Originally Posted by
abu fitna
I will echo the comments of others in response to the gentleman's criticisms. I understand the limitations of the range space, and think that the staff do a hell of good job setting things up under tight timelines to create innovative and challenging problems.
While most stages are short encounters, (when not holiday themed for fun) the stages generally mimic a wide range of shoot problems that are absolutely things I would need to continue to train against. Sometimes I may debate the relative design of a stage in terms of forcing a specific solution to a problem, but no one can say it is not fair in that all folks have to solve it the same way (or fail) - and I can curse only myself for (lack of) performance then, and add another set of items to the training and practice list. That alone is worth the time and coin.
The fact that this is run weekdays, relatively close for most participants, means that coming in to shoot cold in immediate violence of action creates a much more representative dataset on one's performance than the longer build up, half day or day long practical matches elsewhere. I am a big fan of Mr Davis' IDPA matches out at Peacemaker, complete with vehicles and a range of other fun things across multiple bays - but that is more than a bit of a drive, and ultimately results in a different feel to the day. Both have their place, and I would be loathe to lose either.
As far as cost, to support NRA (faults and all) I would pay quite a bit more as needed. To support the staff, and the development of a robust venue for experimentation, discussion, and learning I would likewise be more than willing to put additional cash on the barrelhead in order to see this thing continue. I look forward to seeing it expanded to other venues as well (not to eliminate the NRA event, but to build on it) - and hopefully we will see the Dayton match as discussed.