IDPA Classifier Question

[gwashorn]

I have been shooting IDPA as unclassified for the past year. I do enjoy it greatly. Classifiers are somewhat far and few in between but one is available next weekend. I immediately signed up because I suspect it will fill up quickly. However, I wish to know the value of being classified versus continuing as unclassified as I am now. I understand to shoot I believe state and national tournaments you have to be classified. The normal monthly PSC IDPA matches does not matter. Are there other reasons to be classified or stay unclassified? Many of you I shoot with Monday nights etc, so looking for your thoughts too please. Also, I suspect I need to understand the classifier scenarios, so what should I practice this week? BTW, had a great time again yesterday at the PSC IDPA. Thanks to all.

[bnc]

I'm wondering the same thing. I *think* it might have to do with being able to win sanctioned matches or something like that, but I really don't know. And I had a great time yesterday too! Unfortunately it looks like I can't make the classifier anyways.

[Piney]

Maintaining a classified status is required to shoot in regional and higher IDPA matches. It is not required to shoot in local club matches, unless it happens to be a club rule. I havent heard of that.

Being classified also let's you shoot against others with similar skills and equipment, providing a benchmark to ascess one's skill set and it's improvement.

[cbunt1]

Unless you intend to shoot regional and/or state matches, there's no need to be classified. I don't know of any of the local clubs that bother with it, except in grouping scores (Marksman get ranked against marksmen, masters against masters, etc.) Score sheets will also have a section for Unclassified shooters, who are ranked against other unclassified shooters...

That said, the classifier is a great test of basic skills, and (for me) gives me a benchmark to work against...I use it to remind me that it's easy to fall into "I Don't Practice Anymore" LOL

[gwashorn]

thanks and these are all the answers I have heard and agree with. I do like the position that it gives me a personal goal to benchmark myself. Yes, I have shot several IDPA matches now as unclassified. I do compare my scores to the same division, for me ESP, and see how I compared to the different classifications. So I was partly interested in the classification to get a better controlled level of comparison. I know some of the scenarios this past Sat. at the PSC will be posted against others in the nation but you can only be compared I understand if you are classified. As for regional matches etc, I would like to try one so there too I need it. I like competition and this is a good one for my interests. Assuming all goes well, I am looking forward to the classifier. Puts some nerves into the mix and that is good. Thanks again.

[doc540]

Haven't been competing very long, but one of the advantages of a classifier, to me, is knowing the stages in advance.

Sometimes our local stages are kind of "off the cuff", and I end up messing up the procedure or sequence even though I shot it pretty well.

We have a classifier scheduled for tomorrow morning, so earlier in the week I printed the stages from the IDPA site, and I'm getting more familiar with them in advance.

[gwashorn]

Yes, I have read them as well. Right now I have had to withdraw from this weekend classifier at the PSC due to family member health issues. Plus I am not mentally in tune for shooting well as it showed last Monday nite for me. Everyone else have a great time Sunday and I hope to make one soon.

[BrianSW99]

Be careful about practicing specifically for the classifier. You may end up classifying higher than your actual skill level which would make it difficult to be competitive in that class.

The best advice I can give is to slow down and make sure you get the hits, particularly in stage 3. Here's a page of tips from my local club you might find useful:

http://www.ccidpa.org/classifier-tips.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Brian

[doc540]

True dat.

I practiced walking and shooting yesterday at the range.

uggghhhh....it's gonna take a LOT of practice

[TxD]

Right now I have had to withdraw from this weekend classifier at the PSC due to family member health issues......... Everyone else have a great time Sunday and I hope to make one soon.

Sorry you couldn't make it, Gary.

We classified over 30 shooters at PSC on Sunday.
I enjoyed being part of it.

The classifier is an excellent tool to identify the soft spots in your training.
To me that is the greatest value.

Draws, reloads, shooting on the move, distance shots, and controlled pairs, are
only a few of my soft spots.

It was a great day to be at the range.

[bnc]

How often does PSC hold a qualifier? I couldn't make it yesterday, but would like to give it a go after getting a few more IDPAs under my gunbelt.

[gwashorn]

Right now I have had to withdraw from this weekend classifier at the PSC due to family member health issues......... Everyone else have a great time Sunday and I hope to make one soon.

Sorry you couldn't make it, Gary.

We classified over 30 shooters at PSC on Sunday.
I enjoyed being part of it.

The classifier is an excellent tool to identify the soft spots in your training.
To me that is the greatest value.

Draws, reloads, shooting on the move, distance shots, and controlled pairs, are
only a few of my soft spots.

It was a great day to be at the range.

Believe me I thought of you all and it was a good day. Glad you enjoyed. I have some soft spots too but right now mostly mental concentration due to family needs. But I will be at one of the next ones. Really glad it had a good turn out. Thanks for thinking of me.

[TxD]

How often does PSC hold a qualifier? I couldn't make it yesterday, but would like to give it a go after getting a few more IDPAs under my gunbelt.

Normally the classifier at PSC-IDPA is held on a regular match day twice a year.

It is not part of the match day scenarios and is generally limited to 8-9 shooters on a first come basis.

Charles held the special event last Sunday in response to a large number of shooters wanting to become classified.

As my younger friends say "that's just the way we roll".

Sorry for the late reply.