Competition beginner

A strong side holster and two magazine carriers.
A concealment garment and plenty of dryfire practice drawing from under it.
Basics at
http://www.gadpa.com/index.php/idpa/new-shooter-briefing/

Don't discount USPSA/IPSC, either. Your CZ could run in Production, with the mags loaded to 10, or Limited, with the mags loaded up. A holster, mag carriers sufficient to carry 40 rounds or so, and belt to carry them is the minimum gear.

USPSA is generally more shooting, with fewer asinine quasi-tactical rules.

Go shoot w/ what you have before you think about spending $$$$. Learn as you go - ask lots of questions and you will quickly figure out what you want to do. I have tried IDPA, USPSA but for me 3Gun is where I am challenged the most. To each his/her own and enjoy the process.

I also used my 75bd for our IDPA-ish matches. Worked great.

I recommend a lighter 15# hammer spring and Cajun Gun Works fiber optic front sight. Very little expense for the amount of benefit you get. The factory rubber grips also help a lot.

USPSA is generally more shooting, with fewer asinine quasi-tactical rules.

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This.


To each their own but the rules of IDPA have kept me away.

I understand the intent behind them, and respect those who prefer IDPA, but generally recommend USPSA.

The best reason to shoot USPSA is as a springboard into 3-gun.

The first thing you need to invest in is a real gunbelt. Spend some money on it. Even the best holster is worthless if the belt does not hold it consistently snug and in the same place every time. Try some other people's holsters before you buy your own. Almost everyone in this game has a box full of holsters that just didn't workout. And welcome to the asylum - you're in for some really great fun. Try BOTH USPSA/IPSC and IDPA. Very different procedural rules. Most IPSC shooters believe that IDPA stands for "I Don't Practice Anymore". When starting out forget about your speed. It comes without any effort from your concious mind. Just be safe and smooth and eliminate all wasted motion. Trying to go fast will actually slow you down.

This all sounds like a load of fun. My question is . . . . how much of a day is taken up with a shooting match? Are we talking about an all day event? I, too, have flirted with the idea of jumping into some competitive matches but what with work, a house to take of, my kids . . . I am leery about the time commitment. I am sure there are many of you out there in a similar situation. How have you juggled all of this?

I started with Steel Challenge to get used to running with an RO and a timer. Then I ventured into USPSA and really like that. There is a problem solving element to USPSA, because in most stages, there are options on which order to shoot targets in etc.

As far as time, it depends on your club. We started shooting a match at 10 today and were done and cleaned up by 230. I would plan to arrive early for the match to help set up, so factor that time in as well.

Good luck.

Thompson9494 said:

I'm looking at getting into competition shooting here pretty soon. I'm thinking I'll probably go for IDPA and I was wanting to know what all I would need to get a good start in IDPA.

I've already got a firearm, a CZ 75BD with 5 or 6 magazines.

So I'd like to know what all I need equipment wise and if there is anything I need to know heading into IDPA that will help me.

Thanks!!

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Where in Texas are you.

I just shot my first IDPA match a couple weeks ago, and it was awesome! As was already mentioned, bring your weapon, mags, strong side holster, and ammo. If you don't have a strong side holster, try a fobus paddle holster (that would work where I shoot, can always ask the match director), they're cheap and effective. Do lots of dry fire practice. What I've done is have the tv on, no ammo in the room, and just "shoot" at people on the tv, focusing on the fundamentals, seems to work for me. Give the rule book a once over too, can't hurt anything. Other than that, just show up ready to have fun and willing to learn. People in my squad were always offering advice and were more than happy to answer any questions I had.

Shooting games are contagious. Started with IDPA and ventured into other venues available. All fun and all improved my shooting.