Frequently asked questions about the

Tri-County Gun Club Practical Pistol Certification Program

 

Q:  Why do I need to take this class?

A:  The class is primarily to certify Tri-County members to use the Action Range.  In addition, it’s to certify everyone, members and non-members to participate at USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association) competitions.

 

Q:  How much does it cost?

A:  Are you a Tri-County member?  It’s free!  It’s part of your membership benefits.

A:  For non-members, the class fee is $30, payable on the day of the class.  Preferably, a check made out to “Tri-County Gun Club – IPSC Account”; cash is okay, in the exact amount.

 

Q:  Do I need to register for the class?

A:  Yes.  Enrollment is limited, and “drop-ins” will be turned away.  The cutoff date for registration is three days before the class.  If you miss your scheduled class, you must re-register.

 

Q:  When is the class held?  What time does it start?

A:  The class is held on the first Saturday of the month, February through November.  The staff will be there at 8:30, and the class starts at 9 a.m.  Arriving early will be better than showing up late!  If there are changes after you have enrolled (cancellation, date change, etc.) a reasonable effort will be made to notify you.

 

Q:  Where is the class held?

A:  We meet at the Stat Shack, the green building on the Action Range at Tri-County Gun Club.  There is a map and directions on the Tri-County web page tcgc.org or the Columbia-Cascade Section website (www.columbia-cascade.org).

 

Q:  How do I get to the Action Range?

A:  On confirmation for the class, you will be given a gate code to use on the gates.  There are two gates; each has a key pad on the left.  Punch in the code at the first gate, turn left and punch in the same code at the second gate.  If you have problems with the code, wait 30 seconds and try again. Go through the second gate to the first intersection.  Turn left, go up and over the rise and you will see the Action Range.

 

 

Q.What will happen during the class?

  1. The first hour of lecture will cover range safety.  After a break, we will cover range commands and rules of the game.  There will be a quiz and review, then a short break.  At noon we commence the range exercises; when the exercises are completed, we’ll shoot the three training stages.  Lastly, there will be a wrap-up, where you will receive your credentials.  The class is officially over at 5 p.m.

 

  1. What should I bring?
  1. Bring some water and a light snack, as we will be at this all day and you might get hungry.  This is the Great Northwest, so bring your sunscreen lotion and your raincoat; you’ll need one or the other, if not both.  Dress appropriately for the weather.  Hypothermia in winter and heat stroke in summer are very real hazards.  Bring a hat or cap to keep hot, flying brass out of your face.  If you have a set of knee pads you might want to bring them along too.

 

  1. What equipment do I need?
  1. Each shooter is to bring the following:

*Eye and ear protection; it’s mandatory and you won’t get on to the range without it.

*Handgun; semi-automatic, 9 mm/.40/.45, or a double-action revolver, .38 special or larger.

*Two magazines or speed loaders; if you have extras, bring them along.

*A belt holster that completely covers the trigger of the handgun.

*Magazine or speed loader pouches; you will need at least one.

*A stout belt that will fit loops on your pants to hold all this paraphernalia!

 

Q.      Can I share the handgun and other equipment with another shooter during the class?

  1. No.  Every shooter is expected to bring the proper equipment.  Some loaner gear is available on a first-come basis.

 

Q.      What is an acceptable holster?

  1. Any holster that securely fastens to your belt and completely covers the trigger of the handgun.  The material isn’t too important, although the nylon fabric and soft suede leather holsters tend to close when the handgun is removed, causing difficulty when holstering.  You should be able to holster the firearm using one hand.  We strongly advise against inside-the-waistband (IWB) holsters; they are a poor choice for the neophyte.  It’s far safer to use a holster that allows the shooter to observe the muzzle while holstering the firearm.

 

If you are a full-time, sworn law enforcement officer, you can choose to use your duty gear.

 

Imporant note:  The only shooters allowed to use strap-to-your-thigh “assault” holsters are active military, or activated Reserve and National Guard.  Be ready to show your ID card.

 

Q.      What’s not acceptable?

  1. Ankle holsters; shoulder holsters; cross-draw holsters; fanny pack; shoulder bag; purse; pocket concealment; deep-in-the-pants-concealment; small-of-the-back; holsters with a covering flat (military style); “quick draw” holsters that tie to the leg.

 

Q.      How much ammunition should I bring?

  1. 100 rounds should be plenty, although you might want to bring an extra box.  We recommend you use factory ammo.  The only brand not allowed is Wolf ammo, imported from Russia; it’s notorious for erratic quality.

 

Q.      Can I use hand loads?

  1. We advise against using hand loads, mostly for reliability issues.  If you make reliable ammo and chamber check the fit of each round, use it.  If it’s questionable stuff you got from “a friend”, leave it for another day.

 

Q.      So reliability of the firearm and ammo is important?

  1. We are here to practice shooting skills, not waste time while you clear jams all day.  Shoot at least fifty rounds of the ammo you’ll use in your handgun to check its reliability.  If you have trouble feeding, extracting, ejecting, or the ammo is wildly inaccurate, change brands.  If it works well, buy several boxes from the same lot.

 

  1. Sounds great!  Where can I get more information about Practical Shooting?
  1. The United States Practical Shooting Association website is a great place to start (www.uspsa.org).  Select “How do get started?” from the menu on the left.

 

Q.      Where do I sign up for this class?

A.  After you have fully read and understood all this information, contact Mary Renfrow HERE for the next available class.   It would be advisable to print this information out to review before attending the class.