First IDPA match!

[cidirkona]

I'm going to my first IDPA match tonight and am taking my glock 27, two magazines with grip extensions and a theigh holster. I figured they probably wouldn't like my uncle mike's felt IWB holster...

Is there anything I should know?? I'm contemplating just watching this time and competing next time as I've never been in a shooting match before...

-Colin

 

[Scoupe]

Most IDPA clubs are pretty laid-back and are happy to welcome new shooters. Safety is their main concern, so they may not let you use the UM holster on those grounds. A safety officer won't allow you to sweep yourself or any bystanders om your draw. Also, you may be required to attend a safety class before being allowed to compete - at least that was the drill here when I started shooting IDPA.

I've found competitive shooters to be among the most generous people I've ever run into. It's not uncommon to have someone offer to loan you a holster, a gun, give you some ammo, etc. when you're getting started. There will be no lack of people willing to help you get going in the right direction. Have fun!

 

[Jim Watson]

Go as you are, we will accomodate a new shooter who is safe and pays attention.

That said, if you like it well enough to go back, two magazines is not enough, you need at least one more. A thigh holster is not legit, an IWB is allowed but is really not as safe to use with frequent holstering and draw, Fobus is cheap and better than flabby nylon.

 

[thereisnospoon]

Jim Watson +1

My first IDPA match was an awesome experience and I was immeadiately impressed by the way the veterans helped me out. My second match was a qaulifier and it was an eye opening experience.

Enjoy!

 

[OF]

A Glock 27 in a thigh holster? Unless you're active-duty military or SWAT and that is part of your duty gear (and you plan on wearing the rest of the gear that goes along with it), that thigh holster is not IDPA legal. Go down to the local gunstore and get yourself a regular-type plastic belt holster (that's not offset out from the belt) or an inexpensive leather belt holster.

Also, you're going to likely need to have 3 magazines. You may be able to do it with two, but don't count on it.

edit: just saw Jim's post - the Fobus is a good bet for an inexpensive holster solution.

 

[cidirkona]

Hmm... well three days shy of a paycheck, it looks I'll be watching today. The theigh holster is easiest for desert recreational shoots and the IWB is great for daily carry - but I can see it being horrible for constant drawing and reholstering while keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction... I should probably watch a match before I jump into one anways.

Maybe I'll just shoot my keltec p3AT instead... (man that would get painful!)

-Colin

 

[cidirkona]

How many rounds does one typically go through at one of these?

-Colin

 

[RKirby]

Don't know about the club there, but we usually go through about 100 rounds at an indoor match and about 150 rounds at an outdoor match. All depends upon time constraints and the number of stages planned. I usually bring 150 - 200 rounds to be safe.

Most clubs will allow an IWB holster as long as it will stay open to allow a one handed re-holster.

WARNING!!!....once you shoot that first match, you'll be hooked.

 

[OF]

150 rounds is alot for a local IDPA match...the max round count per stage is 18 making that an 8 stage match...or a whole lot of strings per stage. An IPSC match will easily hit 150, but I'd have to offer that 150 is going to be the exception in IDPA.

But I'd bring 150 anyway...some clubs let you shoot it twice!