IDPA "5-Gun" Certification?

[Sam1911]

Hi! I was just wondering the other day, what is the deal with IDPA's "5 Gun Master," "5 Gun Expert" and so on certifications?

Obviously, if you win matches and get bumped, or classify well enough, with each gun, you can earn an Expert or Master classification in all 5 divisions.

But then there are the official lists of folks who have done so and earned the "5 Gun Master" (Expert, SS, or MM) title.

Out of curiosity, I clicked on the link to register for your 5-gun certification. It's just a form you fill out with your classification information in each division (which is already available on the IDPA web site) and then you're supposed to send in $50.

What are you buying? I know you get your name featured in the list on the web page, for all the millions of folks who undoubtedly are searching for this information to see. But, uh ... is that it? Not that that's a problem, if you're into that kind of thing, but ...

Can you not call yourself a "5 Gun Expert" if you haven't sent in your money -- even if you do hold those classifications? Do they send you a membership badge and secret decoder ring?

Just curious. Seeing how few folks have signed up for those lists ... I'm kind of thinking the appeal of official recognition is, perhaps, limited.

-Sam

 

[jmorris]

When they started the online stuff you filled out your classification yourself. They don’t seem to update it much. The last update on myself was on 9-20-06 from nationals, despite being bumped from several different state matches in different classes. In short it gets you nothing.

 

[Samuel Adams]

It's a money maker for IDPA. 5-Gun Master is the only one with any status IMHO.

 

[David E]

I was one of the first "4 Division Masters" and paid $45 to have that fact posted on their site.

I also received a certificate straight off the ink-jet printer that produced it. I don't know where it is.

I am a Charter Life member of IDPA and, honestly, I think Bill already has enough of my money. I don't have any plans to pursue that 5th Division Master rating, much less pay them another $50 to post it.

 

[Sam1911]

Thanks, all!

I don't mean to denigrate anyone else's interest in pursuing this kind of recognition, or Bill Wilson, et al's reasons for offering it.

I was simply curious as to what it actually entails. And now I know.

Thanks!

-Sam