New to IDPA

[IMRedeemed]

Hi folks! I'm new to IDPA -- just joined the IDPA last week. Have yet to find and shoot a match. I'm a retired LEO out of AZ, now living in the Renton/Maple Valley, WA area. I've done a little research online and see there are a few areas in the Puget Sound that offer some competitive shooting opportunities. I welcome recommendations on clubs and locations.

I picked up a S&W M&P 9mm Pro sometime after the first of the year, but have yet to shoot it, as I just underwent hip replacement surgery about a month ago. I'm having a hard time finding a 3rd magazine anywhere so I can actually go shoot an event. I've scoured all the LGS's, as well as an extensive search of way too many online suppliers. I'm on the waiting list on most of those sites and have prepaid for a handful, once they're available again. Was wondering if anyone can recommend where I might find a 3rd mag. Or better yet, does anyone have one they'd be willing to sell or even rent. I'm more than happy to replace with one (or even 2) new ones, as soon as they're out again.

I know Glock 34s are probably still the most popular gun of choice for the top competitors. Are any of you shooting the XDM 5.25 Competition line? It's too bad their still classified under ESP, but I understand that's changing w/ the new Rule Book that goes into effect on 10/1.

Lastly, what brand ammo and gr. to you see most 9mm shooters shooting??

Thanks again and hope to meet some of you in person over the next year. God bless!

 

[cmm5350]

Hey I love IDPA and let me begin to tell you I only had 2 mags when I started. Finally have a third but it's only a 10 rounder. But for the most part IDPA shooters are very nice people and seeing as the M&P is a very popular IDPA pistol most members are more then happy to lend you a mag to shoot with. wether you trade it back and forth between stages or many will have extras just play nice and ask. When I am in IDPA practice/match I am one of those that you could say "game" it instead of shooting for real life practice. That being said I make my own light loads to lessen recoil and in turn reduced stopping power. The way I have my gun set up right now it's like shooting a .22 but I'm in it for the win anyway. Alot of people re-load in IDPA but they load more to factory and higher. Then there are those who find the affordable factory ammo and just shoot that. First rule of getting into a new shooting sport is just go with what you have and make the best of it. Everyone is super nice and very willing to help in anyway possible.

 

[joshberryhill91]

Ive been interested in shooting IDPA as well. Do they accept the custom kydex holsters? Because that's the kind that I am looking into buying for my M&P 9. Ive seen in different videos that they want your gun and holster to line up with the seam of your pants, and the gun needs to line up with a certain spot on my belt.

 

[wantmoresmiths]

Jbh91,
Let me suggest that you stick with a Blade-Tech or Comp-Tac kydex holster. IDPA is pretty rigid in their equipment rules. Blade-Tech and Comp-Tac are the two brands used by about 90% of the competitors. When you do order your holster, be sure to tell the person that you are buying from, that the holster must be IDPA compliant. No sense spending money on equipment that isn't legal. If you tell the sales person that the holster will be used for IDPA, and therefore must be IDPA compliant, it will put the onus on them to provide you with the proper model. This should make it easier to return if it doesn't meet the rules.

IMRedeemed - I suggest taking the equipment that you currently own and going to a match as soon as your health and doctor permits. Explain your situation to the match director. IDPA competitors love bringing new blood into the game. I'm pretty confident the match director will hook you up with someone who will share or loan you a magazine. Once you show up for a few matches, you will probably have made enough connections so that someone will put you in touch with someone who is willing to sell you that last magazine.

So now, the only thing the two of you need is to get out to a match.

 

[IMRedeemed]

Appreciate all the feedback and great suggestions.

I've been looking at and researching both the Blade-Tech and Comp-Tac holsters. As WANTMORESMITHS mentioned, they seem to be the holster of choice for IDPA. Can't make up my mind re: belt or paddle. Was actually thinking about picking up the Comp-Tac International so I can cover all my bases.

Interested in hearing feedback on those that have tried it.

 

[OKFC05]

As with most who have been at it awhile, I have several IDPA-approved holssters from Blade-Tech, comp tac, and Safariland, both belt type and paddle, and the blade-tech models convert back and forth to either.
If you get a paddle, wear it correctly, with the paddle inside your pants, not just around the belt. The holster must be on a good gun belt, rock solid, and not move when you draw.

As I say to most beginners, just go shoot with what you have before trying to buy the perfect rig. A lot of it is personal preference, and you may change your mind with experience.

I am an IDPA match director, and I let beginners start with the gun in hand if they do not have a safe holster (must cover the trigger.)

 

[WashMP9]

You have moved to a place that has almost as much shooting sports as AZ. there is IDPA at Renton fish and game, Paul bunyun in Puyallup. Indoor venues are West coast armory and Norpoint up north.
there is also IDPA on thurdays at the Black diamond range.

now if you want into get into USPSA, there are active clubs also.

 

[WashMP9]

there a lot of people shooting Mp's in IDPA in the area. its second only to glocks. Now people shooting 5.25 are less, but a Leo friend uses one when he find time to shoot IDPA. put a nicer trigger in it and its plenty competitive.

Most people in the area use a bladetech or comptac holster for IDPA. usually OWB stuff. belt or paddle is an individual prefernce

 

[IMRedeemed]

Really appreciate all the great tips and information, folks!

 

[marlin.357]

Warnig IDPA is addictive! Whether you do it as a game or just to test or improve your gun handling skills. You can get by with 2 mags, by the current rule book no course of fire (COF) will require more than 18 rounds (to accomodate the wheel guners). With your M&P 9 you will be the the Stock Service Pistol (SSP) classification and will typically start the COF with 21 rounds (11 in the first mag and 10 in the one on your belt).

The M&P is the most popul;at pistol at my club, with Glocks & XD's coming in a distant 2nd & 3rd place.

At a club match I feel sure the Safety Officers (SO) would accomodate any possible mobility limitations while you are recovering from your surgery as long as you could do so safely, such as your possible inability to use low cover.

 

[IMRedeemed]

Thanks much, MARLIN.357! Great info to know.

 

[joshberryhill91]

Thanks for the info guys!

 

[Jimeg]

Check out this link for the 2012 IDPA equipment survey.

http://www.whidpa.com/IDPA/2012 IDPA National Championship Equipment Survey.pdf

 

[ric_in_or]

Be sure to visit idpa.com and read the current rule book
and skim the new rule book.

There is also a link at the bottom of that page to the official iDPA forums.


My advice if you want to shoot IDPA is to - Show Up.

Check at the range/club for any rules they have - ie new shooters may have to attend a safety brief. So long as you are safe with a gun, you will be welcomed.

 

[CA Escapee]

I've found that clubs will, within reason, let new shooters slide with regards to the legality of their equipment under the IDPA rules. It has to be safe, but they want you to enjoy your first match, not scare you off.

Bill

 

[jdw174]

I use the Comp-TAC paddle for IDPA and highly recommend it. Easy on and off and once you get it where you want it, it just doesn't move. I also use their double mag pouch (clip-on) that I like.

For ammo, I can recommend Freedom Munitions, either their remanufactured or new. Still pretty reasonably priced in today's market. Keep a check on GunBot and it pops up pretty regularly.

 

[JA1911]

Thanks for posting this thread! I'm going to be moving up to the Seattle area in the next month. I'm currently in Salt Lake City and have been wanting to get into IDPA and USPSA. I just picked up a G34 for that purpose that I have yet to shoot, but I have a couple thousand rounds through my G19, which feels pretty similar.

Thanks for the info IMRedeemed and WashMP9! It will come in handy when I get up here. I'm most likely going to be living north of the city in the Shoreline or Edmonds area. Maybe I'll see you at a match in the next few months.

 

[bmyers]

I love shooting IDPA. I started with a Glock 26 and then moved over to an M&P Shield. Yes, I know I'm using a small gun to compete against the big boys, but it is fun and it gives me practice with the gun I carry.

You will need at minimum three mags and you can have a fourth to use a Barney mag. Take your time and have lots of fun!

 

[IMRedeemed]

Really appreciate all the comments, tips and recommendations!

 

[t bell]

I love shooting IDPA. I started with a Glock 26 and then moved over to an M&P Shield. Yes, I know I'm using a small gun to compete against the big boys, but it is fun and it gives me practice with the gun I carry

That's great. I will probably do the same. I have an SD40VE also, but I only carry it in the winter. I'll shoot it too but the shield is the favorite EDC.