2013 Buckeye Blast registration to open at 8 a.m. on Monday, November 26!

Every other year, we hold a fun shoot at Tactical Defense Institute. Our next one is coming up in March.

This is your advance warning that ticket sales will open in one week. We will send an email at 8 a.m. on Monday, November 26 with registration information. So mark your calendar and be at your computer with your credit card.

This is our oldest and most popular shooting event. And we always sell out. So it's first come, first served after we open ticket sales. Also, it's an event that's fun for everyone no matter what your skill level.

You'll shoot at iron and paper targets, experience the thrill of live fire houses, meet the challenge of force-on-force scenarios, and more! All at terrific savings. Click here to see photos from a previous Buckeye Blast.

Here are the details so you can make your decision in advance:

2013 Buckeye Blast

When:
Sunday March 24, 2013
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EDT

Where:
Tactical Defense Institute
2174 Bethany Ridge
West Union, OH 45693

Cost:
$125 per shooter
You MUST pay with a personal credit card. Because this is a fundraiser for our political action committee, we CANNOT accept payments from a business account. To keep things simple, please don't ask to pay by check or at the door.

If you need permission from your better half, get it now. Check your calendar, mark the day, and be ready to register at 8 a.m. on Monday, November 26 when you receive our email.

Event Description:

This all-day event is a combination of IDPA-style scenario shoots and basic tactical training. If you are familiar with IDPA, you know what to expect. If not, don’t worry. It’s designed to be fun for everyone, from beginners to advanced shooters. Most shooters at this event will be IDPA novices. Everything will be explained and demonstrated step-by-step throughout the day.

You will be shooting at targets, plates, and steel silhouettes on the range and in live fire houses. There is also a challenging force-on-force house where you can test your self defense abilities with an airsoft gun against one or more attackers.

Itinerary:

Parking helpers will tell you where to park when you arrive. Take your handgun and equipment to the lower range for a mandatory handgun handling evaluation by the instructors. They will inspect your equipment and assure your ability to properly draw and present your handgun. The lower range is the open area with the picnic shelter nearby.

8:00 - 8:30
After completing your evaluation, go to the classroom building with the American flag in front to check in and get your name tag and squad assignment, plus a map and description of the stages. You must also sign a Release of Liability form. Be on time. Plan to show up at 8:00 am sharp.

8:30 - 9:30
We will have a quick welcome and introductions, followed by an overview of the day’s events and instruction on proper gun handling. You will go to the range and get into your assigned squad. Each squad will have about 10 shooters plus range safety officers and one or more representatives from Buckeye Firearms Association. Each squad will follow their squad leader to one of the stages to begin the fun.

9:30 - 12:30
The morning’s events will include three stages. Each shooter will get one or more chances to shoot each stage. Then you rotate with your squad to the next stage. Again, everything will be explained clearly as you go, so just follow instructions and have fun.

12:30 - 1:15
A catered lunch is included. Or you're welcome to pack your own lunch. You won’t have time to eat off-site.

1:15 - 1:30
Depending on how the schedule is holding up, we’ll try to fit in an ammo demonstration with water jugs and the Tueller 21-foot attack drill. This is always fun. We’d like to get a group photo, so please stick around until we’re done.

1:30 - 4:30
You’ll do another three stages in the afternoon.

4:30 - 5:00
Closing ceremonies.

Pre-Event Checklist:

• Make reservations at a hotel if you plan to stay overnight. See the list for lodging below. Mention TDI for possible discounts. NRA members may be elegible for discounts too.

• Plan your route in advance with Google maps or use your GPS. If you have any questions, call TDI at 937-544-7228. Note: West Union is very rural. Some cell phones will have no reception. And your GPS may not get you all the way to the entrance. Look for the TDI sign when you get close.

• Pack for unpredictable weather. It’s an outdoor shoot. And we go rain, snow, or shine. Often the range is wet with mud and puddles, so don’t forget a good pair of boots. It may also be cold, so bring a coat. But then, it could be dry and hot, so bring lighter clothing too. Be prepared for anything.

• Practice your technique (with an unloaded gun, please), including draw, presentation, re-holstering, and re-loading. Make sure you can do all these things with a coat just in case. Review gun safety rules.

• Clean and lubricate your handgun. You may be firing hundreds of rounds and you want to be sure your gun operates smoothly and reliably all day. Some people bring a spare gun just in case. You want to spend the day shooting, not fixing your firearm.

Equipment Checklist:

• Handgun with at least 3 magazines or speedloaders (any caliber)
• Holster (see note below)
• 300 rounds of ammo (minimum)
• Eye and ear protection (mandatory)
• Range bag for shooting gear and ammo
• Clothing for all possible weather (hot or cold, dry or wet)
• Rain poncho
• Rugged footwear (plus backup, waterproof footwear)
• Hat with brim (for sun and flying brass)
• Food and water for snacking (optional)
• Folding chair or stool (optional, if you don’t want to stand all day)
• Sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, and other outdoor items as desired

Note on holsters — You may use a strong-side belt, paddle, or inside-the-waistband holster which allows re-holstering with one hand. You may NOT use a shoulder, ankle, cross-draw, fanny pack, chest / belly band, or thunderwear / smartcarry type holster. TDI does NOT allow the use of Serpa holsters.