We are frequently asked many questions about our club, being a member, match information and various other shooting related topics. We are assembling a list of pages that will provide you with information about our club and activities. Please check back for updates to this page.


 

NEW!

Q: What do I need to know before shooting a Steel Challenge match?

A: Click here to read our primer

Q: How can I become a club member or renew my membership?

A: We have assembled a Membership Information page, please click here for details.

Q: Is your range a cold range? What is a cold range?

A: Yes, our range is a cold range. This means that ALL firearms must be unloaded at ALL times. Your firearm must also be in a holster or a bag and must remain there until instructed otherwise by a Safety Officer. This rule is for everyone's safety. Please also review the following questions below: "Do I need a bag for my rifles or cases for my guns?" and "But I'm a CCW holder. Where can I unload my gun?"

Q: What type of safety equipment do I need?

A: At a minimum, you will need eye and ear protection and a hat is recommended. You will also need the ability to follow instructions, have a positive attitude and a clear understanding of Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper's Rules of Gun Safety:

  • All guns are always loaded.
  • Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
  • Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
  • Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

 

Q: What can I expect at my first match?

A: You will find a large group of friendly, helpful shooters who want you to have fun and be safe. Talk to any of the members and they will assist you with navigating the courses of fire, safety rules and general shooting tips. If you don't have all the necessary equipment, we can usually find someone with extra willing to loan it to you.

We only ask that you take your time, be safe and HAVE FUN!

Q: Can I just come out and observe instead of shooting my first match?

A: You can observe, but you will find that many of the members will talk you into shooting, so come out prepared with your favorite pistol, some magazines and ammo.

Q: Do you have to be a member of 5 Dogs Range to shoot a match?

A: No you do not have to be a 5 Dogs Range member. If you plan on using any of the other 5 Dogs Range facilities or want to become a member of our club, you will need a 5 Dogs Range membership. For more information of the 5 Dogs Range memberships, please visit the range house.

Q: I'm already a basic 5 Dogs Range member; I'm wondering if I come out to shoot a match, do I need to pay $10 for the day and the match entry fee or just the entry fee?

A: If you are already a 5 Dogs Range member, you do not need to check in at the range house or pay the day use fee. Come directly to our private range and pay your match fees. We pay your day use fee to the range.

Q: Do I need to belong to a club or the IDPA or USPSA?

A: You do not need to belong to our club to shoot our matches, though we encourage it. Please see the first FAQ question above for membership information.

Both IDPA and USPSA have rules about membership. Both organizations require all shooters to join after their first match. Also in order to get classified in either sport, you must be a member of the respective organizations.

Q: Can a non-member sign up for IDPA or USPSA at a match or club meeting? If not, how does one become a member?

A: You cannot sign up to be an IDPA or USPSA member at our matches or meetings. You will need to apply for membership at the appropriate organization's website.

IDPA: http://www.idpa.com
USPSA: http://www.uspsa.org

Q: Do I need to pre-register for a match?

A: For regular monthly matches, you do not need to pre-register. Come out and register the day of the match. We do currently offer pre-registration for our USPSA matches as a convenience; visit our Facebook group for links to the match registration pages.

Special matches such as our annual Charity Match or our Winter Classic Multi-gun match does require pre-registration and those matches usually fill up quickly. Watch our calendar or Facebook for these special events.

Q: Will there be walking or running in the matches?

A: Nearly all the courses of fire will have movement to and from various shooting positions. Whether you walk or run is up to you. Our competitors vary in age and fitness levels, but everyone has a great time.

Q: What type of equipment is needed for an IDPA match?

A: IDPA is based on everyday concealed carry situations. Your equipment must be practical for all day carry. You will need a handgun (9mm or larger caliber), concealable holster worn on your strong side, a minimum of three magazines or speedloaders, a mag/speedloader carrier on your belt and a concealment garment such as a vest. When you are not shooting, all of your equipment needs to be "concealed". Holsters such as appendix, small of the back, cross draw or shoulder styles are not permitted. Plan on 120 rounds of ammunition to negotiate all of the courses of fire.

There are many divisions and rules pertaining to equipment; as you continue to shoot IDPA, you will need to read the rules and the equipment guidelines outlined for your division.

Q: What type of equipment is needed for an USPSA match?

A: The type of equipment varies depending on the division you are shooting. If you are just getting started, bring your favorite production handgun (9mm or larger caliber), a holster, four or more magazines, a mag carrier and 200 plus rounds of ammunition. As you continue to shoot USPSA, read the rule book and follow the equipment guidelines for your favorite division.

Q: What type of equipment is needed for an BUG match?

A: A 3.8" semi-automatic (.380 ACP or larger) or a 3" revolver (.38 or larger). You do not have to have a holster. Semi-autos should bring three magazines. You will also need 100 rounds of ammunition.

Q: What type of equipment is needed for an .22 Rimfire match?

A: A rimfire pistol or rifle, with iron sights or optics, three magazines and 100 rounds of ammunition. Holsters are not used for our rimfire matches.

Q: Do I have to use a holster.

A: For IDPA or USPSA, you will start from a holster. However, if you are not familiar with drawing a loaded weapon from a holster, let your Safety Officer know before you shoot a stage. We will have you start from low ready.

Q: Do I need a sling on my rifle or shotgun?

A: No, in fact, if your weapon has a sling, we will ask that you remove it for safety reasons.

Q: Do I need a bag for my rifles or cases for my guns?

A: You are responsible for legally transporting your firearms to and from the range. In most situations, you will usually need a locked case or bag anyway. Once you arrive at the range, put on your holster, take your gun case or bag to a safe area. You many not bring ANY ammunition, dummy rounds, snap caps or magazines into a safe area. Remove your UNLOADED firearm from your case or bag and put it in your holster. Your gun must stay in your holster until instructed by a Safety Officer to "make ready" on the course of fire.

Any unsafe handling of firearms at the range with result in being asked to leave.

Q: But I'm a CCW holder. Where can I unload my gun?

A: Thank you for carrying a firearm for your personal defense. Once you arrive at the range, please do not unload your firearm in your vehicle or leave it loaded in your vehicle. Immediately walk up to any of the members at the range, tell them you need to unload your carry gun and they will walk you to a berm to safely unload. If you are not using your carry gun in the match, bag it and lock it in your vehicle.

Once you are ready to leave for the day, please do the reverse. Ask a member to help you safely load your firearm near a berm, conceal it and return to your vehicle. Please do not walk around the range once you have rearmed yourself.

Q: Where are USPSA classifier scores submitted/posted?

A: The classifier scores and your updated classifications can be found on your personal profile at http://www.uspsa.org.

Q: When do the Classifier's get posted to USPSA website?

A: We send the classifier results shortly after the match. However, USPSA only updates their classification results once per month. If you don't see your most recent classifier on their website, be patient as they may not have ran their update cycle yet.

Q: About what time are you usually finished with your IDPA/USPSA matches?

A: It varies based on the number of stages and competitors. We usually are finished shooting around 1pm. Everyone helps after the match to clean up, which only takes a few minutes.

Q: What time do the matches start?

A: Most match registrations begins at 8:30 am. Make sure you come early enough to register, get your gear on and be attentive at the shooters meeting at 9:00 am. Special matches may have other start times; please refer to calendar for details for each specific event.

Q: Do you hold matches if there is a chance of rain or inclement weather?

A: Yes we do. Unless the weather is dangerous (severe lightning, etc), it's good practice to shoot in varying weather conditions.

Q: When and where are the club meetings?

A: The regular monthly club meeting is held on the Wednesday after the first Sunday of each month. An easy way to remember it is the Wednesday after our monthly USPSA match. The meetings are also listed on our club calendar.

We meet at Tony's Pizza at 4750 Coffee Rd. just north of Hageman. The meeting begins promptly at 6:30 pm. We will have pizza, salad and soft drinks for all in attendance.

Q: What usually goes on at the monthly meetings? I've never been.

A: We meet to conduct club business, including ideas to improve our club and better serve our membership. Once we conclude club business, we eat, hang out and discuss firearm related topics. It's a great time, please join us.

Q: How can I get more involved in your club?

A: Glad you asked! We are a growing club, so involved members are the key to our success. First, the club is a shooting club, so come out and shoot our matches. Become a member, participate at matches and the club meetings. You can also advocate gun safety and help promote shooting sports.