October 17, 2017
I've been wanting to get into IHMSA shooting for a long time, and finally have managed to work it into my busy schedule. Shot my first match on Saturday; Field Pistol (Standing). Shot a 26X40. Not too shabby since I've never shot over 50 yards before. A great learning experience, and met some very nice (and helpful) folks as well. It's everything I always thought it would be and more. Definitely hooked!! My old DW 15-2 functioned flawlessly of course, and my misses were mostly sight picture related due to my inexperience at longer distances. I hope to do better next time.
Ready to load.Goin' for the piggies.At last, the Rams!October 17, 2017
There are two basic positions a shooter may choose in IHMSA; Freestyle and Standing. Standing is offhand with no support of any kind and is the most challenging position. Freestyle: you may sit, kneel or shoot prone as long as no part of the gun comes in contact with a solid object like a shooting table etc.
The course of fire consists of 40 targets (10 chickens, 10 pigs, 10 turkeys and 10 rams) set at 25, 50, 75 and 100 yards in Field Pistol category, or 50, 100, 150 and 200 yards in Big Bore category. The targets are 1/2 scale in Field Pistol, so the marksmanship challenge is (other than calculating more for trajectory in Big Bore) basically the same in both courses.
Caliber choice is up to the shooters discretion, but considering that the ram (at 200 yards) in Big Bore weighs around 55 lbs. and must be knocked down to count as a hit, heavier caliber handguns (.44 Magnum and up) are generally used (.357 even with 180 gr. bullets is marginal).
I used my DW .357 with factory 158 gr. loads to shoot the Field Pistol course and had no problem knocking down the targets (when I hit them well) out to the rams at 100 yards. I did "miss" my first pig at 50 yards due to a very off center hit which only turned him sideways but didn't topple him. Doesn't count; part of the game.
There are other categories to choose from like 1/5 scale .22 Long Rifle for example. Check out the IHMSA website to find out more, and to find a Gun Club near you that hosts IHMSA events. Clubs that have the necessary "acreage" sometimes opt to set the course in meters as originally intended. I think the National Matches are always shot in meters.
DWF Supporters
July 22, 2018
October 17, 2017
Those scratches are very common indeed on old Dans. I bought this one about 18 months ago scratches intact, and who knows how many replacement parts (grips included) from former owners over the gun's 45 year history. The grips should be DWA according the year of manufacture (1974), but the DA grips look Ok to me. She's a sweet old gal, and I treat her with respect, and in return she gives me some amazing groups. I'll be shooting this one till I croak.
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