How to get a NOOB into IDPA

[MDT]

OK, I've been trying to screw up some courage and take the plunge into competing. I shoot at a range probably 3-5 times a month but have never shot on a course. I really don't know the first thing about it and want to learn. Of course, I will get the "eye roll" from my wife, but oh well!

What do you guys recommend? Help a brother out!

(oh I just realized that this thread may need to be moved...sorry)

[J.P.]

The only real way to get started is just to jump right in and shoot.
You need a holster,two mag pouches,eye and ear protection,concealment garment,100 rds of ammo,and match fee (usually $8-$15).
These competitions are very 'newbie' friendly.
Red Castle shoots on the 3rd Saturday of the month and Oil Capital shoots on the 4th Saturday.
They walk you through the stages before you shoot and there are MANY beginners there every week.People are always more than willing to help out a new shooter.

Remember this as well....
Although it *is* a competition,you are really just competing against yourself.
Try to make yourself familiar with the matches and better yourself until you actually get to the serious level.
IDPA membership is $35 a year but they will let you shoot a few matches without being a member.
You will shoot unclassified until there is a classifier event.After you shoot a classifier,you will be ranked.

I classified as Sharpshooter (high) and i regularly score in that range.
People like Eric Fuson,and Michael Brown classify as Expert or Master and those guys are ahead of the rest of us. (for now)
There is generally a gap between the serious competitors and the rest of the pack so it's not like you are going head to head with the top guy.
Unless you are that good :)

The two most important rules are:
1)Be safe
2)Have fun

[DrBaker]

You might try looking at this post as well...
http://www.okshooters.com/forums/showthread.php?t=159

I'm also getting started.

[Michael Brown]

Please take a look at my thread on in the Training section on an IDPA class.

Let me know if anyone is interested.

Michael Brown

[J.P.]

MDT,
Any closer to comming out to a match?
;)

[XRF]

MDT just load your gear up and come out and shoot a match. I promise you will not meet a better bunch of people to spend a Saturday with. Your first match ot two you can shoot without concealment and you can start from the ready gun position instead of the holster if you want. I have so much fun I can't hardly stand it. You gotta give it a try dude!

[MDT]

you guys tell me where and when I could hook up with you all and I would love to come out with you! My schedule is crazy, but I usually get every other weekend off. Let me know......

[XRF]

Red Castle shoots on the 3rd Saturday of the month and Oil Capital shoots on the 4th Saturday. I'll be at the Redcastle match unless I have to work but I should be there. I plan on hitting some of the Oil Capital matches next year. http://www.tulsashooters.com/RCGCHome.html
http://www.tulsashooters.com/OCRGCHome.html

[ERIC FUSON]

Word Of Warning!!!!! This Sport Is Addictive

[TulsaGunGuy]

Eric,

I laugh every time I see your board status; "Junior Shooter"!

The other Eric...

[J.P.]

Yeah...Hello "Junior"!
;)

MDT,the 3rd Sat in October is the last Red Castle match of the season.
Oil Capital shoots the 4th Saturday year 'round.
Let us know if you are comming out.

[J.P.]

Eric,

I laugh every time I see your board status; "Junior Shooter"!

The other Eric...

Who's laughing now?
:)

[TwoBravo]

I used to shoot IDPA in south Florida and I got pretty good at it, started traveling around the state and competing in different shoots too. It was a lot of fun but I stopped for 3 reasons. It got expensive to buy all of that ammo (I was even reloading 9mm FMJ on the cheap) and it also was teaching me a few bad habits that may have gotten me hurt IRL. Also, I had little kids at home and mom and kids didn't want to travel along to the matches.

I must say that IDPA was a lot of fun. It beats going to the typical range and shooting and targets. As long as family, financial commitments don't get in the way, you should have a blast.

The bad habits may just be figment of my imagination too. Don't let it worry ya too much. Go have fun!

[J.P.]

so...um...MDT....
You still game?

[MDT]

JP,
man, i've been out of it for the past 2-3 weeks...i've been at the hospital (working nights) and trying to start a new business. i haven't been posting much lately, i have only been hunting ONCE, and haven't got to shoot in about 5 weeks. i really wanted to take mike's CQT course last weekend, but i worked. i've been in a real funk lately....whole other topic.

a long answer to your short question, absolutely, i'm game, but i have got to find some time. thank you for keeping me in mind.

[J.P.]

Anytime.
When you get the time,just saddle up and come out to a match...no need to think about it any longer. ;)
I can steer you in the right direction and even give you some pointers but not as many as Eric Fuson and Mike Brown can....they are the pros.

[skyydiver]

Dang, y'all are making this sound fun. Exactly what I need with two toddlers is another expensive and time consuing hobby. Quick, somebody post that it sucks and it's all just airsoft guns. OR, maybe we could strt an Oklahoma chapter of the annual Chute-n-Shoot competition!

[J.P.]

Sorry,it doesn't suck.
;)