TxDrifter wrote:I was interested in this as well. I grew up in the area and my brother lives over there. What should we be expected to bring, besides the usual glasses, hearing protection, etc. How many magazines, amount of ammo, and such?
You will need about 100 rds of ammo.
Your other questions are answered in this quote from the Thunder FAQ's and can be found here:
http://www.tts-idpa.net/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Frequently Asked Questions
About Thunder Tactical Shooters and the International Defensive Pistol Association
Who can shoot an IDPA event?
If you can shoot a handgun safely and can legally bear arms you will be welcome to participate in our IDPA matches. Thunder Tactical makes it a practice to welcome shooters from other clubs, law enforcement personnel, and new shooters to join us.
How much does it cost to shoot an IDPA event?
Range fees vary at different clubs. Thunder Range has a $10 fee to use their range which must be paid to the range inside the office. The Thunder Tactical club charges a fee for Wednesday night practice matches of $4. Saturday matches are $7. The club fees cover the cost of targets, equipment, and insurance.
How old do you have to be to shoot IDPA?
You must be at least 12 years old. Children who want to participate must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during the entire match.
What kind of a gun do I need?
IDPA requires the pistols be “safe and serviceable”. That means they have to operate safely and reliably. The IDPA also requires a certain minimum “power factor”. These power factors are usually met by pistols shooting 38 special or more powerful cartridges. The most common cartridges used are 38 special, 9mm, and 45. You may shoot either a revolver or an automatic.
What else should I bring to shoot?
Hearing protectors, (either muffs or ear plugs), eye protection, (impact resistant sun or regular glasses or clear shooter’s glasses) a holster, hip only, no shoulder holsters, cross draws, or pocket holsters. Inside the waistband holsters are okay, three magazines or speed loaders for revolvers (only two are required for almost all scenarios but three are better). You also should have a garment that conceals your handgun in its holster.
What are the requirements for concealment for a match?
One of the goals of IDPA is to more closely approximate real world situations in a safe environment. Therefore, unless specifically relaxed (Summer Rules) the handgun must not be visible when your arms are held straight out to the sides. If you are shooting for the first time on a Wednesday night the club may also give you a waiver from this requirement for your first practice matches.
Can I just watch a match?
Yes. There is no fee for watching and spectators are always welcome. You should bring hearing protection and safety glasses however. It is appreciated if you just let one of the match directors know you are there just to watch.
I just want to improve my shooting skills; I am not interested in the competition. Can I just shoot for practice?
Lots of people come out and shoot just for practice. Because of safety requirements we will treat everyone who is shooting just the same. You will have a safety officer right behind you at all times and he will time your run. If you are not interested in your scores, just ignore them. Focus instead on shooting safely and accurately. Each run is made individually; the only real competitor you have is yourself. We are all trying to learn how to shoot faster and more accurately within the strict limits of safety. If you are not interested in your scores, no one else will be either. No matter how well or badly you shoot; if you shoot safely you will be welcome.
What do I do when I show up for a match?
If you are a first time shooter please arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the event. That is 6:00 PM on Wednesday nights. The Thunder Tactical shooting bays are on the right side of the range office. You will need to pay your $10 range fee in the office. Our sign up site is by the metal shed on the right. Come up to anyone standing around there and let them know you are a new shooter and ask what to do next. They will make you feel welcome (really!) and set you up with the right people to give you a personal safety briefing.
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A Safety Officer is remains just behind every shooter for every scenario. Safety violations such as dropping a loaded gun or pointing the muzzle past the designated muzzle safe point will result in disqualification from the rest of the match. Handguns only can be removed from their holsters either in the designated “safe handle area” (over at the covered range area). The Safety Officer will check downrange to confirm it is clear and then call out “We are going hot!” The SO will then tell you to “Face downrange, load and make ready.” The Safety Officer will ask you if you are ready. When you confirm this the SO will hit the ‘Buzz Button” on the timer that signals you to start your run. After you are finished shooting the gun muzzle must remain pointed downrange until the Safety Office tells you to “Unload and Show Clear.” For a revolver that means opening the cylinder and removing all rounds and showing the SO an empty cylinder. For an automatic, remove the magazine, and pull back the slide. The SO will say “I see it” confirming that there is not a round the chamber. The next command is “Hammer” which directs you to pull the trigger (still keeping the gun pointed downrange). Then “Holster”. Once the weapon is thus proven to be unloaded and is safely stowed the SO will call out “We are safe.” Then and only then can you move down range to score the scenario.
Where can I find out more about the IDPA?
Here is the link to their web site.
http://www.idpa.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
