IDPA next weekend

[palmettogunner]

So my brother and I are going to shoot IDPA in Charleston, SC a little over a week from today.  We'll be on vacation with our family and are going to take advantage of the time off by throwing lead down range.  Any tips for our first time at IDPA?

[tom]

1. Listen carefully to all instructions
2. Watch carefully the people in your squad that shoot ahead of you
3. make sure you SO knows it is your first time
4. Ask questions
5. Take you time
6. Listen carefully to all instructions
7. Have Fun

tom

[Hk940]

GO slow
focus on the front sight
get good hits, let the speed come later.

Have fun. Hang out and chat it up with fellow shooters who want to talk.

[HighPockets]

Go to the IDPA website and read the rulebook.  Not that you need to remember all the rules, just get a understanding of what to expect.  Check your equipment, try to not show up with something illegal.  Most of the time Match Directors will cut you some slack if something is not 100% legal.  Like Uncle Mike holsters having too much offset, etc.  As long as your equipment is safe, that is the biggest concern.  Bring your cover garment.  Always be aware of "muzzle", "finger".  You are not on the clock while re-holstering so slow down and look at your firearm and holster.  Check to see if you have to be an IDPA member to shoot your first match.  I am a IDPA Safety Officer and we have first timers almost every match, you will be welcomed, without you the sport wont grow.  Dale G.

[palmettogunner]

Ok, IDPA weekend is over, by several days now, and I need to submit my review of my first IDPA shoot.

First, it was a ton of fun.  My little bro and I went to Palmetto Gun Club in Ridgeville, SC, right outside of Charleston. Got there about 9:45 and left around 12:45.  Everyone was very nice, from the people in our group to the guys are the registration table.  We shot around 70 rounds, with the low stage being around 10 rounds, and the highest around 18.  All in all it was a great time.

Second, safety is the priority.  My group was a group of newbies, more or less, so they really emphasized safety on us.  But I'd like to point out that it's not that they scream and yell if you do something wrong; they stay calm and instruct, or teach, you what to do.  I think that's very important especially when you have 1. new shooters, 2. new shooters to IDPA, like me, or both.  It calmed me right down knowing that there was a safety officer right there and he was there to HELP, not punish.

Third, everything the Gundudes say about people helping each other at these things is correct.  After the first stage we had a guy from a different group (there were 5 groups total) come up to my brother and I and give us some tips.  We didn't know anyone there and yet we were still among friends.

Fourth, everything you guys said was right.  I struggled a little on the first stage with proper procedures, i.e. dropping a still loaded magazine to the ground, but if you listen to the instructor you'll be fine.  I wish I had gone slower.  There were a few tactical sequences that I screwed up.  I should have gone 1-1-2-1-1 twice but both times the buzzer went off and I went 2-2-2.  You guys were right, go slow and build the muscle memory for the next shoot. 

All in all we had a great time.  I'm hoping to get my boss to join my in June for a local shoot in Upstate SC.  Thanks for your input, fellas.  If you're on the fence about IDPA just go out and try, you won't regret it!

[S391]

Glad to hear you had a good time! I've been shooting IDPA for a little more than 18 months and I love it! I have had nothing but fun and everyone I've met has been great; no egos anywhere.