IDPA beginner questions

[DrBaker]

I have never done IDPA or anything similar.

Do they have different levels, handicaps, or something so a beginner doesn't get his a$$ handed to him by an intermediate or a pro?

Are spectators able to watch these, so I could get a feel for it before I tried it?

[J.P.]

You can always come out and watch first.
Frankly,you should just dive right in and do it.
You'll do better than you might think.
These is no real strict sense of competition at these matches,we all just have fun.
(except for the obligatory 1 or 2 uptight guys that take everything way too seriously)
There are a few top guys that are so far ahead of everyone else that it really doesn't matter if they beat you or not...they always beat everyone. :)
There is a pretty big gap between them (Michael Brown) and us (me).
Those guys are highly trained and get far more trigger time than I could afford.
Bottom line is,just come out ,shoot,and have fun!

[J.P.]

Forgot to add:

You can shoot unclassified until they hold a qualifier.
After the qualifier,you are ranked as either:

Novice
Marksman
Sharpshooter
Expert
Master

I'm just a lowly Sharpshooter.
Mike is a Master....and current State champion.

[Michael Brown]

I was also dead last at my first IDPA match.

Doesn't matter where you are. It just matters where you're going.

Michael Brown

[DrBaker]

Are ported Glocks restricted from IDPA use? I have a G19C and would use it if possible.

Also looking at getting a G34 in the future, is it legal for IDPA?

[J.P.]

G34 is legal and probably the most used Glock out there....that and the G17.
I use a g19.

No porting allowed,factory or otherwise.
Sucks but thems the rules.

[DrBaker]

G34 is legal and probably the most used Glock out there....that and the G17.
I use a g19.

No porting allowed,factory or otherwise.
Sucks but thems the rules.

I guess that counts me out for a while. I don't want to roll the P99 and my non-ported Glocks are all subcompacts.

[J.P.]

Nothing wrong with either of those.
P99 would make an excellent choice.
You can go out and shoot w/ a sub just to try it out.
Enough with the excuses. :)

[DrBaker]

If I put a standard (non ported) barrel in my G19C can I use it?

[J.P.]

Um...I've been told yes but I don't *think* it's legal.
let me checkm the rule book and confer with the MD and i'll get back to you.

[Michael Brown]

As long as its the same caliber its legal.

That said, at your first match, I don't think anyone would worry about it.

Michael Brown

[J.P.]

True enough.It's pretty laid back unless you are competing on a larger level.

[DrBaker]

How much does it cost?

How much ammo is needed?

Are there restrictions on what type ammo is used?

I've seen a few videos and some pics and it looks like a differnt course is setup on each one. Are these changed with each match? Do you know ahead of time so you can practice a specific scenario?

Sorry for all the questions.

[J.P.]

Match fees vary.
oil capital is $8 and Red Castle is....uh....$16 I *think*....i haven't shot it in a long time.
100rd of ammo will usually suffice.
I never use all 100rds but I came close this weekend.
Ammo must make power factor but frankly,any over the counter ammo will work.
Most use WWB or Blazer 9mm.I have been using WWB 147gr TCMC

the stages are different each match.
You don't get to view them ahead of time until you are at the match.
Before the match there is a walkthrough explaining each stage.
You usually bust up into three squads and each squad shoots the 2 stages in that bay then all move to the next bay of 2 stages.
When the squad gets to the next stage,there is a mini-awlkthrough again and the you shoot.
New shooters are usually placed last in order (if they request it)

Fell free to ask as many questions as you like,that's what this board is for.
We'd like to see new shooters come out and play.

[Michael Brown]

$8 at Oil Capital
$15 at Red Castle.

No armor piercing ammo allowed at either club.

Look at the classifier and you have a good idea of the needed skills.

Michael Brown

[kjones99]

I guess that counts me out for a while. I don't want to roll the P99 and my non-ported Glocks are all subcompacts.

i'll loan you one, as long as you do worse than me on your first time out! then i won't have to carry that weight around any more.

[J.P.]

Email from Oil Capital match director Joe Jack Ostendorf:

J.P.: My memory is that he CAN put in a non-ported barrel, in the same caliber as the gun is built (9mm in this case.) I’ll verify it for you, since I can’t definitively find it in the current rule book. Jack

end.

Looks like it's legal.
Wow,legal slide lightening! :)

[Michael Brown]

FWIW, I'm 100% confident that it's legal. The year I won CDP at the Nationals I used a G21C with a non-ported Bar-Sto barrel.

Michael Brown

[straight69jack]

When is your guys next shoot I would love to come out and watch it go down.....

[Michael Brown]

3rd Saturday of the month is Red Castle. 4th Saturday is Oil Capital.

Michael Brown

[straight69jack]

3rd Saturday of the month is Red Castle. 4th Saturday is Oil Capital.

Michael Brown




Times and will I need anything special if i am coming to watch

[J.P.]

Oil Capital sign up is usually around 9:30-10:00am and walk through 10:00-10:30am.
Bring water and snacks.

[Michael Brown]

Bring eye and ear protection if you are going to watch.

I say come and shoot rather than come and watch. Its not hard to get into and understand.

If you shoot for ego rather than fun you will be disappointed for years so just come do it and enjoy.

Michael Brown

[kjones99]

Bring eye and ear protection if you are going to watch.

I say come and shoot rather than come and watch. Its not hard to get into and understand.

If you shoot for ego rather than fun you will be disappointed for years so just come do it and enjoy.

Michael Brown

i totally agree. i had a blast at the one classifier i shot at. i just can't get that much time out of the house these days to do it again.

[DrBaker]

Got my G19 back so I no longer need to find a legal barrel.

Is my fobus (belt) double mag holder IDPA legal?

[Michael Brown]

Yes.

Michael Brown

[DrBaker]

Looks like I just need a holster now. The only ones I have are an Uncle Mikes paddle and a Fobus roto holster? Do either of those work. The Fobus has a very tight retention, so I don't think I would prefer it for IDPA.

[Michael Brown]

The Fobus is illegal because it can cant rearward (forward rake).

The Uncle Mikes is fine.

Michael Brown

[J.P.]

Dr Baker,
You have PM.

[firing pin]

I sell the Talon Tactical it's legal as are the mag pouches

[liliysdad]

Im a cop in Stephens County, and would love to get involved in IDPA just for grins, and to do something other than the boring old 20 rd CLEET qualifier.

I would prefer to shoot my duty gun, a .45 Sig 220. I realize the 220 wont be the fastest gun out there, but is it even feasible for such shoots? What would the closest match be? Hinton?


One last annoying newbie question....

On duty, I use a Safarialnd 6280 holster. I also have a 6281 off duty belt holster, which is basically the same, but set up for a non 2.25" belt. Is this holster legal? I would like to use it, just to keep my proficiency up...

[J.P.]

LEOs can use their duty gear with no concealment but in order to to this,you must wear your full duty belt and use the holster's retention devices,if any.

I'd have to look of the 6281 to be sure it's legal but I'm guessing right now,yes...I'll check.

The P220 would be just fine.
Until you shoot a few matches and get the feel for it,I wouldn't worry about being the fastest gun out there,IMO.
It's all about having fun.
You would probably need a few more mags though.
I carry 3 mags during matches (10+1,10,&10)
I very seldom use the 3rd mag.

[Michael Brown]

I have always shot either my duty gun or one very similar to it.

For years I shot the SW 4046 that was issue to my department. I now shoot a Glock 17 which is physically identical to my issue Glock 22C that my department issues. I have them set up the same way.

Sometimes I use my duty rig, sometimes I use a kydex OWB.

Your gun and gear will be just fine.

I would suggest making the trip to Tulsa for one of its two regular IDPA matches. Go to www.tulsashooters.com for info on those matches.

Michael Brown

[liliysdad]

Ok, I like that I can use my duty gear. Considering such, all I need on my belt is the holster and mag pouches, right? I can ditch the extras to keep from having to lug that crap around all day....

I think I even have an extra nylon duty bealt I could rig up just for this, and buy a Blade Tech quad mag pouch...

[Michael Brown]

Nope. If you use your duty belt without concealment, you have to use all the other equipment as well. The rulebook refers to handcuffs, mace, baton etc.

Besides, if you want to use your gear so that you get some work with it, wear it the way you carry it.

Michael Brown

[liliysdad]

Ok, I dont carry OC/ Mace or a baton.....but I do carry cuffs, of course. Oh well, like you said, play like you train. Still sounds super fun.

[Michael Brown]

Are you a patrol officer?

Michael Brown

[J.P.]

Mike,
how is your duty gun set up?
Does it have the NY-1 trigger spring with 3.5# connector?

[liliysdad]

Are you a patrol officer?

Michael Brown

Yes , I am. I know it sounds weird, but I am on the streets every night without any form of less lethal force. I have been patrolling for about a year, and I havent been to the academy yet. I leave next Monday for Cleet. Untiel I get done, I cannot carry OC, or a Baton.

However...I leave in 30 minutes for Taser Training...fun, fun. :puke:

[Michael Brown]

J.P.

That's exactly how its set up.

Liliysdad

Glad to hear you're going soon. I may be teaching in a couple of the blocks, but haven't checked my other teaching commitments yet.

Its irresponsible of your department to put you out there without an intermediate force option.

FYI there's no CLEET regulation against carrying or using those intermediate force options prior to attending the academy. Its all up to your agency and if that's the route they've chosen, I'm dumbfounded at their choice.

Michael brown

[liliysdad]

Yep. departmental policy. Makes absolutely no sense to me either, but Ive survived this long I suppose. Sure makes you think before you do things you might regret, knowing all youve got is your bare hands, a Streamlight and a .45....

[stepper]

Dr. Baker, I went and watched a match at H&H about 4 months ago. It was very laid back and looked very fun. It was on a sunday at 6pm when H&H closes. I can't remember which sunday it is, I'll find out.

They were very, very nice. They even bought me a coke while I watched! I'd like to go and participate next time!

I'll find out when they meet and post later.

OKCglocker would know if he is on here..........

[DrBaker]

Sounds good. Keep us posted.

[J.P.]

H&H has an *indoor* IDPA match?
Interesting.

[DrBaker]

Less sun block needed that way.

[stepper]

Yes, but its hot in there!

they have several of those commercial fans going, but its warm.

[Pigeon]

How about a Fobus paddle? Is it legal?

[J.P.]

Generally speaking,yes.
there can't be more than 3/4" gap between the gun and your body AND you must not be able to see light through the belt tunnel.
A fobus paddle is what I started out with.
I quickly learned the advantages of good gear though.

[Pigeon]

Generally speaking,yes.
there can't be more than 3/4" gap between the gun and your body AND you must not be able to see light through the belt tunnel.
A fobus paddle is what I started out with.
I quickly learned the advantages of good gear though.

When I'm wearing it, I can't see thru the belt tunnel at all!:)

[stepper]

What kind of holsters do most use?

I hear Blade-tech alot. They have a "cheaper" version of the expensive holster that I have been tempted to try out.

[Michael Brown]

All I can say is:

DON'T SKIMP ON GEAR!

You'll end up buying something else if you try to go cheap. Buy quality the first time.

If you're looking purely for IDPA, Comp-Tac is the gear to have. For carry, I don't recommend any OWB kydex holster. All its advantages for IDPA are liabilities when you have to fight. Go with leather for carry. Kydex is okay for IWB carry but I still say go with leather.

Kydex is great for matches though.

Michael Brown

[J.P.]

"All its advantages for IDPA are liabilities when you have to fight."

Please explain.

[Pigeon]

All I can say is:

DON'T SKIMP ON GEAR!

You'll end up buying something else if you try to go cheap. Buy quality the first time.

If you're looking purely for IDPA, Comp-Tac is the gear to have. For carry, I don't recommend any OWB kydex holster. All its advantages for IDPA are liabilities when you have to fight. Go with leather for carry. Kydex is okay for IWB carry but I still say go with leather.

Kydex is great for matches though.

Michael Brown

Yeah, I'm sure I'll wind up buying something else for play.

I'm going to try to make Oil Capitol this week.

Never even seen an IDPA match. I'm really looking forward to it.

[Pigeon]

Is a cover garment required?

[Michael Brown]

J.P.,

Kydex is great in matches because its very fast. Unfortunately in a fight, its equally fast out if your opponent gets his hand on it. Guns have a tendency to squirt out of kydex holsters in a physical struggle. Also, kydex doesn't give while leather does and a holster that's going to hold up in a struggle has to give.

In our classes we have broken and magled the "best" kydex made. It rarely holds up and of that happens in a fight, its a huge problem.

The problem is that IDPA is about shooting, not about fighting.

If you take a course like Shivworks ECQC or our Close Quarters Tactics, you will probably make a god quality leather holster the first purchase you make after the class if you don't already have one.

If we can get this training club venture off the ground, everyone who wants will get to see up close.

Michael Brown

[J.P.]

Is a cover garment required?

Not right now.
When it's this hot,they usually call "concealment optional".

[DrBaker]

When cover is required, what counts?

Do you have to have a vest, jacket, or what?

[J.P.]

Just about anything really.
Refer to the rulebook link,I posted.
Most people wear a tactical vest and frankly it's the best option,IMO
I don't have one yet.

[alank2]

I would really like to check this out sometime! I currently have a G26 and a CTAC. No mag carrier yet. What else would be required? Is a G26 suitable to use?

Thanks,

Alan

[J.P.]

I don't ever see any G26 sized guns but it would work just fine until you decide otherwise.
Standard equipment is
Holster (CTAC is fine),three mags,two mag pouches (or one double pouch)
Concealment garment....can be a vest or anything really.
A tactical vest is really the best option because of the weight/stiffness of the material but i've used windbreakers and Old Navy buttondown shirts (unbuttoned)
When it's this hot,they don't make us wear concealment.

[alank2]

Hi J.P.,

Concealment garment....can be a vest or anything really.
A tactical vest is really the best option because of the weight/stiffness of the material but i've used windbreakers and Old Navy buttondown shirts (unbuttoned) When it's this hot,they don't make us wear concealment.

What gives with the cover garment? Is this something in addition to a pullover polo type shirt that covers the holster?

Thanks,

Alan

[J.P.]

no.
If you want to wear an untucked polo as a cover garment...that's good enough to be legal.

You will find out after you shoot a couple of matches that this is not optimal,however.
The most efficient method is to wear a tucked in shirt and a vest as cover.
I resisted this notion for a long time but it is really the best option.

I've used windbreakers and unbuttoned Old Navy shirts as cover but they all have their own set of problems.

The most important thing is to have good mag pouches...two single pouches are better than one 'double' pouch.
check the OSA classifieds. ;)

[DrBaker]

two single pouches are better than one 'double' pouch.

:screwy:

[J.P.]

Here are the reasons:

1) Since you rarely *if ever* need the second mag in an IDPA match so you have less to fumble with if you put the second mag further back,out of the way.

2) You can more easily negoitate belt loop placement with two indiviual pouches.

3) you never put a partially empty mag back into a mag pough during a tac reload or a reload with retention.

4)You can use it for concealed carry if you don't need the 'bulk' of a double pouch.