IDPA - Will It Get You Killed?

[SavageEagle]

very good article. Just makes me want to go to one of these even more!

[Episcopus]

IDPA at the Michigan City Rifle Club tomorrow. 9am. Outside, weather permitting; inside if not.

[Coach]

I have been wanting to respond to the article for days, but had to stop myself because I could not do it calmly. Whoever started or continues to make statements that __________ competition will get you killed. Needs to step back and relax, and not make such outrageous statements. Competition has great value, but anyone with any sense at all should realize; It is what it is. A game.

Some competition claims to use good tactics and some make no claims about tactics what so ever. Tactics in my opinion can be left for training away from competition, but I have no problem with guys who shoot competition in a "tactical" way. It is a free country do what you think is best.

But I would rather take my chances with a competition shooter who can handle the gun and hit the target, over the tactical guy who is not a marksman but knows how a gunfight should be executed in his/her opinion. In a SHTF situation.

[SavageEagle]

Michigan City, eh? Maybe when I get a vehicle that won't cost my first born to drive across the state! LOL Since gas prices jumped I won't be driving outta Indy for a while!

[Episcopus]

Originally Posted by SavageEagle

Michigan City, eh? Maybe when I get a vehicle that won't cost my first born to drive across the state! LOL Since gas prices jumped I won't be driving outta Indy for a while!

I hear that. Just throwing it out there. If we are outside there will be 4 stages and somewhere in the neighborhood of an 80 round minimum. I don't know if it will be the same inside.

[rhino]

Originally Posted by slow1911s

Bennie Cooley's Competition Rifle DVD does cover the four types of AR malfunctions and how to clear them. Yes, it is rifles.

Good catch. I will add that Bennie comes from a different perspective than most competition shooters, too. His tactical/combat/defensive mojo is at least as strong as his competition magic, which makes him . . . atypical.

He's one of if not the best example of how the two sides can complement one another when approached with a good attitude and understanding of each. He's Da Man.

My skills and knowledge are nowhere near his, but I like think I have a roughly equal foot in each camp and my understanding of both continues to develop. Well, I'm probably more on the defense side, but . . . oh, well.

[rhino]

Originally Posted by Coach

I have been wanting to respond to the article for days, but had to stop myself because I could not do it calmly. Whoever started or continues to make statements that __________ competition will get you killed. Needs to step back and relax, and not make such outrageous statements. Competition has great value, but anyone with any sense at all should realize; It is what it is. A game.

I have the same reaction when I read the "____ Will Get You Killed!," which used to be an almost monthly occurrance in the popular gun rags for several years. It started (primarily) as IDPA zealots saying, "IPSC WILL GET YOU KILLED!" when they foolishly believed there was some sort of righteous "war" happening between the two sports. It was silly (on all levels."

When I saw who wrote the article, though, I relaxed, because I know Randy (actually, I've met him a couple of times, shot against him in a match... he kicked my a** and everyone else's, and corresponded some electronically). I had a good idea of what he was going to say. He's refuting the "IDPA will get you killed!" nonsense in my opinion. And of course he thinks the gun games can be valuable tools in the right perspective.

[pierce195]

I have not shoot an IDPA match yet, just got classified yesterday. I would say shooting sports are going to help a person in the long wrong for usin firearms in personal defense. I have seen my accuracy improve leaps and bounds overall from when I started shooting USPSA in 2005. Accuracy is going to be the key to any gun fight. We have all read the storys of people missing their target and losing a gun fight way more than someone dropping a magazine with round left losing a gun fight.

Just my two cents. I personaly thinking shooting USPSA/IDPa with the right mindset is a great tool.

[Coach]

"We have all read the storys of people missing their target and losing a gun fight way more than someone dropping a magazine with round left losing a gun fight."

Great point.

[Episcopus]

IDPA match at North Porter County Conservation Club between Chesterton and Valparaiso tomorrow morning. Starts at 9am; $10 admission.