Just got this from my Rod and Gun club! Is this $20 well spent?

[Fatman]

I'm just a little excited! 

You are in the group that is being invited to join the next Action Pistol
class. The class will be on three consecutive Saturdays April 24th, May 1st
and 8th.

The cost of the class will be $20 payable at the first class. You will be
asked to sign a Release and Waiver of Liability
Equipment
To participate you need:
.   A full frame handgun minimum caliber 9mm or 38 with regular sights
(either revolver or semi-auto pistol).
.   Two spare speed loader or a magazine with a pouch to hold them on
your belt
.   A strong-side holster designed for the specific gun that you are
using. The holster has to allow for easy reholstering (shoulder holsters,
middle-of-the-back holsters, and cross-draw holsters are not allowed for
safety reasons)
.   Plated or jacketed ammunition. No magnum loads.
.   As with all shooting sports, safety glasses and hearing protection
is required.
Safety
.   If you miss a class you will not be able to attend future classes.
.   The Range Officers will inspect all equipment for suitability and
their decisions are final.
.   This is a cold range. No loaded guns except for that of the actual
shooter. If you have a concealed carry gun do not bring it into the range.
.   The Range officers reserve the right to have any unsafe shooters
leave the range.

[fightingquaker13]

Knowing nothing other than what you posted, I'd go. All you are out is $20 and the price of ammo, even if it does suck. Upside, you might learn something and will get a chance to meet like minded folks, and have a day on the range. I'd say go for it.
FQ13

[twyacht]

For an evening like what you posted?,....It's cheaper than going out to dinner. Bring a sandwich, water and chips.

Ammo, a couple extra mags, and enjoy. Sounds like you might take away more than not going, meet some good folks along the way, and have a good time..

YES, it's well spent.

[GUNS-R-US]

YES YES YES GO GO GO

[Fatman]

I accepted the invite after rearranging my reffing schedule a bit.  I've been getting home late during the week, and losing the extra $75 - $110 for weekday games, so I was a bit hesitant to turn back Saturday games. WTH, soccer money is found money anyway. Can't believe they pay me as I keep in shape.

[Sponsor]

[Fatman]

OK, first class was yesterday. This is an intro to IDPA.  Fun so far, but some of the things we did run are definitely 'gamey' as opposed to real life.  I'm not advancing on multiple threats while a perfectly good, solid piece of cover (wood barricade representing a brick corner) is available for me and  they're in the open.

We did have a good laugh when I was up first to engage 3 targets in rank and the instructor asked which I would engage first, right side or left side. "Whoever has the biggest gun or mouth, I'll ad-lib from there."  Well, it's true in real life. I doubt the other two will be polite enough to stand still while I finish them off.

I'm really waiting for the last week, we'll go outside and use moving targets and popper set targets.

[twyacht]

Sounds good Fatman, the ol' eye/hand thing stays sharp, and a "bad" day at the range is better than a good day at work.

But work buys ammo,.....

[Fatman]

Update:

Our third day was an informal match, and the instructor brought in three ringers to shoot the course. Seasoned IDPA guys that wanted to see the class shoot.  

We shot five stages and this time no leaving cover to shoot at guys in the open, which made me much happier.

First stage was two shots at each of 6 targets from a barricade, three each side. You had to run to the barricade, shoot 'outside in' as you sliced the pie, moving from the right side of the barricade to the left.

Second stage was at 10 yds, three targets, had to dump one round into each, then dump a second into each one, then a head shot on each.

Third stage was three staggered targets from behind a barricade, two shots each, while using a flashlight.

Fourth was 6 targets, two shots each and you had to reload at least once. First target was two hip shots from arm distance, then two rounds each on a target to it's left and right while moving back and right to the barricade. Then two shots into each of three targets around the right of the barricade.

Fifth stage was what he called 'El Presidente'.  You started from the surrender position facing away from three targets 6 yds apart. You had to turn, give each target one round then come back and give them a second and finally a head shot each.

I came in second and would have won if I hadn't taken an extra 5 pt deduction for missing a target completely in stage three.  Brain fart... got ahead of myself and fired the second round at that target while moving the muzzle to the next target. Coulda, woulda, shoulda.  

I had a good time overall and probably will do some more informal shoots at the club this year.  If the money loosens up a bit, I might consider joining IDPA on a local basis.

[Hazcat]

GOOD JOB Fatman!!

As a wheel gun guy I would have had to reload on every stage!

[Fatman]

GOOD JOB Fatman!!

As a wheel gun guy I would have had to reload on every stage!

Yep, but you get to shoot in the revolver category - apples to apples.