Tips for a beginner

[e.camerino]

So I am looking to start shooting IDPA because the range is starting to get boring. For you experienced competition shooters, I have an M&P45 and was wondering if that's too much gun for a beginner in IDPA. Which class would I be able to compete in that will help me grow as a shooter? I've looked at the IDPA website to try and understand it but there's so much info. Can you guys help me out and point me in the right direction?

[Leethe4th]

Lots of guys run .45acp in IDPA, it's not too much gun. What you need to do is get to your nearest IDPA match and tell them you are new. They will hook you up with experienced shooters. Some clubs require a safety class ahead of the match. Go to IDPA.com club finder and call the match director. You only need 3 mags and 2 mag pouches. Jump in, the rules still won't make any sense to you even after a dozen matches.

[Bainter1212]

Find the email address of your local match director and shoot him an email. He will probably be happy to get you headed in the right direction.
My local club requires an intro class before shooting a match.
Once I started shooting matches, I had a lot of fun. The matches are very safe but also laid back. All the other shooters were glad to help me out when I had a question.
And yes, many shooters run .45 acp. That and 9mm predominate.

[9mmepiphany]

Which class would I be able to compete in that will help me grow as a shooter?

With a basic stock M&P45, you can compete in SSP, ESP, and CDP (just load 8 instead of 10 in your magazines)

[e.camerino]

Thanks guys for the input. I will look to see who's in the area to get started. Also if i wanted to use my gf's M&P9 will they let me?

[Bob Hostetter]

yes

[Whiskey_Sauer]

A good read for a new competitor, by Mike Seeklander:

http://blog.shooting-performance.com/nine-9-things-new-shooters-need-to-know-about-competition/

[rmatt]

Where are you located?

If you can load, holster, draw, reload, unload and reholster safely (gun down range, finger off trigger, no sweeping self) then you're good to go.

The rest you'll really only learn by doing.