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I will attend my first IDPA match in a month or so, I have a pretty good place to shot, thought I would work on more then one target (never really done that). Little harder then I thought it would be, as was walking while shooting.

How far is the typical shot? How big is the target?

Got the draw and reload down, but up for tips there as well.

Most shots in IDPA matches are within "realistic" self defense distances, maybe 7 yards, but there are occasionally targets out to 20 yards. Mozambiques (two to the body, one to the head) is a common requirement in many stages, so it's good to practise that. Weak hand only shooting might come into play, and that is very difficult unless you practice it.

If cover is available in a stage, you'll have to use it. Most of the time you shoot from behind cover "slicing the pie", that is: shooting the targets in the order you see them, gradually leaning out more from cover in order to engage the targets.

I wouldn't worry too much about practicing for your first IDPA match. Just go and have fun and be safe. You'll know after the match what you need to work on.

My main problems in my first few matches were remembering to keep my finger of the trigger when moving, and not pointing the gun straight up (NOT a safe direction) when moving from one side of a cover to the other side.

Magazine changes, or reloading with a speed loader if you use a revolver.

When your magazine is empty, you just drop it on the ground and insert a charged magazine. You may also have to do a reload with retention. That's where you drop a partially discharged magazine into your hand, stow it, and insert a full magazine.

[Later]The "sweet spot" on an IDPA target is an 8-inch circle representing COM. The "head" is 6 inches square. Shots outside those areas are penalized. The target is in the rule book: http://www.idpa.com/Documents/IDPARuleBook2005.pdf

- Jim

You can work on your reaction time. If you don't have access to a shot timer, just have a friend stand behind you and say BEEEEEP. You can even do this at home with an EMPTY gun. If you practice it enough, you'll be able to draw and get the first shot off before the BEEP is over.

Do you guys have to draw from concealment in these competitions, or is your weapon carried openly? Just curious. My 18 year old son is interested in doing this maybe, and he'll want to know.

In IDPA, you draw from concealment. Check out the match videos page at www.ctidpa.com

All you new guys soak up like a SPONGE everything HV offers. He wont say it but he is awsome at this game.
I think one day we will see him in some of the gun books.
Stay humble HV we will do the braggin for you. NEXT CHAAAM - PEEEEEN.

Thank you for those kind words LT. I can say though, with certainty, that there are a few forum members with far more experice than I.

A respected and admired forum member/fellow competitor once told me; " You don't have to shoot your best match today, just better than everyone else." This helps me overcome my mistakes during a match, oh and they can be frequent.

Work on focusing on the front sight.....all the rest wont matter if you get caught up in the excitement so much that the front sight is forgotten.

Front sight....more than just a pretty little bump on your gun

Have fun!

Jason