IDPA Rookie Ramblings....

[CZ52GUY]

I thought I'd share the perspective from someone in their first season...those interested but on the fence might enjoy...those who've been at it for some time may have some memories come back...

Started in April, I've shot 3 club matches, plus 3 Classifier events...took a class and became a "certified" SO...worked my first "SO in training" match last month.

In no particular order:

1) IDPA has pushed some boundaries...made me step out of my comfort zone...some things I had never done because I had pretty much shot public access indoor range from the bench or equivalent "informal" shoots with similar expectations from the host. New to me were:
- loaded gun in holster (dryfire simulation helped)
- drawing the loaded gun (dryfire simulation helped)
- showing clear a loaded gun (administrative clearing had only been a requirement to address a jam)
- shooting on the move (dryfire simulation helped)
- shooting with non-dominant hand was only attempted a few weeks before match 1 when I realized it would be an IDPA requirement (dryfire simulation helped)
- shooting strong hand only was only attempted a few weeks before match 1 when I realized it would be an IDPA requirement (dryfire simulation helped)
- shooting from behind cover (dryfire simulation helped)
- moving between shooting positions with loaded gun (4 rules discipline, especially position of trigger finger on side of slide helped tremendously)
- shooting at moving targets (e.g. swingers...still working this one)
- rapid reloads (Reload w/retention, tactical reload, slide-lock reloads...hadn't done them, again - dryfire practice helped)
- there were others and I'm sure more to come (e.g. low-light stage I know is coming in August).

2) Good equipment helps
- I joined the club that hosts the matches...facilities that allow self-supervised practice are a tremendous advantage.
- holster that secures but allows ready access...open top without retention strap is pretty much essential
- similarly with magazine pouches
- Cover garment comfort, length, and utility is important...there's a reason the 5.11 vests are so popular in IDPA, I bought one.
- Similarly with pants, I now have 3 pairs of 5.11 pants so I can practice with them...position of holster and mag' pouch on belt, as well as fit and pocket opening angle to allow you to get that mag' in there during rapid reloads...not essential by brand name, but you need to be comfortable and as a rookie, anything to make life a little easier.
- A shot timer has been a terrific training aid.
- Use of actual IDPA carboard targets and taping them vs. hanging paper versions and replacing them has been VERY helpful.

3) Choice of division/competition firearm
- I went with my Glock 22 to keep it pretty simple. No external controls to manipulate as part of draw...no DA/SA trigger transition...SSP has been a good division to start out...lots of company there though...
- I practice regularly with CZ-75B, 1911, and Sig P220ST...I have aspirations to compete in ESP and CDP eventually...the manipulation of controls and DA/SA transition has been very interesting to experience in the context of IDPA style practice...gives me a different perspective in selection of self-defense HG features in general.
- My G22 busted a pin two days before my class...shot the class w/G23, and Classifier match two days later w/G35...having a similar piece as your primary to backup can be very handy...
- I'm using WWB or Blazer Brass in it to keep costs down

4) "Skill development"
- The "new stuff" hasn't been difficult to get a "basic competency"
- I am more likely to have a flub I need to recover from than the more experienced shooters...I've made peace that I may run into something like that...seems to keep a mole-hill issue from becoming a mountain size delay.
- I find that the "bench shooting" made me more accurate than some of my more experienced counterparts...last match I had the 3rd best points down total in SSP.
- It takes me longer to achieve that accuracy...I don't think it's them "missing fast enough" to beat me...I see it as me being too precise sometimes...I can hit slow enough to lose...
- Incremental improvements in speed have allowed me to maintain my accuracy for the most part...improve speed 10-15%, give up a few points...consolidate speed at new level...get back accuracy, go after another 10-15% speed, consolidate, get back accuracy, etc.

5) "Zen stuff"
- I can actually see the front sight during accelerated pairs...that has helped me become more confident that I can still get my hits...confidence=accuracy=speed.
- I find that I need to "shoot like I mean it"...not visualizing BG's...but having a mental focus equivalent to when I participated in organized sports at a much younger age.
- I don't look for the hits while on the course...I wait until we're scoring them after...If I happen to pick up a flyer during a string...I try not to think about it...always believe the next shot is going to be ZERO down.
- I compete against myself...my counterparts are there for me to learn from...to emulate, or avoid their mistakes...I'm not trying to beat anybody but the man in the mirror.
- Practice has been critical...I don't try to focus on more than one thing during any session (sometimes speed, sometimes accuracy, sometimes reload splits, sometimes draws)...to be sure, I mix up the drills to get work in a variety of exercises, but my mind focuses on one core skill to emphasize to limit distractions.
- I practice alone...I go with a plan...I always mix it up some based on what I'm doing wrong or right as the case may be (practical issues like the availability of a bay at my club also come into play).

6) Other
- The class as well as some pre-match seminars for new shooters were a tremendous help...my fundamental skills were improved...the instructor has talked me into a base ISO stance which is much more flexible when dealing with shooting from cover in scenarios...I think I can reach the grip more easily in draws...I'm less intimidated by movement strings because ISO makes me focus on the upper half of my torso...squaring up to the target helps me stay behind cover.
- SO work has been enjoyable so far...a way to give back...lessons the pre-match anxiety...I get in my strings when I can, no time to get nervous.
- Building up some good skills that I believe would be transferable to real world...not a guarantee of success, but a sense that useful techniques are being learned.

I'm not Master, but I made Sharp Shooter...much progress I think for a rookie who had been "bench shooting constrained"...much, much more to learn.

Bottom line, I'm staying safe and having fun.

Safe shooting,

CZ52'

 

[sturmruger]

In IPSC if I notice that I hit the D zone on a target in most stages I am allowed to shoot that target again. Do they let you do that in IDPA??

All your points are well taken. I really like the idea of doing some dry fire practice with my week hand!! Everytime I have to shoot weak handed I screw it up. Definetly need more practice with that one.

We are both in the same boat, I started shooting IPSC back in April. I have been shooting every week on Thur nights since the middle of May. As I tell my buddies "It is the most fun you have with your clothes on". Thanks for the good post.

 

[Ktulu]

In IPSC if I notice that I hit the D zone on a target in most stages I am allowed to shoot that target again. Do they let you do that in IDPA??

sturmruger, just like IPSC's "Comstock" and "Virginia" round counts IDPA has "Vickers" and "Limited Vickers." A Vickers course allows the making up of misses or bad shots. Essentially, you can shoot a target as much as you wish. A Limited Vickers course requires a certain amount of shots per target, no more no less.

 

[CZ52GUY]

Make up shots...

In IPSC if I notice that I hit the D zone on a target in most stages I am allowed to shoot that target again. Do they let you do that in IDPA??

IDPA has both Limited Vickers and Strait Vickers stages. Limited Vickers scoring limits rounds fired, no make-up shots (generally some sort of skills test). Every shot counts. Strait Vickers allows for additional shots per target at shooter's discretion (generally some sort of self-defense scenario). Course specifies "best 2, or best 3, etc." on target to be scored...extra shots may improve accuracy score, but you add splits and reload times as a trade-off.

Last months match, I tried "covering myself"...actually, going into the stage with an intent that I'd add one to anything that was moving, or if I was moving, or if the target was beyond 10 yards. Accuracy score was quite good, but beyond the splits, there were extra reloads as well. I found that my time suffered, in one stage particularly.

This month, I tried to shoot only the required # of shots...put pressure on my accuracy. I did well on 4 out of 5 stages, got butchered on the 5th...that stage I messed up I was engaging targets while moving, and on 3 targets that were 15+ yards away.

I'm thinking that next month I'll compromise...when allowable, I'll do a +1 on targets when I'm moving, or if the target is moving or if the target is >=15...anything under 15 yds I'm pretty confident I can hit -0, as long as the target is stationary, and so am I (even if I'm behind cover).

I "stayed after school" and set up a similar course after multiple attempts where I shot it only -4 (worst attempt was -16) while completing in the same time as the match time. During the match I was -32 (probably should have been -42, they missed two FTN's, I alerted the MD this morning).

It's a progression of confidence and skill that I'm sure will take me some time, but I'm seeing progress in the right direction, that's what counts for me.

I'm glad you enjoyed the post.

Safe shooting,

CZ52'

 

[Correia]

Excellent post. I've been doing this for a few years, and I swear that I learn something new every match I go to.

 

[CZ52GUY]

Thank you sir

I've been doing this for a few years, and I swear that I learn something new every match I go to.

I do too, and I hope I always keep an open mind so that I will learn something new every match. I doubt I'll ever shoot a perfect match, so there will always be something to learn if I'm willing to pay enough attention to learn it. Additionally, now that I'm an "RO in training", there's greater opportunity to learn about running a safe and efficient Stage, and learning from the other shooters (both good and bad habits).

Which reminds me, another lesson to add to the pile...I find when I RO I limit my "pre-match anxiety". The window of opportunity to get in my stages can be narrow, so I just step up to the line and wait for the beep so I get in my run. My focus is better because I don't try to "out-think" the COF, I just run through it. I'm trying to make sure I don't rush through it, but I need to be efficient because there's always another RO waiting his/her turn to shoot so I'll need to go back and relieve them...it changes perspective is the bottom line I guess.

Safe shooting,

CZ52'

 

[Jim Watson]

This the best analysis of beginning IDPA (and, by extension, the stockgun divisions of IPSC) that I have seen.

I suggest you offer it as an article for the Tactical Journal.

Note how many times "dry-fire simulation" turns up. As I usually say, your family will think you eccentric when you start snapping in at TV villains from behind your easy chair, but it will help.

I find item 2, bullet 2 to be difficult. Keeping current on more than one action type hurts my effectiveness. I have shot in all Divisions since the inception of IDPA, but with few exceptions, for a full year at a time; and maintaining the parallel in CCW and practice. I am now shooting CDP with a 1911 and carrying a Commander or SA Ultra Compact, warmup practicing with an Ace .22, for example.

 

[CZ52GUY]

re: Tactical Journal submittal

...Thanks, I'll consider it.

Re: Different action types...I made a vow when I got into this seriously that I wouldn't become platform dependent. It isn't easy, but I try intentionally not to be "Pavlovian". I know it is going against conventional wisdom, but I try to maintain (to co-opt the Matrix) three load programs (or more depending on subtle differences within action types of pieces I own).

I routinely practice with different action types...after the June match (which I shot my G22), I wanted to try my new P220ST (okay, like new) on a couple fun runs. I did the house and did encounter a "okay, which one is the slide release and which is the De-Cocker moment", but I chalked that up to specific piece familiarity (I'd owned it for 8 days and shot it once before trying the fun run). The DA/SA transitions are getting easier, and I enjoy shooting it very much.

Last weekend, I brought my G35 and my 1911. Practiced equal time with both. Other sessions, I've mixed action types with reasonable success for my level of progression. I'm trying to achieve substantially equivalent competence with all my IDPA compliant pieces. I have a sanctioned Regional in about a month, so I'll be bringing my Glocks for the next 3 or 4 weeks, but will likely throw in my CZ-75B, and probably one of the Sig's for a 1/2 session, just so I don't fall into that "Pavlovian trap".

I actually find sight picture to be more of an issue for me. This most recent weekend, I shot my G35, then practiced with G22 after the match (G35 with factory adjustable target sights...G22 has Trijicons). I'm a committed 3-dot guy (even though I enjoy shooting my iron blade Mak's and CZ-52 for recreational use)...need to get some Mep's for that G35.

On second thought, maybe I am "Pavlovian" except in a different way. I visually inspect the piece and "load program" for that piece...seems to be working out okay so far .

All that being said, for actual competition, I plan to maintain an "action type fidelity" on an annual basis also. I'm running Glocks through this year's regional, then switching to CZ-75's (got two) where I'll be preparing this fall to classify ESP in the Spring. I hope to run ESP through next year's regional (while continuing multiple platform practice), then try CDP, then rotate through again (unless I can afford a couple revolvers...we'll see).

I'm glad I'm putting off CDP. I find that a quality back-up competition gun is very handy...haven't decided if I'm going with another 1911 or another P220...Since the CZ-75's are manual safety, I'm thinking of finding a simple stock P220 as a backup to the P220ST...I'd like to run a year of DA/SA transitions to get the full flavor of it...maybe the next CDP rotation I'll do 1911 Platform...

Safe shooting,

CZ52'

 

[Correia]

As for running the stage limiting your pre-shoot nerves, wait until you get sucked into being match director. Then you are running around like a chicken with your head cut off. You NEVER get to think about actually shooting.

 

[CZ52GUY]

As for running the stage limiting your pre-shoot nerves, wait until you get sucked into being match director. Then you are running around like a chicken with your head cut off. You NEVER get to think about actually shooting.

In all seriousness, the MD and RO's, as well as the guy in the clubhouse checking people in and tallying scores...they all make IDPA possible. Without dedicated people who volunteer their time, skills, and sometimes their own $$$, I suspect there wouldn't be an IDPA at most clubs.

I try to find ways to contribute (I built a couple of Bianchi Barricades in exchange for entry fees...will work for entry fees ). I'd encourage every competitor to find some way of giving back, because we all benefit...I don't know if you can really give too much...it's an investment that pays back pretty well...

Safe shooting,

CZ52'

 

[TonyB]

I will have been doing IDPA for 2 years in october...I absolutly love it.I went from revolver to a Taurus pt99 to a Glock 17 and now I'm going back to revolver.I'd like to shoot my 5 shot ccw gun more too..makes it more practical and less like a "game."
I had to take a 2 month break for health reasons,and it's been hard to get back...we practice every week(kind of like mini-matches)and for me I feel it when I miss a week,let alone 2 months.
IMO IDPA is the most "realistic" game out there(if you consider cardboard guys who don't shoot back realistic).We had a small match this sunday,and I thought I was doing bad,so I relaxed and just decided to have fun..I got the best score..there's a lesson there somewhere....relax and have fun and shoot,don't think about the compitition or score..at least for me.

 

[PO2Hammer]

Thanks for a good thread CZ52GUY.
I shot my first one with a Glock 34 two years ago. Dropped out and didn't shoot my second match untill recently. Used a Glock 20 (I cheated and used a .40 caliber conversion MD said it was OK).
I've decided to go with my Sig for the next match.
It's tough to go from Glock to Sig. The grip angles are so different and Sig controlls take a lot of practice but are easier to reach.
I feel like I have to dedicate myself to the Sig to get really good.
Two solid weeks of practice and I'm doing pretty good.
I apprecite your observations, hard to get good advice.
Your Zen stuff seems right on.
The only practice I had done while moving was close range 'point' shooting, and sure enough, when it came time to move and shoot, I just pointed the big Glock at the targets and blazed away. Two misses and almost twenty points down!
Front sight, front sight, front sight!
Now all my practice is IDPA oriented. I don't have official targets but I try to make them as close as possible.
Thanks again for a very good thread.
Lets do it again!

 

[CZ52GUY]

PO2Hammer

Thanks for your kind words.

I have a couple Sig's that I've enjoyed practicing with. Agreed, that action-type fidelity has its advantages.

I'll probably try an update after Rookie Season has completed.

Shoot strait, and indeed, keep the front sight in focus.

Stay safe,

CZ52'

 

[CZ52GUY]

A brief update...

...now that the season is over.

In no particular order:
1) I developed a structured practice routine that included "Classifier Plus"...to the IDPA classifier, I added lateral movement, Bill Drill, multi-hit non-dom hand string, and a couple flashlight strings (both Rogers and Harries practice)
2) Structure and fun need to be balanced...found it useful to stray from the script...focus on one or two "remedial exercises" to address a problem...or simply just have some fun.
3) Got some additional instruction...incredibly useful...I understand better intent of original lessons in the class...he pushed me passed boundaries I didn't think I'd make this year (e.g. under 1.5 on the draw, under 3 non-dom classifier string, under 2.75 Mozambique, etc.).
4) Tried ESP and CDP (CZ-75B and Sig P220ST respectively), this past weekend. It's a good learning experience...after the August Regional, September and October were useful for experimenting...
5) Drop Free makes a difference...converted my CZ-75B to DF by getting the flat spring...glad I did it.
6) Equipment matters...I bought a Blade-Tech setup for my CZ-75B...what a difference...every bit helps (I have a friendly rivalry with a guy at the club...we have been within a second of eachother more than once...I'll take every legal edge I can get ).
7) I can finally do a legitimate DT...splits consistently below .25...average is probably in the .22/.23 range...had one .17 with the Sig'...my finger knew how to do it all along...my brain needed to agree...my conscience needed to be sure I could get hits before I could "let 'em fly".
8) Movement is still an issue...I need to be as aggressive with my feet as with my index finger...more work on that next season.
9) Need to see the course as "one fluid exercise"...I tend to divide and conquer in my brain which leads to choppy execution...visibly so...more experience next year should help...expect to try to shoot both ESP and CDP every month to get in more match work.
10) Transition from target to target is still way too slow...so are reloads.
11) Great bunch of shooters at my club...made some friends...got to know some folks and even meet some THR guys.
12) Learned a lot...MUCH MORE TO LEARN.

Safe shooting,

CZ52'

 

[PO2Hammer]

Another good post CZ52GUY.
The season is over? New England???
What, is it cold?
C'mon over to Minnesota and shoot in January!
Just kidding!
We go year round, but huddle around campfires inbetween turns.
I agree with your point about structured practice. I still go to the range and slow fire for accuracy at 25 and 50 yards, fun, but not practical.
I do well inbetween targets, my slowness comes on the initial draw, getting too fine on the first sight picture.
I need a new holster. I've been using a Glock sport/combat belt slide wich is high and tight and quiet, but slow compared to a Cendex or Blade Tech scabbard.
Well, 'till next season....

 

[CZ52GUY]

PO2Hammer

Thanks,

I think it's more about the guys at the club that do the "heavy lifting" for the matches. I'm sure several of them hunt (as do many of our competitors). Our ranges aren't set up well for cold weather access.

If it isn't fun, it starts to feel like work...need to mix it up...helps keep you sharp too.

Do yourself a favor and invest in a decent setup (holster and pouches) for your primary IDPA piece. You won't regret it. I went with Blade-Tech and I'm glad I did...the $59.95 Belt Slide works amazingly well compared to the <$20 alternatives. www.kytac.com - this guy makes great gear but is pretty much a one man shop...my instructor swears by this guy's products but you have to wait for them...several weeks sometimes.

Make sure your holster is situated as far forward as the rules allow. Center of trigger pad along your center line is what the book states...my instructor noticed I had been keeping the entire holster behind the center line...that was what dramatically improved my draws (from 2-2.5 to consistently below 2...consistently under 1.8 without concealment).

Keep 'em in the 8" circle ...

...and stay safe,

CZ52'

P.S. To the above I would add the value of learning to effectively execute a TRB (Tap-Rack-Bang to clear malf's and get back into the course of fire). I had to do three this weekend with two different pieces and shot good scores on each of those strings. Better yet, keep your mag's clean, verify your ammo', make sure your mag' is properly seated any time you put it in the well...and you don't have to do so many TRB's...and your scores will be even better.

 

[ScorpioVI]

Interesting insights! Particularly since I just shot my first IDPA match (classifier) this past weekend. I used to shoot USPSA, Limited-10 Div.


I only classified Marksman, 30 seconds off the pace for Sharpshooter. Partly because I pretty much have not shot for the first half of this year. And partly because the weak-hand-only (never shot that way before) and the strong-hand-only (very limited experience) strings screwed me all up. I figured out what I need to work on though and I'm confident I'll make SS next time around.

Anybody else think that the classifications scores are a little skewed? Why does a Glock 19 shooting 9mm get 15 seconds extra to make their classification than a Kimber Custom II shooting .45? It doesn't make sense to me.

 

[CZ52GUY]

I'm actually curious as to whether anyone knows how the Classifications were determined.

I know that SSP pieces don't tend to be as accurate as CDP's out of the box...and that the rules allow for a greater amount of "tinkering" for the CDP's and ESP's than SSP's which would generally explain the difference...but the determinations to the "hundreth" of a second that they've published...that's a mystery to me.

Good luck,

CZ52'