Will be shooting for the first time in about a week.I was going to shoot a 3906,2 8rd mags,1 9rd mag or a 3913TSW with 7rd mags.I could be over thinking it all or should I bring another gun that holds more than 10 rds in mags? I really like to stay with the Smiths.I would really appreciate input. Thanks in advance

In general more rounds are better, up to the maximum of 10+1
BUT
For a beginner, what matters is the gun that you can handle, operate, and shoot with the greatest safety; the one you are most used to.

If you take the 3906 with both 8 and 9 round magazines, you will be limited to 8+1 because all magazines must be loaded the same.
You need three magazines, carriers for two, holster for the gun, eye and ear protection, and a concealment garment.
I suggest you spend the next week practicing drawing from under that concealment garment DRYFIRE so you don't get tangled up when the gun is loaded at the match. (Some places don't require beginners to wear concealment, some places don't require concealment in hot weather.)

There it is!

Until you get familiar with how the match works and can do the gunhandling safely, forget about "the perfect gun."
First time out, just hit the target and don't DQ.
1. BE SAFE
2. Have fun

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Science plus Art

My vote would be for the one you carry the most. It's what IDPA is supposed to be about. To help you better yourself with your personel handgun.

Forget IDPA only gun and think...'save my butt every day carry gun'. You'll be far better off if Heaven forbid you ever have to use it.

Just my 2 cents,

Murphy2000

IDPA really is about refining your skills using your EDC gun. I started out with a M&P40c which I carry most of the time. Then I got interested in better accuracy and cheaper ammo so got an M&P Pro 9mm. To my surprise it is just as easy to carry and conceal as the 40c! and of course cheaper to shoot. FWIW.

Take the 3906, use the 9 round mag as your first magazine to load the gun with 8+1 as required. Mark it with a sharpie. You will not be at that much of a disadvantage using an 8+1 gun. I have shot IDPA with a 7+1 occasionally. Shoot slow enough to make good center of mass hits. As someone told me at my first match, "you cant miss fast enough to win" I should have listened to him... IDPA is a great way to get introduced to gun games.

I agree with Murphy2000 use what you have. Your 3906 is a GREAT choice, all I would do is add another magazine. If you don't already have a good holster, a mag pouch and a sturdy belt to support your gear for an all day excursion...get them you will need them anyway.

Most of us use a range bag to transport our ammo and extra stuff..Mine is an old camera bag I got from Good Will for a dollar.

Many of us simply use an oversize shirt for our concealment garmet. Might work well for you as well.

On more than one match I have used my 39-2 and did very well with it.
Have a great time and be safe.
Watch other shooters before you and it will help you a lot.
Randy
PS...you will only need 18 rounds on any given course of fire, so that may help you decide if you have 3 magazines for your 3913.

I am planing on using my 3913 (8+1) and I don't really see any disadvantage. If you plan your reloads then there will not be any problem.

Peace

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DCB <>< John 14:6

I think you should get a model 65 and load six. No seriously take the gun you like the most. Get good with that and go from there you will see all types of guns, holsters and calibers. After you have done it a while another gun may serve you better. Become proficient with what you currently own first.

To all thanks for the advice and confidence building.Will use 3906. Dont all mags need to be loaded equal,so using the 9rd to chamber a load is ok? Kenna

Yes.
The REQUIREMENT is that the gun be loaded to 10+1 or if the magazine holds less, full plus one in the chamber.
AND that all magazines be loaded the same.
Which means you go to 8+1 unless the course of fire specifies otherwise.
So if you use your 9 round magazine to load the gun with ("Load and Make Ready") you will be all set with a minimum of moves.
8+1 in the gun, two at 8 on the belt.
No string of fire will require more than 18 hits, so you have some margin to work with. Watch the guys shooting .45s in CDP, they are loading 8+1, too, so you will reload at the same place... if you don't miss any more than they do.