Few questions before my first IDPA match

[GunLover]

I plan on shooting my Glock 26.  It's got the Crimson Trace Laser Guard on it, do I need to take that off or can I just have it turned off so it won't activate?

I've got 3 10 round mags, do I have to have mag pouches or can I use my back pocket?
How many COF's do you do?

How many rounds do you shoot?

Can I bring my S&W j-frame and shoot that too or are you only allowed to enter into 1 category (if so do I need to swap the CT Laser Grips off of this for the stock ones, or can I just turn it off so it won't activate?


I think that's it, I read through the rule book and mostly think I'm all set, sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun, can't wait!

[Chris]

Gunlover,
to answer specific questions (1) turning off the laser is sufficient. If you can't turn it off you'll have to remove it or just remove the battery (2) If you don't have mag pouches or speedloader carriers you can tote them in your pockets. It's specifically allowed in the rules (3) A club match seldom runs more than 100 rounds.
Just a bit of advice. I would avoid the hassle of competing in two gun divisions during your first match. You will really slow the squad down. I would pick one gun, shoot it, learn the game, and have fun.
Chris

[GunLover]

Thanks Chris! So approx 100 rounds...how many COFs or does it vary? Also, the place I'm going says show up at 8:30 and it's usually over by 2, that sound about right? Since it's my first I will have to take a qualifier test which I'm guessing is at 8:30. Maybe all the clubs do it different I don't know.

[Chris]

Gunlover,
I don't know where or which club you are shooting at. All can be different in some respects. 100 rounds is normally a large club match. You might want to have an extra hundred rounds on hand, because I don't know the club. But, if a range malfunction happens and you have to re-shoot a stage, the extra ammo is good.

I don't know what you (or the club) means by a qualifier test. The Classifer course is a 90 round course and is only shot by IDPA members. I can't imagine they would mandate that for you are your first match, since you may not be (and don't have to be) a member.
Their qualifier may just be a brief test on gun handling, etc. I don't know. Contact a club official and ask them.
As far as the number of COFs.. five or six is normal at a club match... but different clubs do different things. The best advice I can give you is to get on their web site, find a club official, and email (or phone) your specific questions for that club. There are basic rules, but some clubs do (and can) do things just a bit differently.
I think you'll find that direct contact with a club official will answer a lot of your questions. Beyond that.... quick advice... follow what the SO says... observe... participate... be safe... and have fun.
Chris Christian

[tom]

Shooting USA on Outdoor channel this week is about IDPA and indoor national matches from this winter in springfield. http://www.outdoorchannel.com/Shooting.aspx

[Bubafat]

I don't mean to hijack your thread Gunlover, but since we're on the subject:

Can I use my Glock 20C in the stock pistol category even though it is a compensated gun (since it is a factory stock gun)? 

[S391]

I don't mean to hijack your thread Gunlover, but since we're on the subject:

Can I use my Glock 20C in the stock pistol category even though it is a compensated gun (since it is a factory stock gun)? 

You cannot use a compensated gun in any IDPA class / match. The rules are pretty specific about this.