Maybe going to my first match. Ammo question?
- Thread starter baddarryl
- Start date
In the steel matches I shoot, there are 4 stages, 5 shot strings (assuming you don't miss), you get 5 runs at each stage. So, potentially you only need 100 rounds. I need more. 
You need one mag for each time you shoot a string (5 in my case), I have a spare.
It's a blast and very addicting. Have fun.
Can't help with the IDPA.
You need one mag for each time you shoot a string (5 in my case), I have a spare.
It's a blast and very addicting. Have fun.
Can't help with the IDPA.
For IDPA you need a minimum of 3 magazines. You will carry two on your belt and have one to load the gun at the start of a stage. Most local IDPA matches are less than 100 rounds. By rule, stages can only be a maximum of 18 rounds but most are less than that. Most local matches are 5-6 stages per match which gives a max of 90-108 rounds. If your buying factory ammo then go for the cheapest you can get that fuctions well in your gun.
SteelChickenShooter
New member
In my case for IDPA three mags are an absolute minimum, but I typically load up and carry 5 or 6. I always have at least 3 boxes of 50 rounds on hand. In the case where we shoot a Steel & Paper Challenge, 8 mags are not too many and I bring 250 rounds. Clubs certainly can vary on numbers of stages and round counts. An ordinary Steel Challenge is not the same as a Steel & Paper Challenge. I've never shot a match limited to steel only.
Glenn E. Meyer
New member
With a decent gun, target ammo - WWB, Blazer, PMC has worked for me.
Someone will post that Brand X, Y or Z stinks but the major target brands run for me. I look for sales.
Did have some trouble with Monarch Brass. But some like it.
Someone will post that Brand X, Y or Z stinks but the major target brands run for me. I look for sales.
Did have some trouble with Monarch Brass. But some like it.
Thanks guys. My P89 will shoot anything so that answers that. What about carrying the extra mags? Is that necessary?
I am going to put off going until their next match next month as I need to get the extra mags and ammo not until after my kids' birthday next week.
Maybe hit the upcoming Steel Challenge. Who knows, but I want to get into it!
I am going to put off going until their next match next month as I need to get the extra mags and ammo not until after my kids' birthday next week.
Maybe hit the upcoming Steel Challenge. Who knows, but I want to get into it!SteelChickenShooter
New member
Mag Carry
There are different ways to carry mags depending on what you are shooting.
For IDPA, I carry a double pouch on the belt with one mag in the pocket then I use that mag to load the pistol. I have a vest with extra mags in a few pockets. For the Steel & Paper Challenge, I wear a belt with a pair of quad magazine pouches. I place 4 mags in each pouch. If I shoot USPSA type events, I wear a belt with 4 or 6 pouches depending on the stage design and round count for that match.
There is a magazine you can get named "Front Sight". And at the end of a season they list all the popular products. You can research this and see what brands and models most of the shooters use. You can also at least attend your first match and just look at what they use and talk to the people that are shooting.
There are different ways to carry mags depending on what you are shooting.
For IDPA, I carry a double pouch on the belt with one mag in the pocket then I use that mag to load the pistol. I have a vest with extra mags in a few pockets. For the Steel & Paper Challenge, I wear a belt with a pair of quad magazine pouches. I place 4 mags in each pouch. If I shoot USPSA type events, I wear a belt with 4 or 6 pouches depending on the stage design and round count for that match.
There is a magazine you can get named "Front Sight". And at the end of a season they list all the popular products. You can research this and see what brands and models most of the shooters use. You can also at least attend your first match and just look at what they use and talk to the people that are shooting.
I'd recommend not buying anything, take what you have. The match will teach you what you need. Don't let people talk you into expensive guns and gear until you reach the point where you out shoot the one you have.
At every match, regardless of type, the other competitors and range staff will help out new shooters.
Ammo doesn't matter much as long as its reliable. But for steel matches take twice what you think you'll need. It wont spoil if you don't use it all.
I can guarantee three things are gonna happen:
1: You'll learn something
2: You'll have fun
3: You'll meet great people.
At every match, regardless of type, the other competitors and range staff will help out new shooters.
Ammo doesn't matter much as long as its reliable. But for steel matches take twice what you think you'll need. It wont spoil if you don't use it all.
I can guarantee three things are gonna happen:
1: You'll learn something
2: You'll have fun
3: You'll meet great people.
For IDPA you can lose the word "tactical" IDPA is geared and centers around everyday concealed carry.
You can use your clip on holster for your first match and put your magazines in your pants pocket. Shirt pocket is a no-no.
This will get you involved in your first match and from that experience you can decide what you need from what your fellow shooter are using.
The belt you choose will have to go through the belt loops of your pants.
A good sturdy gun belt for concealed carry will work. I personally use a kydex holster because I sweat real bad. Your magazine pouches must hold your magazines securely ( so they do not fall out ).
I wear 2 double magazine pouches because of sweating so bad I dare not put magazines in my pocket. You will only need 3 magazines for the match and its not a bad idea to have an extra magazine in case one of your match magazines should fail.
Glenn E. Meyer
New member
I'd mildly disagree that a new shooter should put magazines in the pocket. They can lose proper orientation and you have to fumble for them. That leads to wandering of attention - which leads to a lack of muzzle control. Seen it.
A belt magazine holder isn't that much and you can just reach back and keep the gun forward.
A belt magazine holder isn't that much and you can just reach back and keep the gun forward.
It was only a suggestion so he could give it a try/test the waters. It also gives him the opportunity to see what the other shooters are using. Like they say seeing is believing and most time the BEST teacher. I personally have seen 1/2 dozen folks shoot a first match this way. Just the least expensive way to give it a try.