Cavalier IDPA 5/24/09

I feel the side match we have at Cavalier on the 24th is as pretty close to the "Spirit" of IDPA as we can come or as I can anyway. I think the stages (5, 6, 8, 9 rounders)were as realistic as any I have shot ( more realistic than most State or larger matches). No targets were added to boost the round count, I actually removed some targets. This being said a tweak here and there could have made it better.

After reading the most recent Tactical Journal (IDPA magazine to it's members), watching various YouTube videos from other IDPA clubs across the country and having frank discussions with shooters and Safety Officers I've come to the conclusion that Cavalier has been to "gamey" and maybe I have too! I cannot blame the rank and file shooters for this or the way they shoot my courses of fire. So the courses must change.

Anyway the courses we shot on the 24th were all based is a realistic scenario or based on a skill I thought was practical. Stage 1 from behind the barricade made you change sides of cover and go from high to low thereby ( at least in my head) making the bad guys guess were you were going to pop out from next to engage them. Otherwise they just wait for you to stick your head out and BANG!

Stage 2 was an effort to make people move faster and shoot, originally it was going to be a 5 second par time but I wussed out on that. Two targets with 2 rounds each while moving to cover where you have to engage a plate. Most folks did it under five seconds.

Stage 3 I read about in the American Rifleman Magazine. Store owner was robbed and the bad guys took him to the back room to open the safe and he had a gun hidden! You can guess the rest!

Stage 4 was my attempt to get away from drawing the gun on a bad guy who was already to close. You answer you front door with gun already drawn but hidden under a newspaper were you are confronted by a non-threat and a bad guy directly behind them. Engage him, move to cover and there are two more bad guys to get from the cover of your doorway.


Let's see what the future holds!

Andy
CAVIDPA

DVC Targets - Promoting Realism and Excellence in Combative Shooting

DVC Targets - Promoting Realism and Excellence in Combative Shooting


A YouTube video of Hard Head Ted in action.

The problem with Cavalier IDPA

As match director of Cavalier IDPA I have the most control of how close the courses of fire come to meeting IDPAs rules and spirit. I feel we have met 99% of the rules but we may have dropped the ball a little bit in the spirit department. I have been speaking to fellow shooters on how we can get back to our roots.

So what are our roots? Realism (within reason)? Practicality ( do we shoot a gun we could carry)? Do we shoot a course of fire that allows us to act realistically?

What is realism in relation to Idpa, well i feel this is the realm of scenarios! There is always a fine line between real and ridiculous. Dare I say the El Pres? Shoot 6 shots reload and shoot 6 more from the same position? Can you say suicide?

So what is a good course of fire? Does it have 18 rounds? Does it have 4? Is a fast draw going to save you from someone within 5 yards with a knife or a gun already pointed at you? Will you stand or move, have you feet planted perfectly ?

Purpose
IDPA is a shooting sport that uses practical
equipment including full charge service
ammunition to solve simulated “real world”
self-defense scenarios.
IDPA shooting events require use of practical
handguns and holsters that are truly suitable
for self-defense. No “competition only”
equipment is permitted in IDPA matches since
the main goal is to test the skill and ability of
the individual, not equipment or
gamesmanship.

I will try to do my best as a match director and IDPA competitor to return to our roots. Will you join us?

Andy

A Tribute..........

Every once in awhile a good.....no.... I say GREAT Match Director is born, not afraid to show his true feelings about a sport....and a doll he truly loves.

On this almost rainy Rivanna IDPA match our leader Dave S. marched from stage to stage explaining every nuance of his great stages, the whole time holding a tiny doll in his support arm.

Shooters from far( that would be Stuart) and wide (that would be Thornton) came to bow at the feet of Rivanna IDPA. A goodtime was had by all and the best men truly did win! Congrats to everyone who came in first in there division and class ( even those of you without class and you know who you are!) A special thumbs up to Tim Raynes for being the overall winner ( he can be seen in the center of the photo, he is about the same size as the doll)!

Thanks Rivanna!

Andy

Rivanna IDPA 5/16/09

More Video from Black Creek

Black Creek 5/9/09

IDPA Will Get You Killed...Randy Harris - Suarez International Staff Instructor

Another good article on IDPA...........game(ing)...........training...................


Andy

How to train and how not tot train

Click on the title above to read "Competition and training: How to train; how not to train" By Ralph Mroz

Another interesting take on the subject. I would like to say I'm not trying to start an arguement between USPSA and IDPA shooters. There are many different reasons to shoot both GAMES. I don't care why you shoot one or the other or both... just as long as you shoot and have a goodtime! My purpose behind posting this message is to enlighten....... I hope.

Andy

IDPA: Training or Just a Game? By STEVE DENNEY

A good read! Click on the title and it will take you to the article.

Andy

NRA Tactical Police Competition

I found this on-line this morning! It is very interesting. TPC appears to be a blend of USPSA and IDPA. Accuracy is a much higher priority than IDPA or USPSA but there is no round count limit.

It appears only to be open to Law Enforcement..... or the discretion of the match director. Maybe someone should start a TCC.... Tactical Civilain Competition.

Here are the rules