Shooting first IDPA match soon-questions

[checkmyswag]

How many rounds can you load per mag?

Can you shoot with a pistol like the M&P shield or do you need to have a higher capacity pistol?

I know that in terms of competition, some guns are better than others, but if a guy wanted to shoot what he actually carried, could you just bring enough mags to get through the round and be allowable?

 

[Sam1911]

Awesome! You're going to love it!

How many rounds can you load per mag?

The M&P shield is going to run in "Stock Service Pistol" Division, so by the division rules, you can load 10 in each mag, and start with one in the chamber.

For your Shield, you'll load the mags full and start 8+1.

Can you shoot with a pistol like the M&P shield or do you need to have a higher capacity pistol?

Absolutely! You'll just need to reload sooner and more often. That shouldn't be any problem at all.

I know that in terms of competition, some guns are better than others, but if a guy wanted to shoot what he actually carried, could you just bring enough mags to get through the round and be allowable?

Absolutely! You'll need three mags at the very least. Four will make things easier and more than that can speed things up but isn't necessary.

Having a 4th magazine lets you have a "Barney Fife" mag (just one bullet! ) that you load the chamber with before inserting a full mag at the start of the stage.

Be safe. Listen very carefully to the Safety Officer at each stage and do only what s/he says. Keep your muzzle rigidly downrange at all times, and have a great time!

 

[GarySTL]

You'll have a great time and meet good people. I'm an SO and always try to ensure new shooters have a good safe time.

 

[checkmyswag]

Thanks for the info.

Looking forward to it.

 

[GEM]

Where are you going to shoot?

 

[checkmyswag]

GEM check your inbox.

Shot the meet this weekend. Was a great time. Was safe and didn't get disqualified so that's a success.

I was fast enough and not inaccurate. But not as accurate as id like to be. So still need to work on trigger squeeze/grip/focusing on the front sight. Learned a lot and look forward to shooting again.

Only guns I sawthe jam were 1911s and...a Glock. All the XD and M&P pistols in my group were 100%.

Thanks for the advice.

Watch your lane.

 

[vzwnnj]

every kind of gun can jam...they're mechanical. You will find it's mostly from ammo related issues. I've seen $3500 1911 jam up multiple times due to cheap ammo. Also seen the uber-reliable Glock choke. If you reload, chamber check them to make sure they fit in the barrel.

Part of the reason we shoot IDPA is to test our gear. Don't think of it as tactical training, it's not. IT IS however, a fun way to test your gear and improve your shooting

 

[checkmyswag]

For sure any mechanical device will break.

I did identify several things in the scenarios where I would handle the situation differently if in a real self defense shooting.

I saw next to no small pistols. Almost all full size and compact.

Watch your lane.

 

[waktasz]

There's a reason for that. I used to carry a Keltec...until I shot a match with it.

 

[checkmyswag]

The small guns are capable with quick reloads. Just surprised more guys weren't shooting smaller guns or even revolvers as I believe most people don't carry full size or near full size guns regularly.

 

[waktasz]

I junked that Keltec and carry a Glock 22 now. I shoot a 35 in IDPA though.

 

[checkmyswag]

I suppose some are there for the training and others for the sport of it and guns can vary accordingly.

Trying to decide if I want to bring the full size or the small carry gun to the next match.

 

[Sam1911]

Yes you have to decide what YOU want to get out of it.

1) Fun game time using whatever gear you want.
2) Serious practice time with the gun you WILL/MUST carry.
3) Evaluation of your gear -- maybe that gun isn't the best thing after all, maybe it is fantastic. Run it hard and find out.

Lots of value in IDPA, either way.

 

[GCBurner]

You get to do a lot of things in an IDPA match that you can't do at a regular bullseye target range, like shooting while advancing, retreating, or moving to cover, shooting moving targets, and shooting from a sitting or prone position.

 

[Uncle Richard]

Checkmyswag,

Congrats, you'll really enjoy IDPA!

This is my second year, and love it. Will be going to 2 sanctioned matches in September and October.

Just my 2cents........shoot IDPA with the gun you intend to carry concealed. You will become very proficient. God forbid if an armed enconter happens, handlying the firearm will be all muscle memory.

 

[mdauben]

Having a 4th magazine lets you have a "Barney Fife" mag (just one bullet! ) that you load the chamber with before inserting a full mag at the start of the stage.

I've not ever tried IDPA (although there is a local group, maybe I should look into it!) so I don't know how the rules are written, but why couldn't you just load your first mag with 11 (asuming you are not using 10 rnd mags), and chamber the "extra" cartridge when you close the slide? That would give you the "legal" 10+1, wouldn't it?

 

[Jim Watson]

You can load the first magazine with 11 to get to a 10+1 start with a minimum of fooling around... if your magazine will hold that many, like a Glock or other double column design.
I shoot a 1911 pattern single stack 9mm and have to have that Barney Bullet, though.

I shoot with the North Alabama IDPA group, we are the good guys.
We hold monthly shoots in Arab, Boaz, and Hartselle with easy travel to Birmingham, Sheffield, and Manchester TN.

 

[Bongo Boy]

The rules and practicality of IDPA (and USPSA) are debated continuously. Most folks agree it should be safe first of all, followed by fun. I define 'fun' to include useful and instructive, which is always has been for me.

While folks are often quick to caution that IDPA is not tactical training, etc., for many of us it provides the only opportunity to practice a few things such as shooting from behind cover and shooting on the move. It isn't 'training' in the sense that these exercises aren't often repeated often enough through matches only to constitute training. Still, it's possible to shoot IDPA type games weekly if not more often, depending on where you live, and that's useful 'training' in one sense.

For me, IDPA serves one huge practical simulation I can't get anywhere else on a regular basis: shooting under some stress. I get fairly spooled up on nerves and adrenaline, and it seems that learning to shoot under those conditions is a good thing maybe.

I believe I saw an increasing number of M&Ps and XPs last year, at both IDPA and USPSA local-level matches.