How to get started.

[chefkristian]

Hi all, I was just wondering what steps I would have to take to get into competitive shooting. I don't know where I should be starting...

Thanks All!

[CompVest]

First decide what type of shooting you want to compete in such as IDPA or USPSA (action pistol), ICORE (action revolver), Cowboy Action, Target, steel...

Then find a club near you and contact one of the officer about how that club integrates new shooters.

[chefkristian]

Thanks CompVest. I guess I should have put that I am in Austin (I just updated my profile to show it). I am assuming that I should go to the Austin Rifle Club an check it out or wait until the Texas Shooting Range completely opens to check them out... Thanks!!!!

[A-R]

Thanks CompVest. I guess I should have put that I am in Austin (I just updated my profile to show it). I am assuming that I should go to the Austin Rifle Club an check it out or wait until the Texas Shooting Range completely opens to check them out... Thanks!!!!

I just shot my first IDPA match at ARC this past Saturday and it was a blast!

How to get started is easy: show up for a match with your handgun, 3 mags, strong side belt holster, 2 weak side mag holsters, 100 rounds of ammo, and a desire to be learn, be safe, and have fun.

Schedules here (though not currently updated ): http://www.texastactical.net/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

forum member AggieMM is one of the safety officers, I'm sure he wouldn't mind taking your questions.

Best of West in Liberty Hill supposed to be holding matches soon too I hear.

[chefkristian]

Thanks for the info! I just gotta save my pennies for a match gun now



AustinRealtor, How'd you shoot?

[tetralaw]

I just gotta save my pennies for a match gun now

and how do you expect to do that? lol

[chefkristian]

By not buying every gun that suits my fancy! Especially the one I got today

[tetralaw]

well whenever you're ready to shell out some bones....

[chefkristian]

I don't know if your Kimber will be a good match gun for me

[tetralaw]

I figured as much.

[mgood]

Just show up.
If you don't have what you think you need to compete, go to a match and watch. You'll get the bug. And you'll have scrounged enough stuff to get by in time for the next match.
(And don't be too surprised if someone offers to let you use their gear for your first match, or at least to run one stage, just to whet your appetite.)

[Rye956]

Just show up.
If you don't have what you think you need to compete, go to a match and watch. You'll get the bug. And you'll have scrounged enough stuff to get by in time for the next match.
(And don't be too surprised if someone offers to let you use their gear for your first match, or at least to run one stage, just to whet your appetite.)

Yup, Just go to your local match for IPSC and I'm sure everybody is running a different set-up or guns with them. In this case you'll know what you want to start off with. And of course that never ends. Good luck.

[A-R]

Thanks for the info! I just gotta save my pennies for a match gun now

AustinRealtor, How'd you shoot?

Don't worry about a "match gun" for IDPA. The whole point is to use real-world concealed carry equipment. Of course, if you get more competitive into the "gaming" aspect of it, you may want a special competition-only gun at that point. But to try it out, just bring what you carry. If you're not sure if your carry gun is good enough (for instance, you'd be at a competitive disadvantage with a pocket gun or any gun with less than 10 rounds in a standard mag), GT Distributors has police trade-in Glock 22s with three mags for $285 + tax right now. One of those would work perfectly for IDPA.

I used a Glock 19 for my first match. Did better than I thought I would, placed in the upper half of the group. Had some mental errors, equivalent of "foot faults" etc. for not following the rules (example: loading a new mag while moving from cover instead of loading behind cover then moving as rules stipulate). And completely forgot to shoot the one moving target that was out of my line of sight while I was disposing of another cardboard bad guy

I'm hoping to get out to another match soon, maybe even this Sunday if wife gives me the OK to leave her alone with the two rugrats again.

New schedule finally posted: http://texastactical.net/matches/schedule.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[chefkristian]

Don't worry about a "match gun" for IDPA. The whole point is to use real-world concealed carry equipment. Of course, if you get more competitive into the "gaming" aspect of it, you may want a special competition-only gun at that point. But to try it out, just bring what you carry. If you're not sure if your carry gun is good enough (for instance, you'd be at a competitive disadvantage with a pocket gun or any gun with less than 10 rounds in a standard mag), GT Distributors has police trade-in Glock 22s with three mags for $285 + tax right now. One of those would work perfectly for IDPA.

I used a Glock 19 for my first match. Did better than I thought I would, placed in the upper half of the group. Had some mental errors, equivalent of "foot faults" etc. for not following the rules (example: loading a new mag while moving from cover instead of loading behind cover then moving as rules stipulate). And completely forgot to shoot the one moving target that was out of my line of sight while I was disposing of another cardboard bad guy

I'm hoping to get out to another match soon, maybe even this Sunday if wife gives me the OK to leave her alone with the two rugrats again.

New schedule finally posted: http://texastactical.net/matches/schedule.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Yeah, I go to GT's about twice a week and check out their used stuff. I suppose I can use my CZ-P07 then for the matches. I am pretty accurate with it. Shot a 250 on the CHL practical with it

Well, what you have told me thus far is solidifying my absolute desre to competively shoot. Thanks again for all your help!

[A-R]

I suppose I can use my CZ-P07 then for the matches. I am pretty accurate with it. Shot a 250 on the CHL practical with it

Well, what you have told me thus far is solidifying my absolute desre to competively shoot. Thanks again for all your help!

Yeah, a CZ would be a great gun to use for IDPA. Just be sure you have at least 3 mags (one in gun, plus two spares) and two mag holsters to hold the spare mags, plus your gun holster. I use the basic Blackhawk kydex mag holders and they work fine ($16 each at GTs) - but the nylon/velcro cheapy mag pouches at Academy would work fine too. The stages are set up for "maximum" 18 shots (but some stages you can fire extra shots if you didn't like where one of your previous shots landed). You're limited to only 10 rounds in each mag, plus 1 in chamber to start.