IDPA Master: Promoted or classifed?

[SIRVEYR666]

To those of you that are IDPA Masters, did you attain this classification by shooting the classifier or were you "moved up" at a major match?

I've been shooting SS for the last year (I missed EX by less than 1 second:banghead: ), and I usually place in the top three of the area matches. Some matches I shoot like a MA, others like a NO, but I know SS-EX is where I belong, for now .

The reason I ask, is that I've shot a few classifiers in practice (by myself) and can get in the low 100's. I only need a 98 to get SSP MA. What happens if I shoot MA at the next classifier? I'm surely not a MA shooter in matches. Do I have to take the classification?

Do you know anyone like this? What do you/they think of it?

I probably just jinxed myself. I don't know who I'm kidding, I'll choke, as per usual, and rot in SS for the rest of my life.

 

[Billy Sparks]

What happens if I shoot MA at the next classifier?

If it is a real classifier then you are classified at Master and shoot at that level at your next match. One time I had zen ozzing out of my pores and shot as a SS level in a classifier. At the next big match it was like trying to merge on the freeway with a Model T.

 

[HighVelocity]

At the next big match it was like trying to merge on the freeway with a Model T

You owe me a keyboard!

Currently, I am SS in all 5 divisons. I barely missed EX (less than 2 seconds in SSR, and less than 3 seconds in ESP) when shooting the classifiers.
The thing is, a shooter can get real good at shooting the classifier. It can be studied, practiced, etc. There are no surprises.
At a real match though, the shooter doesn't generally have the advantage of knowing exactly what the COF is going to be and hasn't practiced it.
I HOPE to get bumped to EX in SSR at my next sanctioned match but I KNOW I could shoot the classifier EX if I have all my ducks in a row.

Bottom line, you know what YOUR skill level is, regardless of how you shoot the classifier. Getting bumped at a sanctioned match is the most honorable way to go in my opinion.

Good Luck!!

Gary J.

 

[jmorris]

I have done both, but if winning wood is what your after you will want to bump. It’s really hard in IDPA once you become a master, because there is no grandmaster class. Classify MA in ESR then go shoot against Jerry Miculek (insert model T analogy here). On the other hand, it will look like you’re a sand bagger if your division champion but only in EX class, but rules are rules. The rules state that you do have to shoot a classifier every year (unless already a MA). But, you don’t have to practice the classifier.

 

[Hoser]

If you want MA next to your name on the results, just claim MA.

 

[SIRVEYR666]

Hoser,
I don't want to be a MA just to say that I am. It has been one of my goals since I started shooting IDPA three years ago. I think it's everyones goal.




I figured that the most "honorable" way was to bump at a major match. If you beat everyone in your division, you earned the bump. I'm sure that there are some people out there that "test" well, but can't make it when it comes show time.

I'll stop "practicing" the classifier, not that I ever really started, and take the classifications as they come.

Thanks for the replies. This topic came up the other day with some shooting buddies.

 

[Hoser]

Nothing is wrong with practicing the IDPA or any IPSC classifier.

They are nothing more than a skill set that can always be improved on. And the IDPA classifier is broken down enough its easy to see where you are losing time. I see most guys rush stage 3 and miss master by several seconds because of it.