IPDA vs. IPSC vs. USPSA

[MemphisMechanic]

Retaining magazines can be a tactically-sound move. Ditto with not starting reloads in the open.

I disagree with both.

In the real world, getting your gun operational again, and managing to KEEP MOVING are probably the two most important things you can do to survive the encounter.

I'm not retaining a magazine. I might snatch the partial off the ground if the opprotunity presents it's self, perhaps. In the handful of times you've even HEARD of a reload being performed in a real-world gunfight, I'd bet they shot to slide-lock anyway.

And sprinting to cover with a locked-open gun? Why do that when you can ditch the empty magazine and grab a fresh one on the way?

I enjoy shooting IDPA, but nothing is perfect, and those are it's glaring weak points.

[The Rabbi]

And keeping your gun topped up before leaving cover is also a good idea.

There are plenty of scenarios that would call for all of the above. In real life it happens probably once every blue moon. I am not a fan of reload with retention for precisely that reason. But that doesn't make it "tactically stupid" or whatever. It just isnt the most useful skill to have.

[Guest WingedSnake]

It's been a few years since I've been out there, but I've shot USPSA at the North Tennessee Practical Shooters club in Dickson www.ntps.org ... excellent practice, and a good time. Everyone's very helpful and encouraging. And they participate in USPSA and 3-Gun events now and then as well. Any of these sports is GREAT practice for using your gun accurately under pressure situations!

[Beretta Racer]

Come back and shoot with us again! We have a match next weekend at NTPS, love to have you back!

[robbiev]

...snippage...

I enjoy shooting IDPA, but nothing is perfect, and those are it's glaring weak points.

I've always been one for doing things the way I think is correct, and taking the procedural and not complaining. If there is a rule I think is stupid, I ignore it. Consequently, I'll probably never win an IDPA match.

I do the same when I shoot IPSC. If there is a way I think is more tactically sound to shoot something, I shoot it that way, regardless of whether it is the fastest way. Consequently, I'll never win an IPSC match either.

But then again, I don't care. I'm one of the few people the REALLY doesn't care about a trophy or a score.