I am shooting in my first IDPA match this Saturday. Anyone have any suggestions as to what I should do or expect? I spoke with the match director and he told me what to bring. Other than that, I don't know what to expect. At least I talked a friend into shooting with me so I won't (hopefully) make a fool out of myself alone!!!
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First IDPA Match
- Thread starter payback48
- Start date
Don't worry about looking foolish. Every shooter there has been where you are. They all made mistakes their first match or 2 and every match since.
SECRET: The winner is the one who makes the fewest mistakes. But even the winner screwed something up.
Pay attention to proper form, follow the stage carefully and shoot accurately. No one expects you to be fast. In fact, if a new shooter is trying for speed, he makes everyone nervous.
SECRET: The winner is the one who makes the fewest mistakes. But even the winner screwed something up.
Pay attention to proper form, follow the stage carefully and shoot accurately. No one expects you to be fast. In fact, if a new shooter is trying for speed, he makes everyone nervous.
Think Safety First
Be Safe.
1) Get there early. You can help set up targets and get to know the folks running the match. That way they can match you up with an experienced shooter too.
2) Cold range so make sure your gun is empty. Your mags are full (10 round limit) but not in the gun until you get on the starting line.
3) Point muzzle down range at all times (except when in holster)
4) NO finger on the trigger until you engage your target.
5) Don't swing your gun beyond the 180 degree (90 each way from front).
6) Have FUN!
7) Bring lots of ammo and magazines fully loaded (load only 10 rounds)
8) Bring a snack and water
9) Wear comfortable but warm clothing, gloves and hat - wear in layers with good shoes (boots).
For your first time go SLOW and be safety minded. Everyone wants to go home after the match. Have a great time!
Be Safe.
1) Get there early. You can help set up targets and get to know the folks running the match. That way they can match you up with an experienced shooter too.
2) Cold range so make sure your gun is empty. Your mags are full (10 round limit) but not in the gun until you get on the starting line.
3) Point muzzle down range at all times (except when in holster)
4) NO finger on the trigger until you engage your target.
5) Don't swing your gun beyond the 180 degree (90 each way from front).
6) Have FUN!
7) Bring lots of ammo and magazines fully loaded (load only 10 rounds)
8) Bring a snack and water
9) Wear comfortable but warm clothing, gloves and hat - wear in layers with good shoes (boots).
For your first time go SLOW and be safety minded. Everyone wants to go home after the match. Have a great time!
Last edited:
If you like to read and have time - do read
Look over the RULE BOOK if you have time. You can get clarification from the SO and others at the match.
Also IDPA has some good info on getting ready for a match on their site.
http://idpa.com/dps_info.asp
RULE BOOK
http://idpa.com/Documents/IDPARuleBook2005.pdf
Look over the RULE BOOK if you have time. You can get clarification from the SO and others at the match.
Also IDPA has some good info on getting ready for a match on their site.
http://idpa.com/dps_info.asp
RULE BOOK
http://idpa.com/Documents/IDPARuleBook2005.pdf
Jim Watson
New member
Read the New Shooter's Guide and Useful Information at:
http://delcoidpa.com/home.html
It is easier to get through than the rule book.
http://delcoidpa.com/home.html
It is easier to get through than the rule book.
Just to echo what's already been said, shoot straight, and under control. There will be a bit of sensory overload, so concentrate on doing the fundamentals. Familiarizing yourself with the rules is a very good idea. I still get calls from shooters who have been competing for years, with questions that could have, and should have been answered by a quick trip through the rule book. Have fun!