Lately it seems we have a lot of people seeking to purchase handguns with the intent to shoot competitively. Most often the direction these people go is toward USPSA. We read a lot on here about USPSA since that is what a lot of the more experienced shooters are involved in, so it's only natural that new shooters want to follow in their footsteps - and that's a good thing. There is a great sticky about USPSA at the beginning of this section of the forum. However, imagine yourself a new shooter who has just expended considerable income on buying that wonder-nine with which to shoot USPSA, and then discovering the additional equipment needed. Most notably magazines - usually running $25 to $40 each and five is the absolute minimum and six is comfortable. Then you need mag pouches in which to carry them. If you want to jump in with both feet, and this is certainly optional, there is a belt system (over/under belt), and a holster, needed for whatever discipline you choose.

 

USPSA is more available to us here, there being matches at CJRPC, Old Bridge and Shongum, plus others over in PA. But here is a lower cost alternative for those starting out: IDPA. A little harder in which to get involved since there are fewer matches - Old Bridge and SCFGPA, with SCFGPA limiting participation due to range constraints, but a great way to get your feet wet. Less needed in the way of equipment: A stock firearm (few modifications are allowed), three magazines, a holster, a double mag pouch and a cover garment. That's it. The holster is required to go on the belt holding up you pants (must be through the belt loops) and no more than two back-up magazines can be carried. Lower round count per stage (equals less $$$$ spent on ammo) - maximum being 24 rounds and those are few and far between. IDPA is set-up to be more "realistic" - please note the use of quotation marks - this still very much a GAME and while it helps you familiarize yourself with your weapon and shooting from various positions, locations and while moving, it is in no way training for a real life lethal encounter. IDPA is more the "thinking man's (or woman's)" game and has more rules and strictures in place than USPSA, which I think of as more a run & gun type game, with little concern for cover or reloading, that IDPA has built into their rules.

 

Picking IDPA does not mean that you have to be exclusive. It is a less expensive way to get involved in action shooting, while saving your sheckles for the additional equipment you'll need/want for USPSA. I shoot both. Weather and SWMBO permitting, that means three matches a month for me. I tend to shoot one gun for USPSA (P226ST), in the production division and I use IDPA to experiment and have some fun, having shot a 1911 in CDP division and a S&W revolver in ESR division. I intend to try ESP this upcoming qualifier match.

 

In either game you will find the other participants friendly and helpful, taking the time to explain rules or expound on equipment. Both games have admirable safety records and safety is foremost in both with RO's (or RSO's) literally following in your footsteps on each stage - regardless of your experience or level of competence. Buying a handgun to participate in one of these games is a great reason for purchase and one of the few joys left to shooters in NJ. I urge you to remember that while USPSA is great - it's not the only game in town.

 

Be safe.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

Absolutely, positively, right.

 

But you missed uspsa at tenafly and lower providence in pa.

 

 

As for Idpa, shot a match at Somerset, great group of guys, fun match.... Just don't wear a fancy flashy shirt.... People look weird at you.

I've been wanting to try IDPA... I have the equipment for it... sucks I have to put my holster on my pants' belt. I usually just use a dedicated pistol one that I can put on... especially over clothing in winter months, but oh wells. If that's one of the only major rules, then it's worth a shot.

 

USPSA is just mind-boggling with what one can do with it though...

Very good write up Bob. I keep saying I need to get out and shoot an IDPA match but things just haven't worked out,, yet.

 

One thing to also mention to folks looking to get into shooting sports. There are 2 others that come to mind, Steel is one, yes this one you will need 5 mags, but you don't need gag holders or a holster. Each stage is only 5 targets and you shoot them as fast as you can, 5 times for each stage, and as long as it's not knock down steel you can shoot 22LR's and that's very cheap to shoot, but Carbine and center-fire are also used.

 

The other is OBRAMS, not sure if any other clubs have it, but is the same as USPSA but shot with 22LR's, and let me tell you, it's about the most fun you can have with a 22.

 

Just wanted to mention a few other action sports that are out there.

I found USPSA to more of a "thinking" game. The stages are more complex and with fewer rules, there are more opportunities for gaming. IDPA is more remembering to stay behind cover and shoot until you run dry. No tactical reloads like USPSA. BTW, how many rounds are the stages at the Bridgewater IDPA? I want to shoot my H&Kc but I only have two, eight-round magazines and MidwayUSA is sold out.

What Bob said is spot on.

Try other disciplines.

Find what you like and go from there.

What Bob said is spot on.

Try other disciplines.

Find what you like and go from there.

 

But what if you find out you like them all???

 

 

How the little one doing??

But what if you find out you like them all???

 

Then be prepared to spend money!

Then be prepared to spend money!

 

I am Nick, I am...

But what if you find out you like them all???

 

 

How the little one doing??

The little one is good. sleeps, eats, pees/poops, repeat several times a day.

I found that I like them all also. But life/home/work and the lack of F-you money, keeps me grounded.

Thanks for the writeup Bob! As you know I am definitely interested in trying IDPA as a way to get my feet wet. I have the holster, mag, and pouches (purchased with your help a few months ago) all ready to go. Now I just have to make the commitment the next time a session is available!

Bob,

 

Great write up. I know I have been wanting to shoot and idpa match for some time now. There is also a monthly steel match at CJRPC also. I have found that I really enjoy shooting steel, especially the last years issues with my ankle. Having shot 1 uspsa, a glock match and several steel matches, I can say that the people are great. Even the competitors help everyone out. I have changed my place in a line up to help a fellow shooter use my extra mags. It really is one big family.

 

 

 

Though I will say that the video of the squirells comparing uspsa and idpa is very funny.

I may have to try IDPA one day. It seems to be a more practical application of combat pistol concepts then IPSC. I won't know until I shoot a match or two.

bryan... this one?

 

 

or

 

 

?

I may have to try IDPA one day. It seems to be a more practical application of combat pistol concepts then IPSC. I won't know until I shoot a match or two.

 

Its a game with different rules. Nothing really practical about IDPA either. =P ok ok, it is more practical, but whenever you are on the clock, its a game. =)

 

If you want to practice defensive skills, forget the clock and do it, no one is going to grief over it.

 

It's this one. Not that I agree with it. I just find the banter funny.

lol, watched it again. You shut your sweet sass mouth. lol

 

 

 

why are you wearing that fushing vest. hahaha

I would say the best competition shooting to start with would probably be static steel.

You don't have to even holster if you don't want to and you don't need mag pouches so

that minimizes equipment needs. Also it's very simple in terms of the rules/way it is

run. No reloads, no movement, just point and shoot.

 

I've brought some of my friends to the range who are interested in shooting, but if they

bought a gun and wanted to compete I would not suggest they just go into a USPSA match.

For a beginner it's pretty intense and pretty involved. I admit I started maybe 6 months

after getting my first handgun and felt a little overwhelmed. Did alrght, but I also had

some fun matches at Shoreshot to warm me up. Which BTW is also a great place to start off.

 

Anyways that's just my thoughts.

I would say the best competition shooting to start with would probably be static steel.

You don't have to even holster if you don't want to and you don't need mag pouches so

that minimizes equipment needs. Also it's very simple in terms of the rules/way it is

run. No reloads, no movement, just point and shoot.

 

I've brought some of my friends to the range who are interested in shooting, but if they

bought a gun and wanted to compete I would not suggest they just go into a USPSA match.

For a beginner it's pretty intense and pretty involved. I admit I started maybe 6 months

after getting my first handgun and felt a little overwhelmed. Did alrght, but I also had

some fun matches at Shoreshot to warm me up. Which BTW is also a great place to start off.

 

Anyways that's just my thoughts.

 

 

if you are a safe shooter, nothing to worry about. Start at a match like Shongum, then progress to CJ, then OB. OB as a beginner match can be very overwhelming.

if you are a safe shooter, nothing to worry about. Start at a match like Shongum, then progress to CJ, then OB. OB as a beginner match can be very overwhelming.

 

Maybe that's why I'm saying that cause that's the only place I've shot.

Texas Star on my first match made me feel pretty incompetent. LOL!

OB is pretty intense. CJ is a lot easier.

if you are a safe shooter, nothing to worry about. Start at a match like Shongum, then progress to CJ, then OB. OB as a beginner match can be very overwhelming.

 

No kidding, my first match was only going into the 3rd month of shooting handguns, also coming from indoor ranges with there rules, it was really the first time doing rapid fire for the most part, and sure was the first time shooting on the move and not just standing there. Yea, just a couple new things going on all at once.

Maybe that's why I'm saying that cause that's the only place I've shot.

Texas Star on my first match made me feel pretty incompetent. LOL!

 

Texas star at your first match also, and hey that was the last stage my squad shot so I also have the pleasure of breaking down the largest and most complex stage there that day. Would have been nice if the classifier was the last stage.

Just one correction for pizza bob's description. I don't know who needs 6 mags for USPSA production. 4 is the minimum (which I did for a few months), and 5 is plenty. I've shot 10 round divisions with 5 mags for about 8 years. I ran out of ammo once, when I was new, had a malfunction AND missed a lot on some steel.

 

Realistically, minimum needed for IDPA you need

 

1 gun

3 mags

1 belt

1 cover garment

1 holster

1 double or 2 single mag pouches.

1 set of eye protection.

1 set of hearing protection.

1 bag to cart all your stuff to and from the range in.

 

For USPSA you need

 

1 gun

4-5 mags

1 belt

1 holster

2 double or 4 single mag pouches.

1 set of eye protection.

1 set of hearing protection.

1 bag to cart all your stuff to and from the range in.

 

 

For both I'd also recommend a hat of some sort regardless of indoors (keep the nasty byproducts of firing ammo out of your hair, and hot brass from getting behind your glasses.) or outdoors (hot brass and the sun).

 

I don't know why people like to pretend that you need a fancy belt for USPSA and don't for IDPA. THey are jsut different. Show up at either with something you bought at wal-mart to hold your pants up and you are using something less than optimal. I started USPSA with a belt fitting that description though.

 

Also if you want to try stuff out without buying lots of gear, ask here before you show up. Lots of us have extra gear we will lend you for a match.

For IDPA you do NOT need a cover garment until classified.

For IDPA you do NOT need a cover garment until classified.

 

True, but why not practice with it on for when you do get classified?

Makes the transition a whole lot easier.

OK, I miss..................alot

For IDPA you do NOT need a cover garment until classified.

 

OH GOD,, Please don't tell Ray Ray this.... We can't handle more pictures..

Naked Idpa or uspsa match?

Naked Idpa or uspsa match?

 

 

Your not helping!