Wanting To Get Into IDPA

Status
Not open for further replies.
lpsharp88

lpsharp88

Member
Joined
Jul 1, 2012
Messages
998
Location
Berea, KY
Hello all,
I've recently developed an interest in IDPA matches. I have watched quite a few YouTube videos of matches and videos explaining rules, have also downloaded and read the IDPA rulebook. My questions concern finding local matches and gear that would be needed. The way I understand the rules are that the pistols have to be pretty much stock, holsters must be a viable CCW holster, and a cover garment must be used (there's of course more, but those are the basics as I understand them). I have been searching online for IDPA matches in my area (Morehead KY) but haven't had any luck. Are there any websites that list matches? I looked on the IDPA site, but I don't know the name of any local clubs to search by.

As for equipment, I have a Glock 26 Gen 4 (all stock), 3 mags, a White Hat IWB holster, a Raven Concealment Phantom holster configured for OWB, and a RCS single mag pouch also configured for OWB. Beretta 92/M9, 2 mags, a RCS single mag pouch, but no holster. A Springfield GI Model 1911 with 5 mags and no pouches/holsters. The 1911 has had some aftermarket parts put in, so I'm not sure if it would work in IDPA or not.

Would it be best to just compete with the G26? I'd prefer to use something bigger that has a longer sight radius, but it is the only one that I am close to having the right gear to start with.

Also, is it considered ok to just show up to a match and observe? I would like to actually witness a match first hand and possibly pick some peoples' brains to just see how it is.

Any and all advice/suggestions are more than welcome. I apologize for the long post!
 
If you look again at the IDPA web site you can see all the clubs in your state that host matches. Look at the club addresses to see which might be close to you.

http://www.idpa.com/compete/clubsearch?search=lexington, ky Looks like there's a club in Pikeville that's a bit less than 2 hours from you. One in Verona that's a bit over 2 hours.

Any of the guns could work just fine. The 1911 will be ok as it plays in what's considered a "Custom" class anyway. I have a pal who does real well (just made Master) shooting a Beretta 92, so that would be a fine choice if you pick up an extra few mags.

Sure you can come watch (maybe call the Match Director first to introduce yourself) but you might as well shoot! :)
 
I don't know any clubs that wouldn't let you watch first...they are pretty friendly...but it is just as easy to shoot one. Make sure you contact the Match Director when you get there is sign any needed release of liability and notified of any safety concerns. Most clubs offer or mandate that new shooters attend an Orientation Class before shooting a match. This is a good way to get familiar with the rules, range commands and expectations...safety is paramount.

I'd personally shoot your Beretta or Springfield, but you'd have to buy more gear first...in any case, you are going to need more magazines (minimum of 3) or mag carriers (you'll need a double or 2 singles). Unless you have some really unusual modifications on your 1911, it will fit into CDP or ESP.

I've seen folks shoot in IDPA with their G26, Kahr CW9 and Springfield EMP, so a compact isn't out of the question...just get another mag carrier for your G26
 
Thanks! I've read that many clubs to BUG matches and that the G26 would work for that, but I figured it would be undersized for a regular match. My only reservation with the Beretta was the DA/SA trigger, but practice will take care of that I guess.
 
I shot my first year of IDPA with an M&Pc before getting a full size.

Find a local club match and go prepared to participate rather than just observe. Identify yourself as a first timer and ask to shoot last for each stage -- that way you get to first observe and then take a turn at what you just saw several other shooters attempt. (You do enjoying shooting, right? ;))
 
I definitely do enjoy shooting, when ammo can be had! Participating would be great, I just wasn't sure how to approach it. I don't want to overstep my bounds
 
In DA/SA, I competed with both a Beretta and a SIG (both a 226 and a 220)

The first SSP (Stock Service Pistol;production) to win a IDPA National Championship was a Beretta 92; the second was a SIG 220. It really is about the shooter, not the platform
 
I shoot a Glock 26 in most of the matches, both as a Stock Service Pistol and as a B.U.G., and it works fine. It's also my primary carry pistol. The only mod I've done is to get a +1 floorplate for the magazines, so I can load 10 +1 to start without having to use a 1-round "Barney" magazine.
 
I know it would be a little of a drive, but Bluegrass Sportsman's League (BGSL) in Wilmore (just outside of Nicolasville) has probably the largest monthly match in the state. You also have Silvercreek in Sellersburg IN just across the bridge from Louisville. Adair County Sportsmans Club is another option. I drive a little over 2 hours to shoot matches at BGSL most months.
 
Looks like you have done quite a bit of homework.

Find a close match, call the match director, and be sure to show up for any orientation. Bring one of the guns (I would suggest the 1911) 3-4 magazines, two magazine holders, a decent belt and a holster which it sounds like you already have.

When you show up, tell folks that you are new and you will find a group of folks just itching to help out the newcomer. Every regular match I have been too has always been been very open and helpful to new shooters, with many assigning a buddy. You will not have to shoot a stage first and you will get to watch a bunch of folks go before you. When it is your time to go, make sure the the guy running the stage knows you are new. He likely will anyway.

You will have seen some folks who have humbling skills. Don't even try it :) You just need to go as slow as you feel comfortable shooting the stage correctly and safely. It doesn't matter in your head how slow that feels. If you have any questions, ask. No one will rush you and no one will mock you. That comes later after you have made some close friends at matches you shoot.

In short, just go. Matches live for new shooters. You will have a great time.
 
I guess I'll make the drive to Pikeville once I am able to get the additional gear needed for the competition. How much ammo should I expect to burn? IIRC when I was reading about it a typical match is around 100 rounds, but not too sure.
 
Bring 150 unless your local MD is really heavy on the round count. 100 really probably will do it, but stuff happens and it stinks to not get to finish because your ammo ran out!
 
Sounds like solid advice sir. Better to have too much than not enough. Hopefully this ammo situation improves soon so practice can happen on a more regular basis
 
Some IDPA matches are making an effort to keep folks happy by:
1. Designing stages to keep round counts down
2. Selling ammo at the match (limited to enough rds to shoot the match)

Of course, a main objective is to maintain the revenue from match fees. Gotta keep the shooters coming!
 
Hey LP,
I am the Match Director for IDPA at Coonhunters Club here is Batesville IN. About 45 mins. or so from you. We shoot the third Sunday of every month. Registration ends at 9:30 AM. There is also a Match the second Sunday of the month in Oxford, OH. That may even be closer for you.
Both ranges keep round counts to 80-100 rounds. Never more.
You received some good info here so I won't reiterate. PM me if you have any other specific questions. You are more than welcome to come and watch but, you may regret not bringing your gear and just jumping in. I have great S.O.'s and we are ALL, shooters and staff alike, willing to help anybody. I do believe EVERY person I have ever told to come thinks they need to see one first. :rolleyes: You really don't. Just come and sign up. I think you will enjoy yourself.
Chaz
 
Yeah Wak? What makes you say that? I just got a S&W SSR 686 that I was considering using in a IDPA or IPSC event.
 
Thetaii said:
Yeah Wak? What makes you say that? I just got a S&W SSR 686 that I was considering using in a IDPA or IPSC event.
Click to expand...
The new rulebook draft was released this week and it has sucked even more fun out of the game and created even more ambiguity.
 
Rules are always fussy, bothersome things, but we're a ways yet from having all the kinks hammered out of the official revision.

What ever you do, do NOT get overly concerned (as a new shooter, especially) with worrying about rules details. Go, have a good time, be safe.

Off in the future, when you're a serious gamer and have strong opinions about how the game should be run, then you can cuss the rules committee.
 
Take it from a Match Director, the rules are there to give ME headaches, not you! :D

Besides, I've known the co-heads of the "Tiger Team" working on the revisions (Bubba and Kitty) for years, and shoot with one regularly and the other as often as he can get up here from TX. If anyone has the mindset to streamline and fun-ify the rules, they do!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

N
  • Locked
first IDPA match today under the new rules
Replies
7
Views
756
OF
O
T
  • Locked
IDPA Resignation
2 3 4
Replies
79
Views
7K
Correia
C
sturmruger
  • Locked
IDPA is not the only "game" in town
Replies
0
Views
670
sturmruger
sturmruger
T
  • Locked
Mag Pouch for IDPA Matches
Replies
5
Views
503
fourrobert13
F
B
  • Locked
What gear for IDPA?
Replies
21
Views
2K
MrBorland
MrBorland
Back
Top