Beginning IDPA on a budget

[tlim7193]

Hi guys,

I really would like to get into IDPA shooting at the Richmond range. I've been watching hella videos on it and I think I want to take my gun ownership to the next level by competing. I would like to hop on IDPA competition but also do not want to break the bank. Having said that, is it ABSOLUTELY necessary to sign up for those super expensive training sessions? Any tips on cutting the cost of equipment? Anything helps! Tips for someone new to IDPA also help!!!! Thank you!

[baranski]

Use the search button, there have been many threads on this lately.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1339812&highlight=idpa

[9mmepiphany]

is it ABSOLUTELY necessary to sign up for those super expensive training sessions?

Is Richmond a lot more expensive than anywhere else?

In Sacramento, our local IDPA club has a mandatory clinic you have to attend before shooting in a match...but it is only $50

[iidx]

You don't need to take any of the "super expensive training sessions" that you mention. You do need to take the Richmond safe handgun competitor class. It's $25, and that $25 goes towards your first match (making it free).

As far as equipment, you just need a gun that fits in one of the IDPA divisions, 3 mags, 2 mag holders, and a basic Kydex holster. Dont need anything expensive.

[tlim7193]

When I said "super expensive" I meant a session at Front Sight or something. Haha.

[tanks]

When I said "super expensive" I meant a session at Front Sight or something. Haha.

Front Sight is cheap in the sense that it is < $80 for a lifetime diamond membership. Your main cost is travel, food, lodging and ammo.

[KahrMan]

Outside of an appropriate firearm, your big costs will be ammo and a good holster/belt. Don't skip on the latter.

[Inkman]

1. Richmond doesn't have many IDPA matches these days. Sacramento is a better bet if you want to ONLY shoot IDPA. USPSA rules the roost at Richmond. Added expense will simply be more mags and mag holders (5 each minimum) for USPSA and a decent inner and outer belt.

2. Safe handgunner/intro to USPSA class is a must if you've never shot in any type of holstered handgun comp.

3. Don't waste money on FS or any kind of class until you try a few matches and see if you like it. If you get hooked, then it will be time to decide if you want to take it to the next level by taking classes.

4. Don't show up to the intro with a brand new gun that you have little experience with. Use a gun that has plenty of rds thru it and you are comfortable with.

5. Feel free to drop by during a match, watch what's going on and ask a few questions.

Al

[Gryff]

Hi guys,

I really would like to get into IDPA shooting at the Richmond range. I've been watching hella videos on it and I think I want to take my gun ownership to the next level by competing. I would like to hop on IDPA competition but also do not want to break the bank. Having said that, is it ABSOLUTELY necessary to sign up for those super expensive training sessions? Any tips on cutting the cost of equipment? Anything helps! Tips for someone new to IDPA also help!!!! Thank you!

No, you don't need to take a formal training course to compete. You DO need to take an introductory course to start competing at Richmond. Both Richmond and Sac Valley offer courses like this.

Richmond's course focuses more on USPSA than IDPA, but the safety and gun-handling aspects cross over between the sports. The course is $25, and you get a certificate to shoot your first match for free. There is a backlog on available spaces, so visit http://richmondhotshots.com/intro_to_ipsc.html and contact the course coordinator as soon as possible.

Beyond that, you need a safe, reliable self-defense type pistol, a belt holster that fully covers the trigger guard, three magazines minimum, and a mag pouch that holds two spare mags.

I'm one of the IDPA coordinators at Richmond, and I am one of the instructors for the New Competitor class I mentioned above. If you have questions, feel free to ask.

[9mmepiphany]

The Sacramento IDPA club (SDPS) might be a little more accessible with monthly Orientation Clinics https://sdps-idpa.org/idpaintro/

[9mmepiphany]

When I said "super expensive" I meant a session at Front Sight or something. Haha.

You certainly don't need those to start shooting in IDPA.

There are a lot of options to learn to be a better shooter that don't involve traveling to the wastelands of NV

[CAL.BAR]

Just start showing up! Don't waste money on a course. Spend the money on AMMO! If you're not shooting 500-1000 rounds a month, you're not going to get better. The beauty of IDPA is that it is not like the NFL. You don't have to be a superstar to go and do it. Show up. Pay the fee, shoot and enjoy. Start very slowly and work up.

[9mmepiphany]

Just start showing up! Don't waste money on a course. Spend the money on AMMO! If you're not shooting 500-1000 rounds a month, you're not going to get better.

You're not going to get any better is you keep practicing an incorrect technique either

[Gryff]

Just start showing up! Don't waste money on a course. Spend the money on AMMO! If you're not shooting 500-1000 rounds a month, you're not going to get better. The beauty of IDPA is that it is not like the NFL. You don't have to be a superstar to go and do it. Show up. Pay the fee, shoot and enjoy. Start very slowly and work up.

As I mentioned at Richmond, you cannot shoot if you have not taken a class, have proof of other relevant training (LEO, military, Frontsight, etc.), or have previous competition experience. We had a surge of safety issues with new shooters, so we instituted the mandatory orientation class.

[MONGO3006]

Ukiah also has monthly matches.