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Today I shot my first IDPA classifier, and I'm wondering if you are supposed to practice it before shooting it (since apparently the COF doesn't change).

I think that if you practice it a bit, you can easily shoot a very good score. However, you may not be able to shoot at your classification level in a "random" (i.e. non-practiced) stage.

So, for you IDPA experts out there, what's your take on the classifier?

(Also, a person shooting the classifier with me asked the RO if she should try to shoot worse to be lower in the classification. The RO mentioned that he's not going to tell her to sandbag. To tell you the truth, I was tempted a bit to shoot worse, but I went ahead and treated it like any COF.)

There are folks out there that have made MA shooting the classifier but get beaten badly by just about everyone at an actual match. I don't recommend practicing the classifier COF. Just shoot it once a year to keep current.
There are some elements of the classifier that are certainly worth practicing though.
Tactical Reload, reload with retention, shooting from behind cover, shooting at a distance greater than 20 yards, etc.

I do practice many of the skills found in the classifier, but not the test itself. I try to forget the last experience and make the next one new and improved

Greetings-

I don make a point to practice the Classifier CoF. I do however try to shoot it twice a year. I cant seem to get past SS yet *shrugs*.

I agree with HV- folks practice the Classifier Cof do well-- but then when the CoFs at the matches come up-- not so well. Practice the techniques, not the CoF.

On the other hand...

Completing the classifier requires all of the skills needed in IDPA competition:
Draw
Transitions
Slide lock reload
Tactical reload
Use of high and low cover
Shooting while moving
Strong and weak hand shooting

If I have limited time and only 90 rounds of ammunition, shooting the classifier as my practice session is not a bad way to spend my time.

Steve

LOL interesting question... it looks like I need to practice it given I had too many points down on "stage 3" of the classifier which cost me to miss Master by 6 seconds this weekend! So, yes I am going to practice the classifier but only stage 3 - the far stuff.

Drkyle1,

I think I shot the classifier at your club: River City Shooters at Blackhawk. Unfortunately I had to run after shooting the classifier to attend a NRA silhouette match and not able to stay to learn how people can really shoot the classifier.

But I really enjoyed my time at your club and especially appreciate Dave for running the classifier stage concurrently; otherwise I'll never make the silhouette match in Austin . BTW, I'm the guy who shot the classifier with Ashley at the beginning.

Hopefully, I'll be able to make to some more of your matches in the future. This weekend, I'll be at the TX state silhouette match, so cannot make the Fiesta IDPA. Way too many fun shooting event to go to all of a sudden!

Glad you could make it out! how did you do? Yeah Dave is a great guy. Hey Fiesta isn't this weekend it is next weekend if that makes a difference & there are still some spots open. Our IDPA matches are usually held the 2nd Sunday of each month not the 3rd like this month (postponed due to Easter) The matches are a lot of fun... also Mike Webb @ texastactical has IDPA shoots held @ cedar ridge & if you make trips south I run one 3rd Saturday in Laredo.

Well, that changes things; somehow I must have gotten the dates mixed up. There is a very good possibility of me showing up at the Fiesta match (look for a Chinese guy who's not Wayne Ho :)

I got Sharpshooter classification at 127 sec. SSP, which met my goal. I wanted to get Marksman or higher to go shoot the TX state (i.e. the reason why I drove 3 hrs to shoot a few minutes :)

Currently, I'm putting all my available time into rifle practice... Sometimes I think I spread myself too thin among the different shooting sports.

Cool! Ok... I remember when you walked up... I was the guy that said Hi need to sign up? Please excuse the huffing/puffing and sighs of the person collecting the money (if you heard them) I don't know why he decided to close up shop & not want to take any more entries - the shooter's meeting still hadn't started! By all means come to Fiesta! If you can get your app in now it will save you the "walk-up" fee. Hope to see you there.