COLUMBIA CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS – May 24-29, 1976

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COLUMBIA CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL COMBAT PISTOL CONFERENCE
May 24—29, 1976
Columbia, Missouri
To: All delegates to the Columbia Conference
All persons and groups interested in the promulgation of practical pistol shooting throughout the world
From: Jeff Cooper, Chairman of the Conference
Date: July, 1976
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the Columbia Conference was to bring together people who represent the viewpoint of the practical shooter in all parts of the free world, so that some sort of organization and direction could be given to the sport of practical pistol shooting. The previously established organizations which support shooting competition have not shown interest in marksmanship which can be called practical. International target shooting, such as organized by the I.S.U. and the N.R.A., has become an uninteresting exercise for the person who wishes to use his pistol in a serviceable manner. Organized target shooting, as now recognized both in civilian and police circles throughout the world, has failed to satisfy the needs of those persons who wish to use a handgun in a serious manner. On the other hand, there are enthusiastic shooters everywhere who wish to perfect their skills with the sidearm and who wish to compete against each other with weapons which make sense to them in a manner which seems realistic. Such people cannot find satisfaction in competition as it is currently organized, and therefore, wish to form their own organization.

Practical pistol competition started In Southern California in the late 50’s, and has now spread as far as Australia, Central America, Europe, and Southern Africa. We feel that it is time that we organized ourselves into a practical competition program. This was the purpose, of the Columbia International Combat Pistol Conference.

Plans for the Columbia Conference were laid in the summer of 1975. All interested groups that we knew of were contacted and invited to attend. Membership was held to 40, for reasons of manageability. By April of 1976 – subscription was filled. We realize that not everyone came who should have, and we also realize that some came who should not. However, we did gather a strong representation from all interested parties throughout the free world and we felt justified in taking steps to begin our organization, remembering that the interested parties could vary, change, increase or decrease with the coming years. We do not assure overweening authority in this matter, and are willing to take advice from competent people. However, we did make a beginning and we hope that people who are genuinely interested in a sport will take it from here.II. PROCEDURE
Monday morning, May 24 —
The first session began at 0900, with opening remarks by the chairman.
The purposes of the conference were presented for consideration by all delegates, and an outline of the week’s activities was offered. The tentative schedule called for conference meetings in the mornings and shooting in the afternoons on the range.

While the general objectives to which the conference were to be directed were apparent to all in attendance, the chairman presented, in the opening session, the nature of the two major questions which confront practical shooting. These are: First, the problem of power factoring in practical shooting: and second, the problem of a practical holster. No existing shooting sports organization addresses itself to these problems because they are not part of the structure of conventional shooting. Practical shooting insists upon power and practical shooting also conducts all, or nearly all, of it firing strings from the holster. The practical shooter starts with his hands free of his equipment and draws when the signal is given. Problems arise when contestants seek to use weapons of inadequate power, and when contestants use holsters which are suitable only for competition and not for daily wear. It is up to the organization to determine a system for rewarding the weight of the blow struck by the contestant’s weapon, and also to establish some sort of guideline for the use of holsters which are truly practical and not simply rule-beating devices. The chairmen outlined
these two problems to the delegates and suggested that they give them their most serious thought during the forthcoming conference. No decision was called for at the moment.

A general discussion followed, in which various solutions to the power problem were discussed. The subject was then tabled for reference to a work group later in the week.

The conference next directed its attention to the definition of a practical holster. It was suggested that the characteristics of the course of fire should be such that only a practical holster would suffice. This was countered by the idea that we must not restrict ourselves to one type of contest. The suggestion was made that any complete course of fire should include at least 50 percent of its problems as fired from a concealed carry. It was further agreed that the exact design of a holster must not be frozen by regulations in order to avoid lack of progress in holster design. The great virtue of practical competition is the encouragement of innovation. If holster restrictions are too specific this will result in the absence of progress in this important field.

The issue was then raised concerning the use of cross-draw holsters. Cross-draw holsters are those worn on the side of the body away from the shooting hand and include both belt and shoulder designs. Such holsters are at present forbidden in certain circles in the U.S., Australia, and Europe, on the assumption that they are dangerous to the gallery. It has never been established that such holsters are in fact dangerous. On the contrary, it may be that a properly designed cross-draw holster is the best way to carry a pistol. We will not find out if we forbid the use of cross-draws. Because of apparent general agreement, the issue was put to a vote at this time and the conference decided, unanimously, that cross-draw holsters must be permitted in major competition. If the organizers of such competition deem such holsters to be dangerous it is up to them to provide a shooting bay, or enclosure, in which the shooter can use his weapon as he sees fit, and which the organizers hold to be proof against such accidental discharges as they think may occur.

This was the first conclusion of the conference: Cross-draws must be allowed, and may not be forbidden, in major intersectional and international competition.

This action concluded the morning session.

Monday afternoon, May 24 —

The conference convened on the range at 1300. Before commencing the exercise, each shooter using a .45 auto was issued a new Vega stainless magazine for evaluation during the program.

John Davis and Dick Culver were awarded ornamental pistol stocks from Schwelbert Combat Grips in recognition of their performance on the observation exercise. The conference then proceeded with warm-up exercises which lasted until 1600. This was to determine the relative competence of the various delegates, since many in the group were in the master category and others were less experienced. Four relays were assigned on a rough basis of performance. Equipment, stance, position, and technique were observed, and the chairmen called upon those who are new at the game, to take advantage of the opportunities offered to observe the performance of the masters who were present. Training and practice ammunition was provided by the American Pistol Institute. At the conclusion of firing exercises the conference adjourned to meet again in the evening at the Hilton Hotel.

Monday evening, May 24 —

At the opening of the evening session, the conference declared itself ready to vote on the subject of tie-downs. A tie-down is a device which binds the toe of a belt or hip pouch holster to the leg of the shooter. It is good in that it assures positive position of the holster on the draw. It is bad in that it is uncomfortable for daily wear and projects the image of ‘western movies” which the conference membership was anxious to avoid. It was pointed out that at least two service issue holsters in the world use utilize the tie-down. These are the U.S. issue holster of World Wars I and II and the new duty holster of the German border patrol.

The decision of the conference was unanimous. Tie-downs shall be disallowed for serious major competition unless the holster is a government issue design in current use. This was amended to state that a tie-down on a custom holster will be allowed provided it cannot be seen by spectators. In other words, tie-downs which work on the belt or on the inside of the wearer’s clothing will be permitted. This artificiality was passed in view of the fact that we are indeed concerned with the image that practical shooting may project to spectators.

The conference then directed itself to the current state of practical pistolcraft. The need for armed defense of the individual is increasing, rather than decreasing, throughout the world. Practical shooters may offer a very valuable aid to the public in perfecting systems useful to police, military, and private citizens in the defense of their lives and property. Various members pointed out that we can do society an important service by developing proper systems for personal defense.

This discussion was followed by the agreement that the sporting aspect of practical shooting must be heavily emphasized. In many parts of the world any suggestion that a sidearm is to be used as a weapon causes resistance, whereas international sporting competition is more readily accepted.

These two views were synthesized in the position that practical pistol craft can be both things at once, simultaneously a means of saving lives in an increasingly turbulent world; and an exciting, demanding, exhilarating, and ornamental sport.

The issue was raised as to whether or not we should seek affiliation with the N.R.A. The majority view as that the N.R.A. would not accept us because we are too different, too new, and too radical for a conservative organization to countenance. The standard argument of existing shooting establishments is that practical pistol shooting is dangerous. This is simply not the case, but it is universally argued, not on the basis of accidents which have happened, but on the basis of accidents which might happen. We who have engaged in practical pistol competition for over twenty years are aware that our safety record is, if anything, better than that of conventional shooters. But when they say that we are unsafe, it is difficult to argue, because safety is a sacred cow and must not be approached in any unconventional manner. The conference agreed that safety is everyone’s concern and that our practices are as safe as they can be made. However, for the immediate future we must go our own way and not involve ourselves in arguments with the conventional shooting establishment.

The next issue under discussion was the need to maintain the principles of practicality in all shooting programs. If practical shooting is not truly practical it has no advantage over conventional shooting. The virtue of practical shooting is that it is practical, and we must make sure in our rules and regulations that it stays that way. The goals of practical pistolcraft are ACCURACY, POWER, and SPEED, as opposed to the goals of conventional target shooting, which emphasize accuracy only. We must keep our competition realistic, we must keep it diverse, and we must not let it become so overly standardized that it will lose its claim to reality. Within these limits our activity should be as relaxed and varied as possible.

It was agreed that the bylaws of the new organization should lay these matters down clearly so they may be understood by all. On that note, the evening session was adjourned.

Tuesday morning, May 25 –
The meeting was opened at 0900 by the chairman, who was awarded a set of ornamental pewter pistol stocks from Terry Hudson, of Crown City Arms.

The opening activity was a presentation, by Jim Cirilo of New York, on the subject of psychological reaction to stress. Mr. Cirilo is better qualified than most in discussing this problem because of his wide experience in police work.

The morning session was devoted to organization into work groups to study the rules to be prepared.

The work groups were constituted as follows:
1. TITLE – Danks, Swaelens, Knox, Wong.
2. PREAMBLE – Cooper, Cirillo, Brown
3. BY-LAWS – Barry Miller, Sparks.
4. POWER – Gore, Garth, Westerhout
5. HOLSTERS – Harries, Nelson, Lockhart.
6. GEOGRAPHICAL ORGANIZATION – Green, Rector.
7. SCHEDULES & PROGRAMS – Thomas, Hackathorn, Kay.
8. RULES – Wheeler, Culver, Armontrout
9. SAFETY – Havlicek, Heinrich, Sapp.
10. PUBLIC RELATIONS – McClary, Rick Miller, Johnson.
11. TARGET – Hinton. Chapman, Davis.

The work groups were assigned to meet on the evening of Tuesday, May 25, and work until they had reached a solution to present to the convention on the following day. The target and power groups decided to work together in view of the need to come up with a proper factoring solution involving both considerations at the same time. This concluded the morning session.

Tuesday afternoon, May 25 –

The conference met at the range and conducted a timed version of the F.B.I. duel for score. The first five finishers were: Nelson, Walters, Hackathorn, Harris, and Westerhout in that order.

Tuesday evening, May 25 –

The evening session was devoted to assigned work group projects.

Wednesday morning, May 26 –

The conference opened with a presentation by Major Dick Culver, U.S.M.C., on stress reaction under combat conditions. Major Culver called upon his extensive experience in Viet Nam for this subject.

Bruce Nelson was awarded three stainless Vega magazines for his performance on the preceding day. Gerry Gore, Mark Sepp end Kei Kunimoto were presented with holsters from Wilt Sparks in recognition for their performance on the preceding day.

The work groups then presented their conclusions.

The title recommendation was tabled.

The preamble was accepted as follows: “We, the organizers of the sport of practical shooting throughout the free world, in order to promote the sport we practice, regulate its conduct, and further the safe and efficient use of firearms, do ordain and establish the following directives for the (title to come).”

The preamble was accepted as follows: “We, The organizers of the sport of practical shooting throughout the free world, in order to promote the sport we practice, regulate its conduct, and further the safe and efficient use of firearms, do ordain and establish the following directives for the (title to come).”

The bylaws group submitted the following presentation: The following are intended for use as general guide and principle. They are not binding in all instances but should be adhered to unless there is a specific instance where they are to be abandoned.

BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR COMBAT (PRACTICAL PISTOL) COURSE DESIGN

1. Safety must not be prejudiced.
2. Scoring must encourage use of the big bore combat pistol, through calibre bonus.
3. All courses should be either score divided by time, or have a time limit.
4. A 10” group within the vee in 4 seconds is preferable to a 2” group in the vee in 6 seconds.
5. No restriction must be put on loading of the weapon, except that:
6. Extension magazines are allowed on the reload only.
7. Enforced reloads are permissible but bear in mind that the reason behind this is to provide practice of forced reloading under stress, and not to restrict firepower.
8. Impractical situations such as enforced firing until weapon is empty, etc., must be avoided.
9. No contest must be restricted to any one type of handguns, all must compete together with no special time advantage toward any type.
10. Courses so set out as to favor any one type, e.g., Hipower, revolver, etc., must be avoided.
11. No restriction must be put on shooting stance, position, or technique. However, situations simulating shooting through windows, beneath or around obstacles, from cars, etc., are permissible provided they are practical.
12. Concealed or partially concealed targets simulating assailants firing from cover are permissible, however, if contestant’s fire penetrates cover and hits target, such hits may be scored.
13. Hostages, where used, should be quickly identifiable.
14. If left (weak) hand only is stipulated this must apply for the remainder of the course, i.e., right hand assumed to be totally incapacitated, the only circumstance under which left hand only would apply.
15. Standard silhouettes should be used, or targets with similar configuration.
16. Holstering during movement should be encouraged.
17. A target should not be re-engaged, and multiple hits on any one target should be avoided, to encourage good technique and enhance practicality.
18. Try to devise practical courses which will give contestants the benefit of practice upon realistic situations.
19. Present the shooter with a problem and let him approach it with his own normal equipment.
20. Remember that we are trying to promote speed, power, and accuracy. To quote Cooper – “Speed without accuracy is useless, as is accuracy without speed, and both together may not suffice without power.”
The power committee submitted the following notes:
POWER RATING
The object of P.R. is to persuade a shooter to practice with full use or manageable loads in his defense weapon. To gain points his reloads must equal factory results (using Cooper’s short form) in a barrel of similar length to his own. The exceptions are the “44 & 41” mags, which are excellent hunting cartridges, but which for defense are more efficient toned down, sacrificing perhaps 3 percent stopping probability. Bullet design and material pose an imponderable factor, of which no account is taken, although a semi-wad cutter design of medium heavy weight is recommended both for scoring and stopping.

COOPER SHORT FORM PR = W x HV x A

When: H = Bullet Wt in Grs to nearest 5 grs
HV = Muzzle velocity to nearest 10 fps (3 shot average)
A = Factor for cross sectional area

Cross sectional factors

Calibre	Sq. Ins.	Factor
9mm/.357	.102	1.0
.41	.132	1.3
.44	.143	1.4
.45	.163	1.6

EXAMPLES

9MMP = 125 x 1100 x I drop (zeros) PR = 13.5
.38SPL = 160 x 900 x 1 14.4
.38SPR = 130 x 1300 x 1 16.9
.357 MAG = 160 x 1300 x 1 20.8
.41 MAG = 210 x 1050 x 1.3 28.67
.41 MAG = 210 x 1500 x 1.3 40.96
.44 SPL = 245 x 755 x 1.4 25.9
.44 MAG = 240 x 1500 x 1.4 50.4
.45 ACP = 230 x 850 x 1.6 31.28
.45 Colt = 255 x 860 x 1.6 35.09

SCORING: A modified African count. A “V” with all calibres scores 10 points.
Thereafter a hit with:
PR 31 = 9 points
25-30 = 8 points
20-24 = 7 points
16-19 = 6 points
13-15 = 5 points
These have been calculated by comparing Cooper’s short form, with proven % of stopping probability.

TESTING PROCEDURES At the beginning of a contest, the organizers may decide to chronograph 3 rounds of each contestant’s ammunition – the averaged result rounded off to whole number as P.R. shall be effective, for the whole contest. One P.R. notch below the minimum shall be condoned (this would stop moaning about meteorological conditions, etc.).

LOADING VARIABLES

1) .45 ACP 230 x 850 x 1.6 = 31.28 standard
2) 220 x 850 x 1.6 = 29.92 rounded to 30 — OK
3) 230 x 815 x 1.6 = 29.99 rounded to 30 — OK
4) 220 x 830 x 1.6 = 29.23 rounded to 29 — failed

All .38Spls could be safely loaded to gain points for PR15
I.e., 160 x 950 x 1 = 15.20 score 6 points

Similarly a .44” special would have no problem reaching PR30.

9mm needs 120 x 1210 x 1 = 14.52 rounded to PR15

To summarize, .38 SPL. and 9mm have been penalized one point (1/2 point old system) which they can regain by reloading.

The .357 Mag loses 1 point (1/2 point on old system) which it never really deserved.

The big bores gain 1 point (1/2 point old system).

The accepted % stopping probability scale is satisfied and Copper Short Form makes certain that points are earned.

In the discussion following the power presentation, the full conference discussed the matter of using a ballistic pendulum rather than a chronograph to determine power rating. It was agreed that there should be two power categories— major and minor. A cartridge of major caliber will be one which moves the ballistic pendulum as much or more than a standard 45 service round. A minor caliber is one which will move the ballistic pendulum as much as a standard service load for the 9mm Parabellum cartridge. A cartridge which is incapable of moving the ballistic pendulum as much or more than a 9mm shall not be considered suitable for serious competition. The characteristics of the ballistic pendulum were referred back to the work group for completion. A pendulum similar to the one used experimentally on the range shall be considered appropriate for organizations holding major competition. While all ballistic pendula should be approximately the same, they need not be identical, since for purposes of recording all that matters is the relative movement of any pendulum on a given range on a given day.

It was decided that all organizations desiring to hold intersectional or interregional competition should proceed to prepare ballistic pendula for use on their ranges.

The target committee, working in conjunction with the power committee, submitted two suggested targets. After a general discussion it was decided to modify the suggestions slightly and to adopt
them both as official since the vote between the linear and the circular targets was too close to be decisive. The targets as decided upon are illustrated.

(See attached target illustrations.)

The graduations on these targets are by letter. The organizers of a given competition may use these graduations on a 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 basis or on a 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 basis, at their option.

All regions were urged to investigate immediately the production of official I.P.S.C. targets within their own regions, as it is not practical to manufacture them in one country and ship them to another. In the interim, regular league targets may be modified to serve the purpose of I.P.S.C. competition.

The holster committee submitted the suggestion that holsters should be required to pass activity tests at the site of the contest. Essentially holsters should be capable of retaining the pistol against a moderately severe physical activity without manual restraint. It was agreed that any retaining or securing device which is present on the holster must be evaluated when the holster is submitted to a test. If the holster can retain the weapon without using the securing device, the holster may be used in that mode throughout the match. If, on the other hand, a securing device must be used in order to retain the holster against the test, that securing device must be in place and locked each time the weapon is drawn.

The tests include a 360° backward roll on the ground, a standing jump over a 16” barrier, and a 180° spring jump.

The conference adjourned at this point.

Wednesday afternoon, May 26 —

The conference met on the range and held firing sessions both on the El Presidente and on the Duel-a-Tron electric target system, demonstrated by the DueI-a-Tron Company. “El Presidente” is a standard firing test involving three targets at 10 meters, reloading and pivoting. The Duel-a-Tron mechanism is a device which presents five graphic targets representing either dangerous or non-dangerous situations, which can be flipped at will presenting either side to the shooter. The purpose is to test his reaction against a simulated combat situation.

Wednesday evening, May 26 —

On Wednesday evening a night shoot was conducted, for score, involving shooting at 7 and at 10 meters under conditions of no illumination. The top five places were: Hackathorn, Westerhout,
Gerth, Nelson, and Lerch, in that order.

The conference met at 0900. The first presentation was that of Barry Miller who described his psychological reaction to physical confrontation, which involved the defense of his life and property.

Rick Miller was awarded a Yaqui Slide from Milt Sparks as the most improved shooter of the meeting.

The geographical organization group presented the following structure:

COLUMBIA CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS -9-

The world is to be divided into regions, and these regions will be further subdivided into sections. The present divisions reflect actual competing clubs and associations and may be altered or changed as the activity grows.

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Temporary Headquarters: Gunsite, Arizona – P.O. Box 401, Paulden, AZ 86334
Temporary Secretary: Capt. B. V. Estes, Hurst Police Dept. Bow 247, Hurst, TX 76053

REGION	SECTION	SECTIONAL DIRECTOR UNITED STATES
American Pistol Institute P.O. Box 401 Paulden, AZ 86334	NORTHEAST	Jim CiriIlo, 969 E. 83rd St. Brooklyn, NY 11236
	SOUTHEAST	Larry Rector, 860 Grace Plaza, Asheville, NC 28804
	MIDWEST	Dick Thomas, 609 E. Broadway, Columbia, 143 65201
	TEXAS	Bert Estes, Hurst Police Dept. P.0. Box 241, Hurst, TX 76053
	ROCKY MOUNTAIN	Dan Predovich, 7383 S. Vance St.. Littleton. CO 80123
	SO. CALIFORNIA (and ARIZONA)	Mike Harries, WMM Enterprises, 6535 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. CA 90048
	NO. CALIFORNIA (and NORTHWEST)	Keith Hamilton, P.O. Box 506, Gridley. CA 95948
AFRICA David Westerhout P.O. Box 360 Salisbury, Rhodesia	RHODESIA	David Westerhout, P.O. Box 360, Salisbury, Rhodesia
	REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA NATAL	Barry Miller, Shop 22, John Ross House, Durban 4001, R.S.A.
	TRANSVAAL	Gerry Gore, P.O. Box 27128 Sunnyside, Pretoria 0132
	THE CAPE	(open)
	SO. WEST AFRICA	(open)
AUSTRALASIA:
Graham J. Green 5/36 Queen St. Wellington 1, New Zealand	NEW ZEALAND	Graham J. Green, 5/36 Queen St., Wellington 1, New Zealand
	AUSTRALIA	(open)
	WESTERN AUSTRALIA	(open)
	NEW QUINEA	(open)
	HONG KONG	(open)
	MALAYSIA	(open)
CENTRAL EUROPE:
Dr. Albert Pauckner Am Schafbruennie 7. 8800 Ansbach, Germany	GERMANY	Dr. Albert Pauckner, Am Schafbruennie 7, 8800 Ansbach, Germany
	SWITZERLAND	(open)
	AUSTRIA	(open)
NORTHWEST EUROPE:
Roger Swaeiens 17 Rue Royale Brussels 1000, Belgium	BELGIUM	Roger Swaeiens, 17 Rue Royale, Brussels 1000, Belgium
	HOLLAND	(open)
	LUXEMBOURG	(open)
	FRANCE	(open)
	UNITED KINGDOM	Nigel Hinton, 106 Borstal Rd., Rochester, Kent, England
SCANDANAVIA:
(open)	NORWAY	(open)
	SWEDEN	(open)
	DENMARK	(open)
	FINLAND	(open)
CENTRAL AMERICA
Archie Baldocchi Edficio Rivas Cierra Calle Arce 707 San Salvador, El Salvador	EL SALVADOR	Archie Baldocchi Edficio Rivas Cierra Calle Arce 707 San Salvador, El Salvador
	NICARAGUA	(open)
	QUATEMALA	(open)
	MEXICO	(open)

This geographical structure was accepted by the convention with the understanding that it was to be temporary. Acting regional and sectional directors will return from the conference to their respective areas and do their best to promote the organization where they intend to shoot. Changes may be affected by communicating with the president of the international organization.

The group working on schedules and programs submitted that the international world title should be granted every three years. Sectionals should be held every year and regionals every second year. The course of fire for sectionals and regionals shall be prescribed by the president of the international organization and shall serve to qualify teams from sections and regions. The course of fire for the international world title shall be designed by the host organization with the approval of the president of the international organization. After each series, courses of fire shall be changed in basic format. The principle of diversity must be respected, and because of this both qualification and world title matches will be distinctly different each time they are held.

The rules group submitted as its proposition that the rules as now written COOPER ON HANDGUNS should be followed closely. Because of the time necessary for the preparation of a complete set of rules, it was decided to submit this problem to the president of the international organization with the understanding that an amplified and completed set will be prepared as soon as possible and submitted to the various sectional and regional chiefs for approval sometime in 1977.

The safety group submitted the following presentation:

SAFETY RULES

I. Pistols will not be loaded except as directed by the contest officials. “Loaded” indicates a weapon with a cartridge in cylinder or chamber or with a loaded magazine In place.

2. During the contest, shooters will not handle their pistols except in designated areas. The normal condition of pistols not actually engaged in competition is holstered and unloaded.

3. Any weapon found to be unsafe shall be removed from the firing line upon orders of the match director. The contestant may continue with another weapon of the same type end caliber, if same can be obtained by the contestant without unduly delaying the match.

4. A premature shot either from within the holster or into the ground closer than 2 meters from the contestant shall disqualify the contestant. Also, dropping a pistol at any time during a match will disqualify the contestant.

5. During loading and unloading, or during any remedial action in the event of a malfunction, the muzzle of the weapon will always be pointed down range.

6. Upon completion of the course or as so directed by the contest officials as conditions merit, no shooter may leave his position until his weapon has been unloaded and inspected by a safety officer.

7. In the event a pistol cannot be unloaded due to a broken or fouled mechanism, the shooter will notify the contest director who will then take such action as he deems best and safest. In no case will the shooter leave the firing line with a loaded weapon in his possession.

6. On courses requiring the entrant to run, pistols must be safe during movement, i.e., hammer down for single action revolvers and double action pistols. On single action autos, the hammer will be cocked and the manual thumb safety “On.” Fingers must be outside the trigger guard. The pistol shall be pointed downrange at all times. Pointing a pistol other than downrange shall be grounds for disqualification.

9. The ready conditions of pistols used in competition shall be: (a) Single Action Revolvers – hammer fully down on an empty chamber or on safety notch. (New model Ruger may be fully loaded). (b) Double Action Revolvers – hammer fully down, no half cocks. (c) Auto Pistols – hammer fully down or fully cocked and with the thumb safety on safe, never on half cock. Double action autos may not be carried fully cocked on “ready” since their safety mechanism drops the hammer when actuated.

I0. Consumption of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs by contestants or spectators will not be allowed at the site of the match. No contestant will be allowed to compete in the match if under the influence of either alcohol or drugs.

11. We do not recognize shoulder holsters and/or cross draw holsters as unsafe, therefore their use shall not be prohibited on grounds of safety. Should the host organization question the safe use of these holsters, it is its responsibility to provide facilities and/or control as they feel necessary for the safe use of such holsters.

The public relations group presented its views on the subject of fees, instruction conducted by members of the organization, the preparation of organization history, the preparation of a newsletter, the preparation of emblems, etc. Rick Miller was appointed temporary historian and charged with the preparation of immediate news releases. The design of an emblem was tabled and the results of ideas on the part of the membership will be presented in the bulletin shortly.

The title for the world organization was then discussed by the general membership. The title decided upon was THE INTERNATIONAL PRACTICAL SHOOTING CONFEDRATION.

The conference then adjourned, and it was decided that because of general wear and tear upon the membership that Thursday afternoon should be free.

Thursday evening, May 27 –

A barbecue was held at Dick Thomas’ residence where all members participated in the Mason Williams’ Quiet Target Competition. This is a version of liars’ poker conducted with an empty target pistol. Three fine knives donated by A. G. Russell were awarded to Bill Johnson for high score, David Westerhout for low score, and Jeff Cooper for median score.

Friday morning, May 26 –

The conference convened at 0900 and the meeting opened with a presentation on the shooter’s eyes by David Westerhout, who is a professional optometrist.

The title was confirmed, as was the target design.

Jeff Cooper was elected temporary president of the International Practical Shooting Confederation.

It was decided that the confederation will operate temporarily without a formal budget, using such monies as are necessary from the account of the American Pistol Institute. The confederation is a loose organization and will depend upon the skill and competence of sections and regions to organize, promote, control, and finance activities in the respective geographical areas. At this time the confederation will not provide money, therefore it will not charge. If in the future it becomes necessary to tighten the organization, such matters will be taken up by the officers involved, in conference. For the present, the principle activity of the confederation will be conducting sectional and regional competitions, each section to hold a qualifying competition sometime in the closing months of 1976. Each region will hold a qualifying competition in the spring of 1977. A world title tournament, to be conducted for the first time under the auspices of the International Practical Shooting Confederation, will be held in the fall of 1977.

Temporary officers will hold office until the first international competition, at which time regular officers will be elected. No officer shall succeed himself, nor may the presidency of the international confederation be held successively by officers from the same region. Captain B. W. Estes of the Hurst, Texas, Police Department was appointed temporary secretary for the world body.

After confirming the temporary officers in their positions, the conference adjourned.

Friday afternoon, May 28 —

On the range, El Presidente was fired for score. The first five places were Hackathorn, Chapman, Thomas, Nelson, and Heinrich, in that order.

Friday evening, May 28 —

The conference convened at the Hilton Hotel and the following awards were prevented to: Ray Chapman, Ken Hackathorn and Donald Lockhart, holsters by Milt Sparks; an A. G. Russell knife to Karl Heinrich; Second Change armored vests to Bill Garth and Harve Danks.

Following the awards, the film prepared by Second Chance Body Armor was shown to the membership, after which the delegates decided that additional rule making, administration, and general operations will be the function of Jeff Cooper as temporary president until further notice. After this agreement, the meeting adjourned.

Saturday morning, May 29 —

The conference met on the range and fired El Presidente for score in order to determine positions for the shoot-off in the afternoon. Top qualifying scores were: Hackathorn, Chapman, Swaeiens, Nelson and Wheeler, in that order.

The four scored contests were then evaluated by dropping each performer’s worst score. The results of the numerical tally are as follows:

Hackathorn, Ken 300

Nelson, Bruce 285.3
Larch. Ron 265.5
Chapman, Ray 262.6
Westerhout, David 251.9
Gore, Gerry 248.1
Harrles, Mike 246.4
Thomas, Dick 235.9
Miller, Rick 234.3
Swaeiens, Roger 228.3
Degei, Otto 221.0
************************************
Sharp, Lewis 211.9
Kay, J. W. 211.4
Wong, Herbert 211.9
Heinrich, Karl 208.5
Davis, John 201.0
Armontrout, Carl 206.4

All other members fired scores of less than 200. A score higher than 220 indicates a performance in the expert category.

Saturday afternoon, May 29 —

A man-against-man contest was devised for the occasion. It consisted of a sprint to a pylon followed by two shots at five meters, two shots at 12 meters, a reload and one shot to stop the clock at 10 meters. The first 8 scored shooters were matched against each other on a J-Ladder.

The contest proved to be most exhilarating, both for the contestants and the spectators, and was won by Ron Lerch, who never dropped a hit out of the X-ring throughout the entire struggle. In second place was Bruce Nelson, third was Mike Harries, and fourth was Ken Hackathorn.

ThIs concluded the shooting activities for the conference.

Saturday evening, May 29 —

The last meeting of the affair was a dinner held at the Hilton Inn. At the banquet a complete set of photos taken of the event was displayed and made available for order by the members.

As overall winner of the shooting activity, Ron Larch was presented with a large, sliver cup from Bianchi Leather Products.

As second place winner and first police officer, Bruce Nelson was awarded an AR-15 rifle from Colt Firearms.

In third place, Mike Harries was presented with a Security-Six 357 revolver from Ruger.

Mike Harries and Ken Hackathorn received $50 product certificates from Bianchi Leather.

Ken Hackathorn was awarded $500 for top overall score.

Bruce Nelson, Mike Harries, Ken Hackathorn, Ray Chapman, David Westerhout, Garry Gore and Dick Thomas were all awarded trophies, presented by the host organization.

As a final touch, the chairman and new president of the confederation was presented a new Essex frame, with the serial number stamped as J-E-F-F, and a national match slide and barrel from .J. W. Kay. Graham Green presented the new president with two regimental plaques from the New Zealand Army, and Gerry Gore presented a set of wild olive wood stocks to Jeff Cooper to be used on the new pistol.

Conclusion —

The Columbia international Combat Pistol Conference stands as a landmark in the development of organized competition with the sidearm. We did not accomplish everything that we set out to do, and we did not do everything right, but we made a strong start. If each of us now does his best to insure the success of the world organization so that it may become a truly operative body, he can say that he has done something useful and unique in the history of both shooting and shooting sports.

Probably the most outstanding feature of the Columbia Conference was the expression of universal good will and brotherhood amongst competitors that was demonstrated by people from such diverse backgrounds as Japan and Great Britain.

It is now the function of all members of the conference to promote the success of the International Practical Shooting Confederation. By doing so we can eventually construct an international sporting activity which will both respond to the needs of sportsmen and further the knowledge and understanding of practical pistolcraft.

As the temporary president of the confederation I thank you all for your cooperation and participation in this enterprise. I call upon each of you to do his best to carry into completion the excellent plans that we made together at this time. I solemnly promise to do my very best to administer the organization in its infant stages, and I hope to be able to pass on to my successor an organization of which he, I, and you can all be proud.

THE INTERNATIONAL OPTION TARGET

I.P.S.C