WATCHED IDPA TODAY

[Target1911]

I went and watched my first IDPA today....IT WAS GREAT.... I cant wait to shoot one.[/b]

[propellerhead]

Where at?

[Target1911]

Cross Timbers east Ft Worth

[HighVelocity]

Should've brought your gun and gear! It was a good time. Our next match will be on Thursday May 3rd.

[propellerhead]

I went the week prior. Based on advice I did bring my gear. I'm glad I did. I just wish I got to shoot more.

Gary, to go again, do I need to be a member of IDPA?

[Target1911]

The gear is not the issue. It is the money. I know it dont cost much, but its a bad time in the month for finances.
BTW, how much can i expect to spend in one night..including all range fees, ammo 45ACP, etc..........

[propellerhead]

$10.28 for range fees.
$10 to the club (free for first timers)
A box or two of ammo ($9.47 a box at Walmart)
Whatever snacks or drinks you need.

That's it. It's cheaper than just going to the range since I would typically shoot like 4 boxes by myself.

[j1132s]

The gear is not the issue. It is the money. I know it dont cost much, but its a bad time in the month for finances.
BTW, how much can i expect to spend in one night..including all range fees, ammo 45ACP, etc..........

target,

In this case, you should see if you can find somebody who can lend you a 9mm, ammo is about 1/2 the 45's cost.

Generally, the nearby match fees are $20-$25, 9mm ammo is about $14/100 rnds, so you are looking at $34-$39/IDPA match. If using 45acp, then probably $42-$47/match. (But always bring an extra box in case you need to reshoot a stage or something.)

Also, if you are just looking ffor the challenge and excitement of competition... may I suggest the NRA smallbore silhouette? There is pistol and rifle versions. Using regular .22LR ammo (i.e. non-match; and I've seen people shoot really will with it... beating me and many using match grade stuff), you're looking at a per match cost of only $7-$10. Once you get into it (or have more money), you can switch to match grade stuff and all your skills will transfer immediately.

[longtooth]

I went and watched my first IDPA today....IT WAS GREAT.... I cant wait to shoot one.[/b]

I am in the minority on the watch or shoot 1st time out.
I recomend to new shooters at our range that they watch one just like you did for their 1st time out. We have someone w/ them all the time. They walk the set & an experienced shooter shows them as they walk through. While someone is shooting they are receiving instruction about what the shooter is doing, why, & how they do everything.
They learn the commands on the starting line. What the white target is (yes I have seen them shot because they were there) That the black represents cover.
They SEE what they are going to do.
They get to walk w/ the scorers & see what others have done & how it is scored. Why the holes in the black are 0 & the holes in the white OOHHH well. Sorry beautiful bride.

New to shooting, never shot IDPA, all new gear???!!!
I think you did yourself a favor in the long run even if you could afford to shoot the 1st time.
LT

[propellerhead]

When I went, HighVelocity explained the theory and reasons behind some of the stages and how and why he shot a certain stage in a certain way. Without this, it would've been just throwing lead down the range. His explanations just wet my appetite for knowledge and now I thirst for more.

[longtooth]

That is what good instruction does.
Good post.

[HighVelocity]

Thanks Propellerhead. Yes, if you continue, you will have to join IDPA. The next time you come to a match the secretary can sign you up.
Once you've joined, you can keep shooting even though your membership kit won't arrive for a few weeks.
Also, if you join Cross Timbers, your weekly match fee is $10.28 to the range and drops to $5 to the club. So in less than a dozen matches you've made back your club membership and IDPA membership fees.

If you haven't already gotten on the Cross Timbers IDPA mailing list, go to http://www.ctidpa.com and enter your email address at the bottom of the home page.