Getting the most from IDPA

[James Yeager]

There are two groups of people who shoot IDPA and I have no problem with either. One group are the “Gamers†who are constantly trying new guns, gear and techniques to make them faster and more likely to win. They are in it purely to win, and they do win, so they are accomplishing their goal. The other group is the “Martial Artists†who are there purely to prepare for violent confrontations. They have no need “win†the match. They feel no sense of failure after they loose because they knew they were going to loose before they got to the range.

This article is aimed (no pun intended) at the beginning Martial Artists or the new guys who don’t know which group they are in, let alone know the difference. If you are trying to “walk the path†I will give you a few tips.

First off shoot the match tactically. You can still move relatively fast but do it in a matter that is tactically sound. You will never win by doing this, because you must move slower, but we are not here for trophies. We are here to be better prepared to use Lethal Force in a confrontation. Use cover as it should be used. Don’t stick your whole body out in the open. Use cover even if it is not required but available.

Most people shoot two shots per target and blaze away at the next one. Mix it up a little by shooting three shots on every target at a match, four at the next, and all headshots at another. On the last target empty your magazine into it. Strive for 100% accuracy going at your personal fastest speed.

Shoot from concealment. Yes the same concealment you actually carry your gun. Yes even if it is hot. The funniest thing I see at matches is a guy with a full size pistol doing really well at the match and take it off and put a .32 Kel-Tec in his pocket because his 1911 (or other full size pistol) is too hard to conceal. This is the same guy who is making fun of my Glock 9mm that I actually carry all of the time. Compete with the gun you carry, and carry a gun you can fight with in a manner that makes it easy to access.

After you shoot the last target the timer is stopped. There is no need to “speed reholsterâ€. That is a terrible thing to teach yourself. After that last round is fired pause

and scan your targets. Make up any hits outside the “A†zone.

I hope these tips have shed some light on how to get the most out of an IDPA match. Who knows you might even win one sometime. If you get bored buy a weakhand holster and really freak the gamers out! Good luck!

[Guest Loaded247]

Very well said sir, very well said. I was initially interested in getting into IDPA, as I was under the impression that it was 'defensive/combative pistol' based stuff. However, after watching three or four matches, I noticed that NOBODY drew from concealment, and I saw several folks walking around with those extra long IPSC style magazines (things look to be a foot long), and those funny IPSC style holsters that the pistol 'clips' into, leaving the front of the pistol exposed for faster presentation, etc.

I thought "Are these guys REALLY going to carry this stuff on the street?" I saw all of that and walked away from it, it just wasn't for me.

[James Yeager]

IDPA is a good practice session for YOU no matter what they are doing. You run your game and let them play theirs. Same for IPSC. If you shoot them "right" it doesn't matter what the other guys are doing.

[Guest Ramtough47]

In my opnion there is no better "practice" than IDPA or USPSA matches,after you have learned how to fight with your pistol.Just remember this,every morning when you get up and strap on your not playing a game.If you have to use that weapon you will be using it the way Yeager and other very qualified instructors teach you to NOT the way a IPSC match is run or a IDPA match is run.

It's a mind thing.IMO.

[Guest Ramtough47]

Loaded 247 i can't speak for the club you witnessed in your above statements but, the Jackson club i shoot in as well as the Paris, Tn club i occasional go to, ALWAY shoot courses of fire with a cover garment on.Is it possible you were watching a USPSA match instead of a IDPA match?