Need an IDPA Classifier?

[AggieMM]

Are you UN-classified, UN-happy, UN-loved, or just tired of seeing UN next to your name? If you're in Central Texas, there are two options for you this weekend.

Texas Tactical

• North San Antonio / New Braunfels
• Saturday, 1/31
• Sign up: 0900-0945
• Hammer Down 1000

Copperas Cove Pistol Club

• Copperas Cove / Fort Hood
• Saturday, 1/31
• Sign up: 0730-0800
• Hammer Down 0815

Get rid of the UN!

Ryan

[TxDrifter]

I'm not a member, yet, but if anyone is interested near the North Houston area, Texas Tactical Shooters is holding their regular Saturday club match on the 31st. They are hosting a classifier as well. Website here:
http://www.tts-idpa.net/
Click on the Match Dates on the left and it shows the information on sign up times, cost and location is there as well.

The range information is here:
http://www.thundergunrange.com/

[Purplehood]

Now to google "IDPA".

[PUCKER]

Now to google "IDPA".

I did a few days ago as I knew nothing about it...it does look like something I'd like to try sometime...same with Cowboy Action Shooting...I've heard of it, knew a little bit about it, have a friend who shot it, but I'd never seen it...saw it on TV on Wreckreation Nation...it looks like FUN!

[CompVest]

I'm not a member, yet, but if anyone is interested near the North Houston area, Texas Tactical Shooters is holding their regular Saturday club match on the 31st. They are hosting a classifier as well. Website here:
http://www.tts-idpa.net/
Click on the Match Dates on the left and it shows the information on sign up times, cost and location is there as well.

The range information is here:
http://www.thundergunrange.com/

TxDrifter,

Thank you for the club plug! Look forward to your joining.

For clarification:

It is Thunder Tactical Shooters
The match this Saturday, January 31st is our regular 5th Saturday match.
Our monthly match is the second Saturday of the month.

[pbwalker]

this is probably a dumb question, but I'd really like to get into IDPA but have been hesitant in doing so. Do they have any remedial type of introduction? e.g., new-guy orientation? I don't want to be the 'new guy' and cause everyone else to miss out on anything due to my 'newness'.

-bw

[Derekhie]

this is probably a dumb question, but I'd really like to get into IDPA but have been hesitant in doing so. Do they have any remedial type of introduction? e.g., new-guy orientation? I don't want to be the 'new guy' and cause everyone else to miss out on anything due to my 'newness'.

-bw

I have read that league shooting is a good way to get up to speed. This is where I'll be going when the next league starts up...

http://bullethole.com/index.php?module= ... sition=2:2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[CWOOD]

For those who are curious about IDPA, let me offer the following.

IDPA.com is a place to start for the basics. It will offer you the rule book. It will describe the Classifier. It will help you find an IDPA match in your area.

If you would like to see some videos of actual matches, you can find some on http://www.youtube.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. Search using the term... "IDPA". If you would like to see videos of the Texas Tactical group in the New Braunfels, San Antonio, San Antonio area, you can find it on youtube at ..."Texas Tactical" IDPA. Put Texas Tactical in quotations.

Most clubs have a wide range of skill levels represented...from near beginner shooter to VERY fast and accurate. At Texas Tactical (and others) you will find National Champions and every level down from there.

It has been my experience over the last few years that IDPA groups are very welcoming to and eager to have new shooters. There is a "New Shooters Meeting" to welcome them and to explain the rules, the scoring, the safety emphasis, and to answer any questions you may have. Then there is a regular shooters meeting to stress to everyone important items, primarily safety related.

You will find that there are two primary and guiding requirements....Stay Safe and Have fun.

Before joining, I had shot for many years. Mainly just plinking in the country by myself. After I got my CHL and began carrying full time I decided I needed to hone my gun handling skills...with the equipment I carry every day...Glock 30.

While I am not a stellar IDPA shooter, the matches have made me a MUCH better shooter. IDPA is NOT training, it is a game. It does, however provide a lot of opportunity to improve gun handling skill such as shooting on the move, shooting moving targets, shooting from cover, shooting with a concealment garment (vest, slong shirt, jacket, etc) shooting with weak hand, reloading, clearing misfires and misfeeds, ....all under the stress of being watched and timed. It really helps in those areas.

Another primary benefit is the result of the emphasis on safety. I was amazed at the bad habits I got into while shooting by myself. This has really helped me in teaching proper safety skills to my daughters who also shoot, and others.

Another thing to keep in mind is that IDPA IS FUN.

Finally, you will find that the fellow shooters are good folks. I have (and so have my daughters) found them to be genuinely nice people, generous with their time to new shooters who want assistance, and are glad to have you there if you are safe and have fun.

Many feel that they want to just go watch, to see if they want to participate. That is fine. It is what I did. I will tell you though, that you should take your shooting gear. After about the first 10 or 20 rounds fired, you will regret not bringing your stuff....I did that too.

All you really need to start is a handgun 9mm or 38 Special or larger, 2 extra magazines (or 3 speedloaders for revolvers), a non-crossdraw hip mounted holster, glasses (safety, or prescription, or sun), ear protection, 150 rounds of ammo (should more than cover all stages plus extras for make up shots), match fee (ususally $15-25), and a concealment garment. Everythig else you might want, you can pick up along the way. You do not have to be a member of IDPA to participate in your first match. You ARE supposed to become a member to shoot with them thereafter, but this is not always strictly enforced in local matches.

If you have been thinking about it at all, give it a try. CAUTION...it may start occupying a fair amount of your time and $$$.

Hope this helps some who may have been considering it.