What should I do first? - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

Mutilator · 04-08-2007, 04:54 PM

Next weekend my range has their monthly IDPA match on Saturday - I've never been to one and I'm trying to decide if I should go and watch or just go and compete. Cost is $15.

However, next weekend is also their monthly CCW class which as of yesterday still had openings. 8-5 Sat, shooting on Sunday, cost $100. Since the class ends at 5 technically I could go across the street and watch the IDPA to see what it's like but I wouldn't be able to register to compete - plus I probably wouldn't want to after the hours of classroom learning.

Just trying to figure out if I should have the CCW training before I try to run around with a loaded gun - holster & unholster - etc. or if I should just give it a try. They say they cater to beginners and from the pics it doesn't look like they require vests like in some of the vids I've seen on here.

What would you guys do? I'm leaning towards the CCW just so I can have all the safety training possible before hand. They also have a IDPA training class but the next date isn't set, and they recommend that you've completed a CCW course before taking the IDPA course...

Kiel_Everett · 04-08-2007, 05:02 PM

I would take the CCW, just because it gives you peace of mind. Then, you can go into the competition side of shooting.

goodformeto · 04-08-2007, 05:05 PM

Experience is not as good as educational experience. Take the class, then watch the match and see what you need to practice on.

**Loves2Shoot** · 04-08-2007, 05:07 PM

You only get so many days to go shoot, so every one you let pass by is one you'll never get back. Don't worry about "competing" just go and shoot and have fun. That's what it's all about anyway.

Everyone has to start somewhere, so if you can put your ego aside, you should have a lot of fun and learn a thing or two.

Most all CCW classses I've ever seen don't teach too much that will really help you with the real shooting part.

slugger6 · 04-08-2007, 05:09 PM

There is little to be gained from watching an IDPA match...compete. It is much like watching a race versus driving the car yourself. You won't regret jumping in rather than sitting on the sidelines.

deepdiver · 04-08-2007, 05:17 PM

Wow, intersting question. My answer would depend on how comprehensive your CCW classes are there. Since it is an 8 hour class there is time to teach quite a bit, but do they? I learned a bunch in my 8 hr CCW class. Since it is an either/or issue I would go with the CCW class.

Tim James · 04-09-2007, 10:50 AM

If you have never drawn from a holster and can't motivate yourself to practice the fundamentals before the match, then just go to the class first. You'll be ready to hit the ground having fun at your first IDPA event instead of trying to figure out the basics. I'd rather see you back long-term than frustrated after one match.

Requiem · 04-09-2007, 10:54 AM

Take the CCW class. It has more long term value. Then after the class go over and watch the match, talk to people find out when the next match is and go and watch that one and talk to more people. While you're at the second match take their intro class that a lot of places require before they'll let you compete.

04-08-2007, 04:54 PM	#1
Mutilator XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 100	What should I do first? Next weekend my range has their monthly IDPA match on Saturday - I've never been to one and I'm trying to decide if I should go and watch or just go and compete. Cost is $15. However, next weekend is also their monthly CCW class which as of yesterday still had openings. 8-5 Sat, shooting on Sunday, cost $100. Since the class ends at 5 technically I could go across the street and watch the IDPA to see what it's like but I wouldn't be able to register to compete - plus I probably wouldn't want to after the hours of classroom learning. Just trying to figure out if I should have the CCW training before I try to run around with a loaded gun - holster & unholster - etc. or if I should just give it a try. They say they cater to beginners and from the pics it doesn't look like they require vests like in some of the vids I've seen on here. What would you guys do? I'm leaning towards the CCW just so I can have all the safety training possible before hand. They also have a IDPA training class but the next date isn't set, and they recommend that you've completed a CCW course before taking the IDPA course...

04-08-2007, 05:05 PM	#3
goodformeto XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bakersfield, Ca Posts: 481	Experience is not as good as educational experience. Take the class, then watch the match and see what you need to practice on. __________________ Maybe it is my fault; It's still your problem.

04-08-2007, 05:07 PM	#4
Loves2Shoot XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Bend, OR Posts: 2,829	You only get so many days to go shoot, so every one you let pass by is one you'll never get back. Don't worry about "competing" just go and shoot and have fun. That's what it's all about anyway. Everyone has to start somewhere, so if you can put your ego aside, you should have a lot of fun and learn a thing or two. Most all CCW classses I've ever seen don't teach too much that will really help you with the real shooting part. __________________ www.SpringerPrecision.com The XD Specialists - Our web store is now online!

04-08-2007, 05:17 PM	#6
deepdiver XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SE Missouri Posts: 1,585	Wow, intersting question. My answer would depend on how comprehensive your CCW classes are there. Since it is an 8 hour class there is time to teach quite a bit, but do they? I learned a bunch in my 8 hr CCW class. Since it is an either/or issue I would go with the CCW class. __________________ XD .45 Service Compact

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

04-08-2007, 05:02 PM	#2
Kiel_Everett XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 478	I would take the CCW, just because it gives you peace of mind. Then, you can go into the competition side of shooting.

04-08-2007, 05:09 PM	#5
slugger6 XDTalk 20K Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,299	There is little to be gained from watching an IDPA match...compete. It is much like watching a race versus driving the car yourself. You won't regret jumping in rather than sitting on the sidelines.

04-09-2007, 10:50 AM	#7
Tim James XDTalk Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Space Coast, FL Posts: 51	If you have never drawn from a holster and can't motivate yourself to practice the fundamentals before the match, then just go to the class first. You'll be ready to hit the ground having fun at your first IDPA event instead of trying to figure out the basics. I'd rather see you back long-term than frustrated after one match.

04-09-2007, 10:54 AM	#8
Requiem XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Inwood, WV Posts: 149	Take the CCW class. It has more long term value. Then after the class go over and watch the match, talk to people find out when the next match is and go and watch that one and talk to more people. While you're at the second match take their intro class that a lot of places require before they'll let you compete.