IDPA...Getting Started

What kind of gun will you be shooting?

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!!!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Well said.

No, IMO

In IDPA the Targets are not real far off.

"...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.

"...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.

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

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?

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

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.