPSC and the IDPA. The class will be held at TAC2 in Greeneville, TN. Though there are no prerequisites for this class, it is not for beginners. Be honest with yourself about your abilities before you sign up. At the same time, this isn't HSLD, so if you're safe and have had previous training, you'll likely be good to go. Class will run from 8:00 am to dark thirty on Saturday and 8:00 to 5:00 pm on Sunday. You will need 1000 rds. pistol ammo, flashlight, and normal shooting gear. Cost is $350. Deposit of $200 required to hold spot in class. Remaining $150 due a week prior to class date. The first class filled up before it was announced, so if you're interested, you'd better jump on this one. If you have any questions, post them here, and I'll do my best to answer them.

Chris is a good guy, and you won't go wrong with Defensive Concepts. Solid training.

I believe it's due to the need to fulfill some large overseas contracts. Some info: Belgian Police adopt S&W M&P 9mm | The Firearm Blog