It is starting to sound like I need to make a visit or two southeast!canvasbck wrote: PM me and I can get you in touch with several good instructors who shoot IDPA.
For the most part it sounds like your main thing you need to do is SLOW DOWN. For a beginner, you shouldn't worry about time and shoot for 3-4 points down per 12-14 shot string. If you have more than that, then you went too fast on the particular string, less than that and you can maybe start looking at pushing your speed a little. Remember........slow is smooth, smooth is fast.
On the front site thing, outside of ranges where you can shoot from retention (1-3 yards), DONT PULL THE TRIGGER till you find your front site! In defensive shooting sports, the front site is your accelerator. You will get better at aquiring the front site through time, especially if you have a correct grip and are using good trigger control.
ETA: FM2 does the Sunday night tactical shooting at Best Shot in Friendswood. His approach focuses on the fundamentals that are needed for SD and IDPA, it's a very good and economical starting point. During his sessions, there are normally some drills that focus on one or two key aspects, such as transistions, retention shooting, drawing, reloading, ect. and then there is usually an IDPA/SD scenario.
Good advice and thanks. A PM is on the way.