The IDPA rule regarding “engaging” a reactive target, e.g. a steel popper, is:
2015/3.2.3.2 A reactive target is deemed to have been engaged when a minimum of
1 round is fired at the target, regardless of whether the target reacts. All
penalties apply if the shooter does not re-engage the target until the target
reacts or if the shooter unsuccessfully challenges the reactive target
calibration.
So, a shooter could fire one round at a popper, then move on to engage other
targets. If the steel did not fall when they engaged it, they can re-engage the
steel.
If the shooter engaged the steel, but left it left standing at the end of the
string, it is scored as a miss (5 points down) + a FTN penalty (5 seconds).
If the shooter never engaged the steel, then it is 5 points down + a FTN
penalty + a procedural penalty for not following the stage description and very
likely a penalty for not engaging in tactical priority. (I have made this
mistake.)
Wade
