Can I afford this?

[nomadboi]

I'm really tempted to get into IDPA or IPSC, but I'm on a pretty tight budget. How much do you guys generally spend on this kinda thing?

Factors:

I don't have the ability to reload my own brass.

I'd be using my Steyr M40. I already have four or five magazines and a kydex holster I could probably use, but I'll probably need some other gear (mag holsters, if nothing else)...

One of the local ranges (Renton, WA) has both IDPA and IPSC. Might try to just go watch some matches first, get a feel for the differences, see what the people there are like.

Any other suggestions, reccomendations on gear, or thought on how expensive a hobby this is?

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[armoredman]

IDPA is suppsed to be street gear and rigs, so use what you use, (or would use, if for some reason you can't), on the street. Check with the match director/range officer at the range offering the matches to see what thier restrictions are. I did IDPA with an Uncle Mikes single mag pouch, and a spare in my back pocket, with a Galco pancake rig.
IPSC cost mucho dinero, have zero interest.

 

[bofe954]

Production IPSC equipment is basically the same as IDPA equipment. You need more mags for IPSC than IDPA but if you already have 5 that is enough.

You will need to have mag holders for 4 mags, you can pocket your 5th and put in your gun at the line. You won't need all these mags all the time but you will sometimes.

I have been shooting production for awhile with an Uncle Mikes kydex holster and 2 uncle Mike's double mag holders. I think the mag holders were around 10-15$ each. I used to use a regular leather gun belt and I finally upgraded to a CRspeed belt which I highly recommend. It is a 2 piece belt so you can put your holster and mag pouches in the same spot regardless of where your belt loops are.

IPSC will also cost a bit more because you will shoot more rounds per match. Personally, by the time I pay for the match and get myself there the more I shoot the better I think the deal is.

I'd defininately go to a match and check it out.

If you can't reload you'll have to shop for bulk ammo. Another option would be to trade or buy a 9mm. There is no reason not to shoot a 9mm in IPSC production and you will save enough money on ammo to pay for another gun or a trade.

 

[bofe954]

Just thought I'd add some specific $ amounts. The CR speed is about $45. It probably isn't legal to use in IDPA but I wouldn't know.

Small weekly matches in my area run $8-$12. About 100-150 rds. Which for 9mm is about $9-$15. For 40 I'd guess $15-$22.

Bigger weekend matches are usually about $20-$25 and more ammo.

 

[Sunray]

No flavour of shooting is cheap. However, making your own mag pouches can cut your financial outlay and you might be able to sell what you make. Sold some I made for about $5 each for $15 each. Mind you, I had the leather, thread, etc already.
"...Might try to just go watch some matches first, get a feel for the differences, see what the people there are like..." That'd be a good idea. Just be aware that there are rectal orifi everywhere. You ignore them. Most shooters are good people and will help you in any way they can.
"...how expensive a hobby..." Kind of depends on how involved you get. Go anyway, it's mostly a pay as you play game.
You will find that reloading will cut your ammo costs though. You might run into somebody who will either load for you, with your components, or let you load with their equipment.

 

[frenchwrench]

Our group does weekly practice . Usually three stages maybe four. Less than 100 rounds,cost $5.00 to shoot. This is IPSC,no IDPA around here.Have never run into an anal type yet, all good people that are willing to help,too much fun to pass up.Go for it. I shoot Production and use two Fobus dual mag holders .

 

[faustulus]

IPSC cost mucho dinero, have zero interest.

Spoken like someone who has never shot it.

Both are going to cost you some money, but niether should be prohibitive. Expect to shoot about 1.5-2 boxes (50 per box) of ammo at a typical IDPA match and probably about 2-2.5 at a USPSA santioned event. Match fees will run between $10-$25 (usually less for if you are a club member) -- Also technically you are supposed to be a member of IDPA if you shoot more than once although I have never seen a club enforce this.
Equipment is a one-time cost. Holster (if it is good for IDPA you will be able to shoot it in USPSA Production) Mag holders and some mags. Ear and eye protection, which you should already have is also required in both sports. Later on you will probably want to invest in a range bag, but that isn't needed to get started.
I will say this. Go and shoot the first time. Everyone will be really helpful and it is a heck of a lot more fun to shoot than watch someone else shoot. Go early and talk to the range officer, tell them it is your first time. They will give you some basic safety instructions, check your equipment and probably squad you with some really helpful shooters.
You will not find a sport with more helpful competitors.

 

[HSMITH]

I agree with faustulus, IPSC isn't expensive to start in. 4 or 5 mags, a holster, some mag carriers and that is all you need that you don't need for a normal range session.

I see lots of guys shooting stock guns and using Blazer or WWB ammo. Uncle Mikes Kydex holsters are usually less than $20 and are very well suited to shooting IPSC. Production class is 10 round mags only, and they are dirt cheap now. Mag holders can be as low as $25 for rour.

Under $100 will get you rolling if you have none of the gear already. It is more fun than you can imagine. Grab the gear and head out to a local match, you won't find a more friendly and helpful bunch.

IDPA has some new holster requirements that I really am not up to speed on, but most clubs will let you use whatever you have to start.

 

[eerw]

picking the right gear...USPSA is not bad to get started in...

production and L10 would be the cheapest..my latest adventure got me shooting production with a CZ...and by looking and shopping..got me into it for about $800..For that gun, seven 16 round mags ( only load 10 rounds though) four mag pouchs, belt and holster..


reloading will be the biggest expense..might ask around the club and see if anyone with a 1050 would be willing to load if you bought components...need to trust that they are a meticulous reloader though...

we have a shooter that was able to get his GM card in production using a Steyr M9...so your M40 is not a bad choice..

head to the club..

 

[yayarx7]

Let me add it up for you.

Rig: $364
CZ75B 9mm used- $250
cheap mags @ Academy - $18 *4 = $72
Uncle Mikes nylon holster - $10
UM kydex Mag holders - $16 * 2 = $32

Match: $32
9mm Blaser - $4 * 3 = $12
1/4 tank of gas - $5
Fees - $15

Of course that does not count some things that most shooters already have. Cleaning kit, hat, ear and eye protection, belt. I already had the UM holster and the gun and you may already have mags. I know guys that shoot bonus pack WWB 40S&W, so it could not be that expensive.

 

[Krag]

I agree with Bofe954. IPSC/USPSA - "Run & Gun & Have Fun!"

 

[TonyB]

I'm on a limited budget too....in fact I avoid some matches because the entry fee is too high..but our club practices once a week(like mini matches anyway)and we only charge $5 for 5 to 7 stages(time permitting).
I suggest starting out w/ what ever gun you already have.I actually started with a 5 shot revolver.my times sucked and I had to reload like a banchee,but it got me started.If you can find a reliable used auto,go for it.Like others have said:Uncle Mike holsters are cheap and work.They also make mag holders.For cover garment any long shirt will do..but if you want a cheap vest www.smithandalexander.com (and they don't look overly tactical)
I shoot mostly 9mm because it's cheap(I don't reload either).
There's a great article in this month'sHANDGUNS magazine on 10 reasons to shoot IDPA......it's a blast for sure...good luck.

 

[jlseagull]

Lots of good info here. Not much to add. Hope this helped you.

 

[WESHOOT2]

No#1 problem

Folks bemoaning that they didn't start sooner........


Ammo costs and match fees; the gear can be used / borrowed / cheap.

Ask at the range about ammo; ask the clubs about waived or reduced fees if you can provide something they want.
Like your time

 

[Genghis]

Go for it!

I HIGHLY recommend jumping right in. You can do it without spending a lot of bucks, and you'll likely find that you enjoy it.

Get some good advice on equipment before spending lots of money. Anything other than the gun, ammo, holster, belt, and mag pouches is a luxury rather than a necessity.

I don't think the CR Speed belt is legal for IDPA, because it's "competition only."

You may run into some bugs with your gun, once you're shooting all the time. I never had problems with my Para until I started competing, but I had reliability problems and had to get a little work done. I haven't had any problems with the G35, so maybe you'll be okay.

If you're going to shoot both USPSA and IDPA, make sure your stuff is legal for both. I found a nice stiff belt at JCPenney's, and hung a Fobus holster and double mag pouch from it. I have some other toys, but they are not necessary to get going.

 

[nomadboi]

Do you guys all use the open mag pouches, like the kydex ones, or are snaps/velco workable?

Seems like in a timed competition, that could be a nuisance, but I'm not sure what fits the Steyr M series mags in the kydex.

 

[HSMITH]

Open type mag pouches are better, nothing to get in your way when you grab the mag. Most of the really good ones have a tension device of some sort so you don't need to worry about dropping one.

 

[bofe954]

The ones I use right now are Uncle Mike's open top kydex. Each holder holds 2 mags and I use 2 holders. I am pretty sure you could find an uncle mike' s mag holder that would work if you try a few. Your mag has to be about the same size as some other mag. My guess is that if your mags are polymer they'll fit in the same holder I use for my glock mags and if not they'll fit in a holder designed for the Beretta 92, but I am guessing.

The snaps and velcro wouldn't be the end of the world either, but I bet you'll want to replace them soon so it would be a waste of money.

Equipment will not be the limiting factor in your performance for a long time unless you have stuff that malfunctions.

 

[Genghis]

Pouches

I use Universal Shooting Academy pouches for IPSC. They can be angled and adjusted, but they're probably not IDPA legal. I use Fobus and Blade Tech kydex holsters and double mag pouches for IDPA. The Fobus pouches have a piece of carpet inside, so they're a little adjustable for different size mags. The Blade Tech pouches fit my Glock mags perfectly. They don't have any play, so the mags will be in the same place every time.

Blade Tech has a "Combo Pack Special" that includes a holster and double mag pouch, and a paddle that can replace the belt loops, for $39.95. I am very happy with mine.

If I had it to do all over again I'd probably buy single mag pouches instead of doubles, so I could adjust them better.

My friend has an old double mag pouch made of nylon. He cut the velcro flaps off the top. I don't know if that's IDPA legal, but it sure was a cheap solution. He doesn't have any problems with reloads, at least none caused by the pouches.

 

[yayarx7]

The uncle mikes kydex dual mag holders work for both my CZ and my Steyr.
I do have to adjust the retention screw if switching.