IPDA

[Gunpoint]

Anyone here an IPDA/IPSSC(sp?) shooter? Any comments on its value to tactical team operators?

[Augie]

I shot in a couple of IDPA matches last year. It was more fun then a real learning value. Of course any practice has some value. The matches are more useful on a pernsonal defense or an officer encounter with an armed supect(s)type of situation then anything else.

[RECON5]

1811-

I have shot in a few IPSC matches myself. The first time I was questioned about some of my techniques, as they were against the rules. When I explained my background (4 1/2 years on full-time SWAT Team at the time) they allowed me to shoot, but not for "match competition scores". I could shoot locally, but if I planned to "get in the hunt" for the points with the competative shooters, I would have to follow the rules. For instance...gun aimed at target while advancing (full sprint for most of them)from stage to stage, instead of a low ready. Oh and by the way if you dont "sprint" from stage to stage like most Operators I know, it will cost you some time on your scores. I understand that IDPA is more for the personal defense type shooters, although here in Texas there are a lot of Cops, who prefer to shoot in those matches as opposed to IPSC.

Augie was right about the usefulness. Any training is better than none, and these will at least help in the area of engaging multiple targets, and target aquisition, but just be aware some of the IPSC folks are quick to throw you off the range if they think your trying to "cheat". BD knew the guy in charge of this shoot so he helped with the negotiations of just letting me get in some range time utilizing my previous training.

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[RogueExec]

It's difficult to learn tactical shooting and then try to just "flip the switch" and change to suit rules and guidelines for target matches.

You'd think there would be a bit more elasticity to the rules when dealing with cops and operators.

[Erick]

My first 3-4 years on, I shot ImPractical Shooting Competitions, utnil I realized what it did to my tactics. This included the CA Police Summer Games. I've shot IDPA, though not as much as I'd like to have. There is less gamesmanship, though the prblem has not been eliminated.

[bd]

1811,

Like they say, any training is better than none.

As far as IPSC, it's really designed for hi-tech race-guns, no matter what anyone tells you. It's complicated. Scoring is dependant on what caliber you use (major= .40+; minor= 9mm and some 38 super). Your weapon can be out of the box (limited class) or you can be in the anything-goes unlimited mods class. Most times RECON5 and I have gone out, we're up against people with .45 STI custom rigs complete with optics... and we're using stock G17's/P226's. So we're at a disadvantage scoring-wise (although, it didn't stop RECON5 from bringing home a blue ribbon once in our class). We could shoot just as accurately and fast as most of the race-guns, but with the scoring the way it is, there was no way we could ever win shooting 9mm.

Like RECON5 says, a lot of basic tactics are overlooked/excluded in the competitions. Safety is paramount and some of the nitpicking ruffles feathers (I've had to serve a couple of times as an RO and have DQ'd several shooters for shooting cover or double tapping steel). Some of the stages are good but most are unrealistic, it all depends on where you shoot. It's fun in the end tho'.

If you can, shoot IDPA. No race guns allowed and lots of real-world scenarios. It's much better IMO. 3-gun competitions are also good (my fav).

Take care and be safe.

BD

[RogueExec]

Thanks, bd.

[RECON5]

BD- There ya go, have not heard from you in a while, and now your trying to give me a complex. Mr. I have no training. YYYYYEEEEEAAAAAHHHHHHHH RIGHT.


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[bd]

Well...you know me Bro...just a harmless fuzzball.

;-)