Many people start out in IDPA with the same intention (I did as well), and stick with it. Others don't, because they see people in their squad "ranking" ahead of them match after match. Their ranking is aided by their equipment (e.g., shooting larger guns (but not race guns)), their tactics (e.g., not taking as much time to slice the pie around corners, etc.), and some who feel they "do it more tactically correct" get their egos bruised when they don't finish as high. Most choose one of three directions from there: 1) get mad at the others for "not doing it right," 2) join the others and use equipment & techniques to maximize their rank, or 3) honestly not be concerned about their rank, and participate for the "test" that IDPA provides for their marksmanship, speed & gunhandling skills. Personally, I am on a journey of blending #2 and #3.
Isn't this a bit of where the conversation about IDPA will get you killed may come in, ie if I practice not taking as much time to slice the pie because I know no one is shooting me and I don't get marked down do I get sloppy when I have to do it in reality.
I think the real reason it would get me killed is my wife and the budget.
Otherwise we would have to carry the firearms equivelent of a golf bag with us for every potential situation.
This seems a bit like reality. At my bedside I have a shotgun and a pistol. Currently I have one pistol (G19) I don't know that I would call it "highly" concealable but it isn't bad. In some ways I would rather get to a baby Glock size and at the bed have a full size .45 (which in turn could be a great IDPA gun) but it is a reasonable comprimise. I have 18 golf clubs right now, when playing I can only carry 14 so I select from my 18 based on conditions, the course, etc. So we do in reality need a golf bag potentially: Driver bolt action .308 or better, Fairway wood AR, Hybrid Shotgun, Long iron - Full size .45, Short iron compact 9-.45, putter .380 acp...then when all hell breaks loose you will have the right tool for the job. One thing I like in cowboy action is the mix of revolver, shotgun, rifle. Do any of the "modern" defensive contest do the same thing?
tom
