The range is in the middle of an eastern Largo fl. industrial area, so the bunker keeps all rounds inside the grounds... Its basically a long row of concrete roofed, open-ended bays, with heavy timbers/tires/earth dividing them & as a back wall. The rangs is a 180* range, as almost all IDPA is going to be.
The targets are never quite at the 3 o-clock though, as that would push the 180* to it's limits, so it was more like 2:15 ish... And I think that is rare, if the scenario requires movement... from a standing/no movement position I think they feel safer about letting the shooter get close to the 180... Breaking the 180 is a DQ by the way, as is shooting above the berm or below 45* downward (don't quote me on those, but its something like that

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dpayette wrote:I have entered a few IDPA events local to me, and I agree that they are an excellent way to train. These are 4 scenarios like the OP stated along with 2 skill stages. the skill stages could be shooting one handed strong or weak handed while moving forwards and backwards. The stages will have you drawing from your concealed holster, and exchanging magazines and searching for cover. The IDPA matches cost me $15 to enter, and usually you will consume 100-150 rounds of ammo. You are timed, and there are added time penalties for shooting out of order, failing to neutralize the threat, or shooting the "hostage". You shoot against others with the same caliber, and others in your group will not necessarily have an advantage other than their skill. I generally am very satisfied if I keep from incurring any additional penalties. Like the OP also stated is, your adrenaline is way high during your first stage, and the training benefit is hard to beat for the price.
I realize that many here are already familiar with IDPA, but for those that are on the fence about visiting the next match, stop waiting!
Not to be a detail Nazi, but its not exactly shooting against others with the same caliber, as the divisions are more about how customized the guns are & weapon type, than the specific caliber... All must be 9mm or greater, but in SSP (stock service pistol) you basically can shoot any stock double action, double action only, or striker fired semi-auto handgun... Then you start getting into custom guns, but they don't allow "race guns" at all... Supposed to be stuff you MIGHT actually carry, as opposed to USPSA which is more "gameish" where its a little more- anything goes.