IDPA how do you get started?

[Big Boy]

I'm interested in getting into IDPA matches, mainly for the ability to practice. Any range around here is just bench firing, no moving, no drawing from the holster, no real world scenario.

How do you get started and involved? What do you need?

 

[LiveLife]

http://www.arpc-idpa.com/

http://www.idpa.com/


The firearms are grouped into five (5) divisions: 1) Custom Defensive Pistol (.45ACP semi-automatics only); 2) Enhanced Service Pistol (9mm (9x19) or larger caliber semi-automatics); 3) Stock Service Pistol (9mm (9x19) or larger caliber double action, double action only, or safe action semi-automatics); 4) Enhanced Service Revolver (.38 caliber or larger double action revolvers); and 5) Stock Service Revolver (.38 caliber or larger double action revolvers). See Appendix One – Equipment for delineations in the revolver divisions. Shooters are then classed by like-skill levels with progression from Novice (NV); to Marksman (MM); to Sharpshooter (SS); to Expert (EX); and, finally, to Master (MA).

A. Firearms

IDPA is divided into five (5) divisions that are entirely separate. None of the following divisions compete against any other division: Stock Service Pistol (SSP); Enhanced Service Pistol (ESP); Custom Defensive Pistol (CDP); Enhanced Service Revolver (ESR); and Stock Service Revolver (SSR).

The type of firearm the competitor uses will determine in which division he shoots. Pistols shall be classified first by action, then by caliber.

Double action, double action only and safe action pistols compete in Stock Service Pistol Division (SSP). Any gun that can be used in SSP can be used in Enhanced Service Pistol Division (ESP) or Custom Defensive Pistol Division (CDP), depending upon the caliber. Otherwise, single action guns compete in ESP or CDP, depending upon caliber. Revolvers shall be classified by capacity and loading method. See division requirements for the division in question below for further clarification.

In addition to meeting the criteria for all equipment, pistols, with an empty magazine inserted, must fit in the IDPA gun test box measuring 8 3⁄4” x 6” x 1 5/8”. Exception: Revolvers do NOT have to fit in the box.

The following modifications are NOT ALLOWED IN ANY DIVISION unless otherwise specifically mentioned.
A. Compensators of any type including hybrid or ported barrels.
B. Add-on weights for a competitive advantage (this includes, but is not limited to, weighted magazines, tungsten guide rods, brass magazine wells, weighted grips).
C. Heavy and/or cone style barrels without a barrel bushing.
D. Sights of non-standard configuration (i.e. Ghost rings, Bo-Mar rib, etc.).
E. Disconnection or disabling of any safety device on any gun.
F. Lights mounted on guns.

 

[Sam1911]

Here's a brief, 10-page, New Shooter's Info Packet that will tell you what you need to know to come out and play:

http://www.richmondhotshots.com/docs/IDPA New Shooter Info.pdf

And here's a list of affiliated clubs in MO: http://www.idpa.com/clublist.asp?pick=MO

Good luck!

 

[Jim Watson]

Read the guidelines and then SHOW UP.
New shooters are made welcome and helped to have a safe, fun experience.
Don't hang around saying "I'm not good enough." and "I need to practice."
Of course you are not good enough to win the first day.
And how do you know what to practice if you haven't tried it?
Spring has sprung, the shooting is good. Come on down.

 

[Hk Dan]

1) Find a club in your area and contact the listed representative at IDPA.com

2) Go to their new shooter briefing.

3) Come early and help set up.You get an early look at the stages and the current crop of shooters will appreciate the help. 10% of the shooters do 90% of the work--be one of the 10%.

4) Listen, look, and ask. Make sure the SO knows you're a first time shooter. Be safe. Don't try to impress anyone with your skill, impress them with your considerate gun handling.

5) Don't try to match the tempo of the more advanced shooters. Shoot your best shots at your quickest natural speed.

6) Listen to the SO and execute his commands as he gives them. Don't get ahead of him.

7) Stick around and help tear down.

8) HAVE FUN!

Dan

 

[CatsEye]

A lot of great advice here. Read enough to understand the basic rules and range commands, bring the basic equipment, then go to a match. Every IDPA club I have ever been to has been very welcoming to new shooters. Just let them know and they will walk you through. Have fun and be safe.

 

[Hk Dan]

You nailed it Cats.

Shinola, the second hardest thing any shooter will ever do is shooting his first match. The easiest thing any shooter may do is shooting his second match. JUST GO DO IT. Contact your local club and they'll tell you what they allow; heads up. If they don't strictly follow IDPA rules, there's no telling what you're up for.

One guy shot a stage. He had 2 mags and needed to reload--this was a "Well, we sorta do IDPA" group. He held the gun at waist level, turned, walked back to the bench, set the gun down pointing at all of us, and started reloading mags on the clock. I sh*t you not, 3 of us were on the deck and ready to return fire if need be...LOL (kidding)

Sanctioned clubs do not allow that amateurish shinola--make sure your group is sanctioned and professional, with certified Safety Officers. You'll love it and you'll have a new addiction to feed.

 

[ny32182]

Read the basics, and then grab your gear and go to a match. You will make plenty of mistakes, but that is how you learn. Be safe and open to advice and you'll be getting better before you know it...

 

[Sunray]

"...no real world scenario..." None of the shooting games have anything to do with the real world. They're shooting games and nothing more.
However, you don't have to shoot at just one club. Find a club that shoots either IDPA or IPSC and go shooting.
Like CatsEye says, you'll be welcomed and you'll get any assistance you need. Most shooters are just like that, including letting you shoot their pistols.