[Sterling Archer]

I recently shot my first IDPA match with my P226 SAO Legion. I decided to write a review on IDPA as a whole and whether it has any relevance to real life usage of a firearm. As always I'm interested in feedback.

Here's a link to the article and video from the match: https://gunpowdermeditation.com/2017/05/26/idpa-review/

 

[Sterling Archer]

I can assume you have had some "paid for" training from someone who instilled their beliefs on you as to certain aspects of defensive pistol shooting.

That would be Paul Howe. Yeah, I think I'm going to go ahead and listen to him.

Bottom Line Up Front: Your assessment of IDPA as a shooting sport was very limited by your experience.

Which would mean something if what I wrote about had ANYTHING to do with experience needed in IDPA. It did not so your point is pointless.

Your main complaints was having to shoot from cover and following certain rules of the game like 10 round mag limits and concealment garments.

Those were not complaints. I pointed out how their style of shooting from cover is not tactically sound.

I also didn't complain about the round limit. In fact, if you would READ what I posted you would see that I actually explained why the 10 round limit was in place. How is explaining something complaining about it?

As well the cover garment was not a complaint. I didn't complain when I received the penalty either. It was an observation from my experience and therefore relevant to be included.

My biggest assessment/feedback is that you have some developed conceptions of what defensive pistol shooting is about and you are disappointed that your training and practice did not equate to a better match performance.

Actually I was pleased with my performance, I set my goal and achieved it. No where in the article did I complain or make reference to my performance. You are projecting. My biggest assessment/feed back to you; read more and assume less.

My suggestion is that you need to put aside your pride and enjoy the sport/game for what it is worth.

Once again this is you projecting and incorrectly thinking my article had something to do with my performance. Also, it doesn't appear you actually read the part where I said "First and foremost it’s a game, in most meaningful defensive facets, just like USPSA. Is that a bad thing though? Not necessarily. If you just want a game to play and you prefer the IDPA format over others then rock on."

IDPA fan-boys sure get pissy about the article. Objective people, including educated IDPA shooters, see it for what it is and agree with my points.

 

[Sterling Archer]

That was a nice read OP and a different view on the subject.

It is however just a game, and does challenge you on many different levels.

I can see maybe a self defense class/ competition being more of a upcoming sport in the near feature. Maybe some realistic CCW rules.

Thanks.

Very true. I'm a big believer in competition for advancing skills like thinking under stress.

It's funny you mention that, it's something I've been thinking about for a while. I would like to have completely blind stages, no walk through or anything, go problem solve. Realistic targets, including no shoots like a responding officer, etc...

 

[Sterling Archer]

I'd say your conclusions about "IDPA cover" are informed by your one match experience.
The new IDPA cover rules have generally resulted in much more generous exposure of the shooter to the target than was the case pre-2017.
Because you used to have to adjust cover for each target, while today you have a single cover line for every target in a given array, there will usually be only one target with cover that is tight, and you then find that you can assume a position that leaves you completely exposed to a target or targets at the opposite end.
If you shoot the new IDPA classifier, you'll see that when you are shooting from the cover of the barricade or the barrel, you can see all three targets simultaneously, and Tactical Priority is merely engaging left-to-right or right-to-left, rather than being a matter of engaging the only target that you can see, as was often the case in the past.

Each stage's procedure will dictate whether you must wear the vest or not; why would you think it was the shooter's option? Or, why would you be surprised when you discovered there was a rule that didn't allow the shooter to decide?

IDPA, in the last four or five years, has changed dramatically. It's a very different sport than it used to be. Easier to shoot, easier to officiate, fewer rules, but it's missing a lot of what made it a unique sport, and it's less distinct alternative to other shooting competition/entertainment.

Thank you. You just described why their cover is even worse than I described.

Did you really not understand the cover garment portion of the article. Why don't you go ahead and re-read it? I think you'll find it'll answer your own question.