Opinions on USPSA/IDPA matches for LE

[Jim Watson]

I find it hard to tell. Cops at matches tend to dress like other competitors, IDPA vest, USPSA logowear. So it can be hard to tell the Sergeant from the dentist without getting into conversation.

Both organizations provide for duty gear wear not meeting rulebook specifications, but I very seldom see it done.
Which is something to think about; I know one deputy who did come to matches in full harness and had to learn how to negotiate some of the positions with restriction of bulletproof vest and laden belt. Reloading from a horizontal pouch with sticky Velcro flap is a challenge, too.

[HopetonBrown]

You can often tell a cop is a cop at matches by the way they stand.

[Peally]

I must be standing weird cuz I've been asked multiple times if I'm LEO or military just for being a 20-something male.

For the record I am a puss IT desk jockey.

[P.E. Kelley]

A refreshing thread considering the topic.

I am not in Law, but I do volunteer now and again to assist our inter-agency TRT to enhance shooting skills.

Competion (and perhaps sometime with me) has greatly improved qualification scores and they know why.

Earned confidence helps to instill control under stress.

[Tokarev]

Both organizations provide for duty gear wear not meeting rulebook specifications, but I very seldom see it done.

I'm a bit rusty on IDPA rules and am pretty much completely unfamiliar with the latest edition of the rulebook. Wasn't it the case in previous edition(s) that a law enforcement officer was allowed to compete without concealment if he wore his duty rig?

[Zincwarrior]

I'm a bit rusty on IDPA rules and am pretty much completely unfamiliar with the latest edition of the rulebook. Wasn't it the case in previous edition(s) that a law enforcement officer was allowed to compete without concealment if he wore his duty rig?

Yes. I believe that is still the case. I know the Sheriff's here often do that.

[feudist]

I was reminded Sunday while shooting with GuanoLoco that shooting on the clock in front of a stranger watching is quite stressful.

Coming to a match in harness, with everyone knowing you're a copper is even more so. In and of itself that is a motivator to train harder.

Then there is the reality check of your score, there for everyone to see. And then watching others rip out runs on a whole 'nother level...

If you can be honest with yourself(and that's the only way to progress) you will see there is so much benefit in the "IPSC Way" that you will use it's

methods to make yourself a much better shot. I got burnt out on shooting matches years ago. But I still trained using IPSC methods.

I'm going to start back shooting matches soon. I want to raise my shooting up a few notches. Well, a whole bunch of notches.

[GuanoLoco]

I was reminded Sunday while shooting with GuanoLoco that shooting on the clock in front of a stranger watching is quite stressful.

Coming to a match in harness, with everyone knowing you're a copper is even more so. In and of itself that is a motivator to train harder.

Then there is the reality check of your score, there for everyone to see. And then watching others rip out runs on a whole 'nother level...

If you can be honest with yourself(and that's the only way to progress) you will see there is so much benefit in the "IPSC Way" that you will use it's

methods to make yourself a much better shot. I got burnt out on shooting matches years ago. But I still trained using IPSC methods.

I'm going to start back shooting matches soon. I want to raise my shooting up a few notches. Well, a whole bunch of notches.

Feudist: You aren't a stranger anymore!

I like to run a timer on most everything, including raw new shooters where I could care less about their times. Why? I think it sets the mindset that time is relevant for pretty much everything we do with firearms other than casually plink. And I don't really don't have time to plink these days.

Matches are motivation - motivation to perform, with speed and accuracy, and competency, in spite of adversity such as the rules, stage complexity, the timer, audience, malfunctions and your internal expectations.

There is much to be learned in coming up short of what you THINK you should be able to do and comparing your actual performance to what others are ABLE to do. This translates to motivation for the future.

[jetfire]

I'm a bit rusty on IDPA rules and am pretty much completely unfamiliar with the latest edition of the rulebook. Wasn't it the case in previous edition(s) that a law enforcement officer was allowed to compete without concealment if he wore his duty rig?

At club level matches, yes. They removed that from the championship level matches because literally no one ever did it.

[feudist]

Feudist: You aren't a stranger anymore!

I like to run a timer on most everything, including raw new shooters where I could care less about their times. Why? I think it sets the mindset that time is relevant for pretty much everything we do with firearms other than casually plink. And I don't really don't have time to plink these days.

Matches are motivation - motivation to perform, with speed and accuracy, and competency, in spite of adversity such as the rules, stage complexity, the timer, audience, malfunctions and your internal expectations.

There is much to be learned in coming up short of what you THINK you should be able to do and comparing your actual performance to what others are ABLE to do. This translates to motivation for the future.

100% agree