Thinking of IDPA

[bubbiesdad]

I am considering trying an IDPA competition in the future. We have them once monthly here in town and I would like to see if I would enjoy it. I have read some of the rules and would like to find out some of what I could expect,(number of targets during a shoot, distance, I'm sure that there are one hand only and weak hand only portions.) I don't expect to be competitve right away, but I think it would be a more interesting type of target practice.

Also, what type of entry fees can I expect. This is in Oak Ridge at ORSA.

[Guest Arko]

I'm in the same boat! I just joined ORSA, (Thanks Brasilnuts!) and have been looking at the IDPA rules.

Here's a link to the rules PDF on IDPA's site. Looks pretty straightforward.

.http://www.idpa.com/Documents/IDPARuleBook2005.pdf.

[bubbiesdad]

Thanks, I have already put the link in my favorites. Barring extremely nasy weather, I will be at ORSA on Jan. 3. If nothing else, I will observe.

[et45]

You will enjoy the sport.Generally in IDPA most stages will be around 12-14 rds.Rules prohibit more than 18.Also distances will be shorter 12 yds or less most times.You will be required to shoot on the move on some stages as well.JMO but as a former IDPA Safety Officer,USPSA Range Officer and a Match Director I strongly suggest just watching for the first match and taking note of how things are done.Observe the loading and unloading procedures of the gun before the start and after the end of each stage.Notice how the shooters shoot on the move and how they keep the finger off the trigger and the muzzle uprange when they are moving to another position.Practice doing those things before the next match.It will make it easier on you and the Safety Officer as well.

[Farman]

Me too. From what I've read it's a lot more fun than just putting holes in paper. The problem I have right now is my favorite carry and shooter is a Browning 380 dba, and from what I understand that cal. does not qualify for Idpa "stock service pistol" (9mm or larger). I guess I will have to get used to my S&W 5906. I'm hoping to it shoot for the first time tomorrow. And I don't want to hear about your carry has to start with a 4.

[Guest Arcane]

Excellent advice ET

There is a wonderful lady who gives the new shooters a pre-match briefing at ORSA and at our matches in Cleveland. She will explain what to expect and will answer any questions new shooters may have about IDPA and shooting the match.

If you want to know how many targets, number of rounds etc. for the upcoming ORSA IDPA match go to the ORSA IDPA web page http://www.orsaidpa.com/ and look at the stages. They are usually posted a week or more before the match.

[Guest abailey362]

isnt .380 a 9mm short?

[robbiev]

isnt .380 a 9mm short?

Yes, but IDPA rules limit caliber to 9mm Para (9x19) or larger.

[GaryXD]

I disagree with the notion of just watching the first time. You'll learn more shooting one match than you will watching a hundred.

If you pay attention to your SO and don't try to get ahead of your SO you'll do just fine.

[Guest wheelgunner100]

The best two pieces of advice I can give to a first time shooter are:

#1 Attach yourself to one of the regulars and bug him to death asking questions (Some folks are really into the competitive thing and don't like to be bothered, but if you ask around you WILL find someone who would be glad to ease your introduction to the sport)

#2 DO NOT TRY TO GO FAST! Some of the guys you see shooting will be really quick. If you try to shoot like them you will mess up your draw, reloads and won't hit squat. Try to take your time and get good hits on target. After a few matches when everything is more familiar to you your scores will be much better.

Some of the best folks you will ever meet you'll meet at an IDPA match, have fun.

[Guest Arko]

I wasn't the OP, but like I said, am in the same boat. Thanks for the advice!

[Farman]

I guess we will have to decide to watch first or to just jump in. My first step will be practicing draw and reholstering, reloading, with droping or retaining the mag. Since I am old I will also have to work on getting up from one knee .

[gunsablazin]

Come and watch or come and shoot, you'll learn something either way. Don't worry about the fancy stuff at first, think safety always as your number one priority no matter your skill level. I am an IDPA safety officer, and when I SO a new shooter all I care about is how safe they are. Don't worry about speed, just relax have fun and think smooth instead of fast. Speed will come on its own as your skill increases. The match stages will tell you what you need to practice.

[Guest Grout]

You will enjoy the sport.Generally in IDPA most stages will be around 12-14 rds.Rules prohibit more than 18.Also distances will be shorter 12 yds or less most times.You will be required to shoot on the move on some stages as well.JMO but as a former IDPA Safety Officer,USPSA Range Officer and a Match Director I strongly suggest just watching for the first match and taking note of how things are done.Observe the loading and unloading procedures of the gun before the start and after the end of each stage.Notice how the shooters shoot on the move and how they keep the finger off the trigger and the muzzle uprange when they are moving to another position.Practice doing those things before the next match.It will make it easier on you and the Safety Officer as well.

Wuss,just cause a new shooter nearly shoots you one time.

[et45]

Wuss,just cause a new shooter nearly shoots you one time.

Smart ass,it was his 3rd AD in 4 matches.No damn wonder I quit shooting at CRC.

[Guest abailey362]

do they even shoot matches there anymore?

[Guest Arko]

Do the more experienced shooters get annoyed at all when a total noob steps up and maybe takes quit awhile to clear a stage? I want to participate, but don't want to diminish anyone else's enjoyment if I should hang back first.

[gunsablazin]

Do the more experienced shooters get annoyed at all when a total noob steps up and maybe takes quit awhile to clear a stage? I want to participate, but don't want to diminish anyone else's enjoyment if I should hang back first.

All of us were noobs at some point! When it is your turn to shoot, the stage is yours, new shooters are welcome and not expected to shoot like a pro. Just be safe and have fun.

[bubbiesdad]

I plan on attending, and shooting on Jan. 3rd.

[Guest wheelgunner100]

All of us were noobs at some point! When it is your turn to shoot, the stage is yours, new shooters are welcome and not expected to shoot like a pro. Just be safe and have fun.

Ditto. Also consider that in a two hour match you may spend two minutes actually shooting. Most of your time is spent getting ready to shoot or shooting the bull with the other guys who are getting ready to shoot which is a lot of what makes the whole thing fun.

[Guest Arko]

Great! Thanks! I'll show up ready to shoot then if my schedule allows.

[Guest Phantom6]

Do the more experienced shooters get annoyed at all when a total noob steps up and maybe takes quit awhile to clear a stage? I want to participate, but don't want to diminish anyone else's enjoyment if I should hang back first.

If you are going to shoot out at ORSA Mike Madden runs those shoots and typically puts all the FNG's in the same group and except for the safety aspects, rules are loosened up just a tad as it is a learning experience to introduce you to the sport. Go and have a good time. Just remember to keep your finger off the trigger untill you have sights on target and you'll have no issues, only fun.

[Guest Arko]

Will do! The booger hook never touches the bang switch till a round is ready to go down town!

It sounds like the guys will be pretty patient. I don't think I'll be PAINFULLY slow, as I'm an experienced shooter, just unfamiliar with the way IDPA courses run. I'm looking forward to it!

Edited December 24, 2008 by Arko

[bubbiesdad]

JUst click on stages here: http://www.orsaidpa.com/

Going to tell you what to look forward to.

Directions to action pistol.

http://www.orsaap.com/maps.htm

And IDPA rules

http://www.idpa.com/Documents/IDPARuleBook2005.pdf

[Guest DaG]

Remember Guys, there is also IPSC, Steel Challenge and 3Gun at ORSA also.

DaG