Hey guys,

 

I started watching some YouTube videos on IDPA and thought to myself, "hey, that looks like fun". Plus anything to make me a better shooter, I'm down for.

 

As someone who has only had firearms for about 2 years and doesn't get to practice nearly enough (i.e., I need work!) what location would be best suited to learn the ropes at? I'm in Union County, and proximity would be pretty important. I see Old Bridge and Somerset mentioned alot; both ranges would be reasonable distance for me. Of course I'm open to others.

 

Thanks for any advice!

IDPA at OB is currently suspended until they find a Match Director. Somerset is very newbie friendly, but has a limit on participants due to size constraints. You must pre-register, here...

 

http://www.somersetidpa.com/matches/

 

...and as you can see, there are already people registered for the Sept match (myself among them).

 

Phillipsburg, NJ, Easton, PA and Hellertown, PA all have IDPA matches also.

 

Here's a good resource for finding matches (not just IDPA)...

 

http://www.nepaidpascores.net/

 

Have fun and be safe, that's what it's all about.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

Thanks, Bob! I'll look into Somerset. Maybe I'll come watch one before participating.

 

But now I get to shop for holsters....:-)

I did the watch before you try thing and wished I had shot. Bring your rig, come out and shoot. It's very low pressure, friendly atmosphere and they slot the new shooters towards the back of squads so you get to see a bunch of people shoot the stage before you.

I did the watch before you try thing and wished I had shot. Bring your rig, come out and shoot. It's very low pressure, friendly atmosphere and they slot the new shooters towards the back of squads so you get to see a bunch of people shoot the stage before you.

 

^^^^THIS^^^^

 

All you really need to do is to be thoroughly familiar with your gun and it's operation, and watch where you point your muzzle at all times. Once you've reached that point that gun handling is almost second-nature, you're ready for runnin' & gunnin' and Tom's Match is a great place to learn! Be sure to notify the Match Director that you'll need the Newbie Training Class held just prior to the Match itself, so they can plan for it accordingly. And have all of the fun you came for!

 

Once you get your holster, practice (unloaded) putting the gun back into it with just your strong hand, since "crossing yourself" with a loaded firearm is a DQ-able offense. By this I mean using your other hand to hold the holster steady or move clothing out of the way as you point the muzzle across your wrist or hand AS YOU HOLSTER! More Newbies get into trouble that way than any other IMHO.

 

Enjoy the Sport and be SAFE! Hope to see you around at a Match some time!

 

Dave

I did my first match last Sunday and had a good time and I'd recommend giving it a shot for sure. They are very newbie friendly as stated by others and you can work within your personal comfort zone without the fear of ridicule from the more seasoned participants. It's as much a social event as it is a competition. That said, there are some rules and technicalities that you will need to get accustomed to.

 

I watched some videos from these guys on YouTube before going and it helped give me a general scope as to what was going on procedurally. A lot of the first few episodes are helpful but you don't really need to watch a 20 minute video to understand how to reload or find a club. If you have a few hours to burn it certainly won't hurt.

Thanks guys, some great advice here. I ordered a holster and mag pouches (both Glock, reasonably priced and can always upgrade if I really get into this) so I'm looking forward to getting them so I can do some practicing. While I know I'll be nervous for my first match, it's reassuring to read that the only thing expected of newbies is safety. I'll commit to just meeting that requirement at first, even if it means I'm going at a snail's pace!

I went to watch before participating , and within 5 minutes I was really mad I did not bring my stuff

 

I'm only in shooting a year , when I participated at Somerset I found it to be extremely beginner friendly and very fun. Plus , they give you pizza. Win win.