classifier

[mattman23]

We have a classifier coming up after the postal match(my first).I'm getting some well intentioned advice,but conflicting of course.Some say practice practice, and other say shoot it cold,no practice.Any advice for me guys and gals? 

[Dave.45]

Just out of curiosity: What is a "Postal Match?" Several things come to mind but none seem safe.

[mistertaco]

Just out of curiosity: What is a "Postal Match?" Several things come to mind but none seem safe.

Mail in your score match
http://www.idpa.com/PostalMatchInfo.asp

[S391]

There are different ways to practice. I've shot the classifier twice this year and before each one I worked on my mechanics (drawing from the holster, moving the gun to the target, reloads, etc. as well as some some basic gun handling / sight picture drills). I wanted to make sure that I was as smooth as possible to try and prevent any mental malfunctions / operator error on my part.

I’m not sure if this helps but it seems to be paying off for me this year.

[Matt G]

++1 on S391.  Basics, basics, basics.  You can never go wrong.

Matt G

[Miggy]

Practice your long range shots. Stage 3 of the classifier is covered with the remains of those who crashed and burned.

[S391]

I found this online and figured I might as well post it here..... The author’s name is listed on the bottom.


Stage Three

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, your 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.


Well, I hope this is helpful. Let us now how you do!

------------------
Tim Bacus
Bacus Custom

[mistertaco]

Also read Mas and Chris' advice about the classifier here:
http://gunrightsradio.com/forums2/index.php/topic,2220.0.html

Good stuff.

[Chris]

Mattman23
My advice is to do just enough practice on the Classifier stages that you know what they are and the procedures. Not much more. Then shoot it pretty cold. There are a number of shooters who have practiced the Classifier to death... received a Classification... and then get hammered in Sanctioned matches by shooters in lower classes. The Classifier is a basic skill test... treat it as such. You don't really want a "paper" classification above your skill level.
Chris Christian

[Kevin]

I, on the other hand, like to sandbag the classifier as if my life depended on it. Then, I get to smoke all the people in my division. HAHAHAHAHAHA. Losers.

Not really. I did my best cold. Time to re-classify for me and I plan on following Chris' excellent advice.

-Kevin

[mattman23]

Thanks for the advice.I hope to set up a practice range on my friends land to run through it.Thanks again,Matt

[mattman23]

Well I made MM.I  shot very well on the first two stages and shot pretty bad on stage three.All my hits were center but very low.Daniel Shaw gave me some things to work on (thanks).I'm happy,but very humbled. No where to go but up I guess .Thanks for all the help guys and gals,Matt 

[MasAyoob]

Stay with it, bro. Keep us posted and good luck.
best,
mas

[garner230]

Do the rules on the IDPA 'classifier' seem ambiguous to anyone else, or is it just me?  You have to shoot a classifier every 12 months I get that.  But what if you were bumped to another skill level after your last classifier?  Does your new classification bumpage date count as the new classifier date or do you still go with the one that held you at a lower skill level?

Another question that begs to be asked...what if your classifier score is lower than your last classifier or, if you were bumped up after the last classifier, and now you shoot below that bumped up skill level?

[Chris]

If you get a match bump to the next level the date of that bump becomes your classification date for the 12 month rule. If you shoot a lower score on a classifier than a previous score you are not moved down in class. You can't go down in classification without special permission from IDPA HQ (usually for medical reasons).
That's why I advocate not practicing the classifier to death in order to achieve a higher classification just to have the higher classification. You'll pay for it at sanctioned matches.
Chris Christian

[garner230]

Thanks.  I looked at the rule book but it was just too unclear.  I shot the clasifier last January and then I got bumped at the Carolina Cup last year to Expert and didnt want to shoot a classifier just yet...havent been practicing this winter to say the least.