nick93
Member
Interested in trying it. What is the target distance? How many shots do you fire? thanks
some ??? about idpa
- Thread starter nick93
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
cyberiad
Member
Where I shoot regularly the targets are at virtual contact distance (3 feet or a little less) to 25+ yards. The longest shot according to the rule book is 25 yards (if I remember correctly) but our MD occasionally puts targets out a little farther. Some clubs have space constraints and do what they can.
"Go fast then slow" stages that combine close in shots and shots at longer distance are a good challenge.
The rules state no stage will require more than 18 rounds. I can often shoot a 6 stage match with under 100 rounds (I usually shoot a revolver so take few, if any, make up shots) but I always bring more.
"Go fast then slow" stages that combine close in shots and shots at longer distance are a good challenge.
The rules state no stage will require more than 18 rounds. I can often shoot a 6 stage match with under 100 rounds (I usually shoot a revolver so take few, if any, make up shots) but I always bring more.
Last edited:
IDPA has a website with the rule book on it I believe. It should answer all your questions. Really suggest you go to a match and watch first.
Also, go to youtube and search, there will be a ton of videos with stages being shot in them.
Also, go to youtube and search, there will be a ton of videos with stages being shot in them.
http://idpa.com/Documents/IDPARuleBook2005.pdf
The maximum target distance is 35 yds.
Each scenario stage requires no more than 18 rounds (unless you miss).
K/L frames with speedloaders dominate SSR; you see a few Rugers.
N frames with clips dominate ESR.
Max capacity allowed in the magazine is 10 in SSP, 10 in ESP, and 8 in CDP (.45 ACP). Semi-autos usually (not always) start with one more in the chamber.
Limited to 6 in revolver (SSR and ESR)
You will need three magazines or at least 3 speedloader/clips for SSR/ESR. While it is theoretically possible to get by with 2 magazines, it is not really practical (you never miss?)
I've seen some people empty a mag at 4 steel pieces in a stage.
Best advice is find a club and go to a match. Take your gear, attend the newcomers briefing, and shoot a match. We assign a volunteer mentor to new shooters.
Don't waste your time trying to get the "perfect" rig or impress people at your first match.
1. Be safe
2. Have fun
3. Maybe learn something?
The maximum target distance is 35 yds.
Each scenario stage requires no more than 18 rounds (unless you miss).
K/L frames with speedloaders dominate SSR; you see a few Rugers.
N frames with clips dominate ESR.
Max capacity allowed in the magazine is 10 in SSP, 10 in ESP, and 8 in CDP (.45 ACP). Semi-autos usually (not always) start with one more in the chamber.
Limited to 6 in revolver (SSR and ESR)
You will need three magazines or at least 3 speedloader/clips for SSR/ESR. While it is theoretically possible to get by with 2 magazines, it is not really practical (you never miss?)
I've seen some people empty a mag at 4 steel pieces in a stage.
Best advice is find a club and go to a match. Take your gear, attend the newcomers briefing, and shoot a match. We assign a volunteer mentor to new shooters.
Don't waste your time trying to get the "perfect" rig or impress people at your first match.
1. Be safe
2. Have fun
3. Maybe learn something?
Last edited:
pop-gunner
Member
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2010
- Messages
- 67
- Reaction score
- 1
"Max capacity allowed in the gun is 10 in SSP, 10 in ESP, 6 in revolver (SSR and ESR) and 8 in CDP (.45 ACP)."
Close but not quite...
The most allowed in the magazine is 10/SSP, 10/ESP, and 8/CDP but you will always start with a round in the chamber unless that particular course of fire dictates otherwise.
Close but not quite...
The most allowed in the magazine is 10/SSP, 10/ESP, and 8/CDP but you will always start with a round in the chamber unless that particular course of fire dictates otherwise.
Fixed it for you:
"Max capacity allowed in the magazine is 10 in SSP, 10 in ESP, and 8 in CDP (.45 ACP). Semi-autos usually (not always) start with one more in the chamber.
Limited to 6 in revolvers (SSR and ESR). "
Last edited:
OKFC05,
Does IDPA allow 11 rounds for the first mag in the 10 round maximum divisions to avoid mag swaps during "Barneying Up"? USPSA does in Production and Limited 10 divisions. My past experience in IDPA was with 8 and 6 round guns.
Buck
Does IDPA allow 11 rounds for the first mag in the 10 round maximum divisions to avoid mag swaps during "Barneying Up"? USPSA does in Production and Limited 10 divisions. My past experience in IDPA was with 8 and 6 round guns.
Buck
Yes, if starting with gun loaded. The magazines must have no more than 10 in them when the buzzer goes.
Nick -
Take your M&P, 3 mags, and sufficient rounds and shoot a match.
You don't have to be an IDPA member to shoot your first match - after that it is inexpensive.
You should find some local matches, often listed on the IDPA web site. International Defensive Pistol Association - Affiliated Club State and Country List
Read thru the book but do not worry over it - make notes and bring those questions with you. The second favorite thing of all IDPA shooters is discussing the rule book.
If you ask the local club, you can probably borrow gear you need - holsters, extra mags. Most clubs are also understanding about gear and if you don't have everything that is 'legal' they can still let you shoot and coach you about what to bring next time.
They will also tell you how many rounds are expected for the match.
Do no spend a lot of money on tacti-cool gear.
A 5 gal bucket works for a range bag ( and being waterproof - and since you can sit on one, makes it a good choice ) A Hawaiian print shirt found at a goodwill makes a good cover garment. ( I use a shirt-jac for winter time ) I suggest you skip a nylon holster and get a leather one - helps stay open for all the re-holstering. All IWB's will be good to go - most pancake style work as well. Again - this can be something you borrow for a match to find one style that will work for you.
Get a good belt - a gun/shooting belt.
There may be local venue rules you need to be mindful of - is it a lost brass facility? Can you carry concealed off the firing line?
In general there will be a new shooter orientation before the match - if you have a question it is likely the other new shooters will too.
When the SO asks you to step to the line - feel free to ask any questions / or clarifications - they want you to shoot well.
When the SO asks "Is the Shooter Ready" it is not a speed time - take a breath then get ready.
When your targets are scored, let the SO know you want to see them before they get taped.
Have fun. Good Luck.
Take your M&P, 3 mags, and sufficient rounds and shoot a match.
You don't have to be an IDPA member to shoot your first match - after that it is inexpensive.
You should find some local matches, often listed on the IDPA web site. International Defensive Pistol Association - Affiliated Club State and Country List
Read thru the book but do not worry over it - make notes and bring those questions with you. The second favorite thing of all IDPA shooters is discussing the rule book.
If you ask the local club, you can probably borrow gear you need - holsters, extra mags. Most clubs are also understanding about gear and if you don't have everything that is 'legal' they can still let you shoot and coach you about what to bring next time.
They will also tell you how many rounds are expected for the match.
Do no spend a lot of money on tacti-cool gear.
A 5 gal bucket works for a range bag ( and being waterproof - and since you can sit on one, makes it a good choice ) A Hawaiian print shirt found at a goodwill makes a good cover garment. ( I use a shirt-jac for winter time ) I suggest you skip a nylon holster and get a leather one - helps stay open for all the re-holstering. All IWB's will be good to go - most pancake style work as well. Again - this can be something you borrow for a match to find one style that will work for you.
Get a good belt - a gun/shooting belt.
There may be local venue rules you need to be mindful of - is it a lost brass facility? Can you carry concealed off the firing line?
In general there will be a new shooter orientation before the match - if you have a question it is likely the other new shooters will too.
When the SO asks you to step to the line - feel free to ask any questions / or clarifications - they want you to shoot well.
When the SO asks "Is the Shooter Ready" it is not a speed time - take a breath then get ready.
When your targets are scored, let the SO know you want to see them before they get taped.
Have fun. Good Luck.
I just shot my first match yesterday. I was a lot of fun. Everyone was very helpful. Tell them you are new and most people will go out of their way to explain the rules. I took 200 rounds and that was plenty...besides it won't go bad, you can always use more ammo.
The best advise is get a GOOD belt, remember you are drawing and firing so lots of tugging. Lots of guys use the good riggers belts
not some knock-off. I came in second in my division/class........of course there were only three of us.
The best advise is get a GOOD belt, remember you are drawing and firing so lots of tugging. Lots of guys use the good riggers belts
not some knock-off. I came in second in my division/class........of course there were only three of us.
wantmoresmiths
Member
I'm with Ric In OR, use what you have for a few matches. It will give you a chance to get a feel for IDPA, and it will allow you to see what others are using.You will need 3 magazines, and a holster. You can get through a few matches without a magazine pouch, just keep the magazines in a back pocket. Depending on the club matches can run between 50 and 100 rounds.
Grayfox
US Veteran
One more thing I'd like to add. Don't worry about being a competitor. If you have the knack, by all means go for it. But the truth is that not everybody is cut out to be a Master Class shooter.
I think the majority of IDPA shooters do it for two main reasons. First, Its the best practice you can get for CCW. Second, its just plain fun!
So don't go to that first match and worry about scores. Go to learn and simply have a good time. Relax and enjoy.
I think the majority of IDPA shooters do it for two main reasons. First, Its the best practice you can get for CCW. Second, its just plain fun!
So don't go to that first match and worry about scores. Go to learn and simply have a good time. Relax and enjoy.
Bugs Bunny
Member
One more thing I'd like to add. Don't worry about being a competitor. If you have the knack, by all means go for it. But the truth is that not everybody is cut out to be a Master Class shooter.
I think the majority of IDPA shooters do it for two main reasons. First, Its the best practice you can get for CCW. Second, its just plain fun!
So don't go to that first match and worry about scores. Go to learn and simply have a good time. Relax and enjoy.
Thats the truth of it, shoot whatever you have, even a MKIII 22 is great learning piece, thats what my wife started with, now she shoots a gold cup & special combat govt, the wife & I go to th range to have fun (get away from the kids / house) we are not concerned with "winning / scores" I get to play with my new toys, never the same gun usually for me lol & she feels great kicking my BUTT LOL... I do not mind, just seeing her smile & smug is enough for me. We been at it 3-4 years now, we keep it fun and its great, the "get a lifers" as we call them get us sick with their petty BS, that will come in time if you frequent enough ranges unfortunately.
Have Fun
New IDPA Competitor Here
i entered my first IDPA Match in the spring. I had done no competitive shooting, ever. The extent of my training was a one week handgun course taken in the Navy using worn out 1911's back in I think 1971. I shot what I had, a Taurus compact in 9mm with a Fobus OWB holster and kept spare mags in my pants pocket. My goal was to have fun and learn about the sport, and maybe NOT come in last in the match.
My next match I decided to go slow and attempt to not shoot any of the "innocent" targets and that continued to be my goal. I went to the range and my back yard at least once a week practicing trigger control, smooth draw, keeping on target, etc. I shot a Classifier indoors when they announced the State Match and barely classified as a Marksman. I shot another classifier last month and almost busted out of Marksman into sharpshooter which I didn't really want to do.
The Taurus was frustrating as it repeatedly shot low and left, verified by a couple of more experienced shooters. I found an M&P full size with low miles at a local gun store and sprung for it. Meanwhile I had bought a two-mag paddle carrier and a belt holster. The M&P is smooth, but then I learned about "reset point" and started reading about that. I ordered and installed myself the Duty carry and Reset Assist kits from Apex Tactical. I love the new trigger and as long as I am in SSP I'll keep it as it is. I did order and just received a highly recommended Comp-Tac paddle holster and I have to say, I love it so far.
Saturday will tell if my practice and gear selections will pay off as it is our State Match. There will be over twice as many fellow competitors and thirteen stages instead of out usual seven. The weather promises to be excellent though a little nippy in the morning but that's OK. I still plan to have fun, try not to shoot any "friendlies", practice the gun safety I have learned through the patience and guidance of our MD's SO's, and fellow competitors.
As others have said, take what you have and shoot what you like and above all, enkoy and learn.
i entered my first IDPA Match in the spring. I had done no competitive shooting, ever. The extent of my training was a one week handgun course taken in the Navy using worn out 1911's back in I think 1971. I shot what I had, a Taurus compact in 9mm with a Fobus OWB holster and kept spare mags in my pants pocket. My goal was to have fun and learn about the sport, and maybe NOT come in last in the match.
My next match I decided to go slow and attempt to not shoot any of the "innocent" targets and that continued to be my goal. I went to the range and my back yard at least once a week practicing trigger control, smooth draw, keeping on target, etc. I shot a Classifier indoors when they announced the State Match and barely classified as a Marksman. I shot another classifier last month and almost busted out of Marksman into sharpshooter which I didn't really want to do.
The Taurus was frustrating as it repeatedly shot low and left, verified by a couple of more experienced shooters. I found an M&P full size with low miles at a local gun store and sprung for it. Meanwhile I had bought a two-mag paddle carrier and a belt holster. The M&P is smooth, but then I learned about "reset point" and started reading about that. I ordered and installed myself the Duty carry and Reset Assist kits from Apex Tactical. I love the new trigger and as long as I am in SSP I'll keep it as it is. I did order and just received a highly recommended Comp-Tac paddle holster and I have to say, I love it so far.
Saturday will tell if my practice and gear selections will pay off as it is our State Match. There will be over twice as many fellow competitors and thirteen stages instead of out usual seven. The weather promises to be excellent though a little nippy in the morning but that's OK. I still plan to have fun, try not to shoot any "friendlies", practice the gun safety I have learned through the patience and guidance of our MD's SO's, and fellow competitors.
As others have said, take what you have and shoot what you like and above all, enkoy and learn.
geddylee10002000
Member
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2009
- Messages
- 747
- Reaction score
- 536
I am with canvsbk. Shot the last IDPA match of the year a couple of weeks ago at my club. Can't wait for next year! Growr whom is a old friend suggested that it didn't hurt too much! No it didn't.
When I started, I bought a used sidearmor kydex holster and magazine carriers from a fellow who changed competition guns. I saved some money, used the gear for quite awhile, and now have a spare set for my son when he goes with me. I like comp-tac gear, but there are alot of options out there.
doc540
Member
STICKY THIS ONE!!
