IDPA on beginner's shoestring budget....

[22luvr]

I just got done nearly reading through the entire IDPA website (whew!) and am seriously considering getting into this type of shooting.

My background: Just about every pistol I pick up (but especially all SA autoloaders regardless of caliber) I seem to have an innate ability to shoot with remarkable accuracy. Now, I'd like to take this talent a step further and learn to shoot on the run, from various positions, strong and weak hand, behind cover, recognize threat/non-threats, etc.

I'd like to shoot in the stock or production class. I've shot a CZ and really like it's feel, accuracy, and variations. There are so many good 9mm's out there it is difficult to make a choice. I've also shot Sigs, Berettas, and H&K's but can't hack the stiff asking price. What do most participants shoot? Probably a little of everything (?)

Holster requirements: Is a simple kydex belt holster sufficient?

What are the average costs to join a club and participate in a match?

Is there any action in and around the Atlanta Metro area?

Thanks for any and all info you may share. It sure sounds like fun!

Best wishes...........................

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

first, a couple of questions.


1. are you planning on acquiring a CCW anytime soon?


2. if so, what would you carry?


I can't really give you much in the way of advice on a DA 9mm, since I don't like any of them, though i think the CZ is a good gun for the money.

uncle mikes sells inexpensive kydex holsters, as well as fobus.

you'll need a piece, at least two magazines, and cariers for the magazines. you can get the holster and carriers from fobus for uncke mikes for less than 60 dollars all up. if you can get an uncle mikes for a CZ, i'd go with uncle mikes, as their holsters actually release the gun. fobus holsters (at least according to some of the local guys that use them) are hard to draw from, because they won't release the gun easily.

 

[Jeeper]

Antoher question is:

WHat category do you want to shoot in?

The guns you listed basically all fall into SSP(Stock service pistol). You can really take anything out to the range to shoot IDPA. You will need as mentioned before mag pouches and mag(I suggest at least 3 mags total). They dont need to be hi-cap and they actually cant be. A CZ will treat you fine if that is what you budget allows for. A lot of people use Glocks(17's are very popular). If you want to shoot 45 then you go into CDP(Custom defense pistol). Basically any kydex holster is good aith a belt and mag pouches. The IDPA website lists a bunch of approved holsters. It really isnt very expensive gear wise. You could also pick up a used gun and save some money.

As far as clubs. Most let you shoot IDPA once without being a member of IDPA. Most clubs I have been to let you shoot the match without being a member of the club but it is usually more expensive than as a member. GO to the IDPA webite and you can find clubs in your area.

 

[22luvr]

Thanks for your helpful responses

I already have my CCW and have carried an odd mix of guns: Kel-Tec P11, Smith .357 mag, Kel-Tec P32, Smith .38 spcl,but never a full-sized service pistol.

I like the 9mm platform and would prefer to shoot that in competition. I have large hands/fingers so I wrap around a CZ 75 like it was built for me.

I'd like to shoot in a class that is box-stock and I'm very adept with those 3-dot sights and single action. I've always wanted a classic full-sized service 9mm autoloader and I plan to get one later this year.

Thanks again................

 

[Jim Watson]

Nothing wrong with a CZ 75. I shoot mine in IDPA SSP and IPSC Production from a DA start (You do have to be very careful manually lowering the hammer unless you get the decocker version.) I have shot it in IDPA ESP from cocked and locked but usually prefer a 1911 pattern gun.

In addition to the gun you will need three magazines, holster, mag carrier - Fobus, Uncle Mike, or the injection molded Blade Tech are not expensive. Also a concealment garment which can be as simple as a size larger shirt, well starched. Eye and ear protection, of course. For IPSC Production you will need more magazines - five or six ten shot - but no concealment.

For that matter, you can get a start at no added cost with your P-11. I would not recommend a five shot revolver, but any sixshooter will get you going in either outfit's Revolver category.

Come on down, time's a'wastin.

 

[Dr.Rob]

An FEG BHP clone or CZ will get you a ready-to-go pistol, a kydex sheath is legal as long as it totally covers the trigger guard. You'll want at least 3 magazines and 200 rounds at each match. Magzine carriers is a place to save $ as a good nylon/velcro one will only set you back a few dollars and has better retention than leather & snaps. Get you 9mm ammo (if you don't reload) at Walmart for $10/100 (Winchester White Box Target), the usual range fee for a match here is $10-15. Stop by men's wear and get a Hawiian shirt, works well as a concealment garment.

Don't forget earplugs, sun screen and a bottle of water.

Have fun!

 

[faustulus]

I shoot a CZ 75 SA in IDPA and a Hi Power in IPSC. I don't think you can go wrong with a CZ 75 it offers you a lot of leway. You can shoot in IDPA in either stock service pistol or in SA mode in Enhanced Service Pistol. You can shoot it in any IPSC catagory except revovler. You would start in DA in Production and SA in anything else. The 9mm will count as minor power factor however. Minor is scored the same as major as long as your hits land in the "A" zone (middle chest, and center head) you lose more points than major hitting the other zones. In production all power factors are minor.
For equipment you will need at least three mags (I like to have 5) for each (I would get HiCaps just because I don't like getting castrated mags). You can used the extra rounds in some IPSC classes. For IDPA and IPSC production, you would just load 10 rounds and used one as your barney mag (the mag used to top off your gun).
Holsters can be just about anything. Although for IDPA they must be on the 'approved' list. A good kydex offers a low cost highly durable solution. (I like Blade-tech myself) Most people use belt holster although I shoot IWB in IPSC and IDPA.
Mag pouches are cheap and usually simple. I use the safariland CD series or a simple Fobus paddle carrier. -- you will see some pretty snazzy rigs in IPSC, don't let this fool you. Yes they help but they are cutting off .01s of seconds, when you start losing matches by .01s of seconds you can start thinking about upgrading. My friend has won local matches with a bone stock Taurus and his mags shoved in his pocket.
One thing you will probably want to invest in is a good range bag. It can be anything as long as it holds your pistol, ammo, rags, hearing/eye protection, mags holster and other goodies you eventually need. -- Tacblack makes fun of me for my pistol case, which is a hard toolbox looking contraption that holds up to three guns by pinching them between plastic spires, but I like it and while I would like more room it does all I ask of it, besides I like to be stubborn.
Forgive my long windedness, and hope you have fun.

 

[makarov]

I was in exactly the same situation. I wanted to maybe start shooting IDPA, but I don't have a lot of money. I really like CZ''s . They seem to fit my hands and point very naturally. If you only want to shoot SSP then go for a CZ-75BD version. You can still get one for $319 from The Dealer Warehouse.

If you want to be able to shoot cocked and locked (ESP) then get a CZ-75 or better yet get a CZ-85 Combat. I saved up and got the Combat. No regrets. Has a great trigger with an overtravel stop and has adjustable sights.

For a holster I got a Safariland from holsters.com I wanted speed, but the suede lining protects the blued finish. If you like the way the nickel finish looks go for it, it is extremely durable.

You will not regret going with a CZ. I have 1000 rounds through mine with ZERO failures of any kind. It is also very accurate gun which helps with IDPA.

Whittaker's Guns in Kentucky has good prices.

http://www.whittakerguns.com/

I just ordered a CZ-527 from them. Great service.

- Makarov

 

[Radagast]

Bladetech holsters are prety popular here in Australia, along with uncle mikes mag carriers. Most popular gun is the Glock 17.

Radagast

 

[22luvr]

Still another question............

It's great to hear from you who have done this; it's a big help.

I'd like to begin probably in IDPA with a standard CZ75 - one that starts DA with the first one in the pipe and SA thereafter. Also, What is the abbreviation "SSP" signify? "Standard Service Pistol?"

I've got everything else but the gun, holster, and mag holders.
Eye protection, ear protection, visor, camp shirts (a great way to conceal on the belt)and a whole tote box of necessary other items.

Thanks again for being so helpful. My 28 year old son and I love to shoot together; maybe I can talk him into trying IDPA with me.

 

[Jim Watson]

"I'd like to begin probably in IDPA with a standard CZ75 - one that starts DA with the first one in the pipe and SA thereafter."

Then you need the CZ75 BD with mechanical decocker. I was manually lowering the hammer long before that model came out, and have never had an AD or even a slip to half cock, but it still makes some S.O.s nervous.

Or get the standard model and learn to shoot from cocked and locked.


"Also, What is the abbreviation "SSP" signify? "Standard Service Pistol?"

Stock Service Pistol = Double action, Double action Only, or Safe Action pistols in any caliber 9mm up. Selective DA/SA pistols (CZ 75 standard version or USP V1) must start hammer down.

Also:
Enhanced Service Pistol [ESP] = Single action pistol, calibers 9mm up but not .45 ACP. (CZ 75 cocked and locked, for example) Also any SSP other than .45 if you want to.

Custom Defensive Pistol [CDP] = Only .45 ACP pistols. Usually 1911 but any .45 is OK even from SSP like a G21.

I wonder where the G37 will fall? The .45GAP is claimed to be ballistically equivalent to .45ACP with up to 200 gr bullets. But you never can tell about B'ville.

All autos (but not revolvers) must fit in the Box. Dimensions are on the www site, but it will just accept a 1911 with adjustable sights and mag well funnel. Longslides won't fit.

There are other limitations on weight and configuration. A Baer Monolith's long dustcover is not allowed for example. Read the book before you buy.

Stock Service Revolver [SSR] = Any revolver .38 Special up, 4" barrel maximum.