Considering IDPA, have questions, equipment, etc.

[HighVelocity]

A range officer at my local indoor range has been telling me about the fun he has every Thursday night competing in local matches for about a year now.
The other day he tells me he won his class for the first time and he was so excited that I got excited for him. So now I'm thinking about doing it too. It sounds like too much fun to pass up. The range is 15 minutes from the house and I know everyone that works there because I shoot there quite often so there is a nice comfort level there.

First, I downloaded the rule book from IDPA.com and skimmed over it and found this under CDP permitted modifications:

9. Extended thumb (may be ambidextrous) and Beaver tail grip
safeties.

The pistol that I want to use does not have an ambi safety. Would having one be of any advantage to me? Am I ever going to have to engage or disengage the thumb safety with my left hand in a match?

Weighted Grips are NOT permitted. What about Alumagrips? They're heavier than the wood grips but certainly not weighted.

For ammo, since I do not reload, nor plan to, can I shoot Blazer 230gr fmj? Is it too hot? Can I order downloaded stuff someplace?

Finally, in regards to holsters, the only 1911 OWB holsters that I have are an Uncle Mikes Kydex paddle and a Galco concealable (belt scabbard). I do have a couple of Comp-tac mag holders that I can use. And then I have a Wilderness 5-stitch belt. Is this equipment suitable for a beginner? All legal?

TIA

 

[jmorris]

Bring all of your stuff when you go for the 1st, time folks will let you know what is legal and more than likely let you shoot illegal gear if that’s all you have. You don’t have to engage the safety weak hand; however, I would suggest one for a high thumb grip while shooting weak hand (not necessary). Your grips are ok as is your choice of ammo. I noticed you’re in dfw take a look at ccidpa.org.

 

[ChristopherG]

You are a full-on GO for equipment. Time to give it a rip, and have the most fun you can have with a handgun.

Here is a guy who makes .45 and other pistol cal.s just for competition:

http://lancerammo.com/products/competitioncatalog.aspx?cat=4

Still a lot more expensive than reloading, but if you're not gonna do that, Lancer is a good way to get ammo that meets PF without wasting a lot of flash and bang (which Blazer will).

 

[Jim Watson]

The pistol that I want to use does not have an ambi safety. Would having one be of any advantage to me? Am I ever going to have to engage or disengage the thumb safety with my left hand in a match?

*An ambi is not a major advantage for a right handed shooter. When you shoot weak handed you will usually start the stage with gun in hand, safety off, finger out of trigger guard. Sometimes you will transfer from the right hand and will have the opportunity to disengage the safety first. Very rarely you might have to pick the gun off a table lefthanded. There are techniques for getting to a single safety with the wrong hand but you will VERY seldom need them. Don't bother with it.

Weighted Grips are NOT permitted. What about Alumagrips? They're heavier than the wood grips but certainly not weighted.

*Well, since the IDPA Store sells Alumagrips with IDPA logo, I figure they are bound to be OK.

For ammo, since I do not reload, nor plan to, can I shoot Blazer 230gr fmj? Is it too hot? Can I order downloaded stuff someplace?

*Blazers are fine. If you know it is reliable and you are zeroed for it, shoot it. Lancer sells "competition" ammo that is said to be closer to minimum power factor.
http://www.lancerammo.com/index.aspx

Finally, in regards to holsters, the only 1911 OWB holsters that I have are an Uncle Mikes Kydex paddle and a Galco concealable (belt scabbard). I do have a couple of Comp-tac mag holders that I can use. And then I have a Wilderness 5-stitch belt. Is this equipment suitable for a beginner? All legal?

*Either holster is OK, Comp-tac gear is common, Wilderness belts are all over the place.

*Eye and ear protection, practice drawing from concealment DRYFIRE; and yo are ready to go. Listen up and follow instructions.

 

[RKirby]

HighVelocity

You wouldn't be refering to Winchester would you? Sounds like you've been talking to Derek. He's a good guy and wouldn't steer you wrong.

If so, the club is Crosstimbers IDPA //http://www.ctidpa.com/ and we shoot the first three Thursdays at Winchester and the fourth Saturday at the JCSSA range near Alvarado.

The equipment that you have will be good to start with. Bring what you have and have a good time. Since you are a first time shooter, you only pay the range fee...match fees are free the first time.

My 15 yr old son and I have been shooting IDPA for about a year now. It's a lot of fun and we have a great group of members who will go out of their way to help you get started.

I'll probably make tomorrows match if work doesn't interfere again, so maybe I'll see you there.

Try it once and you'll be hooked!

 

[HighVelocity]

Rkirby, you are correct. I plan to be there tomorrow. Thanks to everyone for your input. I have all my stuff ready to go.