Two weekends ago I was out at the Pearland range with a friend and his father. The father is a long time IPSC shooter and gave us some instruction and had us shoot a few fun rounds. It was a blast (especially with his double stack Para).
So back in Austin I want to give it a try. Pistol and maybe 2/3 gun.
The barrier to entry as I see it is my current gun, a Sig P239 9mm for which I've got a pair of standard mags(8) and a 10rnd extended mag. I understand the limited capacity could certainly hold me back, but I don't see myself buying a new gun for a hobby I havn't tried yet (particularly as a want a BUG first). So where do I start? Is there a good starter level competition? How do I find them?
Where/how do I start?
Moderator: carlson1
Re: Where/how do I start?
You do not have to have a capacity of 16 or 20 rounds or even 12.
I have only shot IDPA 1 time, so I am not expert, but there are plenty of them on this forum!
But one of the takeaways that I got from shooting it, was the magazine capacity, the maximum you could have in your magazine was 10 + 1 in the barrel.
So, the last time they had it at PSC, I took my brother in law to watch (as I watched as well) and the same situation came up. the Range "instructor" (whoever runs each course of fire) told the guy, put in your magazine, chamber a round, pull the magazine and add 1 more round, so you then have 10+1
As far as having more than 2 magazines, you can do it with 2, it is just easier with 4 or 5.
1 example of this, is another rule, which I thought weird, but who am I, you must start each segment with maximum IDPA capacity.
Which means, if you are shooting a revolver that holds 6 rounds, you must have 6 rounds, if you are hold an automatic that holds 16 rounds you must have 10+1.
1 course that I shot (the only time, as I said above), had 3 segments.
the 1st, a 25 yard single shot.
So at the time, I only had 2 magazines, after shooting the 1 shot, I had to drop the mag, clear the weapon, load the magazine back up, chamber a round, drop the magazine, and load 1 more round to end up at... 10 + 1
So while not having extra mags, does cause minor issues or delays, don't let it stop you from having fun with it!
I have only shot IDPA 1 time, so I am not expert, but there are plenty of them on this forum!
But one of the takeaways that I got from shooting it, was the magazine capacity, the maximum you could have in your magazine was 10 + 1 in the barrel.
So, the last time they had it at PSC, I took my brother in law to watch (as I watched as well) and the same situation came up. the Range "instructor" (whoever runs each course of fire) told the guy, put in your magazine, chamber a round, pull the magazine and add 1 more round, so you then have 10+1
As far as having more than 2 magazines, you can do it with 2, it is just easier with 4 or 5.
1 example of this, is another rule, which I thought weird, but who am I, you must start each segment with maximum IDPA capacity.
Which means, if you are shooting a revolver that holds 6 rounds, you must have 6 rounds, if you are hold an automatic that holds 16 rounds you must have 10+1.
1 course that I shot (the only time, as I said above), had 3 segments.
the 1st, a 25 yard single shot.
So at the time, I only had 2 magazines, after shooting the 1 shot, I had to drop the mag, clear the weapon, load the magazine back up, chamber a round, drop the magazine, and load 1 more round to end up at... 10 + 1
So while not having extra mags, does cause minor issues or delays, don't let it stop you from having fun with it!
League City, TX
Yankee born, but got to Texas as fast as I could! NRA / PSC / IANAL
Yankee born, but got to Texas as fast as I could! NRA / PSC / IANAL
Re: Where/how do I start?
I would suggest IDPA. Since IDPA is limited to 10 rounds in the mag anyway, you could start with your 8 rounds in your 10 rounder and one in the chamber and use your 8 rounders for reloads. IDPA stages can have no more than 18 required shots.
As long as your P239 is 6" tall or less with the empty 10 round mag inserted, it is legal in IDPA.
IDPA rules don't allow you to load different amounts of ammo in different mags. If you bought 2 more 10 round mags you would be on a level playing field with everyone else.
Gringop
ETA. In IDPA you are only allowed to use the one mag you start with and 2 additional mags for reloads. You don't need more than 3.
As long as your P239 is 6" tall or less with the empty 10 round mag inserted, it is legal in IDPA.
IDPA rules don't allow you to load different amounts of ammo in different mags. If you bought 2 more 10 round mags you would be on a level playing field with everyone else.
Gringop
ETA. In IDPA you are only allowed to use the one mag you start with and 2 additional mags for reloads. You don't need more than 3.
Re: Where/how do I start?
Re-reading the OP's post, I mis-read IPSC and thought IDPA at PSC LOL
League City, TX
Yankee born, but got to Texas as fast as I could! NRA / PSC / IANAL
Yankee born, but got to Texas as fast as I could! NRA / PSC / IANAL
Re: Where/how do I start?
Your P239 will be fine for IDPA. Don't worry about mag capacity, the difference between 8+1 and 10+1 in a club-level match isn't that big of a deal. In fact, the CDP-class shooters (custom .45-cal 1911s mostly) are limited to 8+1 by rule. Your gun will be fine for SSP class (which most people shoot) and you will have a lot of fun - guaranteed. You have gun + 3 mags, just need a good strong-side belt holster (IWB or OWB) and some way to carry the two spare mags on your belt (the single-stack kydex mag carriers from Blackhawk available at Academy and GT Distributors should work fine if you don't already have some mag carriers). About 100 rounds of ammo (150 to be safe - in case of need for a reshoot), eye, ear protection and a positive, safety-conscious attitude and you're all set.AustinMRH wrote:The barrier to entry as I see it is my current gun, a Sig P239 9mm for which I've got a pair of standard mags(8) and a 10rnd extended mag. I understand the limited capacity could certainly hold me back, but I don't see myself buying a new gun for a hobby I havn't tried yet (particularly as a want a BUG first). So where do I start? Is there a good starter level competition? How do I find them?
I'm planning to go to IDPA shoot at Austin Rifle Club either this Sunday or next Saturday (or both). Come out and shoot with us.
EDITED to add link to schedule: http://www.texastactical.net/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (just click on "schedule" link about halfway down the page)
Also http://www.texasmultigun.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; holds IDPA matches the second Sunday of every month at Best of the West Range in Liberty Hill http://www.texasshootingrange.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; , as well as various multi-gun events, night shoots etc.
Re: Where/how do I start?
AustinR _ I'd love to come out this weekend, but Sunday AM is Church. And looking around all I seem to find is Sunday AM. Next Saturday is already spoken for. I might be able to get a hall pass for the Texas Multigun shoot on March 13 or the Texas Tactical on March 26th.
In the short term though I'll pick up a 4th mag and finally get around to making myself a 2 mag holster. Things got busy for me this week, but if you are still game, I'd love to meet you at Reds next Monday or Tuesday to try out some BUG options.
M
In the short term though I'll pick up a 4th mag and finally get around to making myself a 2 mag holster. Things got busy for me this week, but if you are still game, I'd love to meet you at Reds next Monday or Tuesday to try out some BUG options.
M