IDPA first time

[Dirtrider....]

......

[lorax3]

It's a great rush the first time you do it. Also try and find a USPSA match in your area to see what type of match you prefer.

[Eljay]

Glad to hear it worked for you. Sounds very informal compared to what I'm used to. Our local USPSA club has first timers do a class first, which is basically the morning and then they shoot a couple of stages under supervision in the afternoon. Then you get a ticket for a free match.

When you turn in your ticket for the free match you get a scoresheet of a different color than everybody else. Just lets the ROs know to keep a little extra eye on you and be a little extra patient... but it also has the benefit that you never have to go first!

[AUstate]

Awesome!

Reminds me exactly of my first time.

I still get nervous, especially that first station of the match.
I have always wanted to try West End. Will have to look into that.

Get yourself a decent kydex holster and try and hit all the matches in your area you can.

Once you start getting better, and are competing on the same levels as your competitors, always remember how much fun you had on this first day.

Everyone will start to experience frustration at some pont when a match doesn't go right or you think you got a bad call, as surprising as it sounds now, its real easy to forget how much fun those first couple matches are when you draw with holster and run and gun for the first time.

Welcome to the addiction!

[CalTeacher]

Why are you closing an eye?

Welcome to competitive pistol shooting! Remember, everyone starts at the bottom. Have fun, be safe, and make your hits and you'll get better with experience.

[HighLander51]

Keep both eyes open when shooting.

[ke6guj]

Yeah i can tell i need a better holster...the nylon got me thru the match and will be mounted on my wall in the shadow box along with the results showing me in last place once they are posted...hahaha j/k

YES i need to keep both eyes open... i do when shooting trap but just learned that a few years ago. i will begin practicing with both eyes open at the range before my next event. a few guys were telling me the same thing but went with what i knew during the event.

i am also not liking the DA trigger on my first shot with the p226... so the madness begins to justify a new toy like the glock 34...hahaha

yup, that DA first pull can be an issue. I love the SIG as a defensive pistol, but for pinpoint accuracy on the first shot, it isn't the best thing. I just bought a Glock for IDPA just to see if i could better my results. the first shots out of it were at the WEGC match yesterday and I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. I might just beat you for last place.

[HighLander51]

i am also not liking the DA trigger on my first shot with the p226... so the madness begins to justify a new toy like the glock 34...hahaha

I wouldn't rush out and get a new gun platform because you shot one match (and it sounds like you have very little experience with a handgun). Get a good belt, like Wilderness Tactical original instructor, 5 stitch, a good straight drop belt loop Blade tech holster and 2 single mag pouches, that is all you are allowed in IDPA and Peltor Tac 6 electric ears. Then spend the money on competition shooting lessons. If after several dozen matches you are not seeing any improvement in your classifier times, then a gun change may be beneficial, but not nearly as important as learning how to shoot quickly and accurately to begin with.

Or unless you are going to start shooting USPSA and Steel Challenge, then a G34 would be a good idea.

[Lifeon2whls]

Very cool write up. I've been hearing more and more about these matches.

I see a few of you are from the SoCal/LA area...where are there IDPA matches in the area? I would love to come out for a few and I know my wife would love to run and gun with her Glock.

[PM720]

Prado & Piru are the main ones I shoot. If you are in Reseda then Piru might be the closest, probably about 30 minutes from there? If you see any guys in Calguns Shooting Team shirts be sure to say hi and feel free to ask questions.

Scott

[Dirtrider....]

I wouldn't rush out and get a new gun platform because you shot one match (and it sounds like you have very little experience with a handgun). Get a good belt, like Wilderness Tactical original instructor, 5 stitch, a good straight drop belt loop Blade tech holster and 2 single mag pouches, that is all you are allowed in IDPA and Peltor Tac 6 electric ears. Then spend the money on competition shooting lessons. If after several dozen matches you are not seeing any improvement in your classifier times, then a gun change may be beneficial, but not nearly as important as learning how to shoot quickly and accurately to begin with.

Or unless you are going to start shooting USPSA and Steel Challenge, then a G34 would be a good idea.

All good advice... i do need more trigger time and more practice with holster and better belt system and better cover... and... its all for fun and thats what i had!!

Well results are in and i DIDN"T come in last...yay!! stage 6 kicked my butt as i didnt slice the pie correctly with that moving target... hahaha

[ramathorn]

I've been itching to go to some matches in Sacramento for a long time. One of these days I'll make it and get hooked. It sounds awesome...

[9mmepiphany]

I've been itching to go to some matches in Sacramento for a long time. One of these days I'll make it and get hooked. It sounds awesome...

The least you should do is come out for the required IDPA Orientation class

[Lifeon2whls]

Prado & Piru are the main ones I shoot. If you are in Reseda then Piru might be the closest, probably about 30 minutes from there? If you see any guys in Calguns Shooting Team shirts be sure to say hi and feel free to ask questions.

Scott

Thanks Scott...I always say hello when I see any CG stickers/patches/etc.

I'll look up the schedule and see about coming out to watch one before I shoot there.

[socaltrailrider]

Hey, I brought a buddy out to WEGC this weekend for his first IDPA match. Hey, wait, It's you! lol. I told you you'd have fun and be hooked. It's challenging and fun all at the same time.

And I agree about the people. I've now shot at both Prado and WEGC. Everyone I have shot with in my squad has been cool and helpful. I'm new to the sport as well and the other competitors are open to give pointers and advice to new shooters.