I need a little insight here....

[RightWinger]

I am really interested into getting into competitive shooting for the fun of a little competition, and mainly to hone my skills. I have NO interest in any type of competition that would not equate to real life scenarios. I realize IDPA and IPSC are geared towards what I am talking about and even what IDPA stands for would lead a person to think it's based on real life scenarios, however everyone I know who shoots in these competitions has crazy tricked out guns, holsters, moon clip holders.....etc. Is there truly a class of competitors where people are shooting stock guns in a manner that they would carry them at work or on the street? I also realize that anytime people compete and you have a prize people are going to push the envelope on these rules and regulations, but I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction. I would like to be able to compete with my Glock (dept gun), and a revolver. Thanks in advance.

 

[jdesro1911]

The original intent of IDPA was to replicate real world situations using real world firearms and carry gear. But of course, IDPA is really just a game, and as a result there will always be those that try to push the boundries of the rule book as far as modifications go to try to gain every competitive edge they can.

But just because they do it doesn't mean you need to sink $1000 into a pistol. You can compete in IDPA with a stock pistol and concealable carry gear without being at a huge disadvantage compared to the ones "gaming" it.

When it comes down to it, the best shooters are the ones who train the most, not the ones with the most expensive toys. Most top shooters live, breathe and eat shooting, and put a lot of thought and effort into what works for them and what doesn't. Take Ben Stoeger's pistol for an example - really nothing more than a Beretta Elite II with very minor modifications (he states in his book that the single action pull on his pistol is probably still over 5 lbs, which is pretty much what it is out of the factory). He is one of the top shooters in the country right now and he uses just about a stock pistol. But what puts him above the others isn't his equipment but his dedication (obsession?) to shooting (and practicing shooting, and thinking about shooting etc.).

A really good shooter can be competetive with just about any firearm or carry gear. The modifications are mostly a result of trail and error as to what works best for them, and to a top shooter shaving off fractions of a second is the main goal of any modification to their guns and gear.

So take you duty pistol to an IDPA match and give it a try with your regular carry gear. You will probably not win against the ones with the tricked out gear. But, ask yourself honestly, have you put in the time and practice to be better than the winners?

 

[manyguns]

I agree with jdesro1911. IDPA is the closest thing done nationally. The game is in the eye of the shooter. Just enjoy yourself & don't worry about the gamers. After years as a match director I can tell you it won't take much to be having more fun than them. It is what you want to accomplish, not the other guys.

 

[growr]

Many people still use what they actually carry in order to be more proficient in IDPA...I still do.

I always encourage shooters to use what they have until it no longer meets their needs.

I still love using my revolvers......mainly because they are still fun to me and I am only competing with ME!

Randy

 

[RightWinger]

Thanks for the great answers. It's nice to be able to get straight-forward advice from more seasoned competitors. I also wanted to clarify I have nothing against the "Gamers".....I just wanted to keep the competition in line with my own training. Thanks again!

 

[Grayfox]

Being a bit on the older side, I can't even hope to compete against younger, faster shooters. Heck, I'm beginning to think I have a solid lock on last place.
I shoot IDPA for two reasons. First, I believe its the best avalible practice for those of us who regularly carry a defensive pistol. Second, its just plain fun!
The only difference between my competition rig and my daily carry gear is the gun itself. Instead of my usual light weight Commander or 3" Model 13 that I carry, for IDPA I shoot either a full size Goverment Model or 4" 586. Other than that, belt, holster, mags, etc are exactly the same.
Forget the gamers. Its all about what you want to get out of it.

 

[bpeddicord]

I'm 65 years old with painful arthritis in my left knee, so I don't move as fast as I did a few years ago. I shot last weeks local IDPA match with my old 4" model 64 S&W with Safariland Comp III speedloaders. I came in 23rd overall and top revolver shooter. In the process I managed to beat 25 Glock shooters, 9 1911 45ACP shooters, 9 1911 9 MM shooters, 1 Enhanced revolver shooter (625 JM 45ACP with full moon clips), and 3 other SSR shooters with their stock revolvers. I also made the top 10 most accurate shooters list through the 7 stage match. All stages were 14 to 16 rounds making it hard on revolver shooters. All stages required 2 reloads for a revolver to just 1 reload for the auto shooters. I prefer to carry a revolver for personal protection, so I practice and compete with what I carry. Sometimes I shoot my 2" model 64 just to keep me focused on the basics of trigger control and watching the front sight. It's just a game, but it beats anything else right now. I quit the gadget game when I quit shooting IPSC 20 years ago. Use what you carry and it will improve your survival odds when and if the baloon goes up for real.

 

[BobR1]

Another Revolver shooter here. I normally shoot my revolvers. Once in a while I will dust off the old 1911.
For holsters I use either Lobo Enhanced Pancakes or a Enhanced Avenger. Both are not only IDPA Legal, but practical for every day carry.
I do use Safariland Comp III Speed Loaders, carried in Big Creek kydex carriers that I build here in the Missouri Ozarks.

I really like shooting revolvers.
Our Club shoots a Defensive Pistol Match loosely based on IDPA Rules one month, and a Steel Challenge the next month.

The first Saturday in March we had a Steel Challenge Match. The old 686 whipped up on all the Tupperware, as well as the 1911's in that match. I had a very good day, and was on my Game. And the old saying that You Cannot Miss Fast Enough To Win was again proven to be correct by the Tupperware guns.
My strategy was to try and not miss any targets, knowing that reloads would be really hurting my time. I did miss one of the 12 Tomb Stones, and had to do a second reload to get the last shot in. I also missed one of the plates on the Texas Star, however the Star only has 5 plates, and the 686 has 6 shots, so that one miss did not hurt much picking it back up with the last round in the revolver. I do not shoot this well every month, but a really good day now and again never hurts.

NOTE: With your revolver you will be only shooting against other SSR shooters.
I was compairing my SSR Score to the SSP and CDP scores to see how well I had done, as I was the only SSR shooter in the match. It really does not make any difference, other than giving me a warm and fuzzy doing well overall.

Get out your concealed carry gear, and have a good time. If your revolver is a K or L Frame, or a GP100 get a few Safariland Comp III speed Loaders for it, and you will be in business with the revolver. You can carry your speed loaders in a pocket or Carriers on the belt.
I recommend 158 round nose ammunition also to speed up your reloads. I do not consider using round nose bullets to be gaming, as they replicate jacketed HP ammunition.

Bob

 

[OKFC05]

If getting a ribbon or plaque by shooting essentially stock guns is important to you, then consider the Division and Class System of IDPA.

First, the type of gun determines what Division you shoot in. The stock Glock goes into Stock Service Pistol (SSP) and the 4" revolver with speedloaders goes into Stock Service Revolver (SSR). Each Division competes only within the Division, and there is no such thing as a "Match Winner" or "High Overall" in IDPA.

Second, how well you shoot the Classifier puts you into a CLASS within your DIVISION. The 5-time National SSR DIVISION CHAMPION lives in Oklahoma, and I have shot with him in club matches and State Championships in several states. He always beats me, as I am simply too old, crippled, and slow to ever get into Master Class. My hits on targets are usually about the same as his, but he is much quicker. And my Plaque for winning my Class is the same size as his Master Class Plaque.

IDPA is a great place for anyone that wishes to shoot competition, regardless of genetic ability or degree of training.

Unless you are competing in the very top, spending money on equipment past 100% reliable, efficient gear that fits you is a waste of $$, and you can't buy your way into Master Class. You would be surprised how many guns shot by SSP and SSR masters, while carefully bluprinted and maintained, are essentially stock factory parts. They can beat me with their gun, swap guns with me, and then beat me with my gun.

Just go shoot!!

 

[growr]

Stated about as well as can be....especially the last one..Just go shoot!

Randy

 

[HereSinceTheLongHunters]

IDPA web site popped right up with local club listings... Great thread.

 

[Cooper55]

The best thing about IDPA is how great everyone is toward each other, even new shooters. The other great thing is how one can learn with just about anything in a holster. Yes, the best of the best will enhance stock pistols and reload their own ammo to meet their specific specs. But most use out of the box pistols (I use M&P 9mm) and suitable factory ammo. Maybe if I get good enough to think it matters, I too will enhance my pistol. Enhancing one's abilities is far more important than enhancing one's firearm.

 

[SmithPC1911]

IDPA...There are several different shooting divisions.You wont see the race guns here. It's been a while since I've competed but, at your local ranges there won't be any race guns. Most are there for the same reasons you are. I shot it with my Standard S&W 1911.
The people are great, very friendly and willing to help. I first shot with my Galco leather holster and leather mag. holders. I would deffinitly go with a kydex holster and mag holders. It will hold up longer. Save your leather for every day carry. But first start by going to there web site and read trough the rule book. IDPA - Welcome! there is even a section on approved holsters. This competition really is geared for every day carry.

 

[ric_in_or]

Original Poster - I saw the word "department"
If you are active LEO, and want to shoot in your uniform/equipment, you are welcome to do that.
Some local clubs may also give you a break on the match fee.

It is a game - not training.

Glocks dominate.

I suggest you check into the IDPA forums for the full complement of everything related to the sport.
The new Rule Book was just posted - so that will dominate much of the discussion.

In general for IDPA
Bring what you carry - pistol & 3 mags & 250 rnds.
Show up early for the 1st match to get the shooters briefing
Let the other shooters know you are new to IDPA, so they can help with all the little stuff -
You need a law degree to understand the current rule book - the 2nd favorite thing of IDPA shooters is arguing the rules. Don't sweat it - if you are a safe shooter, the rules fit and the best way to learn them is to shoot.
And if you have some equipment that doesn't quite match the rules, you can most likely shoot the first match anyway. ( hint: AR Pistols generally don't meet the spirit of IDPA )
Remember that you have to comply with the local range rules, not just the sport rules (my local range has a no handling firearms in the parking lot rule - which means for CC folks they have to plan ahead)

If you have a Shield and want to use that, you will be welcome to shoot it. Each stage can have no more than 18 required shots and you get 2 mags + loaded gun = enough.

( I was on may way to read the New RB to see if maybe there is a new division for the smaller carry semi-auto's like the Shield. )

idpa.com