Demonio

You'd think in organizations like IDPA which helps promote defensive pistol skills, the guys with the massive pot bellies would take all around self defense and fitness a little more seriously. If you lose your weapon and have to fight for your life will you have the stamina to protect yourself or run? Come on guys, gun handling is a martial art, it makes the sport look bad when everyone is chubby and out of shape.

Smith3466

I would think mostly because a large number of Americans are over weight.

Most of the guys that I shoot USPSA with are fairly fit guys, so I never really noticed it. I cant say much though, I have gained 30 lbs since Ive been out of college (3 years ago.) Of course I am 6'8" tall and now only weigh 220lbs, so I had to finally gain some weight sometime.

Kenny D

6'8" Wow. How's the weather up there? j/k
What is all involved in USPSA competitions? Does it involve multi-gun, speed shooting, etc?

Demonio

Yeah, 6'8" HOLY SMOKES man you're huge. Sounds like you're in good shape if you're 220lbs. Wish everyone else would do the same.

Smith3466

Sad thing is, I feel like im getting fat. so I can live with it. I don't work out at all though and I sit behind a desk all day.

Kenny,
I have never been to a large USPSA match, but my local club puts on a match once a month. I meet with the same guys every week to practice and to set up the stages for the matches.

There is alot of speed, running between firing positions, and speed reloads involved. Mix of paper and steel targets. There are always fun obstacles to shoot around or through. It is what really keeps me interested in pistol shooting. There is no way I could stand still and shoot at the same target over and over.

As for multi gun, we will be holding our first 3 gun match the 4th Sat of July. 3 guns are pistol shotgun and rifle. I can not wait for this. I have never competed in anything like this, and I feel it will be alot of fun. I have made all my gear that I think I will need (meaning holsters, shotshell racks, and AR pouches). This evening, I should be sitting down with the guys I shoot with to try and get some stages designed so we can get any props we need built.

frenchman

I am 46 and carry quite a bit of weight. Reading your post, I'd say you don't know much about fighting, do you?
I used to work as a boucer until 6 month ago. I am 5'11 and 320lbs. Just trust me, there weren't many skinny/in shape guys who put the fear of God into me. I took out marines, football players, and (according to THEM) MMA people. What do you need stamina for? Wanna go 3 rounds with the other guy? Maybe call a referee or something? A good (?) street fight is over in 10-15 seconds if done right. As fa as the running is concerned, I can't really tell, I have no experience in running away.
My personal 3rd rule when it comes to fight: underestimating the other guy because of his physical attributes can result in a considerable amount of pain. But that's just me.

txshurricane

Ever heard the expression, "There's no accounting for taste"? If a guy who loves to shoot also happens to love food, then his appearance will reflect that.

You could say that people who attend IDPA shoots are being wasteful with their ammo. You could say that a black belt martial artist who doesn't like guns is a fool. But in the end, it's all about personal preference. And it's none of your business.

drshame

More stable shooting platform.....more resistance to wind shifts..handle recoil better...bigger shooting britches: better scores!
Gravity has more mass to hold down, less gravitational uncertainty from phases of the moon and lunar tides.

Kenny D

Sounds like a lot of fun. I might have to look into something like that. Although I don't mind poking holes in paper because I get you fondle my baby (SP2022) but the challenge and training would make things interesting.

Siggybaby  

This thread reminds me of someone who once asked, "Why do only short men drive jacked-up 4X4's?" I've never been to one of the matches you speak of, but I'm guessing there are men that compete that are in good-great physical condition.

txshurricane

I'm planning on doing at least one this summer, at a club about 20 mins from Humble. They're only $20 to shoot - bring your own ammo...

Smith3466

Good, you guys can all drive to Western Pa and shoot in our first 3 gun match. We decided tonight that we are going to meet up a night next week and really start to try and plan for it.

As of now, I think we are going to have 7 stages. At least one is going to be all shotgun with the computerized clay throwers all set up with some stationary steel with them. 1 long range rifle stage with some pistol mixed in with it. That stage will probably go out to 250 or 300 yards. Then the rest will be a mix of close range with all the guns mixed in.

Demonio

It was a question and not meant to be personal.
I'm a black belt in Judo and Brown belt in Brazillian Jujitsu under John Machado and yes I've been in fights and competed. I can assure you I'm not skinny but I'm also not fat 6'1 220lbs WITH NO POT BELLY! I never underestimate ANYONE, I train with guys of every shape and size, some of my good friends are "fat" but it doesn't make my question less valid. Why are so many competitive shooters so fat?! The question annoys you because it hits too close to home. Just pull up pistol matches on youtube and you'll see what I mean, it's an epidemic. What good is practicing self defense when you're on your way to a heart attack or stroke before retirement age.
By the way I grew in East L.A. and have seen plenty of "good fights" last way beyond 15 seconds. It's tough to look in a guys eyes when he's being pummeled and he's too exhausted to stop it.
Be healthy and you'll live longer.

txshurricane

Why even try to draw that line? If they can shoot well, punch hard, and exfil under their own terms, then more power to them. There's no standard of fitness when it comes to wanting to stay alive.

Smith3466

No more fighting! The only person I ever wanted to fight was Txshurricane. 1911 cocked and not locked, sheesh.

Demonio

Ok. Love you guys

frenchman

I am also first Dan in Judo, but haven't practiced in 20 years. But the good ol' juji jime still works like a charme every time.
Maybe competition shooters are in a phase in their life where they can finally afford a hobby that cost a little more $10 gym membership. I can tell you this: during my service, I had to run 5 miles, every day, rain or shine, to do what we call "earn your breakfast". The ony 2 days where you didn't have to run were x-mas and Camerone day. I've never been out jogging for more then 100 yards after I got out. I was so friggin sick of it. I'll rather go to the range and make a few holes in some paper. But then, I feel no need to compete (I highy doubt that I coud keep up with anyone there anyway, shootingwise). As for the fighting, well, as long as nobody is wiling to pay me for it, I just won't do it. It's that simple. Maybe it is because of how I look, but I never get into trouble when I go out.The usual drunken tough guy leaves me alone, and I am not looking to start anything either. I used to fight an awful lot, back in Germany and France. I worked as a bouncer in cubs from Frankfurt through Paris up to London. Now, I am just an old man who means no harm to anyone. But you know what they say about getting into a fight with an old guy, don't you?

Demonio

Much respect to all the older gentlemen. There's a Blackbelt at my school in his deep 50's that kicks my ass all the time.
My apologies to anyone who found this thread offensive and to FRENCHMAN good luck and have fun shooting brother. Peace

GUN4

I have lots of applicable experience here, both in competition (IPSC, and U.S.Army marksmanship teams, domestic and international), and real-world (convoy security gunner OIF, Baghdad AO). I was a member of a U.S. Army combat pistol team, and shot more rounds of 9mm than I can even estimate. Our matches were nearly all practical shooting, and involved physical fitness tests to simulate stressed fire. IPSC and the other civilian matches that I've encountered seem to avoid anything that might rule out a competitor for physical limitations short of disability. The reason you see so many overweight people competing in combat matches is that they are relatively easy to navigate, involving a minimal amount of exertion. Heavy people tend to be a more stable platform for any type of small arm, so in the absence of physical stressors, they generally shoot better. That being said, I never saw a large person win a combat match. The guys who won were usually big in their own rite, but were in great shape. Size accounts for nothing in any sort of fight if you don't know what you're doing, and I've known lots of little dudes who'd put some serious hurt on a big arrogant guy who figures his 300+ pounds will do the butt-kicking. Real gunfights are usually short, but intense, and jack your heart rate like you've been running a marathon. I equate handgun fighting to a claw-hammer fight in that it usually boils down to whoever lands the first blow. If you think you're prepared for a lethal fight, and think you don't need to be in really good shape because you can hit a predictable target in a controlled match, or you've kicked a few punk butts, you're an idiot. Most of the folks I've met at shooting matches since leaving the military ought to stick to playing video games and watching movies. I wouldn't want 99% of these jokers watching my back in a fight, they'd never make it to cover.

txshurricane

I never advocated that. I understand you're being more cheeky than not, but I don't appreciate someone putting words in my mouth that I never said.

Even though it's off topic (and no, I won't go into this beyond just setting the record straight): I said that it's no more safe to carry a 1911 cocked and locked than it is to carry a Sig DA/SA - with a trigger bar safety - cocked. The truth is that I don't recommend either one.

Don't make me drive up there again.