First try at IDPA: XD9SC

[BentLink]

Well, had my first attempt at IDPA yesterday. I was darn slow, but it was really enjoyable. My hat's off to the organizer and other shooters at the Indiana County (PA) Bow and Gun Club for helping run a challenging, safe match! All the folks were really eager to help get me started.

I learned a lot, but have a lot more to learn...

[profesor]

Congratulations!!! I will be going to my first match in two weeks, so I am sure that I will be slow as ever also. Do you have any suggestions for a first timer??? You are a first timer and so you might have some things that you could share with me...

[Dibby]

Originally Posted by profesor

Congratulations!!! I will be going to my first match in two weeks, so I am sure that I will be slow as ever also. Do you have any suggestions for a first timer??? You are a first timer and so you might have some things that you could share with me...

Glad the OP had a positive experience...
I had my first shoot on 4/4 (.45 Tac). I found that nerves kept me from doing as well as I would liked, but I was concentrating first on safety and I figure once the muscle memory is down with much practice, the rest will follow.

My recommendation is that you do holster draws w/ dry fires with mag changes. Wear the gear you will be using at the range. Work on the basics - smooth trigger pull (no flinch), obtaining your sight picture, your hand placement on the gun from the holster and as you fire.
Check out some of Todd Jarrett's videos on youtube, he may be a hillbilly that butchers English, but he knows shooting.
You could also work on clearing drills a bit but that shouldn't be much of an issue as the SO will tell you what to do each step on the range.
I had an issue where I was connecting with my offhand late and the muzzle was pointing slightly upwards as I was bringing my hands together - this is a no-no as the bullet won't be hitting a birm if the firearm is inadvertently discharged. Day of, pay attention to the safety briefing - the gun should never be out of the case or holster in the "loading area". Take the gun to the safe area without any ammo to holster it. Take your time and be safe your first time out, don't try to beat the old dogs to whom everything is second nature.

Gl!

Dib