IDPA...Getting Started

[passintime]

Ok, will be starting IDPA in September (in Cleveland, TN) and need to know what I need to get started. How many mags do I need? How many rounds should I take along? What type of holster can I use? Anything else I need to get started? Thanks!

PS. I am doing this to make myself a better firearm handler in a non-range situation. I will be, at first at least, competing only against myself (that will be my mindset at least).

[SureThing]

What kind of gun will you be shooting?

[thunderstorm]

Get a good cover vest, remember you can’t drop magazine’s that still have ammo left in them, you must put them back. I would say at least 2 spare magazines (if you are shooting production), but the more the better. Round count depends on stages, I usually bring 200 rounds and shoot far less than that. A simple kydex outside the waist band holster will do, don’t forget to have a magazine holder. Also remember that you should engage the threats in tactical order. Above all relax and have fun, be safe and over time you will improve!!!

[passintime]

Surething,

I am purchasing a CZ of some sort. I believe you have been reading my posts in the autoloader forum. So in recap here are some things I need.

Vest to put mags in.

Kydex OWB holster.

3 mags.

Mag holder.

Couple hundred rounds per match.


What else?

[SureThing]

Actually, the Vest is for concelment.

You will need a mag pouch,I like Fobus.

Kydex holster, stay away from the non adjustable Fobus holster.

Meg Gar makes good CZ mags for about $20

My IDPA is 100 rounds per match.

Hearing protection and eye protection.

I left striker fried guns for CZ's, but I got a 75 SA for the ESP class. Personally I don't like DA/SA guns because the first shot in DA normally sucks. That is why I suggested the 75 compact so you can go locked and cocked.

You cannot beat a good striker fried gun for IDPA, XD, MP, Glock.

I came from Glocks and miss them sometimes still.

[SureThing]

But the more I think about it. Get the RAMI with the safety. You can choose locked and cocked. It makes the best carry gun.

Should you ever get the full on gaming bug, get the 75 SA.

I started with compacts, but they are too large to carry IMO, and I like larger guns for the range/gaming.

I never suggest a compact anymore generally.

[ny32182]

Personally I use a G19 and carry one extra mag. I use a comptac Infidel IWB. This is my standard CCW gear.

A quick read through the manual prior to the first match would be a very good idea. Beyond that, however, you will find that there are numerous and sometimes nitpicky rules that are meant to walk the fine line of maintaining the integrity of the competition while simultaneously keeping IDPA close (relatively, at least) to its intended roots in using real carry gear. You will end up learning a lot of these rules by breaking them. Make sure you pay attention during the walkthrough for each stage, where the SO should explain how any questionable rules apply to the stage.

Personally I'd recommend club level matches to learn the ropes prior to going to a state level match where the competition and exact rules enforcement is more emphasized.

Round count will depend on the number of stages and

[skinewmexico]

I started with an XD, and the XD gear that came with it. Had everything I needed, then I upgraded all the gear once I decided I liked the game.

[passintime]

Now i'm torn between the compact and the Rami. The 3" barrel would really be a disadvantage, yes? It would be a great carry gun, though....

[skinewmexico]

It's not a disadvantage if you're trying to get good with what you carry. I know a lot of guys who basically throw any chance of winning out the window to shoot with the exact setup they carry. You have to decide for yourself what your goals are. Gun game, or repetition of use of your carry rig, or somewhere in between.

[OH25shooter]

Being new to IDPA myself, this is how I see it regarding which gun to use. Like many, I started with my gunsmith tricked-out 5" barrel XD, 3.5# light trigger, sights, etc. Then I discovered rather quickly with that gun, I was placed in the ESP division. I faired well, but there was no way I was going to place up with the top speed shooters. So, I decided to shoot what I would carry, a DA/SA SigSauer 229. I've elected to use IDPA as a chance to improve my shooting skills and tactics with a smaller/shorter barreled pistol. Personally, I don't care where I place. Some shooters get so frustrated and stressed at matches, it seems like hardwork. I simply enjoy putting lead down range in each stage. And regarding that first "hard" DA pull...well it's only the first shot, then every other is smooth SA. So what's the big deal? It can be mastered through practice.

[SureThing]

That is the benefit of a Rami, CZ compact. You can shoot both classes. Also, I like CZ's, Sigs, Glocks, XD's, M&P's. They all have different sizes of their guns on the same platform. So your carry gun and IDPA gun are the same, just different sizes.

[passintime]

My goal is to use IDPA to get good with what I choose to carry. I could care less how Mr. Smith is doing. Is it terribly uncommon to see a 3" barrel gun in these matches? I also have a Ruger P95 that I am "combat accurate" with, but I would prefer to do this with my carry gun. Right now it's between CZ compact and CZ Rami, unless anyone else has a suggestion. I had looked at the EAA witness because it was cheaper, but am unsure of how it does in comparison to the CZ and if the CZ is worth the extra dollars.

[SureThing]

I'm not sure there is a big enough difference between the Ruger and the CZ compact, PCR, etc...They all are compacts, just the ruger is a larger compact.

I would lean towards the Rami as the carry piece. If you find you want a bigger gun to IDPA with, then use the Ruger. Not many people use sub compact guns to IDPA with becasue they want better scores.


So many people start IDPA, so they can get good with their carry gun. Then they get their scores and want to do better. Then they decide to get a larger gaming gun.

Those at my club who shoot sub compacts, are there for the practice aspect of IDPA. The Glock 24's, etc are there for gaming. Either is fine. I would say that IDPA has been good for USPSA also, as IDPA introduces many to shootin sports.

But for a carry piece, I still say Rami.

[ny32182]

Just read the manual for information on what guns are allowed. Anything that makes a realistic carry gun should be fine especially to start with. The restrictions are more on the top end (maximum dimensional size and weight of the gun) than the bottom end. Any compact, and almost any full size 9x19 or larger caliber service-type semiauto should be allowed with no problem. I believe some of the ST model Sigs might be slightly over the weight limit, but again, those aren't really realistic carry guns.

As others have said, if you want to game later (and you very well might), there are plenty of dedicated options to go in that direction. Put a couple mags through a $3k STI or something like that, and it will become very clear very quickly that if you are using a stock service auto, you are not in the same ballpark in terms of the limitations imposed by the equipment. That is fine; just realize that different folks have different goals.

[fineredmist]

Your IDPA equipment depends on wether you want to be a competitor or a shooter who wants to improve their shooting skills. If you are the latter use your carry gun and IDPA will give you confidence in your ability to use what you carry. IDPA is a game if you go the other way so do you really want to be a "Master" with a gun you never carry? I carry either a Glock 19 or a Glock 26 and they are what I use in IDPA matches. It is reassuring to know that if I ever had to use one I can use it effectively.

[VegasOPM]

The above posts explain what you will need in terms of gear. The gun is whatever you want to shoot. The secret to getting started is to GET STARTED. Even if your gear isn't perfect, even if you have a hard time hitting COM, even if you are slow from the holster- or need to work on mag changes.

When you start competing you will figure out what works, and what you need to change. The hardest match is the first one. Heads up- you aren't going to win... but you will most likely have a blast. I can also promise that you will learn something. After a few matches, you will notice how much more comforatble that you have become. After a season or two of shooting matches, you will be a better shooter than almost any non-competitor that you know.

[JoeSlomo]

It's not a disadvantage if you're trying to get good with what you carry. I know a lot of guys who basically throw any chance of winning out the window to shoot with the exact setup they carry. You have to decide for yourself what your goals are. Gun game, or repetition of use of your carry rig, or somewhere in between.

Well said.

[passintime]

I am a pretty decent shot and want to use this to better myself and not to compete, at first. When I get serious I can invest some more in another gun. My question is....

Will I be at a severe disadvantage (to myself, will I be missing targets left and right) with a RAMI? Anyone else use a three incher?

[SureThing]

No, IMO

In IDPA the Targets are not real far off.

[passintime]

Thanks, surething. I am pretty torn on this and will need to do some long, hard thinking.

[Sunray]

"...a better firearm handler in a non-range situation..." IDPA/IPSC are shooting games and nothing more.
"...what I need..." You'll have to take the safety course to get your 'black badge' or whatever IDPA calls it. All that should be explained then.

[VegasOPM]

"...a better firearm handler in a non-range situation..." IDPA/IPSC are shooting games and nothing more.
"...what I need..." You'll have to take the safety course to get your 'black badge' or whatever IDPA calls it. All that should be explained then.

Sorry Sunray but I didn't understand what you are trying to convey.

[passintime]

:what: My head hurts trying to decide between the 75 compact, the 75 compact alloy, and the RAMI CZ. Someone pick for me! This might sound like a dumb question, but how do you generally dress for your matches?

[VegasOPM]

My head hurts trying to decide between the 75 compact, the 75 compact alloy, and the RAMI CZ. Someone pick for me! This might sound like a dumb question, but how do you generally dress for your matches?

GLOCK 19- there, now wan't that easy.:D

As for dressing. I tend to avoid Mall Ninja wear, but cargo pants make "mag change with retention" a whole lot easier. For me it is cargo pants (or shorts), t-shirt, over shirt (for concealment) and comfortable boots with ankle support. Tape a couple of washers in the shirt tale to making clearing the garment easier. In the winter, I wear a 3/4 length jacket with some weight in the pocket.

[VARifleman]

Kydex OWB holster.

If you get an Uncle Mikes you will have to melt the belt loops a little to make it hug the belt without a gap.

Sunray,
IDPA or USPSA are games, but they were developed to hone skills necessary for gunfighting. In the training I've been to, the instructor mentioned that they are good tools for that and we should be involved in them.

[OH25shooter]

...how do you generally dress for your matches?

Just wear what you normally wear. It's not like you need a fancy uniform dress. In the heat, I wear shorts, a ball cap, t-shirt, concealment cover vest and rugged trail shoes. My mag retention method is stuffing the mag in my waistband (works great for me), so I don't need those expensive cargo/military pants with twelve pockets. I stay away from camo gear only because I shot USPSA last year and it's not allowed. Remember, shoot what you would carry and wear what you'd normally wear. It's easy. You could always google for YouTube videos of IDPA matches and view what the competitors are using/wearing.

[passintime]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input. As for the Glock 19, it is a fine gun, but me and striker-fired pistols generally don't get along too well.

[ny32182]

IDPA is actually what taught me the virtues of striker fired pistols... I was a big Sig fan before, and used them during my first year or so of shooting IDPA. Then I bought a Glock 19. The transition was instant and permanent.

Opinions certainly vary though, and as has been said, the key to getting started is to stop worrying about every little thing and just go. Shooting matches is how you will learn what works for you, not 6 months of arm-chairing it on the internet. :D Trust me, you'll have a great time no matter what you bring. There will be a wide variety represented.

[passintime]

Yeah, I know what you mean. I am more comfortable with having a hammer, stubborn to change. I have a glock, just not my all time favorite to shoot.

[Hoser]

I made up an FAQ for our local matches a while back.

http://www.co-ar15.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3717

[pistobro206]

I say go for the CZ compact or the CZ PCR.

For a combination of carrying and enjoying the practical pistol game of IDPA.

It's true what others have mentioned, many go towards larger "gaming" type pistols.

I started with a Glock 19 then went to a 34 because I knew it was a game being played.

Since then I've gone to a CZ 75 SP-01. But now I'm inspired to run my P-01.

-Albert

[passintime]

I think the CZ compact PCR is the front runner at this point, although a compact in satin nickel might win out. How does the nickel compare to polycoat in regards to toughness. I would imagine nickel would fare better.

Hoser, thanks for the FAQ, I'm going to read that right away.

[peteinct]

I second the previous poster who said to just start. The most important thing will be to find a group that is welcoming and most are. There are always some people who go too far to win and are too competitive but don't let them spoil your fun.I think most people worry about looking foolish but that is not an issue. If you say you are new everyone will be helpful.

As for equipment I wear cargo shorts until the fall then cargo pants then a snowmobile suit in the winter so it varies. For a cover garment I use a large denim or canvas shirt. A good belt helps I use a wilderness belt knock off. I use an uncle mikes nylon belt holster. I have a bunch of mags but have never used more than 3 in a shoot. There is a limit of how many shots can be fired in a string.

For a gun use whatever fits your hand and shoot accurately at close range. I thinks the farthest a target can be is 45 feet. I use a stainless 75b for all my shooting so I can be consistent but my P-01 with a 3 3/4 inch barrel also shoots well for me. I think that esp. just staring out there are more things that will improve your scores namely practice then what gun or class you shoot.

IDPA isn't combat shooting training but it will give you practice in drawing, shooting from non standard postions on the move and shooting under pressure. There are more details but just bring a gun holster and ammo then shoot and have a good time.
pete

[uh-oh]

I convinced my friend to go with me to an IDPA match, he was reluctant to go previously. I don't know what made him want to go out, but I bought him two more mags (he only had the one that came with his USPc45) and a double mag pouch. He already had a blackhawk serpa and a belt. Those items and his normal clothes and he was good to go for his first match. No big deal. A vest is a good cover garment for IDPA, even if you don't wear one all the time. The point is to get out and have some fun at your own pace.
Bring a camera with you. More than likely one of your new friends will be glad to video your stages.
Watch the vets through each stage. They know how to run the game and you might learn some things from them.
This sounds like a lot to do, but if you show up to the stage with an open mind you'll have a good time.

Eventually your times will drop. Perfect practice makes perfect, and I got a lot of good practice from live fire practical pistol classes and I did informal matches with some friends but it's not the same when you know you're being "graded". The first time I went out for a competition, I don't even remember what really happened, just that the timer beeped and I went into action properly and safely without any thought about it. I had to watch the video of myself to even see what I did the first ten seconds. Subsequent matches slow down, but perceived time is different than elapsed time. Go your own pace and make the hits. You can't miss fast enough to win.

I shoot CDP or ESP, both with SAO guns with hammers- 1911 and a Beretta 92 Steel-I. Short guns are not really at an inherent disadvantage as the ranges to the targets are relatively short.