competition shooting, how to get started?

[bebop4212000]

I am new to this website so please bear with me. For Christmas this year my wife gave me a Ruger p89 9mm. She also suggested that we start shooting for together time. Since we are both ex-cops sounds like fun. We go to an IDPA qualifier. I thought I could shoot, having never shot less than expert on a ppc course with a S&W model 66, 20 years ago. These guys were good and left me wanting more but I'm confused. IDPA vs other organizations. Isoceles vs Weaver. In rookie school they didn't have a name for it. They just taught you to shoot from a particular stance. What type of holster. How many magazines and what type of mag. holder. I'm told my p89 is great for home but not good for competition. I don't want to get a second mortgage but this looks like the together thing we have been looking for.

 

[ACP230]

I wouldn't change either your stance or your gun, unless they really aren't working for you.

You need three or four magazines, at least. You can get along, for a while, by sticking spare mags in your pockets. I have several different mag pouches but I have shot without them, due to brain fade, occasionally.

I've used a Colt Cobra .38 Special with speedloaders, a Browning High Power, and a Colt Combat Commander .45 for IDPA. Lots of local guys shoot SIGs and Glocks, but if your Ruger suits you there's no reason to switch.

 

[RKirby]

I started in IDPA with a Ruger P89. Since that time I have switched to a Springfield XD9, but there's absolutely no reason why you can't compete with what you have now.

You might want to consider changing the main spring from the factory 22 lb to a Wolffe 20lb. spring. It will lighten the heavy double action trigger pull considerably. This will improve your first shot accuracy quite a bit..at least it did for me.

I would also suggest that you stay away from most of the aftermarket mags, ProMag in particular. Ruger seem to function more reliably with Ruger mags.

As far as holsters go, Kydex is the way to go from a competitive stand point. Also, a Kydex holster will not collapse when you draw the gun as some leather holsters will. This allows you to re-holster one handed..much safer than using one hand to hold the mouth of the holster open while you sweep your hand with the muzzle to re-holster.

As far as a mag holder, I started with and still use an inexpensive Uncle Mikes double mag holder.

You will also need a good (but not necessarily expensive) heavy leather belt to support the holster and mag holder. I think my belt cost all of $20.00 and has held up well for several years now.

IDPA does not need to be an expensive sport unless you want it to be. Use what you have and enjoy yourself...and don't worry about not being competitive to begin with. Be accurate and the speed will come naturally with time.

 

[faustulus]

Congratulations on your new addiction (if it isn't yet it will be) competition shooting is the best sport around. you will never find a friendlier bunch of people.
Step one, you have completed (go to a match)
Step two is just as easy: keep going.
you will need a few things to get started: gun -check; holster (i like kydex as do many others but some prefer leather); mags and mag pouches (although I have carried them in my front pockets before)
when you go, talk to the other shooters, see what they are using and ask them why (we're a vain bunch we love talking about guns and shooting).
If you and your wife get hooked you will probably want a few more items. most of these you will figure out by looking at what others have and seeing what needs you want to fill.
the most important thing is to have a good time.
There are other shooting sports out there and if you like IDPA you would probably like IPSC/USPSA the sports are very similar and both are great fun.

 

[TonyB]

Don't try and "keep up" with everyone else.....concentrate on accuracy and you'll naturally get faster(at least I did).My 1st time at IDPA I actually shot a 5 shot revolver......the next week I went and got an auto loader.Now I'm back to using a revolver about 50% of the time.Most of all have FUN......friendly compitition is good...but some get carried away(no none in my club thank God.)
One of our better guys uses a Ruger p-something(.45)and does it well.Nothing's better than a guy with a low cost gun beating the $1500 1911 guys

 

[far2much4me]

...I thought I could shoot, having never shot less than expert on a ppc course with a S&W model 66, 20 years ago. These guys were good and left me wanting more ...

I thought I was a good shot when I started. And you know, I was a good shot. It was the other 500 things I hadn't learned yet that left me feeling really humble. But it was fun!! and I'd do it all again.