Basic book recommendations please?

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BillK01

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I'm planning on joining a Combat League my club has this coming season. The organizational meeting is in March and the first matches start in April. I've shot most of my life but only for fun.

They also have an IDPA league but I'm leaning toward the more laid back Combat League since this will be my first time shooting in any competitive environment. If I enjoy it I would probably also join IDPA eventually and possibly 3-gun later on if things go well.

I'd love to hear some recommendations for good books for a beginner looking to get into competitive shooting. Then maybe some recs for if I'd like to go IDPA and 3-gun.

I recently purchased a Springfield XDm 5.25" .45 that I'd like to use for this league (there are not any special regulations other than the caliber being .32 or larger, 5 mags, a good strong side holster and no optics). I also have an M&P 9mm full size and Glock 23 .40 (my hd gun). But I'd prefer to use the XDm. For 3-Gun I'd use my M&P 15 TS with an Eotech but would have to get some sort of shotgun (haven't even started that thought process yet).

Many thanks for any recommendations. The book(s) being available on Kindle would be a great option as well (but not required).

Take care.

Bill
 
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They also have an IDPA league but I'm leaning toward the more laid back Combat League
Click to expand...

I'm trying to get my head around what sort of "Combat League" is more laid back than IDPA....
The only way I can think of to make IDPA more laid back is to throw away the timers and not score the targets.

IDPA only requires the shooter be safe and any motivation to go faster or be more accurate comes from the shooter.

3 gun, under USPSA or various "tribal rules" is a HUGE jump up in intensity from IDPA.

Don't know your background, but too many shooters that come to me want to start with "Competition" tips when they first need a solid course on the fundamentals of grip, trigger control, and gun handling, especially reloading. The majority have no idea how to hold the gun for speed shooting. Set up 3 targets at 10 yards, draw and fire 2 shots at each target, reload and fire two shots at each target. If that takes you more than 16 sec, you need work on the basics.

IDPA Match Director
 
OKFC05 said:
I'm trying to get my head around what sort of "Combat League" is more laid back than IDPA....
The only way I can think of to make IDPA more laid back is to throw away the timers and not score the targets.

IDPA Match Director
Click to expand...

I'm not sure as I've never done either. This is a description from my clubs website:
http://bvrpc.org/combatleague.html
The Beaver Valley Combat League offers a relaxed, yet competitive shooting experience for shooters of all skill levels. You'll be challenged at 7 yards and 25 yards in several shooting positions, including point shoulder, left hand/right hand barricade, prone, sitting and kneeling. The combat range has covered shooting positions at the 50 yard line.

Minimum Requirements

Successful completion of the NRA Basic Pistol Course or equivalent safety training
60 rounds of ammunition per match
.32 caliber pistol or larger
barrel length not to exceed 6 1/2"
appropriate strong side hip holster
minimum of 4 speed loaders for revolvers and 5 magazines for semi automatics
optional ground cloth (not to exceed 3/4" thick)
eye protection and hearing protection
The Combat season runs from April through September on a 20 week/ 20 match schedule.

Matches are on Wednesday evenings, starting at approximately 5 PM, with another match at about every 30 minutes until everyone has finished shooting or until darkness closes the range.

League fees consist of a $40 membership fee and a $20 match fee for a total of $60 for the season.
 
It sounds like a derivative of PPC with local rules has been labeled with "Combat" ?

Anyway, don't be intimidated about trying the IDPA match, particularly if you are interested in more realistic varied practice for personal defense. If there are some hot shots there practicing for their big sanctioned match, well, fun to watch but don't try to keep up with them. Everybody is scored in their Division (type of gun) and Class (speed and accuracy). I shoot with a 5-time national IDPA Master revolver shooter in Tulsa, and he beats me every time. So what, he beats everybody!!
 
I like IDPA for a number of reasons, foremost of which is that it's "old fogey" friendly. If there is a prone stage it has to be the last one of the string so the "getting up" part is not timed. Good thing for me, getting down is no problem (gravity) but the getting up part could be timed with a sundial. ;) I also think the scoring is much simpler than the other matches I shoot. Try it an see, all the clubs around here let new shooters shoot the first match without joining IDPA (might be nationwide, haven't gotten that far into the rulebook) Everyone I've met have been helpful and friendly.
 
I have seen guys that " have shot all my life " that shouldn't be allowed to have sharp objects let alone a firearm. And couldn't hit the ground with their hat.

The first thing I would suggests is fundamentals. First and foremost is SAFETY. Then front sight alignment and trigger control, NRA bullseye style.

Then the rule book, USPSA or IDPA whatever style you are going to shoot , or both.

Then one of my favorite books for shooting competition is ' The Inner Game of Tennis ' by Gallwey.

And Lots of Dry Firing and practice.
 
The main thing to do is know the rules of the game. The first times out don't try to set any speed records just work on accuracy. Starting out your head is filled with all the things you think you should be doing, actual competition gets you settled down to where you start doing things instinctively. Then that allows you to work on speed, slow is smooth, smooth is fast.
 
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