Observing a USPSA/IPSC or IDPA/Defensive match at Freeport and LIPSA

[vmtcmt]

It's commonly asked if spectators are allowed. Freeport is by far more spectator friendly for a couple of reasons. It is much more compact. The gate is unlocked and open for the duration of the match. There is ample room behind the firing line to see all the stages. It's small enough that someone who is participating in the match to be able to spend some time with you, and still know when it's their turn to shoot.

At LIPSA, the automatic gate is closed after the match starts. If you get there after that, even if you could contact someone, they would have to stop what their doing, go all the way to the gate to let you in. There are multiple pits, and they are fairly spread out. As one can imagine, it might be unnerving to some to see a stranger who is not signed up, wandering from pit to pit. It may even border being unsafe if that person wanders into the wrong place because they don't know how the range is laid out. If you come with someone who is signed up, and you stay with them during the match, it SHOULD BE no issue. You can leave at any time, as the gate going outbound has a sensor.

You do not have to be a member of either range, or any sanctioning organization to observe or shoot.

Even if you do come to observe, EYE AND EAR PROTECTION IS A MUST. NO EXCEPTIONS. EVEN IF "JUST FOR A MINUTE". I don't know how many times I've seen guys show up to watch and have "eyes and ears" on, and who I will assume is their wife and/or kid standing next to them with nothing. Please use common sense.

[Llaara]

Not more than a month after I joined freeport, I went to observe a match. I was (and still am!) a new shooter. Mike said a few words which immediately took away any hesitation or intimidating feelings I had. I was shooting the next match and have never looked back... Freeport is the place to go to learn everything you need to know about these matches. You'll never be made to feel out of place there...

[LazyLab]

Lone Observer = Lib Operative

[Vycor]

Where does Freeport post their upcoming matches?

[Dchilde]

I'll add if you have been wanting/thinking about shooting a match just do it. If you have the proper firearm for the scheduled match but are lacking some of the gear just ask, someone will without a doubt lend you a holster,mag carrier or even an extra mag.the point is the more people involved in our sport the better it is for all of us. You will be welcomed and guided as to proper procedures bring a teachable attitude

[vmtcmt]

Where does Freeport post their upcoming matches?

They don't. We make every attempt to post them here the week before. They are supposedly working on an online schedule similar to LIPSA's, but it has yet to materialize. For now, we rely on Mike H.'s email list. Once you sign up for your first match, you will be added to said list.

Rule of thumb: From March through November, the first weekend of the month (even if the first day of the month is a Sunday) is the USPSA match. The second weekend is the IDPA "style" matches. Saturdays start (go bang by) around 1330, Sundays, 0800. Matches may only be one day, or not scheduled at all if the other day of the weekend is a holiday.

[Volkosupply]

Not more than a month after I joined freeport, I went to observe a match. I was (and still am!) a new shooter. Mike said a few words which immediately took away any hesitation or intimidating feelings I had. I was shooting the next match and have never looked back... Freeport is the place to go to learn everything you need to know about these matches. You'll never be made to feel out of place there...

Truth!

I shot rifle pretty competitively growing up, and just started shooting these run and gun style pistol matches. No clue the rules, no clue the classes.

Show up, be safe, bring a good attitude, and everything will be fun and awesome.

Perfect example. I once showed up at a steel match with my compact carry .45 and not enough mags really......Sure I had the totally wrong gun for the job but no one made me feel out of place, and my squad was even loading mags for me so I could shoot the fourth run of each stage rather than just use it as my throw away.

you don't need fancy equipment. Eyes, ears, pistol, enough mags (always feel free to ask, someone may have some to borrow), and a holster. Mag holders are nice....but so are back pockets. Fancy holsters and belts are cool....I run a desantis leather holster on the belt that's holding my pants up.

Just bring a good attitude.

And as Steve said.....eyes and ears.

[Vycor]

Wow 1330 star ttimes, count me in. I don't do as many LIPSA matches because I'm NOT a morning person and that's a ride... but a 1:30pm match start is awesome. I'll have to keep an eye out for Freeport. I know they are a bit different then LIPSA, more just hit the targets and not a lot of running around but its still fun. Any type of shooting is fun

[Havfun]

Everyone helps out a first timer. I have never come across anyone that was not helpful I'm a semi beginner, one year under my belt.

[vmtcmt]

Wow 1330 star ttimes, count me in. I don't do as many LIPSA matches because I'm NOT a morning person and that's a ride... but a 1:30pm match start is awesome. I'll have to keep an eye out for Freeport. I know they are a bit different then LIPSA, more just hit the targets and not a lot of running around but its still fun. Any type of shooting is fun

Freeport usually starts 1330 on Saturdays, 0800 on Sundays. LIPSA Sunday only matches start at 0900.

[Vycor]

Well hot diggity dog, gonna hafta start heading over to Freeport for some matches