Need a Little Advice from IDPA Shooters

[ezypikns]

I'm considering getting started in IDPA. I wonder if anyone has any practical advice concerning which firearm and holster to start with?

the weapons I have to choose from are the following:

Kimber 5" single stack .45 (1911)
Ruger P95 9mm DA/SA (10 rds)
Bulgarian Makarov 9mm x 18 DA/SA (8+1)
S&W revolver Model 10 4" .38 sp
S&W revolver Model 25 4" .45 Colt

I realize that selection is pretty much a matter of personal preference, but while all of the above may be fine for self defense, one or the other might be a little easier for someone new to competition.
I've been licensed to carry for about a year, but I almost always carry a Kel-Tec P32 in my pocket. I've been shooting for a few years but always at a range, and never from a holster. Do I also need to get some training in shooting from a holster drawn gun?

Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[Harlie]

Take either

The Ruger or 1911 w/ a decent holster that covers the trigger guard, minimal 3 mag's and a means to carry them. Tell them at the line you are new and enjoy the experience. Don't get caught up in trying to go fast, just try to be accurate and to follow the instructions to the letter. After first match, you will have determined a few things that require your attention to be safe, that you can work on for the second match. IDPA is a great starting place for your initial experience in the world of handgun shooting sports. Later you may also look at USPSA style, it offers some really enjoyable shooting experience as well. Watch, listen, ask questions, observe the gun handling of competitors, and see what is required of you. Don't just go to watch, participate, get that first match under your belt.

 

[FunGunner]

The three more common guns that you will see are.

Kimber 5" single stack .45 (1911) CDP Class
Ruger P95 9mm DA/SA (10 rds) SSP Class
S&W revolver Model 10 4" .38 sp SSR Class

In kydex holsters you'll find Blade Tech is common and a lot of the more popular leather holsters will be seen.

A common rig will be RR 5.1 vest, Blade Tech OWB Holster, Two single mag Blade Tech mag carriers, and some sort of (made of holsters) pistol belt. Though, I have seen all sorts of equipment combinations. Using a leather belt slide holster, double UM mag carrier, dickies leather belt, and a big shirt I got from Goodwill for $.50, myself.

I would suggest, pending that money isn’t a problem, the P95 or the Kimber and a Blade Tech OWB and mag carrier for at least two mags, double or two singles, your choice.

The Model 10 would also get the Blade Tech OWB and 4 Safariland Comp whatever speedloaders and a Safariland carriers for three speedloaders (two in front of the holster and one in back on the same side as the holster).

Those seem to be the most common rigs I have seen, but older wiser ones will chime in soon.

Just go, be safe, and have fun

Edited to add: Shooting that Model 10 your first time out would get you mad respect from the guys I shoot with, they are afraid of the big nasty wheel guns.

 

[tahoeguy]

New IDPA Shooter

I just got my first IDPA match under my belt in March. It was really fun! I researched equipment for some time before choosing a Comp-Tac holster and double mag carrier. They work really well. I shoot a Beretta 92 Centurion. It's not as popular as some others, but I hit what I aim at. I'm sure you'll get lots of advice, and that is good. Weigh it all and make an informed decision.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

I've always romanticized shooting the revolvers but shooting the .45 colt would be neat. Neat, but expensive. Because of this and the fact that it might get irritating to try and carry all those speedloaders, I would probably just stick to the Ruger or Kimber. If youre not more comftorable with one than the other, I'd probably suggest the Kimber because a single action type is easier to use under stress than remembering to acknowledge the transition between the double action to single action pull of the Ruger. Thats just my experience though.

You will probably find that equipment (assuming it is reliable and functional ) is the least important part of your first match. Bring a good attitude and humility. Realized you won't win your first match and you aren't there to impress anyone. Maintain lots and lots of muzzle awareness and trigger control and you will find everyone very excited to have another shooter with them.

Oh, and extra ammo in case you get to shoot after the match!

 

[Jim Watson]

The Kimber will get you in Custom Defensive Pistol, the Ruger in Stock Service Pistol, the M-10 in Stock Service Revolver.

Your Makarov is below the minimum power rating and would not be allowed in a sanctioned match. A local club would probably let a beginner with no other suitable pistol use it but you are not in that category.

Your M25 could be shot in Stock Service Revolver but the .38 will cost less in money for ammo and in recoil than a .45.

You should know how to operate and to shoot your gun. This is competition, not training.
You must be able to draw your gun and get it on target safely. Some clubs will waive the requirement for concealed carry for beginners, but not all. You can practice the draw from concealment dryfire at home.
You must be able to shoot from a variety of positions. Most common are standing, standing behind tall cover, and kneeling behind low cover. These positions can be practiced at home dryfire.
You must be able to move safely with a gun in hand (finger out of the trigger guard.)
You must be able to reload safely and promptly from magazines or speedloaders carried on your belt.
You have to learn the Course of Fire requirements from the spoken and/or written directions, and remember it under the stress of movement and shooting. Almost every stage will be different in its requirements.

It isn't impossible or we wouldn't gain any new shooters, but it is demanding. You have to pay attention and apply yourself.

You can read the rules at www.idpa.com