Getting Started in IPDA

[Ain't_the_average_NRA]

My local range sponsors IDPA matches. I am interested in getting involved as a competitor. I was wondering if I could get some recommendations as far as a good IDPA beginner's gun. I am working on a budget. So I want to get the best for money. I have been told that my current guns would not be good for competition. I own a Firestorm .380 and a Taurus 940 (.40 S&W). I shoot at the range often but would categorize myself as still a novice shooter.


KD

 

[ChristopherG]

When your friends tell you your guns are not 'good' for competition, they might ought to have said 'less than ideal.' There's really nothing wrong with that Taurus, as far as the basic game goes, and assuming it's reliable.

You just need to have a secure, strong-side belt holster and two (three is optimal) extra mags. Ideally, you'll have mag holders to put (two of) these mags on your belt on your weak side.

THE beginner's gun for IDPA is the Glock 17 or 34--but you should definitely just go and shoot some before you decide to go that route, because you might find you like shooting what you've got (which is perfectly adequate), OR you might be seduced by the song of the 1911 or the whirling dance of the wheelgun. There are different ways to play at IDPA, but there's no sense in gearing way up before you've had a chance to dip your toe in.

Safety officers and other competitors are uniformly gracious and welcoming, understanding that some people are new to the game and eager to encourage their participation. Go forth and shoot!

 

[Jim Watson]

People will tell you strange things.

The Taurus 940 will be an adequate IDPA pistol as long as it is reliable in operation; it meets the rules.
Now all you need is a strong side straight draw holster, at least three magazines and belt carrier(s) for two of them. They need not be fancy, kydex rigid synthetic is better than flabby nylon, though.

Plus, of course, eye and ear protection; and a concealment garment of some sort. Do some dryfire practice safely drawing your gun out from under a jacket before you do it with ammo.

If you carry it cocked and locked it will enter in ESP division; if decocked for a double action first shot it can shoot in SSP division.

I have four priorities:
1. Be safe. Don't hurt anybody, don't scare anybody, don't get disqualified for a safety rule violation. Say you are new and ask for familiarization.
2. Execute. Each course of fire (CoF) has specific requirements. Understand them and shoot it right, without Procedural Error penalties. Be sure what Tactical Priority and Tactial Sequence mean, when and how you can reload, how to use cover, what spread hands on a target mean, etc.
3. Hit the target. Hit it in the middle (or head if required.)
4. Move along. Your time from start to finish is your score, plus add-ons for points down and penalties. Don't run before you walk, LITERALLY, but don't dawdle around, either.

 

[TonyB]

The following is just my opinion...
I've been doing idpa for 3 years now.....the one thing that scres me with new shooters is when they try and go too fast..it is natural,when you see how others are shooting ,to try and do the same thing...but I say concentrate on accuracy 1st and you will get faster naturally.BE SAFE.We have a new guy now that some people are wary of ROing,because he's goofing around too much..have a good time,but when the ro says load and make ready....it's time to be serious...it ain't golf after all...
as for guns and equipment.....don't get carried away(unless money isn't a problem)use the Taurus,and get the equipment others have said....if down the line you end up sticking w/ it....you can't go wrong with a Glock...
I started w/ a revolver,went to a Taurus pt99,then a glock 17,back to revolver,and now A taurus pt111(and revolver now and then)..I love IDPA(it's the highlight of my week)

 

[Gary G23]

What I recommend is JUST DO IT for a while before you rush out and buy new equipment. After shooting for a while you'll figure out what you need.

 

[donkee]

I started with a Makarov. I did pretty well with it too. As long as it's reliable and you have the mags, holster, and mag pouch, you'll be fine no matter what you shoot. You don't need to be stylish to have fun and learn something.....

 

[AndyC]

Shoot what you carry. That's the point of IDPA, after all - otherwise you'll just get sucked into the IPSC-style equipment-race mentality.

Winning is nice and I've won a few pin-shoots and the like over the years, but my philosophy has always been that I compete in order to test myself and my equipment under pressure.

 

[Geno]

Now I'm Interested!

Now I'm Interested! Thanks for the creating this thread A_t_a_N! Everyone else, thanks for the advice. I have pondered this very question for months. I especially like the idea shoot what you carry!

Doc2005

 

[Helstrm]

AMEN... Shoot what You carry.. I use my 1911, But I love my 1911...

 

[ctt]

Shoot what you carry but with limitations.
I carry with a pocket holster but they aren't allowed. It'd be nice if I can find a place to draw from my pocket holster and fire a live round.

 

[Dr.Who]

Best advice is to take what you have, get an inexpensive kydex holster ($20.00 or so). Your first club match, you'll not really need a Mag holder. You can you your pockets. You will not need a cover garment. In our Club, First time/beginer shooter's are not allowed to use the cover garment (adds too much complexety when learning all the new stuff). You will need about 100 rounds of ammo, ball cap (keep brass from going between glasses and eye-ball), Safety glasses, and ear protection. The Best thing is to go to a club match and just shoot. These clubs are like minded.... They like Guns... They like to shoot and have fun doing it... Go and enjoy...

As everyone said prior, every club that I have shot with goes out of its way to ensure that the first timer is confortable, has all their questions answered and is safe! The most important thing is being safe.... Don't worry about speed, it will come once your more confortable.

I can not shoot what I carry in this state.... so I get what I want to shoot and go.... Your first match, look at what other's have for equipment. Ask questions, your be supprised how freely the information flows. This is a competition event, however it is more against yourself than it is with everyone else.

 

[richardschennberg]

If you shoot a lot, you might be better off with a 9mm handgun. IDPA only requires 3 magazines (you may have to "top off" if all 3 are 10-rounders). Try to buy used in good operating condition. Stick within your budget, but pick the one that fits your hand and that you like. If you like the Taurus you could get one in 9mm. It does have the advantage of a safe-decocker (for SSP) and a thumb safety (cocked & locked for ESP).
Richard
Schennberg.com

 

[Eagle-101]

The best thing you can do is show up and participate. There is a wealth of knowledge at an IDPA shoot. Go with your gut and listen to those who sound the most sincere. I started participating in IDPA about two years ago and my skills have grown far beyond what I could have dreamed of. It is the best experience you can get in practical shooting.

 

[kansas45]

I haven't shot IDPA but have been to one USPSA match & a local match that kinda combines both of them. i shot my Taurus PT1911 At the USPSA match in single stack major & had a great time. i wasen't fast but I will go back & work on it a little at a time. I was more concerned with safety & accuracy & trying to remember where the hid all the targets! I used my XD45 Tactical in the other match because they don't seem to have a class for differen't weapons. I needed the extra capacity of the XD so i wouldn't have to re-load as often. I lieked both types of competition. the next local match is Nov. 18th. It seems like a long time to wait to do it again. I like this game!