Newbie IDPA

[john bh]

Hi I'm pretty new to shooting maybe a year. I have a 1911 I really like alot and reload for it. Well I just bought a M&P 9 4.25
I got it for ccw and IDPA. I'm kind of freaking out about just getting ot there to shoot it. Accuracy so so but really want to try it any way. I'm having a hard time getting out there.

 

[wantmoresmiths]

Just get out there and give IDPA a try. The people are very friendly, and they will give you all the help and advise you could ever hope for. Don't worry about not being a great shooter, the other shooters never laugh at anyone, because they all remember what it was like when they started out.

I started out shooting steel plates, but they only have 8 to 10 local steel matches a year, and I wanted more so I tried USPSA. The local USPSA club went to more three gun rather than just pistol so I moved to IDPA, now I'm a competition junkie. I keep searching for that next match. Oh and by the way, I'm a mediocre shooter at best, but I have one hell of a good time. Now I've got my son hooked, and we are trying to get his wife involved.

If you are not happy with the accuracy of your M&P you can always use your 1911. As the saying goes, JUST DO IT.

 

[minconrevo]

Exceptional accuracy is not essential to do well in IDPA. If your M&P doesn't produce enough accuracy, say 4" from a rest at 25 yards, then its time to explore.

If you are a reloader, try some different combinations. If only a factory ammo user, then try different brands until you find one your pistol likes.

If the sights aren't what your eyes need, then look at the options. If you're just lining up the 3 white dots to shoot, desist and learn a better proper sight picture.

The M&P will do plenty well enough. With some modifications, it will do really well.

 

[robertrwalsh]

IDPA is as blast. Nobody expects you to be deadeye dick the first time out. Generally speaking, accuracy will do you better than speed, the speed will come with comfort and practice. IF you can nail a 7" circle at 15 yards on a regular basis you have a decent base on which to build.

 

[john bh]

I'm not so much in the competing just have fun and good gun handling. I'm replacing the front site w/ dawson. I blacked out the rear. Iam going to get the Apex Dacek? w/ram. I really look forward to it and thanks for comments and just screw it and go for it

 

[OKFC05]

I'm kind of freaking out about just getting ot there to shoot it. Accuracy so so but really want to try it any way. I'm having a hard time getting out there.

As an IDPA match director I hear this a lot, and it is completely unjustified. There is absolutely no reason to hesitate taking either of your guns to the next IDPA match in your area. The 1911 falls in CDP Division, and the M&P in SSP Division.
Regardless of divisiion, you shoot the same targets on the same stages with the same rules. Don't worry about the scoring, the SOs will do that.

Don't start fiddling with your gun when you don't even know the game. IDPA is about the shooter, not the gun. Until you learn the game, particularly the gun handling, you aren't going to win anything, and the seasoned shooters only expect you to
1. Be Safe,
2. Have fun, and maybe
3. Learn something.

 

[growr]

As always OKFCO5 said it very well....All of my IDPA/USPSA guns are totally stock.
I have my reasons for that...anytime I see a shooter at a match or the range with problems keeping the gun running at 100% it is almost always due to some modification that the gun lizards that have never shot a match in their life told the new shooter that they really need this modification.

I am NOT against modifying anything for better performance mind you, it just seems that too often the modification is NOT needed and many times reduces a totally reliable gun like an M&P to a sometime reliable sometimes not.

Leave it alone until you are in the groove yourself.

Randy

 

[palmetto99]

I started about three years ago with IDPA and I'm very lucky that I have three clubs within about a 30 minute drive. The club matches are usually a little more relaxed and folks around here are more than williing to give pointers if you need them.

I started with a Glock 17 in SSP and have since moved to a 1911 in CDP. I agree with the others about keeping the guns stock. Don't change anything until you have to do so.

 

[Hotshot Charlie]

I'm an old IDPA'er from years past. I've shoot all divisions and prob had my most fun shooting SSR. That is what IDPA is all about, having fun and learning how to use your firearm.

I started the first IDPA club in Mississippi in the late '90's, but haven't shot in 10+ years. That's fixing to change.

Stay safe & have fun.

 

[john bh]

I don't live to far from Apex probaly going to shoot the way it is rt now. But sights don't see to well. I guess thats what I'm looking for a more kickback range. I live an hr from Lake Piru not to bad. I just need to stop putting it off and I just need to do it. I think I'll just go there and feel it out. Don't know why I'm going through this. I shot in archery shoots for about 15 yrs.

 

[seabeesbob]

The knowledge and wisdom of the people on this forum is nothing short of amazing. I learn something new almost ever time I log on.
Thanks.