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

[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.