I'm interested in IDPA (Practical shooting)

[RatFink]

I'm interested in in IDPA or something like it, I live in Arizona and I have a few questions.

1) I'm considering using my Steyr S40, what would that mean as far as catagory I would be in.

2) I also own a Springfield 1911A1, a S&W 342 and I have a FEG PJK-9HP coming soon. I would rather use my Steyr since it's what I carry, but opinions on my choice would be appreciated.

3) Is there anybody here from AZ that could point me to where I should go to start getting involved?

[Joe D]

Have you thought about looking on the IDPA website? There are 6 locations listed in AZ. That would be www.idpa.com

[Jim Watson]

1. Your Steyr would fall into Stock Service Pistol vs Glocks, Berettas, etc.

2. Assuming that Springfield is a .45, it would be in Custom Defensive Pistol. A S&W 342 could be shot in Stock Service Revolver but would not be competitive, it is mostly a BUG which is not a major match Division, just an occasional side match. If that FEG is the BHP copy, it would be an Enhanced Service Pistol. So you can enter about any division you like; but your Steyr is fine for SSP.

3. I am not from Arizona, but if you go to
http://www.idpa.com/menu.htm
and look under Affiliated Organizations for Arizona you will find some contacts.

[RatFink]

Thanx guys.

I new about the IDPA website, but the rules on clasifications seemed wierd when I applied them to the steyr, I believe it's action falls somewhere in limbo, and I wasn't sure about the sights since they also are not standard, in fact they are fairly close to a triangular shaped "Ghost Ring"

[Jim Watson]

The Steyr is peculiar, but its action places it in Stock Service Pistol.
The triangular sights have been specifically OKed and are not equivalent to a "ghost ring."

Now pick the closest club and go shooting.

[bailer]

Where in Arizona are you located? In Phoenix you have several options. Phoenix Rod and Gun, near South Mtn. has several IDPA matches per month. Their website is Phoenixpractical.com. Rio Salado has an IDPA match on the fourth Saturday afternoon. That same morning they have one of the better USPSA matches around. Try both and make a day of it. Their website is www.azgunning.com. Ben Avery runs matches, but I don't get out that far. I think you can link to their site through one of the other two. Good luck.

[RatFink]

I live on 44 th st. and Bell, so Ben Avery would be good, and it seems there's somehting at the scottsdale gun club.

I guess I just need to go check it out.

[bailer]

PRG is at the south end of 7th ave. It's probably not much further than Ben Avery. IDPA matches depend heavily on the quality of the Match Director. I'd try both clubs.