uh-oh now i'm hooked, first IDPA match

[chrish]

So, shot my first IDPA match today and to totally embarrass myself I shot my TP9. Fate decided that for me. I had packed up both the TP9 and CZ P-01 last night and figured I'd decide when I got there. Last night, decided to do some 'mag drop practice' w/ the CZ and put it back in the wrong range bag last night. Grabbed the other bag in a rush this morning an made it to the shoot w/ the TP9, 4 mags for it...and half a dozen CZ mags (doh!). So, left me no choice but to shoot the TP9.

That being said, actually pretty happy w/ the day. Having to shoot the Kahr trigger it forced me to slow down...a lot...compared to how I shoot the CZ on a typical trip to the range. So it worked out I guess.

I knew it wasn't going to be a great day being my first match and having the TP, but I really felt like I did pretty well all things considered. probably shot 60-70% 0 down over the 6 stages. Only called down once for being out of cover. One stage with some 'coyotes' about 30 feet out, totally missed 3 of 11, but not gonna cry over that. The other 8 were kill shots. Funny thing, after all my practice and years and years of shooting, I almost NEVER saw my sights today. At first, it really unsettled me. Then I kinda got into a groove and didn't let it bother me, I was hitting well enough. Mostly, my problem was keeping myself slowed down and then having to solve the problems or keep from forgetting to shoot something. THAT was a huge challenge for me. One stage I flat out didn't complete...just totally forgot to take a final shot at the last two targets to get the minimum hits per target on the stage, yet I had plenty of ammo left. Dummy.

All in all, I have to say I'm hooked. I'll definitely be shooting the TP again, but will definitely take the CZ next time :D

[Alfonse]

Sounds like fun. I've been thinking of giving match shooting a shot also.

[AIRret]

CZ's are amazing. I shot a CZ PO 1 Tac. and Hubby shot a CZ 75 B at a class and they are great!!!
Last spring we took a IDPA class and really enjoyed it......but we are traveling much of the time so it will have to wait!! (SAD)
But, IDPA is my first choice for comp. IT seems more like real world!
Keep us posted on your progress, and good luck!

[chrish]

Thanks. Will do (on my progress).

Not sure whether I'll like IDPA or USPSA more over the long haul. One of the private ranges here runs both once a month on different days. USPSA is in two weeks. Not sure if I'll make that or not. I lead a pretty hectic life. But I'm definitely going back.

I have to say I highly recommend it. If not just for fun, to get more comfortable w/ your firearm and to get more variation that what you can do on your own at the range. Anytime I go to the range I'm a member at and nobody is there, I do what I can to 'move and shoot' and try to mimic some of what I've seen at IDPA on YouTube. Not sure if it helped much, but I really feel pretty good about the day.

I went in w/ a LOT of hesitation, fear of embarrassment, etc. The folks there were very encouraging, not once did anybody make me feel unwelcome or inferior. I was 1 of about 5 new folks with a total of maybe 60 shooters in all. I did get a couple of good natured comments. One about how quickly a Kahr runs out of gas (rounds), but I was only 2 rounds short of everybody else (per mag)...but I found that was a pretty big disadvantage if you are there to really compete against other folks. I was only there today to push myself. But one guy on one of my stages commented that I was shooting the lowest capacity gun there that day and he was impressed at how well it worked for me...so that made me feel pretty good too.

All in all, best range day I've had in awhile. Was getting really bored with the ho-hum pinging steel and shooting paper. This was a hoot.

[Dirty Harry]

I can understand the feeling. I shoot USPSA. I started about 13 months ago. It's a lot of fun.

[chrish]

I think I may like USPSA better once I try it. Less to keep up with. One of the things today was just having to think about everything. dropping a loaded mag, being sure I was always behind cover, how many shots were required per target, which way to shoot a stage (closest to farthest vs first visible), etc. I mean, good exercises definitely, but when the day was over I was mentally DONE. felt like it had been an overly stimulating work day. I was/am tired.

[Dirty Harry]

I didn't want to bash IDPA, buuuuuuutt USPSA is a lot more fun as far as I'm concerned. Pretty much for all the reasons you stated. You just go out there and have at it. The other thing with USPSA is you get more points for your B,C&D shots if you shoot anything bigger then a 9mm. I use a Glock 35 40S&W.

[chrish]

Yea, the few folks I talked with there yesterday that shoot both said the same thing you did...USPSA much more of a fun, relaxing Saturday. I'm looking forward to trying it.

[muggsy]

So, shot my first IDPA match today and to totally embarrass myself I shot my TP9. Fate decided that for me. I had packed up both the TP9 and CZ P-01 last night and figured I'd decide when I got there. Last night, decided to do some 'mag drop practice' w/ the CZ and put it back in the wrong range bag last night. Grabbed the other bag in a rush this morning an made it to the shoot w/ the TP9, 4 mags for it...and half a dozen CZ mags (doh!). So, left me no choice but to shoot the TP9.

That being said, actually pretty happy w/ the day. Having to shoot the Kahr trigger it forced me to slow down...a lot...compared to how I shoot the CZ on a typical trip to the range. So it worked out I guess.

I knew it wasn't going to be a great day being my first match and having the TP, but I really felt like I did pretty well all things considered. probably shot 60-70% 0 down over the 6 stages. Only called down once for being out of cover. One stage with some 'coyotes' about 30 feet out, totally missed 3 of 11, but not gonna cry over that. The other 8 were kill shots. Funny thing, after all my practice and years and years of shooting, I almost NEVER saw my sights today. At first, it really unsettled me. Then I kinda got into a groove and didn't let it bother me, I was hitting well enough. Mostly, my problem was keeping myself slowed down and then having to solve the problems or keep from forgetting to shoot something. THAT was a huge challenge for me. One stage I flat out didn't complete...just totally forgot to take a final shot at the last two targets to get the minimum hits per target on the stage, yet I had plenty of ammo left. Dummy.

All in all, I have to say I'm hooked. I'll definitely be shooting the TP again, but will definitely take the CZ next time :D

Your story reminded me of a sign that was posted in one of my places of employment. It read, "All that this organization needs is a little organization." I always try to make haste slowly. :)

[chrish]

Your story reminded me of a sign that was posted in one of my places of employment. It read, "All that this organization needs is a little organization." I always try to make haste slowly. :)

Yea, tell me about it. It was like one of those despair.com posters when I stepped out of the car, got to the safe area and opened up my bag to find tons of CZ mags, loaded, ready to go, and no CZ pistol. I almost got back in the car and headed for home I was so disgusted.

[gb6491]

Yea, tell me about it. It was like one of those despair.com posters when I stepped out of the car, got to the safe area and opened up my bag to find tons of CZ mags, loaded, ready to go, and no CZ pistol. I almost got back in the car and headed for home I was so disgusted.
That brings back memories of a good friend. He worked private security. They qualified annually and the range was quite a drive from where we lived. He had always wanted to try out my S&W Model 60, so he asked to take it with him to shoot after qualifying. I didn't mind, so he picked it and a box of .357 up on qual day. You've probably guessed by now that when he got to the range he discovered that he'd left his duty piece (S&W5906) at home. He ended up qualifying with that little snubbie, but bitched about his hands hurting. Turns out it didn't occur to him to use .38 Special in it so he had just bought more .357 for the course he was shooting.:eek:
I don't remember him ever asking to borrow the Model 60 again.
Thanks for bringing that episode to mind again:D
Regards,
Greg

[Bawanna]

I didn't know they made the 60 in 357. That would be a handful for sure.

[b4uqzme]

been thinking about that for awhile chrish. Thanks for the encouragement.

[gb6491]

I didn't know they made the 60 in 357. That would be a handful for sure.Mine is a 60-9. That's a "Magnum" J frame which is about an 1/8" bigger than the older frame (which I don't think they make any 60s on anymore:().
http://i45.tinypic.com/15xwh2h.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/2ylo021.jpg
Regards,
Greg

[chrish]

Yea, if I'd have arrived with only a .357 revolver...big or small...I can guarantee you I would have turned tail and gone home. No way I'd have spent the day reloading a revolver (cuz we know ida left the speed loaders at home too) and taking that kind of punishment on my hand and wrists.

[Dirty Harry]

Here's a video from the last match. I wear a camera on my hat when shooting the steel stages. When shooting at paper it's not too entertaining. I was having a problem with my accuracy so I moved, on settled down and came back.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DomwbPuBjUo

[garyb]

IDPA is fun stuff. Great for training and building gun handling skills. I am sure the same is true for other handgun shooting sports. Good stuff. These are aspects of guns that the anti folks ignore or are ignorant about. It is a great sport and lots of healthy fun.

[b4uqzme]

There's a BUG match nearby in about a month and I think I'll go. It will be my first IDPA. What's the difference in a BUG match? Is it just the number of rounds in your mag (5)? Or do you really shoot your pocket pistol? I scanned the IDPA rules and didn't find a clear description. Sounds like fun!

[JohnR]

I'll have to see if there's a USPSA club here and check it out. IDPA is fun and all, but with 130 shooters in 5 bays, we're there for six hours to shoot a cumulative of less than five minutes. That feels like a waste of a day, to me.

[garyb]

There's a BUG match nearby in about a month and I think I'll go. It will be my first IDPA. What's the difference in a BUG match? Is it just the number of rounds in your mag (5)? Or do you really shoot your pocket pistol? I scanned the IDPA rules and didn't find a clear description. Sounds like fun!

I'd get in touch with the local shooting group to find out more details. The guy who runs the shoot will be helpful to prep you. Many matches require new shooters to arrive early to receive special safety instructions, learn the commands, etc.... Probably a good idea to contact them before you go so you don't waste your time.

[JohnR]

There's a BUG match nearby in about a month and I think I'll go. It will be my first IDPA. What's the difference in a BUG match? Is it just the number of rounds in your mag (5)? Or do you really shoot your pocket pistol? I scanned the IDPA rules and didn't find a clear description. Sounds like fun!

Our is pretty informal, if you don't have a BUG you can shoot what you want, but the BUG still has to be 9mm/.38 or higher caliber (no .22s or .380s). The match is designed for 5 or 6 round capacities, less about tactical reloads.

[garyb]

I'll have to see if there's a USPSA club here and check it out. IDPA is fun and all, but with 130 shooters in 5 bays, we're there for six hours to shoot a cumulative of less than five minutes. That feels like a waste of a day, to me.

I've been to a number of IDPA shoots with that many shooters, but did not spend that much time on the range. Usually done in 2-3 hours if organized properly. Time well spent. Never gone past noon on a morning shoot starting at 9:30am. I've never seen a shoot where things did not move right along very smoothly and in a fun way.

Never shot it, but I'm sure USPSA is a lot of fun too. Different games, that's all. Both fun and great gun handling practice. Certainly some folks like one better than the other for different reasons.

[JohnR]

I've been to a number of IDPA shoots with that many shooters, but did not spend that much time on the range. Usually done in 2-3 hours if organized properly. Time well spent. Never gone past noon on a morning shoot starting at 9:30am. I've never seen a shoot where things did not move right along very smoothly and in a fun way.

Never shot it, but I'm sure USPSA is a lot of fun too. Different games, that's all. Both fun and great gun handling practice. Certainly some folks like one better than the other for different reasons.

Wow, our match director needs to talk to your match director. We're there from 9 to 2 or 3pm.

[b4uqzme]

Garyb, johnr, thanks!

[garyb]

Some of the guys stay past lunch to shoot another round for fun if the match director gives them a go. Usually don't hold any afternoon relays past noon.

[chrish]

Match I was just at lasted until nearly 2, probably 1:30-ish. Meetings were beginning around 9:30, probably first rounds fired by 10-10:15.

They also run USPSA where I went, so I might try that at some point, but will definitely have to remember to bag the CZ going to those. I expect I'd be laughed out of the area bringing a Kahr to a USPSA shoot.

[chrish]

I'd get in touch with the local shooting group to find out more details. The guy who runs the shoot will be helpful to prep you. Many matches require new shooters to arrive early to receive special safety instructions, learn the commands, etc.... Probably a good idea to contact them before you go so you don't waste your time.

Ditto on that! While I had watched IDPA and USPSA on the 'tubes' before I even considered going to the local match, the info gained from my friend that shoots it (and acts as a RO/SO at the matches) was way more helpful to have before I arrived. All clubs are just a little different, some are IDPA rule sticklers and others are not. They all run their prelim shooter meetings differently, etc.

So definitely what garyb said, find someone that goes frequently, or the match organizer, and get some info up front about what to expect.

[garyb]

Match I was just at lasted until nearly 2, probably 1:30-ish. Meetings were beginning around 9:30, probably first rounds fired by 10-10:15.


Yes Chrish, 10 to 1:30 is about 3 1/2 hours. Closer to what I would expect (as I stated 2-3 hrs). I would add that anything up to 4 hours long is not at all unreasonable.
But I do agree with JohnR...6 hrs is too long a day, considering the amount of time any one shooter is on the line.

[chrish]

Yes Chrish, 10 to 1:30 is about 3 1/2 hours. Closer to what I would expect (as I stated 2-3 hrs). I would add that anything up to 4 hours long is not at all unreasonable.
But I do agree with JohnR...6 hrs is too long a day, considering the amount of time any one shooter is on the line.

Yea, I was WIPED after it was over. Most of the time, standing around in the sun (although a pretty day) waiting. We had about 60 shooters give-or-take that day and 6 stages. I imagine if you have closer to 100, you'd definitely be there all day. I will definitely be monitoring that as I attend more. If it looks like a BIG crowd, I may well pack up and head home. Don't want to loose a 6+ hour Saturday. Then again, it was a hoot.

I think November here is a night shoot. Flashlights, no weapon mounted lights allowed (not sure why, being IDPA and all).

One other suggestion, take some snacks and water. I was hurtin' by the end on just a pack of pb crackers and a 16oz water.

[chrish]

Question for folks shooting IDPA. What setup do you run (belt, mag holders, holster). I went w/ exactly what I carry (TP9, Remora, standard belt). But I already know that my CZ, while it carries well in my Remora #10, won't do well holstering/re-holstering over and over in a standard non-gun belt. Remora is fine for carrying the CZ when you are guaranteed to not really be accessing it frequently, just not repeated use over hours.

Anyway, thinking about just getting a Wilderness/5.11 heavy duty nylon belt and just using a nylon mag carrier I have w/ the flaps tucked in. For now.

Problem is finding something decent OWB holster-wise for either the TP9 or CZ P-01. Not much out there for those guns. Seriously looking at Old Faithful OWB for both.

[garyb]

I use a comp-tac OWB (not a paddle) IDPA holster set which includes their mag pouches...with my S&W M&P40PRO. Dawson front sight. Factory flat black back sight. Puffy reloads. The Comp-tac is made specifically for the gun. You might check with them to see what they have for your guns. A lot of guys stick with Fobus or Blackhawk.

[chrish]

garyb, thanks!

Funny, I had gone back and ran across another thread you had posted in about the Comp-Tac rig you run, but I had also JUST ordered an International and two tek-lok mag carriers right before finding that thread.

I did some reading last night and this morning. I used to run an Infidel w/ my PM9 and P9, but switched to Remora for my daily carry holster. Was always happy w/ the Infidel, but sold it to another member here last year. But always had been happy w/ the construction of that Comp-Tac holster. I'm so 'instant gratification', while I might like an Old Faithful, wasn't willing to wait weeks for it. Some of the other options I found were Custom Carry Concepts and LHS Holsters, both make a taco/kydex solution for the P-01. Again, as much as an 8 week wait for them.

I really wanted to find something 'dual purpose' like a Raven Phantom, that would ride high for concealed carry for those rare occasions when I want to carry the CZ OWB. But I'll be happy w/ this either way and I think it'll work better if I tackle USPSA at some point.

I went w/ the Infidel initially b/c of Comp-Tacs reputation in the shooting competitions...so I expect the International will live up to the few pretty stellar reviews of it out there.

[b4uqzme]

Shot my first IDPA match today. I am hooked too. It was a BUG match. You had to shoot around a car door - holding a baby, then seated across a poker table, plus six other defensive scenarios. It was a blast. Thanks chrish for getting me off my but. One more week and I would have missed the whole season. Oh, by the way. I brought the right gun, mags, ammo, holster, etc. Helps to pack your bag the night before. ;)

[chrish]

Mr funny man! hehe. Glad you had fun.


I didn't get to go to the October match and the November match next weekend is at night (flashlight shooting). Not sure I want to tackle that just yet but I bet it'll be a hoot. I'm going to start up again in January. One of the guys told me that the season here starts slow/easy (January) and gets progressively more complex.


In the meantime, I think I might try my hand at USPSA later this month. I picked up a new rig (comp-tac international + mag holders) up a couple weeks back for my P-01. USPSA is in a couple of weeks, so maybe...will have to see.

[b4uqzme]

Really. I had to shoot one handed while holding a baby (doll). I cleared that stage in a pretty respectable time. I really didn't make any glaring errors but there was one stage where you had to hit a target twice before it went away and I was too slow and only got one on. That cost me a 5 second penalty. The k40 ran perfect. My brother in law accidentally hit his safety when he holstered his M&P Shield. It took him what seemed like forever to figure out what was wrong. Just reinforces that manual safeties aren't a good idea on a carry piece.

[chrish]

Really. I had to shoot one handed while holding a baby (doll). I cleared that stage in a pretty respectable time. I really didn't make any glaring errors but there was one stage where you had to hit a target twice before it went away and I was too slow and only got one on. That cost me a 5 second penalty. The k40 ran perfect. My brother in law accidentally hit his safety when he holstered his M&P Shield. It took him what seemed like forever to figure out what was wrong. Just reinforces that manual safeties aren't a good idea on a carry piece.



HA! Yea, I meant 'funny man' about your comment about taking all the right gear and packing the night before...figured you were poking fun at me on that one (which I deserve). But the baby doll thing I believed, had a couple of similar stages when I went.


I agree about the safety thing. Couple of guys in my group had issues w/ theirs as well and they were more 'experienced' folks that had competed before. I'll never have a firearm w/ a safety, carry or otherwise. I really don't keep guns that I don't consider for HD or carry. At some point, when I get old and crotchety, maybe I'll have the $ to do that, but for now, I only buy and shoot what I intend to have available for carry, home defense, or shtf...and in all 3 cases, don't want a safety involved.

[b4uqzme]

Oh yeah, that :o I was :p

I guess you can train for a manual safety but I'm with you: not on my carry pieces. I've had a hankering for a CZ97 but the only one I found was a safety model so I didn't buy it. It can be kinda embarrassing on the trap range too asking for a second bird because you forgot to flip the safety... takes practice.

[b4uqzme]

back to the IDPA. I'm definitely gonna shoot the series next season ... I'm that hooked. If I can find the right leather holster, I'll shoot a Hi Power in 40sw...just to be different :rolleyes:

[jocko]

Oh yeah, that :o I was :p

I guess you can train for a manual safety but I'm with you: not on my carry pieces. I've had a hankering for a CZ97 but the only one I found was a safety model so I didn't buy it. It can be kinda embarrassing on the trap range too asking for a second bird because you forgot to flip the safety... takes practice.

there, done that on a skeet range many times, never competitively, as I was not worth a sh!t at skeet either but it was fun. I shoot for years a 100 year old Iver Johnson Skeeter side by side. Finest factory wood anyone had ever seen, each peace serial numbered also. It was a hell of a dove gun though but not really a good skeet gun for ol jocko..

I think the day I get to serious about shooting and guns, is the day will sell um all:amflag:

[chrish]

Been thinking about going to shoot trap/skeet/sporting-clays, but have yet to do it. Afraid I'd be hooked on that then too. Buddy recently went for the first time and he had a blast shooting sporting clays. Been looking at one of those new 'rebadged' Akkar CZ shotguns, the 612. It's an 18.5" SD shotgun for around $275 that you can get a longer field barrel as well (24" maybe). Pump. Cheap. Figured I'd have a SD shotgun on the cheap even if I never went and tried sporting clays.


After all this talk, looking forward to getting back to an IDPA match now. Maybe I will have to go shoot in the dark...

[b4uqzme]

Yeah, I'm hooked on clays too. Just like anything, you can get carried away on equipment. Each discipline prefers a special gun. I shoot trap with an O/U skeet gun and do okay. I agree with jocko...the day I get too serious....

For now I'll follow CSN's advice: "love the one you're with".

[garyb]

Shot my first IDPA match today. I am hooked too. It was a BUG match. You had to shoot around a car door - holding a baby, then seated across a poker table, plus six other defensive scenarios. It was a blast. Thanks chrish for getting me off my but. One more week and I would have missed the whole season. Oh, by the way. I brought the right gun, mags, ammo, holster, etc. Helps to pack your bag the night before. ;)

I don't consider it so much as competition as I do training for gun handling skills. Great practice. Should be standard training for LEO's. Lots of fun...I totally agree. It can turn into a competitive deal very quickly....so hang in there and keep going AND remember to pack your bag, haha..

[jocko]

Been thinking about going to shoot trap/skeet/sporting-clays, but have yet to do it. Afraid I'd be hooked on that then too. Buddy recently went for the first time and he had a blast shooting sporting clays. Been looking at one of those new 'rebadged' Akkar CZ shotguns, the 612. It's an 18.5" SD shotgun for around $275 that you can get a longer field barrel as well (24" maybe). Pump. Cheap. Figured I'd have a SD shotgun on the cheap even if I never went and tried sporting clays.


After all this talk, looking forward to getting back to an IDPA match now. Maybe I will have to go shoot in the dark...

sporting lays are getting to rich for my blood anymore. I can shoot a round of skeet at our old club for $3.50 andenjoy the comradrie of the shooters with me, unlike trap which is more personal. Been shooting skeet off and on for 25 years, never yet bustedf 25, close but that is about all. Ishoot with an ol timer a few years back who had a 410 Iver Johnson skeeter and he shoot the entire 25 skeet targetsfrom the hip and never missed. I never ask the fokker to shoot with me again. great guy. Just sayin

[bugs]

I shoot my EDC CM9 in BUG/MM,I use one of my EDC holsters, IWB hybred, made by a fellow shooter, on a 5:11 1.5 dress belt for matches although I also use a Rosen OWB pancake, and a 5:11 fuzzy holster for pocket carry (it sticks to velcro when in the car) stays upright as some of my pants pockets are snug; my carry mag holder is a Leatherman pouch carried horizontally on the belt @9:00 flap to rear, bullets down.

for matches, I use 4 7rd.(6rd.loaded) extnd. mags, (easier to grab) bullets front, in vertical nylon knife pouches w/cut off'd flaps, the most forward is 9:00, the rearmost is the load & make ready mag; my IWB/OWB are worn @ 4:00 always.
my IWB is a faster draw then the Rosen which is still pretty stiff yet(former USPSA gamer) I should start using it more to break it in, and pocket holsters are unacceptable for safety reasons in IDPA. hope this will give you some ideas to start from.

NRA LIFER
IDPA BELEIVER

[b4uqzme]

Yeah, I'm hooked on clays too. Just like anything, you can get carried away on equipment. Each discipline prefers a special gun. I shoot trap with an O/U skeet gun and do okay. I agree with jocko...the day I get too serious....

For now I'll follow CSN's advice: "love the one you're with".

UPDATE: yeah I lied my a$$ off on that one. I wound up buying/selling a whole basket full of shotguns before I landed on a Beretta O/U that I now use for all clays games. No complaints though. It was fun trying them all out and I bought them all used and was able to recoup most of the investment when I sold them. But YOU CERTAINLY CAN GET CARRIED AWAY. That much is true. :o

P.S. I hung onto that neat old O/U Weatherby Orion that I was talking about even though I'll never shoot it for clays. It's just a beauty.

P.S.S. I still owe gratitude to Chrish for getting me hooked on IDPA. I don't compete. I just show up when I can. Yet the other shooters are very welcoming. It's a great sport. I generally show up with a CZP07 in 40sw, a fobus double mag holder + a spare mag in my cargo pocket (for load and make ready) and a Vedder hybrid OWB slide holster. I don't even know what class I shoot. Just wherever they put me. I shoot BUG with one of the Kahrs.