Shot my first IDPA match today, it was ...

[DD357]

Like another poster stated it is not practice for a self defense scenario, it is a game. There are some real convoluted stages out there with crazy procedurals. I used to shoot the games but I got tired of it; if you enjoy it certainly go shoot them, if you want to work on self defense then I would recommend going to some good schools instead

 

[WR Moore]

As other have mentioned, IDPA is a game. The 'rules' dictate someone's concept of correct tactics for a given situation. They may or may not be correct (and much of it conflicted with my training). That said, slicing the pie is a valid method of clearing corners-which may or may not happen in a real defensive setting.

One of the major issues with the game(s) is that many of the stages are non-survivable in the real world. At least if one plays by the IDPA rules. One can learn to run the gun under pressure, which is a good thing if one doesn't get overly concerned with winning trophies.

It's your hopefully imaginary gun fight, but I'd personally rethink the 1911 platform/.45 for defensive use. I carried one for 19 years and then got issued other platforms. I've recently hauled mine out of the safe and tried burning up stored ammo. It's convinced me that there are better platforms and calibers/calibers. Short, light & crisp triggers aren't necessary for defensive use and may be hazardous to your physical and financial health. I spent 27+ years teaching people to use factory triggers, it's not a handicap (unless you have actual physical issues) to competent performance.

In the real world, shot placement is paramount. It determines your ability to neutralize the threat. Current bullet performance makes caliber moot. On the other hand, capacity (if it doesn't interfere with point one) is a very good thing.

My last serious match was a Tactical Police Competition 3 gun in 2014. While I beat a bunch of guys 30 or more years younger, I'm familiar with how you felt afterward. If you don't worry about how you placed, but how you shot and moved, it does have value.

 

[Old cop]

Thanks to everyone who posted about being handicapped, I wondered if IDPA lent itself to handicapped participation. I walk w/a cane, move very slowly b/c my left leg does not bend. At 70 I'm pretty strong but doubt I'd be up to the challenge if the weather was less than ideal.

 

[WR Moore]

lrrifleman-I missed your second post. PM enroute.

 

[Protected One]

... both sobering and humbling!

Prior to the accident that left me permanently disabled other than military reliance on my 1911, most of my handgun shooting focused around 2700 bullseye, PPC, and IHMSA silhouette matches. Other than to demonstrate proficiency at the local range for pistol privileges, I haven't really taken out any of my handguns.

Now that I have my non-resident CFP, I felt it was time to engage in some form of combat shooting to try to develop some kind of preparedness and mindset of what we are all preparing for and hoping will never occur. I was confident going into this that I could do it.

I hit the road at 5am to get to the range by 8:30, taking my S&W model 439. I went through the new competitor briefing and got squadded. By the time that the match was over, the heat had taken it's toll. My legs didn't allow me to run or move very fast. I knew going in that I wouldn't set any speed records. My goal was to make every shot count with a solid hit.

I was amazed at the devious minds that developed the course of fire. I hadn't expected to have to compute and implement a "battle plan" on my feet. I felt like a contortionist, my body had not been made to flex like I did today throughout my physical therapy. My body is aching in wmays I haven't felt since before the accident.

I don't (at the moment) know my scores, I hurt too much to venture to the targets during scoring. I know, once time is factored in, that I didn't set the world on fire.

After thoughts:

1. I will probably shoot this type of match a few more times, but it isn't a "game" that I plan on being an active competitor in like F class or bullseye pistol.
2. I can't shoot this again in the heat like today, I am physically drained.
3. While I am comfortable with the 439, I will probably switch to my Government Model 45 until my Commander comes in.
4. The course of fire requirements seem to trump tactical decision making, in many respects, I doubt that I could engage multiple real life targets in the manner dictated by the training. I can't develop the muscle memory to "slice the pie" in real life, I feel that I would have to neutralize a hostage taker first.
5. Was I comfortable with my first IDPA match? Absolutely not!
6. Will I shoot IDPA matches again? I feel that I must, if I continue to exercise my CFP.
7. What was the most important benefit that I came home with? First and foremost, engaging "hostile" targets amidst "innocent" targets was an eye opener.

IDPA can be beneficial, but considering what your stated purpose for the training is, you might be better off in a "force on force" training class. The scenarios are more likely in real life.

 

[walkin' trails]

OP - congrats on shooting your first match. I shot in an IDPA club in El Paso years ago, and remember a former Army Artillery Officer (Korean War) in his 70s who had bad knees and ran the courses with a 1911 in his shooting hand, and a cane in the other. He wasn't a sprinter, but he hit what he aimed at. Another gentlemen made an appearance in a wheel chair. It got me thinking about how underserved the disable community is in regard to self defense tactical training and concealed carry methods. Anyway, while IDPA is a game, there are more than a couple of us who have used the competition as a training venue from time to time. First time out, i scored Sharpshooter on the Qualifier with a Glock 21. A few months later, I tried it again with a Glock 17 with some trigger work and scored worse. For what it's worth, the 21 was my carry gun at the time, thus I suppose I could parrot that its ways a smart thing to compete with what you carry on a daily basis.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[yeti]

Everyone's first match is shall we say, less than ideal. You know your results will suck, so just show up as prepared as you can be...have fun and be safe. Sounds like you did just fine. Cherry pick your future matches and avoid extreme weather. If you have a mobility issue with a particular stage feature discuss your options with an SO or Match Director.

Competition is good training both mentally and skillset wise. Granted timed stress is not the same as a real world imminent threat, but it will improve you. Classes are good, but frequent competition can yield big improvements.

Congratulations on your first match!

 

[BE Mike]

Everyone's first match is shall we say, less than ideal. You know your results will suck, so just show up as prepared as you can be...have fun and be safe. Sounds like you did just fine. Cherry pick your future matches and avoid extreme weather. If you have a mobility issue with a particular stage feature discuss your options with an SO or Match Director.

Competition is good training both mentally and skillset wise. Granted timed stress is not the same as a real world imminent threat, but it will improve you. Classes are good, but frequent competition can yield big improvements.

Congratulations on your first match!

I recall that Jim Cirillo held the same view. He also felt like handgun hunting was a good tool to have in your chest. I agree that shooting under stress is a big plus, as well as, mentally going over situations (visualizations). Some folks, no matter how much they gain marksmanship and related skills (and are justified) will not be able to pull the trigger because they aren't mentally prepared for it. As far as preparing for the real world, one must also mentally prepare for the aftermath.

 

[lrrifleman]

Good morning to all!

I have to agree, the disabled community is viewed in a different light. According to IDPA rules, I don't appear to qualify for any form of allowance. But honestly, I don't want any considerations.

Emphatically, I understand and agree that IDPA is a game. Frankly, I would rather learn my limits and limitations in a game rather than in a real life scenario. I can survive a game, but a real life scenario will mostly be life or death, or greater injury!

Force on force training would be nice, but it would be a mistake for me. My left leg is vulnerable, with catastrophic muscle and nerve damage. The right leg is functional, but after three knee surgeries that entailed ligament transplants, the knee isn't all that reliable. The left arm has movement, but negligible strength, I could maybe block a punch or knife, but that is about it. I can shoot weak handed, and reload, but that is about it. My right arm is fully functional.

Based on the injuries, if I were to allow an aggressor to get within striking distance, it would be a world class mistake. Situational awareness is paramount for me. I am constantly watching my six and surveying my surroundings like a battle hardened veteran.

My first handgun, a government model, has been at hand for almost 42 years. Except for a series of sight changes, it has been kept stock. None of my handguns have had trigger jobs, except for the Colt Trooper, they have all had ideal triggers straight from the factory. When my Commander comes in, it is having the trigger exchanged to a short trigger.

@ OldCop,
You will be able to compete in your condition, but most likely you won't be a competitive threat, since times fired seems to trump scores. The paramount goal is to stay safe on the range when gun is in hand. Reloading could be a challenge with a cane in hand.

 

[robertrwalsh]

I have been shooting IDPA for years and thoroughly enjoy it. Yes, it is a game but depending on how you run the stages it can be reasonably viewed as training. For the first time in forever I crapped out on the July 2 match and took a DNF due to a combination of my bum knee and the heat. I feel the program helps me maintain proficiency.

 

[Protected One]

Force on force training would be nice, but it would be a mistake for me. My left leg is vulnerable, with catastrophic muscle and nerve damage. The right leg is functional, but after three knee surgeries that entailed ligament transplants, the knee isn't all that reliable. The left arm has movement, but negligible strength, I could maybe block a punch or knife, but that is about it. I can shoot weak handed, and reload, but that is about it. My right arm is fully functional.

On the contrary....a force on force instructor could HELP you by tailoring effective responses to a variety of realistic situations to YOUR physical limitations.

 

[retired 302]

Open top

M29 since 14,
Get a Fobus paddle open top Holster with there Magazine holders works great.

Thanks for your report. Ive been meaning to try it but haven't taken the time to get a holster and go give it a whirl. Maybe this fall?

On the subject of holsters, what type did you use? I would probably take a 1911 since that is what I feel most comfortable with. Any other tips or suggestions for the novice would be of interest.

 

[Kiwi cop]

I shot IPSC fpr quite a while about 25 years ago. Still have the holster and mag pouches and of course, the M1911. Today I would not even think of shooting that style competition, just don't bend and move like I did 25 years ago.

Have you considered IPSC Classic Division? While most have gone to 9mm 1911's for the extra 2 rounds I am still shooting .45 and have gone up a grade and a half (1 more B grade score to shoot at a sanctioned match to get the last half) in under 2 years.

It is now the most popular division here with many of the 'old time' open division shooters going back to basics when they slow down (and more than a few 'young guns' to show them how it should be done.

 

[Kiwi cop]

I freely admit, I will NEVER have the speed. Running is out of the question. Walking fast is also out of the question. There are some days when I can benefit from using my cane to get around.

Remember the old saying, speed is fine but accuracy is final.

One of the most consistent, and nicest, shooters I know shooting in IPSC Classic Division strolls each stage, but he is very accurate and seldom needs a follow up shot. He will probably not progress beyond C grade but he is always in line for a medal during the wrap up sessions.

As a serving police officer I am well aware that competition does not reflect real life (the next time I get a walk through before going into a domestic where there are firearms on the premises will be the first, a bloody miracle) but competition does make me more familiar with handling my duty firearm. I just wish it wasn't a plastic fantastic.

Enjoy your shooting and get what you can from it. And as others have indicated, the only score you have to beat is your last one.

 

[CBStuard]

OP, I congratulate you on trying IDPA. I am fully abled but 69 and not athletic. In the last 5 weeks I shot my first IDPA and first Steel Challenge. Love them both. I suggest you try SC. It takes all the movement out of the situation and you have just speed and accuracy to work on. You get 5 tries at each setup and they throw out your slowest time. To those who say training is better, I agree. But, I don't have hundreds to thousands of dollars to spend. I can shoot a match for a $20 entry and the same 3 boxes of ammo i would shoot during any range trip. Actually I usually shoot more than that. There are training facilities that have better situations than a static paper target, but very few regular ranges allow anything other than slow fire at paper.