We’re back with our latest competition: PIPAS! This is an acronym for Paper Instead of Plate Action Shooting.
Recently, IPAS, or Iron Plate Action Shooting, has really taken off at airgun clubs around the country, and if you’ve done it, or even seen it, it’s easy to see why. Its fast-paced, all-action speed shooting lends itself perfectly to repeating Co2 air pistols, and success in competition is all about smooth technique, speed and control. There’s no doubt about it, it’s incredibly exciting to take part in, and I can see IPAS gathering more fans by the day.
A sport for (not quite), all
However, not everyone can get to the clubs or have the facilities to set a metal plate range up in their garden. Take me for instance; my range is only about 4 feet wide, so I can’t get the kind of ‘sweep’ or wide arc of fire, like you do in IPAS. The other factor is that the noise from shooting plates at speed is fine at a club, but in a garden it could be frowned upon as a serious nuisance by neighbours. It’s perfectly legal to shoot in your back garden, provided no pellets stray beyond your boundary, but there’s always the unwritten ‘laws’ of common courtesy to think about, and continual firing, plus the sound of pellets smacking into metal plates, really could be taking liberties with neighbourly relations. Finally, having to pay for metal plates to be made could be another problem for the back garden shooter, and all in all shooting IPAS at home could present the odd barrier.
We discussed this on the Umarex Boys Club forum, and one of our members John (Oldboy John), came up with his own version of this fantastic sport. Then, with the help of our target designer, Jim (Target Bunny), and considered input from the UBC members, PIPAS was born.
The PIPAS format
The competition format consists of an A4 target set at six yards. On the target there are four rectangles and two circles. Scoring zones in the rectangles are worth 5, 3 and 2 points and in the circle targets there are score multipliers; a large circle is worth either x1 or x 1.5, and a smaller bonus circle is worth either x1.5 or x2. One or both of the circles needs to be hit for that target to be scored.
The shooter has six shots and 12 seconds to hit the rectangles first and then shoot the circle target which is basically the stop plate. If the shooter has a pellet left and still has time, they can go for the bonus stop plate to better their chance of the score being multiplied.
There are five stages to the competition round, just as in IPAS, with the grand total added up at the end of your session.
Once you’ve added the scores up they are sent to the competition manager Paul (Paul55), via email to paul.coates5@ntlworld.com who has kindly volunteered to take on the role.
When can you do it?
The competition itself starts on the first Saturday of each month and runs to the last Saturday of every month which means there is plenty of time to fit it within our busy schedules. There are six rounds to a season where your scores get to go on a leader board. Just like all our other competitions, you get to compete against people from all over the world and to see if you improve throughout the season.
What do you get from it?
Shooting this competition is different and quite unique as it really puts the pressure on the speed shooting, but at the same time you need to be accurate to get the highest score possible. So, if you haven’t had a go at speed shooting and would like to try it in a controlled manner, then give it a go. Or, if you are a seasoned IPAS shooter and would like some home range practice, it may just improve your scores on the IPAS circuit. All details regarding rules, target, downloadable timer, scores and dates are on our competition website www.ubccompetition.btck.co.uk
I hope to see you join in the fun.
Paul, the competition manager, says …
I was most fortunate in being given control of this competition, which I love doing. The inaugural 1st round began July 2nd and we had 14 shooters.
The UBC is unique in its makeup, because it’s run by the members for the members and we all get stuck in where we can. We heartily welcome all new members and actively encourage ideas and participation in all our activities. This is fast and furious shooting at its best!
John, the competition originator, says …
PIPAS - An exercise in increasing proficiency in accurate speed shooting.
Over the course of the first few competitions this year, my speed shooting has improved. My scores for PIPAS have maybe gone up and down but my confidence in the other Police Pistol competitions has really benefited and I feel much more relaxed when shooting them, instead of panicking about a perceived lack of time to get the shots done in. I cannot use my garden because of upsetting the neighbours but other members may also be restricted i.e. live in a flat. I shoot from my living room through opened double doors into the dining room. I have a 20-foot run available which is just sufficient for the 6-yard comps. It does, of course, mean a very safe backstop (I have a boarded frame with three thicknesses of carpet over it), and the target holder itself is a wooden box stuffed with several thicknesses of leftover felt pond liner. This competition is ideal for people like us, and it’s very much a fun shoot, as well as being great for training. All I can say is, give it a try and you’ll see just how much fun you can have on a small range!
We say …
The UBC is becoming more popular every day, and deservedly so. This is a friendly, fun-loving, ingenious and pro-active group of people who will give all newcomers a warm welcome. Everyone can enjoy what the UBC shooters get up to, and they’re getting up to more fun stuff all the time. See below to join the UBC and to see for yourself why so many pistol shooters are having so much fun.
WANT TO JOIN THE UBC? All you need to do to join the UBC is to send a request to join by email to umarexboysclub@googlemail.com and we’ll do the rest - it’s free to join. Everyone at the Umarex Boys’ Club will make you welcome and you’ll soon see why it’s so popular. Go on - sign up today!