IDPA match count for CCW?

[Irving]

Hello all! I'd like to check out IDPA and see if this is something that I'd like to regularly participate in (I'm pretty sure I will).

While I was looking at the requirements to be full filled before applying for a CCW in Colorado, I noticed that one of the options is "Documented participation in an organized shooting event."

So would shooting in an IDPA match qualify for this? I imagine that I could shoot in an IDPA match MUCH cheaper than it'd cost me to take a $150 Defense class. Plus, it seems like continuous involvement in IDPA events would yield a much higher learning curve than just one defensive pistol class.

Has anyone had any experience with this?

Thanks,

-Stu

[mcmustang]

Having just moved here, I can't speak from experience, but I would think IDPA participation should count for the CCW. The results posted on the 'net only have first name and last initial, though, so I suppose you'd have to get the results that show your first and last name to submit as evidence of participation.

It's too bad the CCW isn't like a driver's license, where all states recognize it.

[Irving]

I wonder if I could work it out ahead of time to get some sort of paper document after the match. I'd also probably video tape myself (with prior permission) and just bring that to the sheriff's office. I'll just call the sheriff today and ask.

[pickenup]

Don't know about IDPA, but I took my IPSC card into the sheriffs office when I put in my application for CCW, right after the new law went into effect. The clerk looked at me like I was nuts. She and I had a discussion with a "higher up" about it, and a "ranked" card from certain shooting sports is supposed to work. But no one had tried it up to that point.

I had already taken the CCW course, since the wife had to anyway, I went along with her to see what kind of course it was. Since I had the certification from the class, I laid that paperwork out. I didn't push the IPSC issue. I just wanted to see if they would accept an IPSC card in lieu of a class certification. Of course, at that time, the "new" law was.....well.....new, and they were not sure about ANY deviation from the norm.

I never joined IDPA, only shot it. (just a couple of times) Do they issue a card when you get classified? (ranked) Not sure you will save any money, since you could shoot quite a few matches, and it might be a while before a classifier, getting ranked, mail card, etc. But it would SURE be a lot more fun than some class.

[Irving]

Hmm, now getting ranked is a different story all together. I'm a pretty terrible shot. However, that is the whole point of joining IDPA and going to as many matches as I can.

While at first I thought it'd be faster to do one match then go apply, even if you it ended up costing you more money getting ranked in the IDPA, it'd be over time and not as big of a deal.

Now I feel like I'm some what in a hurry though, due to the election.

[Sticks]

Take the class!!

Yes, somewhere in the law there is allowance for documented competition shooting;

Source:
Colorado Statutes/TITLE 18 CRIMINAL CODE/ARTICLE 12 OFFENSES RELATING TO FIREARMS AND WEAPONS/PART 2 PERMITS TO CARRY CONCEALED HANDGUNS/18-12-203. Criteria for obtaining a permit.
18-12-203. Criteria for obtaining a permit.

(1) Beginning May 17, 2003, except as otherwise provided in this section, a sheriff shall issue a permit to carry a concealed handgun to an applicant who:
(a) Is a legal resident of the state of Colorado. For purposes of this part 2, a person who is a member of the armed forces and is stationed pursuant to permanent duty station orders at a military installation in this state, and a member of the person's immediate family living in Colorado, shall be deemed to be a legal resident of the state of Colorado.
(b) Is twenty-one years of age or older;
(c) Is not ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant to section 18-12-108 or federal law;
(d) Has not been convicted of perjury under section 18-8-503, in relation to information provided or deliberately omitted on a permit application submitted pursuant to this part 2;
(e) (I) Does not chronically and habitually use alcoholic beverages to the extent that the applicant's normal faculties are impaired.
(II) The prohibition specified in this paragraph (e) shall not apply to an applicant who provides an affidavit, signed by a professional counselor who is licensed pursuant to article 43 of title 12, C.R.S., and specializes in alcohol addiction, stating that the applicant has been evaluated by the counselor and has been determined to be a recovering alcoholic who has refrained from using alcohol for at least three years.
(f) Is not an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance as defined in section 18-18-102 (5). Whether an applicant is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance shall be determined as provided in federal law and regulations.
(g) Is not subject to:
(I) A restraining order issued pursuant to section 18-1-1001 or section 19-2-707, C.R.S., that is in effect at the time the application is submitted; or
(II) A permanent restraining order issued pursuant to article 14 of title 13, C.R.S.; or
(III) A temporary restraining order issued pursuant to article 14 of title 13, C.R.S., that is in effect at the time the application is submitted;
(h) Demonstrates competence with a handgun by submitting:
(I) Evidence of experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competitions or current military service;
(II) Evidence that, at the time the application is submitted, the applicant is a certified instructor;
(III) Proof of honorable discharge from a branch of the United States armed forces within the three years preceding submittal of the application;
(IV) Proof of honorable discharge from a branch of the United States armed forces that reflects pistol qualifications obtained within the ten years preceding submittal of the application;
(V) A certificate showing retirement from a Colorado law enforcement agency that reflects pistol qualifications obtained within the ten years preceding submittal of the application; or
(VI) A training certificate from a handgun training class obtained within the ten years preceding submittal of the application. The applicant shall submit the original training certificate or a photocopy thereof that includes the original signature of the class instructor. In obtaining a training certificate from a handgun training class, the applicant shall have discretion in selecting which handgun training class to complete.
(2) Regardless of whether an applicant meets the criteria specified in subsection (1) of this section, if the sheriff has a reasonable belief that documented previous behavior by the applicant makes it likely the applicant will present a danger to self or others if the applicant receives a permit to carry a concealed handgun, the sheriff may deny the permit.
(3) (a) The sheriff shall deny, revoke, or refuse to renew a permit if an applicant or a permittee fails to meet one of the criteria listed in subsection (1) of this section and may deny, revoke, or refuse to renew a permit on the grounds specified in subsection (2) of this section.
(b) Following issuance of a permit, if the issuing sheriff has a reasonable belief that a permittee no longer meets the criteria specified in subsection (1) of this section or that the permittee presents a danger as described in subsection (2) of this section, the sheriff shall suspend the permit until such time as the matter is resolved and the issuing sheriff determines that the permittee is eligible to possess a permit as provided in this section.
(c) If the sheriff suspends or revokes a permit, the sheriff shall notify the permittee in writing, stating the grounds for suspension or revocation and informing the permittee of the right to seek a second review by the sheriff, to submit additional information for the record, and to seek judicial review pursuant to section 18-12-207.
Source: L. 2003: Entire part added, p. 638, § 1, effective May 17.

Shooting matches will improve your proficiency with handgun shooting, and safety, but will not educate you in the basics of the law, which the class does, in addition to learning the basic requirements where it may be OK to deploy your weapon and, god forbid, pull the trigger.

Do not take shortcuts on this. A CCW permit is a serious responsibility.

I understand that it is a right, not a privilege, but having grown up with guns, and being taught the right and wrongs about them, then attending the required class...Some of those people scared the crud out of me given some of the questions and comments that came out of their mouths. 4.5 hours of lecture and they are now eligible to go forth and carry having never handled or fired a weapon in their life.

I'll say it again, TAKE THE CLASS!

Read all of the links found on this page - http://cbi.state.co.us/ccw/relatedstats.asp

Then go here to look up the referenced CRS - http://www.michie.com/colorado/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&cp=

Then Google "Harold Fish" and see what can happen to you.

Trying to save $150 is not worth the potential loss of the right to even own a weapon after a bad decision because you thought you knew the law and were in the right in what you did. Never mind the fact you may loose everything you/your family owns, spend a great deal of time in jail if not the rest of your life. Even reading the above listed laws is not a substitute for taking the class. Unless you are a lawyer it is likely you will not understand most of them or see the loopholes and traps.

I stand by my signature on this one.

[Irving]

The Harold Fish story is shockingly upsetting. A bunch of people who don't even hardly know some homeless man stepping forward and vouching for integrity?

[Irving]

I found this old thread through a Google search. I've taken the class now, and I could have slept through it. Turns out I did a pretty good job on researching the laws on my own before hand. Of course, I could have just taken a bad class. I still need more range time though.

[Bongo Boy]

I know this is an old thread, but the topic is still of interest, I'm sure. In any case, I called in to the El Paso County Sheriff's office to set up an appointment to ge the CCW application going, and mentioned the whole 'competitive shooting sports' thing. I was told that the Office would want some statement on letterhead from (in my case) the IDPA or the USPSA, stating I was a participating member, etc.

While on the topic of qualifications, it turns out the El Paso Sheriff, at least, is fussy about the instruction being delivered specifically by an NRA Instructor...apparently nothing else will do. I expect this is for expediency and standardization. My several multi-day courses at Sig Academy, including their CCW course suitable for NH, MA, RI and other states of that ilk, just won't do because the instructor isn't an NRA Instructor. [Bang]

[Hoser]

I've taken the class now, and I could have slept through it. Turns out I did a pretty good job on researching the laws on my own before hand. Of course, I could have just taken a bad class.

Which class?




I still need more range time though.

Dont we all.

[waxthis]

Forgive me if I’m missing something here, did they just sneak these 2 lines in during the past 2 years, or do some jurisdictions turn a blind eye to these items. I have had my CCW through Weld County for just about 2 years now, and only took a 4 hour CCW class at a Hotel, along with some basic other requirements to get my permit. Don’t get me wrong, I have been around weapons my whole life, including 8 years in the service, education on weapon handling, safety and plenty of range time can NEVER be over emphasized. I just don’t remember those requirements….......[Dunno]

[Hoser]

Forgive me if I’m missing something here, did they just sneak these 2 lines in during the past 2 years,

Nope. Been there for a long time.