Want to shoot IDPA but have questions

[B Glover]

I've only been to two matches with the local club. I don't know if they really care if your a member of IPDA or not. The most comon theme seems to be your first match it isn't required but after that you have to be a member.

When you join IPDA you get a hat, the rule book, your membership card and a current copy of the tactical journel... I think that was pretty much it.

I'm a bit disapointed since 3 of our last 4 matches have been weathered out but its that time of the year

[akhimark]

Originally Posted by Lazarus

Ah ok. Doesn't anyone know about the membership through IDPA? Like what does it get you and if you need it for shooting matches at a gun club.

If you join IDPA thru your local club, the local club gets to keep a small part of the fee.

[Gryff]

Originally Posted by Lazarus

I'm very interested in shooting IDPA but I have some concerns. I'm not the best shooter but I'm ok. I'm wondering if I'm good enough for IDPA.

"Good enough" doesn't matter...only "safe enough" matters.


You should not shoot a match until you feel that you can instinctively handle your gun safely (keep muzzle in safe direction, finger off trigger until ready to shoot, ability to listen to range commands). If you can do that, and you are willing to leave any competitive instinct at home at first, then you are ready.

Do everything in slow motion. Drawing, sighting, shooting, moving, etc. Completely discount timer and score. Do this at your first match. Do this at your first five matches.

If you can do this, then you are ready. Be honest with the local club that you are a competitive newbie. Ask if someone can mentor you during the match. Ask questions about why the other shooters do things certain ways.

I think anyone who has safe gun-handling skills can shoot IDPA. They just need to completely forget about the "game" factor at first. Pretty soon, it all makes sense, and you can try going faster. And if you pay attention to what you do, and what others do, you will find yourself becoming a better shooter.

Hope this helps,

Jim

[AKpredator]

Originally Posted by Alaskapopo

I agree with you to a point but a little friendly competition never hurt anyone. Me and a friend always bet lunch on the results of the match. Its a good way to keep it fun.
Pat

No wonder we're broke all the time!

[ColoXD_Fan]

Originally Posted by Gryff

"Good enough" doesn't matter...only "safe enough" matters.


You should not shoot a match until you feel that you can instinctively handle your gun safely (keep muzzle in safe direction, finger off trigger until ready to shoot, ability to listen to range commands). If you can do that, and you are willing to leave any competitive instinct at home at first, then you are ready.

Do everything in slow motion. Drawing, sighting, shooting, moving, etc. Completely discount timer and score. Do this at your first match. Do this at your first five matches.

If you can do this, then you are ready. Be honest with the local club that you are a competitive newbie. Ask if someone can mentor you during the match. Ask questions about why the other shooters do things certain ways.

I think anyone who has safe gun-handling skills can shoot IDPA. They just need to completely forget about the "game" factor at first. Pretty soon, it all makes sense, and you can try going faster. And if you pay attention to what you do, and what others do, you will find yourself becoming a better shooter.

Hope this helps,

Jim

+1 Score and game factor is nothing. It's all about fun and safety.

[xd in the oc]

Shot my first IDPA this past Saturday. Different feel than USPSA. I agree with the other post. Lazarus, it is not how good your first match is, but how safe you are with your XD9. Nobody will there will remember were you place in the standings. But they will remember "the guy" who got DQ'ed and was sent home early for being unsafe. Take it slow, and enjoy the experience of shooting IDPA. I am sure that you will have a great time. What is even better, is that the slower you shoot the more tips and advice you get from the more experience shooters. Good luck Lazarus, and just do it.

[Alaskapopo]

Originally Posted by xd in the oc

Shot my first IDPA this past Saturday. Different feel than USPSA. I agree with the other post. Lazarus, it is not how good your first match is, but how safe you are with your XD9. Nobody will there will remember were you place in the standings. But they will remember "the guy" who got DQ'ed and was sent home early for being unsafe. Take it slow, and enjoy the experience of shooting IDPA. I am sure that you will have a great time. What is even better, is that the slower you shoot the more tips and advice you get from the more experience shooters. Good luck Lazarus, and just do it.

Safety first. I agree. You have to crawl before you can walk. Even if you are a good shooter it takes time to get used to how the game is played.
pat