I'm interested in doing a little IDPA

[crashmcwhly]

Looking for opinions/suggestions from the horse's mouth so to speak. I certainly wouldn't post this on another gun forum with the vast number of internet ninjas out there. If you could get me headed in the right direction, that would be great.

First off, my intentions.
I simply wish to improve my gun handling skills and break up the static range monotony. Of course if like it, I'm sure I will progress towards being competitive. But first things first.

Secondly, I only have two possible sidearms to choose from. My daily carry is an XD40sc w/ crimson trace grip and my "truck gun" is a stock Sigma 40. The others are either too small or too big (trust me). I don't reload (yet), so my ammo is standard power, but I do my best to control muzzle flip. Like I said, competition would be down the road if anything.

So, can I use one of these firearms as entry level or should I just start looking for a used G35? I have a quality leather gun belt (beltman), but do I need an "instructors/trainers" belt? The Sigma has an OWB Fobus holster (stop laughing) and the XD has an IWB Bladetech. Both are Kydex. Would these be permisible? I have a lot more questions, but you get the drift. I don't want to be the source of entertainment my first time there. Help me not look like a moron okay...LOL.

thx,
Mark

[wfwsorge]

Bring what you have, you'll be just fine. We all had our first match at one time.

[hugh2004]

I've been going to the matches for about a year, so I'm still pretty new and was in your shoes not long ago. Ditto what was said above, just bring what you have. And what you have is fine now as "entry level" and for as long as you want to keep using it. IDPA isn't much of an equipment race. If you use the XD, though, remember to turn off the laser or else they'll kick you into the "outlaw" division. As long as you're safe, you'll be fine.

A lot of people use kydex OWB holsters, including me, so don't worry about that at all. Remember that you'll want 3 magazines and something to hold them in. You could use your pocket if you don't have a carrier and don't want to buy one yet.

Standard boxed ammo is fine. No need for a new belt, either. Just bring what ya got and have fun.

Here are a couple other things that may help:
-bring water and snacks, you'll be there until around 1p +/- an hour or so
-bring a fold-up chair/stool if you get tired standing for long periods

[crashmcwhly]

I was wondering if I needed to remove the laser grips or simply turn them off. I appreciate the feedback and the helpful tips. If I'm reading the FAQs section correctly, the "New to IDPA” shooter class is conducted the morning of each match? Is this the same as the MATCH CONDUCT SAFETY COURSE, or is this a different course that I need to schedule? Anyone in particular I need to contact to set up these courses? I'm not nervous about doing my first match, but I am nervous that I'll show up and be turned back for missing a required course or equipment not permitted or something else I didn't think of...hence all the newbie questions. Thanks for your patience!

[gnihcraes]

and while I'm reading all this... a friend and I are also interested at this time to just watch and learn... the next shoot is 2-13-10 correct?

Location? Time? I searched around on here, but didn't quickly find much info.

thanks,

[wfwsorge]

From the website.


Clear Creek Match

Schedule

0700
Setup
0800
Match Safety Course
0915
Shooters' Meeting
0930
Match Start







Directions:


To get to the Clear Creek Range, If you are heading west on I-70 you exit at #235--Dumont and go to the stop sign. Turn left and cross over I-70 and follow the road back east (left) for approximately 1 1/2 miles until you get to the range. If you are heading east on I-70 it is more complicated as you do not have an exit 235. You exit on #234 and follow the frontage road heading west to the same stop sign, only from the other side, turn right and crossover I-70 and follow the road east to the range. To get to the Clear Creek Range, If you are heading west on I-70 you exit at #235--Dumont and go to the stop sign. Turn left and cross over I-70 and follow the road back east (left) for approximately 1 1/2 miles until you get to the range. If you are heading east on I-70 it is more complicated as you do not have an exit 235. You exit on #234 and follow the frontage road heading west to the same stop sign, only from the other side, turn right and crossover I-70 and follow the road east to the range.

[gnihcraes]

thanks! We'll try to make it up and check things out.

Are the roads good into the range? I'd rather drive my great mpg city car than the 8mpg truck if ya know what I mean...

[Irving]

I don't think there is any equipment that will get you turned away, just depends what class they put you into. If you just want to shoot, and don't care about your national ranking, then it doesn't matter what you shoot. All you need is a gun, holster, 3-4 mags, bullets and to show up.

To answer your question about the safety class, they do that at the beginning of every match. It is like a 10 minute explanation of what to do and how scoring goes.

I don't know that I'll be able to make that next match in Dumont, but I'll try. If I go, I'll post on here and let people know. My first time I walked around and asked like 20 different people if they were from CO-AR15.com or if they were Hoser all day. No one was either.

[hugh2004]

Just a clarification. Before you can shoot a match, you need to attend the safety course that begins at 0800. That is the "Match Conduct and Safety Course" AKA "New Shooter Class" AKA "Safety Class" etc. I can't remember exactly how long it is, but much more than 10 minutes. Closer to 45 minutes probably, but no matter how long it is, it starts at 0800.

When you get there, just ask anyone where the class is. Most anyone should be able to help you, at least to find an "official" FRIDPA person. Ask for the "Safety Class" or "New Shooter's Class". Around 0800 they'll announce (yell) it. You don't have to schedule it or sign up beforehand, just show up. It's a one time deal, you don't have to attend every time. At your 2nd match, you'll just need to get there in time register and attend the short shooter's meeting.

Hope you can make it and try it out. The FRIDPA is a great group and they put on a good, friendly match.

[crashmcwhly]

I read in the rule book that you must use the same pistol for all stages unless the pistol becomes unserviceable. So to be clear, if I want to try different pistols to see which one is a better fit for IDPA, I will need to wait until next month's match to try another pistol? Just trying to stay ahead of the curve here.

[Irving]

I think they might let you switch, but it will put you into a different class. It'd be a pain in the ass and I'd probably just tell them that they don't have to score you officially as you are just trying out different pistols. However, I personally think it'd just be easier to shoot a whole match with one gun, then shoot the next match with the next gun.

[crashmcwhly]

However, I personally think it'd just be easier to shoot a whole match with one gun, then shoot the next match with the next gun.

Yeah, I think you're right. I should give each weapon its due.

BTW, is there a rule against appendix draw from concealment?

[Irving]

There shouldn't be. I've seen people draw from small of back, so I shouldn't see why appendix would be an issue. Sometimes they'll have a back up gun back, or some side match that you can use your other gun with. I used my M&P compact for the full match, then used my full sized CZ for the BUG match. I didn't even have a holster for my CZ, but it was one round with only 5 shots so I just stuffed it into my nylon holster. heh.

[Sticks]

BTW, is there a rule against appendix draw from concealment?

YES

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

Section C (Page 32)

It does not specifically state the appendix holster (don't think there were many if any available in 2005 when the rules were written). Since it is positioned forward of the center line of the body, it would not be allowed. I suspect it would be at the discretion of the RSO in your group to even allow it in outlaw. There may be safety issues taken into consideration (sweeping portions of your body with the muzzle - feet). Me, I'd say no, then refer you to one of the senior RSO's or the match director for further dispensation.

[Irving]

Well now you know. Thanks for posting that up Sticks.

[crashmcwhly]

Okee dokee...I'm already frustrated. Certainly brought upon myself through ignorance, but perhaps you guys can help me out. Since I can not draw from appendix, I tossed out the idea of using my IWB Bladetech because it just didn't feel comfortable to draw from at 3 to 5 o'clock. I went out bought the cheap Uncle Mike's kydex OWB and test ran it at the range. Felt good enough to draw from and was short enough to be considered concealable (so I thought). Yesterday browsing through the IDPA rules again, sure enough...page 32...

"Probably one of the most popular pouch style holsters is the
current variation of the Uncle Mikes Kydex holster which is NOT
suitable for concealed carry or IDPA competition due to its offset
backpiece, which results in excessive offset from the belt/body."

So, in attempt not to disrespect the sport, I promptly go out and purchased a ($$) Blackhawk Serpa Concealment holster. I go to the range to figure out this finger lock do-hicky thing and realize this holster has more offset than the Uncle Mike's. WTH? Are you guys really going to care about this offset deal since its my first time trying out IDPA or any gun competition for that matter? Sheesh, I just want to have fun...not get all aggravated.

[Hoser]

Sheesh, I just want to have fun...not get all aggravated.

Just show up with what you have. For your first couple matches you will be fine. We are more concerned about safety and getting people out shooting.

[Sticks]

We are not a bunch of anal rule book thumpers. Safety is the biggie as Hoser stated (appendix and small of the back holsters fall into that category).

Some rules we don't budge on, others we treat as more of a guideline.

The big thing we want is for everyone to enjoy themselves/have a good time.

Don't stress on it. If you have a decent belt holster that holds your weapon, and keeps you within the general specified position on your hip, you are good to go.

Sanctioned IDPA matches/tournaments (which we don't host) are another story.

Mother nature permitting, show up for the first time shooter class and one way or another we will get you shooting that day.

[crashmcwhly]

Okay...thanks guys. I guess I'll worry about the weather instead, LOL! Cya this weekend I hope.

[Not_A_Llama]

I think I'll be showing up for my first match this weekend, too.

How is/are the road(s), coming off the highway?

Gettin' excited here.

[Irving]

I plan on going to this match, but is it going to be warm enough?

[Sticks]

Keep an eye on this forum, and IIRC you can register to receive cancellation updates to your email on the FRIDPA website.

The final decision is typically made the prior Friday evening, and right now looking at the extended forecast, it is not looking good. Cold, cloudy, and chance of white fluffy.

[Irving]

Subscribed so I can check here tomorrow. Would really like to go.

[Glock19fan]

I am planing to show up with my buddy at the next match 03/14 8AM?
I will try to come earlier to help with the set up. How long would it take to get from Downtown Denver?
Thanks guys

[Irving]

I'd give yourself at least 40 minutes. You can get to Idaho Springs in about 30 minutes from Denver (or less) but Dumont is a few miles past Idaho Springs. I won't be able to make this next match either, I won't be around.

[Sticks]

Don't forget to account for the skier traffic.

[Bongo Boy]

Enforcement of IDPA rules at the local match level seems to be tempered more by the general 'spirit' of the sport than by a strong sense of fair competition. My impression is that the competitive aspects of the game at the local level--at least speaking for Clear Creek--is strictly personal.

So...the holster thing from the rule book is first about safety, then about the practicality of the holster from a concealed carry perspective, with that practicality being measured by whomever wrote the rulebook. As Hoser said, the main theme is safety. They let one shooter enter a match wearing one of those tactical jack thigh holster thingies...and simply advised that this was a one-time deal so he could shoot.

No match I've been to has required a concealment garment, and I'd guess about 1/2 the shooters choose to and 1/2 don't. Something like that.

[SigsRule]

Several questions were asked about the road condition. It's exit 235 on I-70. Once you get off the freeway from Denver, cross over to the south side of the freeway and then turn left back towards Denver. The match area is about a mile back just past the rodeo area and it's paved all the way. The parking area is dirt.

[Not_A_Llama]

I'm gonna be showing up tomorrow for the match, as a first timer. Do I need to let anyone know I'll be coming?

Also, how long do the matches last?

[Hoser]

I'm gonna be showing up tomorrow for the match, as a first timer. Do I need to let anyone know I'll be coming?

Also, how long do the matches last?

http://www.co-ar15.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3717

[Not_A_Llama]

OK, so I'm firing off an email to fridpa (at) juno dot com.

but I didn't see anything about the length of the event..

[Hoser]

Any one of the FR IDPA staff members will answer you back from that email address.

Match length depends on how many people show up and how any people help out during the match. Usually we are done by 2:30-3:00 at the latest. I will update the FAQ list with that detail. Thanks for the idea.

[Bongo Boy]

First off, my intentions.
I simply wish to improve my gun handling skills...
That's good. No one cares about your gear at IDPA...if the do,they're dorks. So far my experience has been, no one cares about your gear at IPSC, either.

If you want to learn something usefull, them come on down. You will not find a better way to learn yourself and your weapon than at one of these matches.

We've all suffered our first matches. As it turns out, no one is watching. They're all just waiting their turns. The huge benefit from playing is that it focuses your attention on your trigger finger and your muzzle direction. That's what most folks are worried about. Are you a retard? You can shoot like crap and no one will care...handle yourself and your weapon like you understand the Rules, you're in The Club. And that's the benefit of playing...got nothing to do with being a hot shooter...got all to do with establishing the fact that you Know the Rules. Know the four rules of gun safety, you're golden.

Why iz at? Because we all believe you can get good if you can understand rules, and these rules are important. Really important.

[Not_A_Llama]

Had a great time today - I'll be back next month!

Thanks, guys.