Minimum IPSC/IDPA match shooting skills

[CaptDave]

I've been wanting to get into some IDPA the last year or so, not so much for the competetion but for the training and learning experience. Only thing is I'd like to train with what I carry, which is mainly a revolver. I'd assume there's no problems there, right? I know, slower reloads and all, won't go into that. IDPA's open to all types of firearms (within reason) I suppose?

JLaw

JLaw:

Revolvers are no problem. In IDPA besides the semi auto divisions of CDP (Custom Defensive Pistol) SSP (Stock Service Pistol) and ESP (Enhanced Service Pistol) there are two revolver only divisions-SSR (Stock Service Revolver) and ESR (Enhanced Service Revolver) so that you are competing against the same type handgun as the other revolver and pistol shooters. (So, for example, your wheel gun reloads are only timed against other wheel gun reloads) Also, there are different classifications rangeing from Novice, Marksman, Sharpshooter, Expert to Master, so "like skilled" shooters are competing against shooters of similar skill sets.

You should look into shooting with Thunder Tactical Shooters as being in the Woodlands you are fairly close to their range which is in Montgomery county. They shoot practice IDPA every Wed. night and have their monthly IDPA match on the second Saturday of each month.

We'll probably hear from one or two of them on this post, but if not, check their website out at: http://www.tts-idpa.net

[TxD]

[quote="j1132s"]Ok, officially, there is no minimum, just safe shooters, but ...

I think the minimum level is able to hit 1 shot out of 5 into an 8" circle at 15 yards and the rest of the shots into a 12" concentric circle (w/o any time limit). I derived this number based on the typical size of the poppers and the A zone. Such a shooter can drop the steels and hitting the required # of shots into paper.

I'm wondering what you would consider as the minimum skill level for a shooter to enjoy IPSC/IDPA?[/quote]
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I agree this level of performance would be adequate, especially, as you
specified, (w/o any time limit).

New shooters need to understand that everything required to shoot accurately is a learned skill. Everything required to shoot quickly is that same skill plus technique.

New shooters should not be embarrased for performing like new shooters.
Embarrasement will come further down the road when they are masters and perform like new shooters. Been there and done that. Hope this helps.

[age_ranger]

with any luck, I'll be at the Elm Fork match tomorrow night in Dallas. I started there and was made to feel right at home. Great bunch of guys and everyone was willing to help explain the rules and answer questions. It took me a while to pick up the rules and penalties, but making mistakes is how everyone learns. I bet I don't reload on the move again!

[Roger Howard]

I missed a steel popper several times at a match in Dripping Springs a few months ago. ......I think I dug a mag out of my pocket and finally knocked it over.

At least you didn't try and reload with your cell phone (ahem!!)

[jbirds1210]

Roger-
Throwing my cell phone would have likely been more effective. Take care.
Jason

[HighVelocity]

with any luck, I'll be at the Elm Fork match tomorrow night in Dallas. I started there and was made to feel right at home. Great bunch of guys and everyone was willing to help explain the rules and answer questions. It took me a while to pick up the rules and penalties, but making mistakes is how everyone learns. I bet I don't reload on the move again!

If you're there right now I hope you wore some thermals or something. I was planning to go but brrrrrrrrr... 43, feels like 30 with a steady 15mph wind is a little much for me.
I'll bet it's hard to tape targets when you have to chase them across a field.

[age_ranger]

Funny, but the wind died down around shooting time and it seemed to warm up. I actually took off my sweatshirt during the match. Alas, I was without excuses and had a bad case of "hurry up and shoot." I shot poorly and can definitely see a difference when I don't practice. I also put in a fiber optic front sight on my PX4 and it was pretty difficult to focus on in the dark sometimes. Still, it was a great time. After this saturday (sons last baseball game) I will probably start going on Saturdays since they're warmer.

Great bunch of guys there. Anyone in the DFW area looking to get into IDPA or just curious and want to watch (bring your gun anyway.....you'll wish you did) shoudl come down and check things out. There were only about 9 shooters. Not sure if it's the colder weather or what.....??