Ted Murphy: Since you seem to be gathering info to share to with the HQ, I'll try to keep this organized for you:
My problem(s) with the revolver rule changes...
1. The arbitrary and abrupt way these changes impact shooters logistically and financially. When the 5" guns were outlawed, there was a time period in which folks could make changes or switch to the flat guns -- as many did.
2. The ammo carrier changes. Rule changes published with no firm understanding of what is legal and what isn't. And if shooters at the Nats had their holders positioned incorrectly, you correct them, (as I saw you do), mark their sheet and gig them at the next stage if they do it again. FTDR, procedural, take your pick. The rule change on carrier position was just a damn lazy way of fixing the issue of SOs too afraid to piss off a cheater.
3. 7 and 8 round guns competing against 6 shot guns. Huh? No kidding the BoDs don't know about wheelguns. They sure as heck don't know how stage design affects wheelgunners. I don't bitch about "revolver friendly" or that garbage, but just look at how the 9+1 and 10+1 problem has hurt ESP.
And before you repeat the mantra about banning moonclips, I don't think it ever should have been an either/or proposition. I welcomed the rumors about two revolver divisions at the 2004 Nats! But they should have been a SIX SHOT speedloader and a SIX SHOT moonclip division - that levels the playing field, and gives revolver shooters twice the opportunity to run the guns we love.
I'm cool with running a 165 pf. I cut my teeth shooting 200+ pf on pins so bring it on.
I know when IDPA was set up revolvers were an afterthought. But whatever vocal minority poured honey into all those HQ ears did a tremendous disservice to the hardcore wheelgunners. And HQ compounded that disservice by not doing their homework on how these changes would affect the membership.
The weight limit and barrel measurement issues? Those are just "typos." I believe someone at S&W will show HQ how to measure a barrel and weigh a gun. That'll get sorted out but damn, just another sign that wheelgunners were an afterthought.
I've gotta quit posting, I'm ready to chew my own brass!