IDPA Question

[JLaw]

Been looking around but couldn't find an answer...what is a 'classifier'?

JLaw

[bauerdj]

That is a match used to classify the shooter so he is competing in the proper division.

Dave B.

[flintknapper]

Been looking around but couldn't find an answer...what is a 'classifier'?

JLaw

http://www.idpa.com/classify.asp

[jbirds1210]

Jlaw-
Classifiers are scheduled regularly throughout the year at all of the area shoots. I know that PSC does one every quarter and Thunder in Conroe does quite a few.

It is not really something you have to think about for the first few matches.....it is to your benefit to shoot a bit and get a feel for the game. I do not know when clubs expect you to be classified, but there is nothing wrong with waiting for a couple of months.....Charles might come in and correct me on this.

I am excited for you! I look forward to shooting with you!
Jason

[Piney]

Greetings--

The Collin County IPDA club has a good FAQ and Tips page on how to shoot a classifier on their web site.

http://www.ccidpa.com

[jdMorgan]

Here's a direct link to the page at ccidpa.org: IDPA Classifier tips

And some more tips from Tim at Bacus Custom here.

Jim

[jimlongley]

Here's a direct link to the page at ccidpa.org: IDPA Classifier tips

And some more tips from Tim at Bacus Custom here.

Jim

Hi Jim, long time, no see, got laid off again, so it's likely to be a while more.

Jim

[CWOOD]

Been looking around but couldn't find an answer...what is a 'classifier'?

JLaw

Sorry if this is a bit long.

IDPA divides its shooters into handgun-type divisions and shooter skill level classifications.

The handgun type divisions are:
SSP--stock service pistol
ESP--enhanced service pistol
CDP--custom defensive pistol
SSR--stock service revolver
ESR--enhanced service revolver

The shooter skill level classificatioins are:

UN--unclassified
MM--marksman
SS--sharpshooter
EX---expert
MA--master

Part of the rules of IDPA make it so that shooters only compete directly (officially) with shooters in the same clasification AND division. This means that the lower skilled (classified) Marksman shooter does not compete directly against a Master. And a Marksman shooting an ESP semi-auto does not compete directly against a Marksman shooting a SSR revolver. The idea is to maintain a level playing field in the competitions. It is not unlike Class A through Class AAAAA highschool football, or wrestling or basketball or choir in UIL competition. Each has its own champion.

The Classifier is a 90 round course of fire set up in three stages which are designed to test some of the basic skills required in IDPA. For specific info on the classifier and how it is set up, you can go to the IDPA website at:

http://idpa.com

Look at the column on the left and go to"Club Information" and you will see the course of fire and SO instructions for it and a copy of the score sheet. The score sheet gives time requirements for each classification level in each division.

In order to shoot in an IDPA sanction match like a regional or State or National match, you must have been classified at Marksman or higher within the last year. If you plan to shoot at these matches regularly you need to plan on getting classified at least annually. If you do not plan to shoot in these matches you can remain Unclassified as long as you want.

To advance in classification you can do it by shooting a better score at another classifier at a later date. Or if you have classified at a certain level, (ie. Marksman) and you compete at a sanctioned match and you win your classification/division and there are 10-19 folks shooting in the same division/classification then you are promoted to the next higher classificiation. There is more to the rules but this should get you started.

By the way, once you reach master, you do not have to shoot the classifier again unless you want to be classified in another division (type of handgun, like if you are going from CDP using a 1911 to SSP using a Glock or Ruger P-series). Also once you attain a certain level of classification (ie, Sharpshooter) in a certain division, you cannot go lower, like back down to Marksman, in that same division. There are those few shooters who have achieved Master in all five divisions. Good luck.

Hope this helps answer your question.

[jbirds1210]

That is an excellent description of a classifier.....thank you. I would only add that "Novice" is also a classification in IDPA. Have a great evening.
Jason

[SRVA]

JLaw, If you want to shoot a classifier, PM me and we can work on setting one up for you.

Steve

[JLaw]

JLaw, If you want to shoot a classifier, PM me and we can work on setting one up for you.

Steve

Thank you Steve, I'm sure I will be PM'ing you in the future. I'm going this weekend with jbirds to shoot my first IDPA match, and I'm sure I'll be hooked to the sport. I'll PM you afterwards to check on the schedule you've got for Thunder Range, that's much closer to home.

JLaw

[Jeremae]

just to steal Steve's Thunder (snicker)

Thunder Tactical Shooters has:

Official IDPA match on the 2nd Saturday of the month (Next one April 14th) Sign-in 8:30am Hammer Down 9:00am

Fun match every Wednesday (next one tonight) Sign-in 6:00pm Hammer Down 6:30pm

Classifer Match every 5th Saturday (Next one March 31) Sign-in 8:30am Hammer Down 9:00am

Directions,costs, contacts etc. can be found at http://www.tts-idpa.com/

[hi-power]

I would only add that "Novice" is also a classification in IDPA.

Yeah, I was going to bring that up also since I am one.

Although I like the word "unclassified" because I could lie to other newbies and say I was so good at shooting that I'm unclassifiable!

Hopefully I'll be able to upgrade at the 4/1/2007 classifier at Elm Fork.