Qualified

I heard about IDPA from my NRA instructors during my basic pistol course. After going to the range they told me that I could be quite competitive in numerous events. I want to join and compete in IDPA. The reason I am writing prior to sending my application and dues is that while I have been shooting since a very young age, 9 years ago I was part in a motorcycle wreck that left me without the use of my right arm. While having to adapt to being left handed "as i was originally right handed" I have achieved many things. In short, will I be able to compete? I was just concerned about strong hand verses weak hand and so on. Let me be clear that I always practice firearm safety and can physical compete despite my "handicap" but didn't want to put anyone out to meet my needs. Any input would be appreciated.

First let me say that I am pulling this out of………ah……..thin air.

I encourage people that are willing, to become active in the competition aspect of firearms. I offer that same encouragement to you. Your situation is a new one for me.

Most courses of fire do not require a change of hands, and you would be ok on those, of course. You would gain an unfair advantage, by using your strong hand, on a course where others have to use their weak hand.

Considering on a course where there is a MANDATORY use of the “weak” hand, if a shooter “forgets” to change hands, he is assessed a penalty. (it happens) Could you be allowed to shoot through, being assessed the penalty(s) involved? I don’t know. If you don’t care about your score on those particular days, it might be worth the practice, if allowed.

I will be interested to see Tom’s take on this.

One thing I was wondering. When it comes to changing your mags, how do you do it, and keep the muzzle control that is required? The muzzle must remain pointed downrange at all times.

Good luck, hope to see you at a match.

Oh and WELCOME to the forum. :mrgreen:

Uhh...unfair advantage? DUH!!! [poke]

Of course, you're right that he would have a a slight advantage in those RARE instances which require firing with the weak hand only.

HOWEVER, what about the 95% of the time when both hands ("freestyle") are allowed? He is at a distinct disadvantage there, as well as doing reloads. Ever try a "tactical reload with retention" with only one hand? I'd say it more than makes up for his "unfair advantage" during those rare moments when he will be shooting with the hand he's used to shooting with when other folks are using their weak hand.

I'm not an S.O. for IDPA, but I am an R.O. for SASS. I know SASS strongly encourages that adaptations for handicaps be allowed. I would assume that IDPA would feel the same way.

Come out and shoot brother! I personally don't care what you do as long as you're safe. Concentrate on shooting for fun, training, etc., and worry about winning later.

We can and will easily work with you. Come on out.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mac266

Uhh...unfair advantage? DUH!!! [poke]

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Now wait, since he shoots with one hand ALL the time, could he say WE have an unfair advantage if we use both hands? [clown]

Like Tom said.......come on out.