In retrospect, having had a few years to cool off, I have to admit that the majority of IPSC members clearly had their way. That it wasn't my way is just a simple fact of life that I have to learn to deal with. The majority wanted an action-oriented shooting sport that favored athletes who were also good shots. There is nothing wrong with that, and IPSC competition continues to be a popular shooting sport to this day. The firearms industry actively supports it with prizes and sponsorships, and the fans enjoy watching the matches and rooting for their favorite shooters.

However, in the meantime, those of us who want to practice our life-saving skills have been fortunate that another door opened for us. This has been in the form of the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA). Defensive pistol shooting as a sport is quite simply the use of practical equipment, including full-charge service ammunition, to solve simulated real-world self-defense scenarios. Shooters competing in IDPA events are required to use practical handguns and holsters that are suitable for self-defense use. Competition-only equipment is not permitted in IDPA matches since the main goal is to test the skill and ability of the individual, not their equipment or gamesmanship.

Keeping in mind the practicality of its mission statement, the IDPA has required that any single competitive shooting scenario may not involve expending more than 18 rounds of ammunition. In any given match, 75 percent of the targets must be within

15 yards, while any movement must be limited to 10 yards or less. IDPA matches also reinforce the use of protective cover, especially when reloading. In short, IDPA competition involves practical methods of dealing with violent criminal attacks in the real world.

I've noticed that one quirk of human nature is that when we are left to our own devices, we tend to practice the things that we are already good at. For some reason, most of us would rather stand up close to the target and cut one ragged hole with our bullets instead of spending time at the 25- and 50-yard lines where our shooting could really use some improvement. Competition forces us to practice the full scale of shooting techniques required to stay up with the big boys.

So I guess that it's time for me to admit that there is a valid place for IPSC in the shooting world. I called it an armed track meet, and I probably shouldn't have. I poked fun at the cute, matching pastel-colored pajama outfits with industry patches sewn all about, and I probably shouldn't have. The majority voted, the majority rules, and life goes on.

But I am so glad to see IDPA come along. One can now attend a number of defensive shooting schools and learn some serious life-saving techniques. And you can sign up with the nearest IDPA club and practice the training skills that they learned at school. Colonel Cooper is no longer with us, but his greatest gift to shooters, the modern technique of the pistol, is alive and well.

Thanks to IPSC and IDPA shooters have a real choice. Equipment, shooting techniques, and life-saving skills can all be tested, adapted, and improved. And we all have a good excuse to spend a day at the range with our friends, burning powder and putting lead downrange. You just can't beat a deal like that.