IDPA Classifier Questions

[Random]

After reading up on the classifier it seems some of the firing strings require anywhere from 3 to 15 rounds. For example, Stage 1 String 1-4 require 15 rounds. If I load 15 rounds can I do all four strings on the same magazine? Stage 2, strings 1 and 2 require 12 rounds; can I put 12 in the magazine and shoot both? Some require a fix number of rounds; that part is easy, but for the strings that do not can we double up? It would not be surprising if participants spent just this side of an eternity loading mags for this...it's understandable why they specifically say you want as many as you can get.

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Stage 1 String 5 says "...pointed down range at a 45 degree angle..." Does this imply the muzzle is pointed at the ground, or are we tipping our weak hand at 45 degrees gangsta style and forcing the ejected cartridge into the ground? The former seems more likely.

[Gravy Sandwich]

Most clubs allow you to load magazines to full capacity for the Classifier, so you could start most strings loaded 15+1. This helps the match move along faster. Plus, a fully loaded magazine adds a little weight to the gun, which can help you manage recoil better. The modified El Presidente drills in Stages 1 and 2 are the only drills where you need to start with a specified number of rounds to induce a slidelock reload. Stage 1 String 5 is shot with your weak hand, and the start position is with the gun in hand pointed at a 45 degree angle down toward the ground. Its not meant to be shot slanted gangsta style, lol. You just need to aim the muzzle at the ground somewhere between you and the target, then simply raise your arm at the start beep to get the gun up on target. New shooters typically shoot toward the back of the group in the Classifier, so anyone new to the game gets plenty of time to see how each stage is run before shooting for a score.