QUOTE;(New to idpa. I have not joined or shot a match yet, but I have xd .45 acp. Can I use it and what do i need as far as holster... Any suggestions. I know they have strict rules.)
Welcome hsiddall,
If you purchassed the XD 45 kit.... The Holster and Mag holder will be just fine.
In reguards to the classes you can shoot in.... If you keep the gun stock, you can shoot in 3 different classes. They are as follow:
SSP-Stock Service Pistol- open to double action or safe action pistols that are 9mm or larger. You load your mags to 10 plus one in the chamber to start. (XD 45 can take 13 rounds plus one in the pipe). This class is great for a first time shooter....
ESP-Enhanced Service Pistol- Open to those in SSP plus Single action guns like 1911's (1911's are a a disadvantage due to round count) that are 9mm or larger. You load to capacity which is 10 plus one in the camber. Keep in mind that Magazine extenders below the base of the grip are not allowed in any class, if they increase the magazine capacity.
CDP-Custom Defensive Pistol- The home of the 1911 and clones... Gun must be a .45ACP round. Magazine class capacity is 8 rounds plus one in the pipe. This is true even if your gun will hold more.
You will need a minium of 3 mags plus the safe equiptment mentioned (Eye, Ear, and Ball Cap-keeps hot brass going between your glasses and eye area, OUCH). A cover garment that will conceal you XD and mag holders with arms out streched to your sides.
Each of the classes mentioned has weight limits and all guns in these classes must fit the IDPA box. You did not say if you got a 4 inch or a 5 inch XD. I know the 4 inch will fit the box. However I have not seen if the 5 inch will. Based on the information that I have seen, Springfield designed the 5 inch to qualify for IDPA... So we can ASSUME that it will fit the box...
Yes, IDPA has a few rules to remember, However, they (we) are very anal (in a good way) about saftey. When you go to your first match, tell the Match Director that this is your first time. He will go through safety rules, range commands, and walk you through the scenarios and scoring. Being your first time DO NOT worry about the timer... Listen to instruction, ask questions and watch the other shooters. Your fellow shooters are a friendly, bunch and will be more than happy to help out a new shooter. In our club, we assign a mentor to a first time shooter to assist them during the match. Everybody in an IDPA club knows what it was to be like to be a first time shooter.... Don't be affraid to ask questions....
The IDPA website is
www.idpa.com. The rule book is on line as well. I believe someone posted the link.
Good Luck, and Good Shooting