Interesting topic. I have thought about it before but never really talked it through with anyone. I have been shooting handguns for about 1 1/2 years and started IPSA a year ago. Started shooting so I could work armed (private security) And at the start, let me say I appreciate those of you who are polite and don't take things personal and don't argue, but discuss, listen, learn and share their questions, ideas and experience in a professional and gentlemanly fashion.
From what I have learned of self defense, there are 2 basic situations where I would have to consider using my gun. 1. those where the situation happens fast, most likely with someone drawing a weapon and attacking. 2. something like a home invasion. IPSA is not exactly like either of these, as far as I can see. In the first, IPSA requires that you stand in a box, not move, and from what I have learned moving, and especially moving toward good cover, is an important part of staying alive. In the second, IPSA has no tactical sense of home invasion or room clearing and what to do. And of course, in both cases, IPSA targets don't move or shoot back as already stated.
So, I think this is a great question. Perhaps restated, IPSA habits may not be bad habits, they just lack some of the skills needed for real self defense. Clearly only learning, training and practicing IPSA would leave a person poorly equipped to handle a real SD situation. Yes, I have become much more competent with the basic mechanics of carrying, handling, and firing my gun at IPSA. I shoot IPSA with my duty gear just for that reason. But I still continue to learn about tactics and self defense through other training. So, I will continue to read this thread with interest. Thanks again to those of you who share from real experience and the gathered wisdom and are kind enough to share that with those of us who want to learn.