Classifier Stage Tips
** edited by Yuku Legal, please do not copy and paste articles from another site without the owner's permission.
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Suggestions on shooting the IDPA Classifier from Tim Bacus.
Originally posted on www.1911forum.com on 04-04-2001
Here's a few things that should help you shoot your best score:
Stage One
Strings 1, 2 & 3
Make sure you stop the gun for the head shots. Stopping the gun when you raise it to fire the head shot will take maybe .25 extra seconds, one head miss will add 2.5 seconds, don't miss.
String 4
Don't rush this string. Sight alignment is marginally important but trigger control is a must. Really concentrate on the trigger control.
String 5
Again, concentrate on trigger control and be sure to stop the gun on the center target. I see a lot of shooters get good hits on the first and last target but hit the -3 on the center target, not good.
String 6
The shooting is pretty basic, just see the front sight on the center of the target for each shot. Drop your slide with the slide release after the reload, do not slingshot it! Depending on skill level slingshoting takes anywhere from 1 - 3 seconds longer to do.
String 7
Same as string 5, stop the gun on the middle target. Also since you are firing 2 shots per target don't double tap. Get a sight picture for each shot. Trying to save .1 on a split makes no sense if you drop a shot into the -1 zone doing it.
Stage One Notes
The goal for stage one should be to drop no more than 2 - 4 points. The shooting is easy, just avoid the desire to go faster than you can.
Stage Two
String 1
Take slow baby steps. There is no requirement to take large steps or to move quickly. Some shooters will take several large steps before shooting to try and get closer to the target, don't, it's slower.
String 2
Same as string one, slow baby steps wile retreating. String two should be faster than string one. For both strings, sight alignment and trigger control!
String 3
The first big string, 12 shots total. Don't be in a rush to be done. Shoot for the -0 zone, not the whole target. Same comments about the slide lock reload from Stage One, String 6. And remember, your not trying to hit the target, your trying to hit the -0 zone.
String 4
Six shots strong hand at 10 yards, have I mentioned trigger control?
Stage Two Notes
Stage two is 30 shots, shoot to fast and you'll drop a lot of points. Concentrate on trigger control and you'll do fine.Try not to drop more than 6 - 8 points.
Stage Three
Stage Notes first this Time
Stage Three is the classifier. Many shooters will end up with a longer time for stage three than for stages one and two combined. Stage Three is a test of pure shooting ability, sight alignment and trigger control. It's hard to give advice to new shooters for stage three because many simply don't have the skills yet to do well on it. Hell, I see it kick ass on experienced A and B Class IPSC shooters.
Accuracy is paramount on stage three. Shots that would be a -1 on Stages One and Two will miss the target on stage three. Shooting wise, really focus on the front sight and do perfect trigger pulls, straight to the rear and don't slap it. You must shoot to hit the -0 zone, simply aiming at the 'target' will not cut it. Do not look at the targets wile shooting, this causes your shots to go low, concentrate on the front sight!
String 1
Do a retention reload, it's faster on this string, don't go for speed, try to be smooth and in control.
String 2
A tac load will be slightly faster if you move as soon as you insert the new mag and stow the used mag wile moving forward. If you are more likely to do the complete reload behind cover then it will be faster to do a retention reload. Run to the barrel, you get no style points for crouching or moving 'tactically'. Don't rush the barrel shots; you're still 15 yards back. front sight, press.
String 3
Almost done! Don't rush the last six shots because you're in a hurry to be done. Draw and go kneeling, get that good first sight picture and fire accurate shots.
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PROCEDURAL ISSUES in IDPA Matches
http://www.ccidpa.org/newsv1i1.html#PROCED
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IDPA CLASSIFIER
Originally posted on the 1911 forum on 10/16/07
Memorize the entire course of fire. All strings, all requirements. Learn it, know it, live it until it's second nature. Subconscious. Focus on your accuracy and being smooth.
String 1,2,3 Failure drills are a critical defensive shooting skill. Remember to react instantly and smoothly to draw your weapon. Relax. Tight muscles do not move as fast or as true as loose ones. On start, keep your head and eyes locked on the target. Do not move your eyes. Bring the sights up to your eyes, not your eyes to the sights. Fast to the gun, sure on the grip, fast to the target, sure on the trigger. As your sights touch the A zone, press twice and follow the recoil with a head shot. If you can do this and stagger your shots vertically, instead of horizontally, that is a good sign of precise sight alignment and good trigger control. You are looking for times below 2.4 seconds on each string, with perfect hits. These are key strings of fire. If you can't do them in less than 2.4, then practice until you can. .20 splits are good.
String 4: Head shots. 2 each target. Don't miss. Whatever you do, don't miss. They are costly on the classifier and in a match as my stomach shrinks at the thought of missing a head shot in a fight. Remember to transition smoothly to the next target. I usually shoot left to right by the way. You are looking for times around five seconds on the string. No missess. Did I mention that?
String 5: Weak hand. I lock my arm and keep my thumb high for this one. Right handed shooters start on the left hand target and use the recoil and muzzle flip to go to the next target. Cant your weapon slightly, about ten degrees. It helps in transitions. I rarely have anything but O's on this string, even using 44 mags. Remember to lock your arm and rotate your hips, not your shoulders. -3 hits are common for many shooters who don't practice weak hand. A time in the mid 3's is your goal.
String 6: El Pres with 1 shot each. Right handed? Turn right and shoot left to right. Lock your frame and use your hips to rotate, not your arms and keep your head still! Remember to fire shot 3 and drop your magazine instantly while reaching for your spare. Seat the mag, drop the slide and re-engage. I hit the release with my gun hand thumb but I have big hands. I do this drill in about 4.7 seconds. You are looking for a time under 6 seconds with perfect hits.
String 7: Strong hand. Same thing. Lock your arm. Controlled pairs at full speed using strong hand can be done with some practice. Lock your arm, lean into it. Strong foot forward. Don't rush the first shot. Transition smoothly. Right around 5 seconds. For stage 1... 27 seconds is a good goal.
Stage 2
String 1: 2 each while advancing. This is a toughest string for me. Remember to draw and take your first step at the same time. Walk slow, heel toe, heel toe...shoot controlled pairs. The first two are tough, don't think about your hits, just transition to the middle and rip off the next two then go right and hit the next target. 4 seconds or less for this string with maybe two points down. I usually do it in 2.9 to 3.2 depending on platform and how smoothly the first pair comes off.
String 2: 2 each retreating. This is an easy string because you start close. Face the left most target and the transitions will be easier. Looking for about 3 seconds on this and I usually do it in 2.6 or so. You shouldn't be dropping any points on this one. Some advocate starting on the middle target, then shifting left, then right.
String 3: El Pres. Remember this is at ten yards and point shooting is out. Use your sights. Maximize grip with left hand and lock the support thumb right down the long axis of the dustcover. Smooth transitions. Sevigny shot this in 6.91 at Nationals and took the stage with a perfect score.
String 4: Strong hand. Remember to fully extend and lock your arm and watch sights. Ten yards out. I usually do this right at 4 seconds with one point down. For stage 2, you need to be in the mid 20 second range.
Stage 3: This where the men and boys are separated. Nowhere in formal handgun training qualification will you find tougher standards than the first two strings here.
String 1: 2 each from one side barricade, reload with retention and 2 each from opposite side. Start looking at the target. Bore in on the chest and bring the gun up to you. Use the barricade! I stand on the sides of the box to stabilize the barricade and to allow greater ease of movement. Measure it out so your gun hand is flat against the side. Not your knuckles or your thumb... the back of your gun hand. Depending on how stable the barricade is, I press hard against it to stabilize my sights and go through the targets with 2 each in four seconds. Fast transitions, don't look for your hits. Aim higher... about 3 inches. Use the reload with retention not the tactical reload. Much faster and smoother. 2 each... mag in the pocket, new mag hard in the gun...2 each. Start left and shoot right. On the reload, lean right to help expose pocket and to position you for right hand barricade. Looking for a 3.0 second reload... shot to shot. I usually do this in 10-11 seconds depending on the gun. Moon clipped revolvers are almost as fast on this string.
String 2: Start on strong side. I have done this starting left with good success, too. Remember to aim high and brace the support hand against the barricade! Once again, measure it out. Mag in the pocket, new mag hard in the gun and gone! Muzzle up and down range. Remember to aim high still on these strings. Your time should be slightly slower, 1 second or so, than string one, because of the 5 yards you cover.
String 3: Just remember to drop into the kneeling. No steps... drop into position. Start looking at the target! Use cover. Aim high. 6 seconds is a good time here.
