{"id":21194,"date":"2014-07-02T10:00:37","date_gmt":"2014-07-02T14:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/?p=21194"},"modified":"2014-07-02T10:00:37","modified_gmt":"2023-08-17T17:18:19","slug":"getting-started-idpa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/getting-started-idpa\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting Started in the IDPA"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"ShootThruWindow-1\"<\/a>

It is not uncommon to shoot through windows, taking care not to expose yourself to the threats.<\/p><\/div>\n

You draw in a chest full of air and try to let it slowly out as you hear your heart thumping in your ears.\u00a0 You place your hand on the doorknob. You\u2019re ready \u2013 or at least as ready as you\u2019re going to be.\u00a0 You know there are threats on the other side of that door.\u00a0 You know there are also non-threats that must be avoided. You get the \u201cgo\u201d signal, and your hand turns the knob and opens the door, while you draw your pistol and simultaneously push the gun out to a level sight picture – carefully scanning around the first corner.\u00a0 The first threat lurks just beyond the entry to your left \u2013 and takes your first two rounds dead center. You move around the corner to find another threat, this one hiding behind a hostage, only partially accessible. You put a well-aimed shot into the threat.\u00a0 You are hyper-focused on your front sight and watch it rise with the recoil of the gun and then fall back on target in a fraction of an instant, and place your second shot on target. On it goes, until you have engaged and neutralized half-dozen or more threats.\u00a0 Suddenly your focus changes as you hear the voice of the safety officer giving you the instructions to show a clear gun and holster.
\nYou\u2019ve just shot the first stage of today\u2019s IDPA match, and there are several more stages to go.\u00a0 Sound like fun?<\/p>\n

Welcome to the International Defensive Pistol Association \u2013 IDPA.<\/h2>\n
\"ShootFromTrunk-1\"<\/a>

Like more challenge? How about shooting from the trunk of a car!<\/p><\/div>\n

On any given weekend, all across America and in several other countries around the world, scenarios like the one described above play out over and over for thousands of IDPA members in local clubs and major matches.\u00a0 IDPA is an interesting blend of competition, recreation, and training.\u00a0 I\u2019ll qualify what I mean by \u201ctraining\u201d in a bit.\u00a0 There is a great deal that can be said about IDPA in terms of history and purpose, but this article is about how to get started \u2013 so I\u2019m going to cut to the chase and skip most of that.\u00a0 Suffice to say that IDPA was founded on the principle that there should be a shooting sport that remained true to the \u201creal world scenario\u201d and more importantly, used \u201creal world guns and equipment\u201d.\u00a0 The latter is the key to best understanding IDPA.\u00a0 The equipment rules of IDPA are strict about the types of guns that can be used in the sport. There are also some pretty strict rules for holsters, belts, magazine carriers, and cover garments.\u00a0 The basic concept is simply this: Using a gun that you might really carry for self-defense, in a holster that you might really carry it in, and concealed by a cover garment as would be required for civilian or off duty concealed carry \u2013 shoot a scenario-based course of fire under artificial stressors like the timer and peer pressure.<\/p>\n

\"DrawFromConceal-1\"<\/a>

Unless the stage rules specify otherwise, the shooter must draw from beneath a concealment garment.<\/p><\/div>\n

To get started in IDPA….<\/h2>\n

You first need to understand some of the high level categories of the sport, because this can affect your decision on guns and related equipment.\u00a0 There are five categories for the guns themselves: Stock Service Pistol (SSP); Enhanced Service Pistol (ESP); Custom Defensive Pistol (CDP); Stock Service Revolver (SSR); and Enhanced Service Revolver (ESR).\u00a0 As you can see, there are pistols (semi-automatic) and revolvers, each separated into stock and enhanced.\u00a0 Stock basically means what it implies \u2013 out of the box condition with only slight changes allowed \u2013 all of which must be manufacturer parts. Enhanced allows more changes to be made, such as after-market triggers, flared magazine wells and the like, but still within fairly strict limitations. That oddball group called CDP is basically the 1911 category (though most any .45 Auto can be used).\u00a0 IDPA requires a minimum of 9mm caliber (.38 Special for revolvers) and there are power factor requirements to ensure \u201cextra light\u201d loads are not used for an unfair advantage and to \u201ckeep it real\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"Comp<\/a>

Many leading gun makers offer very similar ‘competition models’. These are very popular among IDPA shooters.<\/p><\/div>\n

Shooters too, are divided into categories \u2013 or classes based on their skill level. These classes are: Novice; Marksman; Sharpshooter; Expert; and Master.\u00a0 It is possible (even common) for an individual to hold multiple classifications, because the classification is tied to the category of the gun you used to earn it.\u00a0 In other words, you can be a Sharpshooter in SSP and a Marksman in SSR.\u00a0 There are a few individuals who have achieved the level of Master in all five gun categories.\u00a0 The first person to accomplish this was long-time gun author and self-defense expert, Massad Ayoob.\u00a0 You won\u2019t see my name ever appear on that list.\u00a0 I am just good enough at it to have a sense of reverence for those who reach the mountain top.
\nIn just the past few years, IDPA has seen a huge surge in participation and membership.\u00a0 I asked IDPA\u2019s Executive Director, Joyce Wilson, what she thought about the up swell. Joyce offered the following comment: \u201cThe record breaking sales of firearms the last couple of years has definitely had a positive impact on IDPA.\u00a0 We have seen tremendous growth in the sport as these new firearms owners desire to learn more about their weapons than just lining up the sights.\u00a0 IDPA is the perfect shooting sport for new owners that are interested in concealed carry as that exactly why the sport was developed.\u00a0 The whole premise of IDPA scenarios is based on what could happen at any point in our lives.\u00a0 From home invasion scenarios to car jackings, our courses of fire are based on real life situations.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"G34\"<\/a>

The Glock 34 tops the list of most popular match guns in IDPA, for several years running.<\/p><\/div>\n

This makes a good spot to segue back to the \u201ctraining\u201d issue as it relates to the sport.\u00a0 First and foremost IDPA is a game.\u00a0 If you have a rule book, a score sheet, and people go for pizza after \u2013 you\u2019re playing a game. Now, that said \u2013 there are absolutely elements of training benefit to shooting IDPA.\u00a0 In my opinion, much more so than with other shooting sports.\u00a0 The experts can express it better:<\/p>\n

“Although IDPA expressly describes itself as a sport and not a training function, I compete in IDPA in part because it does indeed have a training element.\u00a0 The competition is a relevant skill test of drawing and reloading from concealment, getting to and effectively deploying behind cover, and hitting what you’re shooting at under pressure and at speed.\u00a0 Testing skills is absolutely a component of training.” — Mas Ayoob<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhile we don’t ‘train’ individuals, we provide an avenue for them to practice gun handling skills that could potentially save their lives.\u00a0 Doing this under time pressure helps give them the adrenaline rush similar to what they may experience in a situation.\u201d \u2013 Joyce Wilson<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"XDM\"<\/a>

Also enormously popular, the Springfield Armory XD-M 5.25 (shown in 9mm) also comes with a holster and mag carrier.<\/p><\/div>\n

I agree, and I can tell you that I can draw from concealment and make accurate hits faster, more safely, and under more stress, than I ever could without the sport of IDPA.\u00a0 So, you want to get started shooting in IDPA?\u00a0 A fellow IDPA member put it very well when he said that you really have to separate it into two parts: Hardware (guns, holster, ammo, clothing) and Software (knowledge, mindset, training, etc.).\u00a0 That is a great way to approach it, so I am going to steal that concept and use it here.<\/p>\n

Hardware \u2013 Guns, Ammo, Holsters, Gear<\/h2>\n

The hardware is actually the easy part, but it is the part that most of us obsess on and spend the most time fretting over.\u00a0 It is also the first place most people try to make a change in order to improve their skill.\u00a0 As with most any sport, trying to increase your skill level with \u201cthings\u201d almost never works.\u00a0 Think of golf \u2013 if you have Tiger Wood\u2019s clubs you\u2019re not going to achieve his score.\u00a0 Similarly, if you have Bob Vogel\u2019s gun you\u2019re not going to achieve his score either. But that doesn\u2019t mean that it isn\u2019t very important to select good hardware that gives you the best opportunity to succeed. Let\u2019s visit some of the things you\u2019ll need.<\/p>\n

\"Mixed<\/a>

Mix and match – this Comp-Tac holster and Fobus magazine carrier make a good set for the Glock 34. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div>\n

You should put the most thought into which gun you want to start with. It is the most expensive piece of equipment and most of your other hardware will be related to it, so make this decision first.\u00a0 Do you carry a concealed firearm for self-defense? If yes, then you may wish to have a competition gun that is very similar to your carry gun.\u00a0 Some shooters use the exact same gun they carry.\u00a0 This is practical if your carry gun has sufficient capacity (10 rounds or more in the magazine for most semi-autos) and is big enough to give you a good sight picture and not beat you to death with recoil (remember, a match can be a couple hundred rounds within a few hours).<\/p>\n

\"CompTac<\/a>

A Comp-Tac matched set holster and mag carrier for the Smith & Wesson M&P. Both are paddle design, the author’s preference.<\/p><\/div>\n

Many law enforcement officers who play the game will use their duty weapon and all the standard gear.\u00a0 Most people take some liberties with the \u201csame as you\u2019d carry\u201d philosophy \u2013 including me. Nearly every major gun maker has their \u201ccompetition line\u201d now, and IDPA is a huge factor in their design. These pistols usually have a 5\u201d barrel, high magazine capacity, special sights (fiber optics are hugely popular), etc.\u00a0 To name just a few are: Glock models 34\/35; Smith & Wesson M&P Pro Series; Springfield Armory XDM; and Walther PPQ 5\u201d.\u00a0 The most common caliber is 9mm, but most are also available in .40 S&W.\u00a0 IDPA has a special box into which your gun must fit (with the lid fully closed) or it is not legal.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s no coincidence how perfectly the guns named above fit into that box!\u00a0 My advice is to try to use what you have. If you have a Glock 19 that you carry \u2013 use it.\u00a0 Once you become addicted to the sport (oh, and you will) you can upgrade to a designated \u201cmatch gun\u201d.\u00a0 You\u2019ll make a much smarter decision when using your own experience.\u00a0 But basically, my advice is to select a gun that you feel you shoot well, for which ammunition is readily available, that you feel will be reliable to shoot a couple hundred rounds in conditions you can\u2019t control.<\/p>\n

\"Holsters\"<\/a>

Holsters that use belt loops are also common and can be made from polymers or good old cowhide.<\/p><\/div>\n

Holster and Mag Carrier<\/h2>\n

Next to the gun itself, the most important equipment is the holster. Holsters are a subject unto themselves, so I won\u2019t go down the road of good-better-best here.\u00a0 My advice is to buy a holster that is specifically made for your gun \u2013 not just one that \u201cpretty much fits\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0 Kydex and similar polymer materials are very popular and generally inexpensive.<\/p>\n

Expect to pay between $60 and $90 for a well-made plastic holster that is made for this purpose.\u00a0 Be sure the holster is IDPA legal \u2013 there are restrictions on the amount of offset and drop a holster may have, as well as how much of the gun can be exposed when holstered.\u00a0 Most major brands of holsters will state \u201cIDPA Legal\u201d or not, and if unsure you should ask them.\u00a0 IDPA does not sanction specific holsters, so there is no official list. Same goes for the magazine pouch.\u00a0 Your magazine carrier should fit your magazines properly.\u00a0 They should be snug and capable of being tipped upside down fully loaded without falling out.\u00a0 Most holster companies have a matched set available for sale, and those are often a good way to go.\u00a0 The next question is belt loops versus paddle.\u00a0 I like paddle holsters for IDPA.\u00a0 Easy on, easy off.\u00a0 Easier to make fine adjustments to position. For me, they stay in place better too.\u00a0 A holster that is held with belt loops can wander forward or backward and can also droop more than a good paddle holster.<\/p>\n

Be sure your holster and mag carriers are adjusted properly to hold the right tension on the important contents they carry.\u00a0 A dropped magazine during a stage is costly \u2013 either in time or penalty.\u00a0 A dropped gun can be immediate disqualification. I also find that I get a better grip if my holster requires some effort on my part. It helps avoid the fumbling that can occur if you aren\u2019t required to have a firm grip to get the gun out of the holster. I also like to ensure that my unloaded gun can be held upside down in the holster without falling out.<\/p>\n

\"Active<\/a>

Active electronic earmuffs are highly recommended, as is good quality eye protection. These eye protectors have transition lenses that darken automatically in bright daylight.<\/p><\/div>\n

Other Gear and Accessories<\/h2>\n

Aside from the gun, magazines, and holster\/carrier for them you need a good quality belt to hang them from.\u00a0 Good leather is always nice.\u00a0 Many shooters like the nylon web style. I have come to like them due to durability and fine-adjustment capabilities. The belt should be strong and stiff enough to be a firm support platform for the gun and the loaded magazines.\u00a0 It also needs to fit the pants you plan to wear \u2013 and if you\u2019re using a belt loop mounted holster \u2013 be sure they are compatible!
\nEye and ear protection. Here is a place I urge you to splurge.\u00a0 You only get one pair of each of these, and protecting them is very important. Hearing damage is cumulative over your lifetime, so you can\u2019t over-protect your hearing. I strongly recommend the active over-the-ear muff style protectors.\u00a0 They are designed to amplify common sounds so that you can clearly hear range commands and other\u2019s speaking \u2013 but they cut out the harmful noises above certain decibel levels. They are electronic, so spare batteries are a good idea. Eye protection should wrap around the side of your face enough to protect your eyes from harm when your head might be turned 90 degrees from shrapnel coming off a steel target or similar. Be sure they are properly impact rated.\u00a0 You can spend big bucks, or still get quality (with less fashion perhaps) by going to your home improvement store and getting a pair\u2026 your choice.<\/p>\n

\"Stage<\/a>

A stage bag with separators and magazine pockets is desirable. This one also includes a pouch for your empty casings.<\/p><\/div>\n

Anything else you invest in is optional \u2013 though several things are going to feel like necessities.\u00a0 The first of these is a good range bag.\u00a0 At our local IDPA matches, we shoot between 5 and 7 stages routinely.\u00a0 The ammo you have to carry alone will be cumbersome.
\nYou\u2019re also going to need extra magazines (3 are required, and I feel like I\u2019m in trouble if I don\u2019t have at least 4).\u00a0 Magazine loaders are a God send, and soon you\u2019ll find one a must have.\u00a0 Eye and ear protection, when you\u2019re not wearing it, has to go somewhere. Water, a snack, sunscreen\u2026 you get the picture.\u00a0 You will ultimately want to invest in a good range bag.\u00a0 I like one that is offered by MidwayUSA that has a removable stage bag and tons of storage.\u00a0 It is less expensive than many inferior bags. You don\u2019t have to buy the most expensive gear \u2013 and I would recommend waiting until you\u2019ve visited a match once or twice and get tips from the other shooters.<\/p>\n

\"UpLula<\/a>

A magazine loading tool, such as this UpLula model will quickly become essential equipment. Like any sport, there is no shortage of ways to spend your money!<\/p><\/div>\n

Software (Safety, Skills, Mindset)<\/h2>\n

What you can\u2019t buy at the local gun store or online outfitter is the software.\u00a0 I\u2019m borrowing that terminology from my friend and frequent squad mate, Stephen \u2013 U.S.M.C, Federal law enforcement agent, and extremely fine shooter. When he offers advice, I get out my pencil. To continue the golf analogy, I can walk out of the pro shop with everything I need to play golf \u2013 except for all the important things I need \u2013 which I can\u2019t buy in the store. Same with the shooting sports like IDPA, with one huge addition \u2013 safety.\u00a0 You don\u2019t need a nanny lecture and you\u2019re not going to get one, but you won\u2019t last long at any shooting match of any kind if you don\u2019t understand and follow all the safety rules.\u00a0 This is the one area where we all lose our sense of humor \u2013 and for good reason.\u00a0 Few sports are as potentially dangerous to participant and spectator alike as shooting sports, and it wouldn\u2019t take many incidents to shut the sport down \u2013 especially in today\u2019s climate. So, while I\u2019ll end the lecture about safety here, understand that it is first and foremost at all times, and that IDPA has an excellent safety record!<\/p>\n

Having said that, in all other ways you should try to focus on fun and not take things so seriously. You will perform better, learn better, and have a much better experience if you roll with it. You\u2019ll find a lot of support and helpful people around you. There is a camaraderie among IDPA members that is as good as any I\u2019ve experienced.<\/p>\n

Your skills are going to take time to build. Don\u2019t try to rush yourself, and don\u2019t try to shoot faster than you can hit your target.\u00a0 Don\u2019t try to draw your gun or perform reloads faster than you\u2019re comfortable doing it.\u00a0 The saying \u201cslow is smooth, and smooth is fast\u201d is true.<\/p>\n

\"Local<\/a>

Local Match Director, Chuck Limpert gives new shooters a safety and rules orientation. Note that there is a designated area for safe firearm handling.<\/p><\/div>\n

Going to your first match<\/h2>\n

Getting started is easy \u2013 just find a club in your area.\u00a0 Simply go to www.idpa.com\u00a0 and use the search for a club tool to find the one closest to you.\u00a0 You\u2019ll find contact information there, and often directions are provided too.\u00a0 I recommend contacting the match director or other contact provided, and let them know you are interested in IDPA and that it would be your first time.\u00a0 I have never met a match director that wouldn\u2019t welcome newcomers with open arms. They will give you any extra information you might need, such as what to bring with you and who to ask for when you arrive.\u00a0 A new shooter briefing is customary, and here you will be instructed about the safety rules and many of the basic IDPA match rules.<\/p>\n

A lot of newcomers to any sport are intimidated and apprehensive.\u00a0 Everyone else seems to know each other, they are probably all insanely skilled shooters, and I\u2019m going to feel stupid.\u00a0 Sound familiar? That\u2019s how I felt, and most likely how everyone feels when they go to their first match. But I assure you, you will find a warm and welcoming environment, and your first question at the end of it will be \u201cwhen is the next match!?\u201d.\u00a0 I would like to acknowledge here, the many good friends I have made in IDPA, and the comments, thoughts, and suggestions given to me about what to include in this article. In the end, much like golfing, sailing, or fishing \u2013 the activity might draw us in but the camaraderie keeps us coming back.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll leave you with some parting words from Joyce Wilson, Executive Director of IDPA:<\/p>\n

\u201cMost importantly, it’s fun and a way for likeminded shooters to get together.\u00a0 IDPA is extremely new shooter friendly and most clubs have a new shooter orientation program to introduce people to the sport.\u00a0 Many clubs now are also developing ‘women only’ shooter orientations so that hopefully we can make it less intimidating for new female shooters.\u00a0 At Headquarters we are also looking for more ways to encourage more women into the sport.\u00a0 We feel that it is important for continuing our Second Amendment rights as well as helping women realize that they can protect themselves.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Looking at doing some competitive shooting that tests your real world skills? Check out IDPA. The fast paced shooting sport offers a safe way to test your skills under stress, and it can be a lot of fun.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":21199,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6,87,10],"tags":[132,119],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-21194","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-competition","8":"category-justin-opinion","9":"category-shootbetter","10":"tag-buzz","11":"tag-competition"},"yoast_head":"\nGetting Started in the IDPA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Looking at doing some competitive shooting that tests your real world skills? 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