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Eastex Tactical IDPA awards trophies every 6 months. The winter-spring session is tracked from January to June and the summer-fall session is tracked from July to December. Weekly performance is tracked based on IDPA Divisions and Classifications. However, since IDPA does not provide any method for “cumulative” scoring, trophies are awarded based on 3 levels - A, B & C. Shooters are grouped by thirds, with A being the top third shooters, B being the middle third and C being the lowest third.

Awarding Points:
Shooters will be divided into thirds based on final results each week. The top third will be group A, middle third will be group B, and the bottom third will be group C. If the number of shooters is not divisible by 3, the 1st “extra” shooter will be in Group A. If there are 2 extra, the 2nd would be in Group B. Trophy points will be awarded as follows:

The top shooter in A group will get 3 A points, 2nd will get 2 A points, all others in A get 1 point.

The top shooter in B group will get 3 B points, 2nd will get 2 B points, all others in B get 1 point.

The top shooter in C group will get 3 C points, 2nd will get 2 C points, all others in C get 1 point.

Points are tracked in each group and trophies would be awarded semi-annually for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies for A, B and C groups. Weekly results will still be published based on IDPA class/division for each individual match as per IDPA guidelines, but trophy points will be accumulated by group regardless of class/division.

Comments & Restrictions:

• To be eligible to accumulate trophy points on a particular night, a shooter must be an Eastex Tactical IDPA member
• Shooters who receive a DNF (Did Not Finish) for a night will not receive any trophy points.
• Shooters may accumulate points in 1, 2 or even 3 groups over the course of the trophy period. However, each shooter is eligible for only one trophy per period. In the event a shooter is eligible for multiple trophies, it will be their option to choose which trophy they will receive.
• In the event of a tie, the shooter with the highest number of top finishes will receive the high placing. If both have the same number of attendance & competition points, both will get the same place trophy.

Here’s an example for 14 shooters:
1st Place Shooter - 3 A points
2nd Place Shooter - 2 A points
3rd Place Shooter - 1 A point
4th Place Shooter - 1 A point
5th Place Shooter - 1 A point

6th Place Shooter - 3 B points
7th Place Shooter - 2 B points
8th Place Shooter - 1 B point
9th Place Shooter - 1 B point
10th Place Shooter - 1 B point

11th Place Shooter - 3 C points
12th Place Shooter - 2 C points
13th Place Shooter - 1 C point
14th Place Shooter - 1 C point

In this example, if there were 15 shooters instead of 14, then the A, B & C groups would all have 5 people.

Tuesday shooting sessions provide a more open, flexible format for shooting. This is a great opportunity for some informal practice and training. IDPA rules and guidelines for equipment and scoring are not strictly enforced. Of course, all safety rules still apply!

Some differences on Open Shooting nights include:

Holsters:

• All safety-related restrictions still apply. However, other IDPA restrictions do not apply.
• Retention devices need not be used if equipped.

Concealment:

• Wearing a concealment garment is not required.

Course Design:

• Emphasis is on “real-life” tactical scenarios, but IDPA Course Design Rules & Rationale are not strictly adhered to.

Scoring:

• Scenarios are scored, however the scores are intended more to help individuals track their progress against their own scores and those of others. No awards or trophies will be awarded.
• Penalties may still be assessed for tactical errors, but again IDPA rules are not strictly enforced.

Cost:

• Cost is $10 per night and there are no club memberships.

In order to keep everything moving to ensure we can get in as much shooting as possible, we have a few requests:

• Be on time. Please be at the range ready to go by 6:15 at the latest.
• Be in the range for the initial course description/walkthrough for each scenario to avoid the delays with Safety Officers repeating course descriptions multiple times.
• Help with target taping.
• Help set up scenarios.
• Be in the range and ready to go when it’s your turn. Make sure your magazines are charged.
• Help breakdown, sweep brass, and clean up after the last scenario of the night.
• Most importantly, be safe, be ready to learn and have a great time!

Courses of Fire:

• All courses will be designed according to IDPA Course Design Rules & Rationale.

Vickers Count:

• Unlimited number of shots per target.
• Total time to complete the string of fire plus 0.5 seconds for each point down on the targets.
• Usually the best two or three shots are scored for each target.

Limited Vickers Count:

• Limited number of shots per target.
• Total time to complete the string of fire plus 0.5 seconds for each point down on the targets.

Par Time:

• A preset maximum time limit for each string of fire.
• Total time to complete the string of fire plus 0.5 seconds for each point down on the targets.
• An additional 5 point penalty is added for each shot over Par Time.

Official IDPA Target

Each point down adds .5 seconds to the stage score.

Penalties:

• Procedural: add 3 points on Par Time. Add 3 seconds on Vickers or Limited Vickers stages. A few examples include:
  • Improper use of cover
  • Engaging targets out of tactical sequence
  • Firing extra shots on a Limited Vickers count stage
  • Shooting from stationary position when shooting while moving is specified
• Hit(s) on Non-Threat (No-Shoot) target: add single 5 second penalty per non-threat
• Failure to Neutralize: add 5 second penalty (less than 4 points on target)
• Failure to do Right: add 20 seconds. A few examples include:
  • Shooting the wall of the range.
  • Intentionally circumventing the “spirit” of a stage.
  • “Dumping” rounds to gain competitive advantage on a reload.

Holsters:

• We use IDPA guidelines to determine the acceptability of your weapon and equipment. Most normal “carry” holsters or duty rigs are acceptable.
• Holster must be muzzle down, behind the centerline of your body on the strong side.
• No cross-draw, shoulder, behind the back, middle of the back, ankle, pocket or fanny pack holsters are allowed.
• Retention devices may be removed if the holster allows, but any retention devices still attached must be used.

Magazines/Speed loaders:

• A minimum of 3 magazines, speed loaders, or moon clips are recommended.
• Spare magazines shall be carried behind the centerline of your body.
• Speed loaders/moon clips may be carried in front of the centerline of your body.

Ammunition:

• Expect to shoot about 100 rounds per night.
• Reloads are fine, but no ammo with exposed lead.
• Factory target ammunition is also available at the range.

Concealment:

• Unless otherwise specified for a particular scenario or night, some type of concealment garment is required. This could include, but is not limited to, a shooting/photography vest, a jacket, or an oversized shirt.
• First time shooters may be excused from using concealment. However, other then this exception, every shooter must utilize concealment while shooting unless the scenario states concealment is not required.

“Range is going hot”: The Safety Officer is giving a warning to all other match participants that he is ready to start the scenario, and that all participants should return behind the line of fire if they are not already there. The shooter should not manipulate their firearm at this time.

“Load and make ready”: The shooter should face downrange and load their firearm, then return the loaded firearm to their holster. They should be sure to have a “topped off” magazine to start the scenario.

“Shooter ready?”: This is the shooter’s last chance to ask any questions about the scenario! If not, they should indicate to the Safety Officer that they are ready to shoot the scenario.

“Stand by”: The shooter should be ready to begin the scenario when the buzzer sounds.

*BUZZER*: An electronic sound signaling the start of the scenario. The shooter should draw their firearm from the holster and begin the scenario. In scenarios requiring “turning and drawing”, the shooter must turn toward their strong (i.e. holster) side.

“Unload and show clear”: At the conclusion of the scenario the shooter should remove the magazine, clear the round from the chamber and lock the slide open. The Safety Officer will inspect the weapon to insure that it is safe. The shooter should then release the slide, point the firearm downrange and dry fire.

“Range is safe”: This is a signal to the other Range Officer that it is safe to go forward of the shooting line to score the targets and for the tapers to tape after scoring is complete.

Additional SO Commands

“Stop”: You must immediately stop any activity, keep your weapon pointed downrange and wait for additional instructions. The Safety Officer has determined that it is necessary to discontinue the scenario. Something has occurred which may be unknown to you, a target is down, or some unsafe condition exists.

“Finger”: You are moving with your finger inside the trigger guard. Immediately move your finger outside the trigger guard. If you do not comply, you will receive a procedural penalty and possibly be disqualified from the remainder of the match.

“Cover”: You have exposed more than 50% of your “A” zone, or you need to move to cover to reload. If you do not comply, you will receive a procedural penalty. As a general rule, when utilizing cover, your feet and legs should always be behind the source of cover.

• Safety is the primary concern and everyone is expected to practice safe gun handling.
• Violation of safety rules may result in disqualification from the match.
• All new shooters must attend a safety briefing prior to their first match regardless of experience level.
• We run a “cold” range. No ammunition may be loaded into your gun until instructed to do so by the Safety Officer on the firing line.
• Keep the muzzle of your handgun pointed downrange at all times. The muzzle must never be pointed in an unsafe direction.
• If the scenario requires that you start with your back to the target, you must turn to your strong side.
• Care should be taken that you do not draw your weapon until completely turned to the target.
• Keep your finger outside the trigger guard unless your sights are on the target and you’re ready to shoot.
• Only the Safety Officer and shooter are allowed forward of the described safety line during a scenario.
• Absolutely NO handling of firearms is allowed except.
  • On the firing line when instructed to do so by the Safety Officer.
  • In designated shooting lanes on the other side of the range - if there are lanes open.
  • Outside of the range in the “Safe Area”.
• If you experience an equipment problem while shooting, stop, keep the muzzle pointed downrange and advise the Safety Officer who will assist you.

If you have ANY questions about safety or rules, please ask one of the Safety Officers.

Eastex Tactical IDPA shoots at 59 Gun Range, at 11325 Eastex Freeway in Houston, Texas.

(click for interactive map)

59 Gun Range carries a full line of firearms, holsters, ammunition, and other shooting related accessories. The range is open to the public 7 days a week from 9AM to 9PM. Lanes are open for public shooting anytime, including during matches or other shooting events.

For questions related to the store or public shooting and not specifically related to IDPA, call (281) 449-6063 or send an email to 59 Gun Range.

Eastex Tactical IDPA is an IDPA-affiliated defensive shooting club that meets at 59 Gun Range in Houston, Texas. Everyone is welcome provided they put safety first and respect the range and club rules.

IDPA matches are held each Monday at 6:30pm. Scores are accumulated by division/classification and trophies are awarded periodically. IDPA Classifiers are held several times a year when there is enough demand. Cost for matches and classifiers is $12. Cost for law enforcement officers is $10.

59 Gun Range also holds non-IDPA “Open” matches each Tuesday at 6:30pm. These sessions are normally more informal and do not strictly follow any particular shooting organizations rules and guidelines. Cost for open matches is $10. For more info, go to the Open Shooting page.

Course scenarios are designed to simulate potentially life-threatening encounters or test skills that would be required to survive such an encounter. Scenarios involve tactics such as:

• Shooting on the move
• Multiple target engagement
• Target re-engagement
• Shooting from behind cover
• Shooting moving and disappearing targets
• Tactical and emergency magazine changes
• Engaging with multiple hits per target
• Strong hand only/weak hand only shooting
• Scenarios with non-threat targets

This is an excellent way to practice tactical shooting skills, learn from and with others, and have fun with a great group of people with the same goals. New and novice shooters are welcome! We regularly have shooters from all skill levels from beginning shooters to national champions. Texas CHL holders and law enforcement officers are especially encouraged to attend.