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Where to start
2/8/2010 11:16:51 AM
I would like to start shooting competition but I don't exactly know where to start. I love to shoot but obviously one of the reasons to own/carry a firearm is for protection so I think that IDPA would be a good platform, but I could be wrong. The only gun that I own that I would want to run through a competition of any type is my 1911 (I have a buckmark that was my first plinker and a subcompact XD that is the nightstand gun on my wife's side of the bed).
1) Where did everyone else start when they got the bug to compete?
2) What things will I need to play whatever game you recommend besides my gun (mags, shooting rigs etc.)?
3) What are the things that you did for practice that really helped you when you started to get better (dry firing, classes etc)?
Thanks in advance. I kind of expected to see a tacked thread like this when I came in here so I thought I would ask and see what kind of a response I get. If there is another thread that has the info feel free to point me in the right direction.
1) Where did everyone else start when they got the bug to compete?
2) What things will I need to play whatever game you recommend besides my gun (mags, shooting rigs etc.)?
3) What are the things that you did for practice that really helped you when you started to get better (dry firing, classes etc)?
Thanks in advance. I kind of expected to see a tacked thread like this when I came in here so I thought I would ask and see what kind of a response I get. If there is another thread that has the info feel free to point me in the right direction.
2/8/2010 11:46:32 AM
You can shoot IDPA and/or USPSA with your 1911.
For IDPA you need:
A Holster
At least 3 mags, 4 would be better
Mag carriers for 2 mags. (you can use pockets but it will be slow)
Eye and ear pro.
For USPSA, the same as above but 5 or six mags plus mag carriers for them.
Go to www.idpa.com and download the rulebook and read it. Do the same for USPSA at http://www.uspsa.org/rules/
Even though most clubs have a new shooters meeting before the match, please don't just show up knowing nothing of the rules.
Lastly, understand that both IDPA and USPSA are sports that involve shooting. They are not Tactical Self-Defense Training. You will learn shooting on the move, drawing from a holster, reloading, malfunction clearing but it is still a sport with rules and scores.
As far as practice drills for live and dryfire, go to www.brianenos.com and look at some of those books. They are all pretty good.
Gringop
For IDPA you need:
A Holster
At least 3 mags, 4 would be better
Mag carriers for 2 mags. (you can use pockets but it will be slow)
Eye and ear pro.
For USPSA, the same as above but 5 or six mags plus mag carriers for them.
Go to www.idpa.com and download the rulebook and read it. Do the same for USPSA at http://www.uspsa.org/rules/
Even though most clubs have a new shooters meeting before the match, please don't just show up knowing nothing of the rules.
Lastly, understand that both IDPA and USPSA are sports that involve shooting. They are not Tactical Self-Defense Training. You will learn shooting on the move, drawing from a holster, reloading, malfunction clearing but it is still a sport with rules and scores.
As far as practice drills for live and dryfire, go to www.brianenos.com and look at some of those books. They are all pretty good.
Gringop
2/8/2010 11:48:05 AM
1. When I started a couple years ago, I went to a class at the beginning of the season where they went over the rules and let you shoot a couple stages to work with you on the things that you're allowed and not allowed to do.
2. You really don't need a super fancy holster or anything to get started. I would recommend getting 5 or 6 mags for your gun though and using your carry holster. Then if you decide to stick with it you can pick up a more competitive style holster, mag pouches, belt, etc
3. I would say the biggest thing that helped was reading through the rule book. There's a pretty big difference between IPDA and USPSA, so it's good to know what you can do in each respective style of match. It can get a little confusing when you shoot both styles of matches on alternating weekends
Another thing that helps is practicing drawing your pistol as well as dry firing. Remember, when you first start out you aren't going to be nearly as fast as the guys who've been doing it for a while, but if you practice you will be smooth. Slow = smooth = fast
2. You really don't need a super fancy holster or anything to get started. I would recommend getting 5 or 6 mags for your gun though and using your carry holster. Then if you decide to stick with it you can pick up a more competitive style holster, mag pouches, belt, etc
3. I would say the biggest thing that helped was reading through the rule book. There's a pretty big difference between IPDA and USPSA, so it's good to know what you can do in each respective style of match. It can get a little confusing when you shoot both styles of matches on alternating weekends
Another thing that helps is practicing drawing your pistol as well as dry firing. Remember, when you first start out you aren't going to be nearly as fast as the guys who've been doing it for a while, but if you practice you will be smooth. Slow = smooth = fast
