Thinking about trying IDPA

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AFK

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I've been thinking about doing something other than putting holes in paper targets. There's a club not far from me that has IDPA matches every month. I have just started reading about the rules and what is involved in the sport as it sounds like a lot of fun. I plan to attend a couple of matches as a spectator to get the feel of the rules, courses, gear options, etc. I don't want to purchase a dedicated pistol for this until I figure out what I need/want, so I would like to use one that I already have. Out of the pistols listed below, what would you use?

CZ75B with Omega trigger, 9mm
Sig P320, 45ACP
Beretta 92FS, 9mm
XD Sub Compact, 9mm
S&W Shield, 9mm
XDS, 9mm
Kimber Stainless Target II, 45 ACP
Glock 42, 380 Auto

I'm leaning towards the CZ due to the fact that it is a full size pistol in 9mm that I shoot well. I have to get a chrono yet to test my reloads, but I figure if I get power factor down to about 130 in that gun, it should shoot pretty darn good for me.
 
First of all:
Thinking about trying IDPA
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I say read the rules, signup, and shoot. Let them know you are new and they will be glad to help.
Go slow, control your muzzle. Have fun.

I think I might have been pulling mags out of a pocket the first match I shot.

Second:
I recommend the CZ or the Beretta. Fullsize, 9mm.

I know it isn't a popular opinion on the internet, but I don't mind the 92. I am not a fan of the safety/decocker placement but it shoots nice.

Stock Service Pistol is one of my favorite divisions.
Good stuff.

Good luck!
 
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First, go to a match. What I have found, club matches just want shooters. They want someone who is safe and engaged. They will “modify” the rule to accommodate (not affecting safety). Scores do not matter, until you learn the game.

Shoot what works for you. Learn the game, and meet some good people. Be safe, and have fun.
 
AFK said:
Out of the pistols listed below, what would you use?

I'm leaning towards the CZ due to the fact that it is a full size pistol in 9mm that I shoot well.
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I will tell you the same thing I tell people when selecting a carry pistol ... Shoot as many pistols as possible and choose the one that you can shoot fastest and most accurate.

From the pistols you have, I would cross out any sub compacts as they will not produce competitive accuracy like M&P Shield. While I have not shot them but from handling them and based on accuracy reviews, I would consider P320 but yours is chambered for 45ACP. I have shot CZ75B and Beretta 92FS other USPSA match shooters shot and both were accurate but I recall shooting the CZ faster running through practice match stage.

Also, dry fire while watching the front sight and see which does not jerk/move the front sight when the hammer/striker is released. I figure pistols that won't move the front sight will shoot more accurate.

In this thread, we discuss the importance of front sight not moving and virtues of shooting fast and accurate - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-help-me-speed-up.824618/page-4#post-10902452

And if interested, the intricacies of trigger and trigger control vs dynamic trigger engagement til bullet exits the barrel for greater accuracy (And why choosing a pistol that doesn't move the front sight is so important to match shooting ... or be prepared to do a trigger job) - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/trigger-control.834737/page-2#post-11245640

Here's a listing of pistols and 25 yard groups they produced for you to reference but keep in mind that group sizes are dependent on ammunition used and may produce different group size in your hands - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...s-and-discussions.778197/page-9#post-10940688
 
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What’s your carry gun? Even if you mostly shoot something else, shoot your carry gear a significant number of times.

The CZ is a great gun! I’ve shot a G42 in matches simply to get some semi realistic carry practice with it.

Lots of folks face this quandary, carry or maximizing competition.
 
Good point. My main interest is to get more practice and just to have more fun than shooting at paper bullseyes. I typically carry a Shield in 9mm in a Don Hume Leather OWB holster. I think I would have fun with that, but I am a lot more accurate with the CZ at any distance over 10 yards. Another goal is not to progress in the standings for competitions sake, but only to see my own improvement. I've been researching and trying various ways to grip the gun and I am amazed at what a small adjustment can do. I have also started dry firing at home. I only recently started doing this and my accuracy has improved more in the last 3 months than over the last 10 years. Mind you I only really shoot at paper at 10 yards, but my groups are now pretty tight and always within a 6-7" paper plate at 10 yards with the shield. Pretty much 1 ragged hole with the CZ or 1911. I have yet to add any sort of speed to my shooting.
 
I Agee with everyone and just do it. Have fun learn the protocols and don't worry about scores for a few years. Just go and have fun. Who knows you may get to enjoy it or end up like me that prefers to BS with my buddies at the range and just shoot for the heck of it. BTW I vote for the CZ too.
 
I always advise an experienced shooter to sign up and compete. If you just go to watch, after the first or second stage you'll wish you had joined in. Let them know it's your first time and they'll put you down in the shooting order so you can see how others navigate the stage before it's your turn. Most other shooters are willing to answer any questions you ask. As far as the rule book... two primary rules - 1) be safe, 2) have fun. You will learn the other rules as you go, typically 3 seconds at a time.
 
Start out with a full size gun, the CZ will be fine. That will put you in Stock Service Pistol. You need a strong side holster, three magazines, belt carriers for two of them, a "concealment garment" (practice clearing it to draw dryfire), eye and ear protection.

Once you have learned the main rules and general procedures, you can think about shooting a smaller pistol in Compact Carry Pistol or Back Up Gun division. I do not recommend starting out that way, the lesser guns will handicap you a bit and can be frustrating while you learn your way around.
 
Just bring your gear and sign up.

If you choose the CZ, remember you have to manually lower the hammer before you holster it if you are shooting SSP, or if you are shooting ESP, apply the safety before you holster.

Those are the two main things I've seen people get DQ'd for when they first start shooting a hammer fired gun.
 
I started seriously shooting IDPA in September of this year, getting ready to be last year lol.

I shoot 4 Monday matches a month and one other Saturday match once a month. Im fairly new so what do I know.

I will still give you my advice. Jim Watson has the right idea. Start out with one of the 4 or 5 full size guns you listed, whatever you prefer or are most competent with, and just go shoot.

IDPA folks generally tend to be very welcoming and helpful. Read and understand the rules but dont worry about being helped along, just let them know you're new.

Utmost importance in any shooting discipline is safety. Once you shoot a few matches and folks know you can be safe you'll feel much more comfortable. Dont worry about being fast or how you score initially, theres A LOT to learn, and I'm still learning myself.


Definitely go to shoot though. You'll be wishing you had if you dont.
 
I shoot IDPA sometimes and will echo JW & GOB above! Show up with gear and shoot the match!

Beyond that...

1. Take your time! Don’t rush through the stages. I’d rather be dead last in time and have zero penalty points assessed than speed through and have lots of added time

2. Bring plenty of ammo. Unless it’s a limited round count stage, I always shoot targets 3-4 times each versus the minimum 2 rounds. I think it’s way more fun that way, as long as you have enough mags...

3. Make sure you’re one of the last shooters, so you can watch folks go through the stages. But remember....they are not all doing things right, so be selective about who you replicate!

4. Make the most of the time and don’t develop training scars! Sometimes,I just shoot head shots on a given stage. I don’t crowd corners or cover. I take my time and make shots count. Practice good draws and reloads.

Have fun and stay safe!
 
Numbers 2 and 4 do not compute for me.
If I fire an extra shot it is either preprogrammed insurance on a difficult target or makeup for a shot called way off center.
Unnecessary head shots? I'm not making it harder on myself.
 
Jim Watson said:
Numbers 2 and 4 do not compute for me.
If I fire an extra shot it is either preprogrammed insurance on a difficult target or makeup for a shot called way off center.
Unnecessary head shots? I'm not making it harder on myself.
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We've got a couple of shooters who do the same....basically run a stage within a stage for their practice for real-world type events. They'll run FTS drills on tgts, or do head shots only on a stage, maybe go weak-hand only on a couple TGTs when cover supports it. I've been guilty of the headshots only on a stage for side bets.

As long as their safe, within the rules, and not trying to circumvent the intent of a stage, personally I don't have an issue with it. Now IF they start running an extra 20-30 seconds per stage and slowing the squad down, that's another issue

Cool part about IDPA, it's what you want to make of it. Not everyone there is trying to win.
 
Just pick a gun, bring plenty of ammo, learn the game. Adjust as time goes on. It can be lots of fun. But be advised, some of their rules make no sense whatsoever if you've ever shot USPSA or IPSC. It's a different game with different rules. One further comment, do NOT make the mistake of thinking this game is tactical training. Some of the magazine rules and other rules are designed for the game only.
 
What gun? Which do you want to practice with? Which is your “go to” concealed carry or bump in the night gun? Which do you enjoy shooting the most? At first you are not there to win, or compete with anyone but yourself

back pockets work for mag holders for now, all you need is a holster that is safe and ammo
 

  • You don't need to be a great or even a good marksman to shoot IDPA, but you do need to know and demonstrate excellent safe handgun handling skills. You need to be able to safely holster and draw from concealment and always maintain a safe muzzle direction while moving in various directions and shooting around barricades and obstacles. You also need to keep your finger visibly out of the trigger guard while drawing, holstering, loading, unloading, dealing with malfunctions and moving while not engaging targets. These safety related tasks are what many new shooters have trouble with, especially keeping their finger out of the trigger guard during those actions listed above.

  • Take a look at just the Safety Rules, Shooting Rules and Equipment Rules sections of the IDPA Rule Book (the latter section only as it applies to the gun and gear you intend to use). I recommend you don't try to tackle the whole rule book as it's way more info than a new shooter needs. Being a safe shooter is what you should focus on for your first match. Please pay special attention the rule book section on Safety Rules as they are rigidly enforced.
 
thank you for all of the advice and ideas. I will most likely use my CZ. I want to get a chronograph as well. My reloads are a little hot, so I may want to experiment with them as well to see what the PF is and then adjust accordingly. Gonna start looking at holsters and mag pouches soon as I don't have any for that gun.
 
I'm not a competitive shooter but I was wondering how you deal with brass. Is that anything you're able to recover after the shoot or do you have to count on losing most of it?
 
The IDPA matches I shot were "supposed" to be lost brass, but the rest of the squad picked up and gave it back to the shooter while the scoring was being done. No lost time and we proceeded quickly.
 
We allowed you to pick up your own brass or a friend's if given permission. It could not slow down the match as we had some folks who would not tape but wander around after each shooter picking up all brass. If the match was over, that was it. The bays were returned to the range for other shooters. If the owner found you picking up brass after the match, you were banned forever. In fact, he set a trap for a guy like that and banned him.

Pick up your own while the targets are being taped or have a friend do it. Don't be the guy in the now famous IPSC match when the taper is almost vaporized as he is still picking as the next shooter starts up. Someone can post that link, please.

We did have a guy who shot a Garand. Great guy - so we all hustled to get all his 30.06 for him.
 
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I don't want people to be picking brass during the match. They should be pasting and resetting.
How many rounds are you going to shoot at an IDPA match anyway? 125? At 4 cents a piece that's 5 bucks. I'm not crawling in the dirt looking for $5.

About the guy banning people for picking brass after the match. That guy is a thief.
 
9mm brass is so cheap and plentiful these days, most people are content to leave it on the ground, or only grab it after the match is over. People shooting more expensive calibers, which are rare in IDPA if I understand correctly, are more likely to peck for brass as they go... but, as others have said, it is a huge faux pas to allow your brass pecking to hold up the match, or keep you from doing your fair share of work.

When I'm trying to reclaim brass during a match, I'm usually trying to grab 2-3 pieces as I walk back and forth from the shooting area to the targets between shooters. No staring at the ground and circling... just grab the immediately-apparent stuff, preferably without breaking stride.
 
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