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Ok, officially, there is no minimum, just safe shooters, but ...

It's no fun to empty a mag and still look at that standing steel popper. Enjoyment is a subjective term, but if a shooter misses all his targets and can't put down steel, then, I hope we all agree that it is no fun.

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.

People are shy about attending a match because they feel they aren't good enough; many of them are really good shooters.

I think if some experienced match shooters talk about a minimum level that can bring on an enjoyable match attendance, more people will want to try.

I've been shooting various matches for a year and if I didn't take the initial leap, I'd miss out on a lot of fun.

I'm wondering what you would consider as the minimum skill level for a shooter to enjoy IPSC/IDPA?

I agree. I waited way too long to start competing, thinking that I'd surely embarrass myself and get laughed off the range.
The opposite was the case. Regardless of my skill level, or anyone else's for that matter, I have never seen any condescending behavior at a match.
Everyone I have met has welcomed new shooters with open arms. Heck, you don't even need to show up with equipment! I've seen on several occasions, folks as green as the grass come "just to watch" and end up shooting a stage or two using a strangers gun, ammo, holster, etc.

The ability to comprehend the safety rules AND follow them are the most important aspects of competitive shooting, not just for a beginner, for everyone.

+1 what HighVelocity said.

I was a total flop at my first match and loved every minute of it. The thrill of being able to shoot in a real defensive scenario was exhilirating. It was also comforting to know that as I was doing it, I had a safety officer right there to keep me and everyone else safe.

I also learned a ton about the equipment I had chosen to use--a cheap holster and my "regular" belt. That was worth the price of admission alone.

If that steel is just going to stand there and taunt you, then just take the time penalty and go on and enjoy the rest of the match. Shooting action pistol events like IDPA is just too much fun to pass up.

If you can manipulate your firearm safely, go for it!

GlockenHammer wrote:If that steel is just going to stand there and taunt you, then just take the time penalty and go on and enjoy the rest of the match. Shooting action pistol events like IDPA is just too much fun to pass up.

If you can manipulate your firearm safely, go for it!

Not always possible. Some field courses require you to hit a few poppers before further engagements. In those situations, you may be taking massive penalties. (note, not all courses are legally designed.)

Also, many times steel activate swingers, so you're losing a lot of points there too.

I agree with the folks above. I made A LOT of mistakes at my first match and continue to make mistakes. I approach each match as 100% student. I did not shoot for a long time because I thought it would humiliate me....then someone sent me a holster and mag pouch and told me I was out of excuses.

I will let that person speak if they wish....lol The addiction is your fault!

I have never had more fun and have learned to laugh at myself and take that mistake and learn from it. I practice at home according to what I do poorly at a match. I do not believe that there should be any standard above safety and the willingness to be humble and learn!

The addiction is your fault!

You just keep telling your Wife that.

j1132s wrote: It's no fun to empty a mag and still look at that standing steel popper.

I missed a steel popper several times at a match in Dripping Springs a few months ago. I started to crawl under a rock and then realized that I was around like minded people that enjoyed learning and shooting (and the rocks were too small). I asked the SO if I could just go and kick it! It gave the crowd a good laugh and took the attention off of my performance. The SO was so busy laughing he could not answer....I think I dug a mag out of my pocket and finally knocked it over.

jbirds1210 wrote:

j1132s wrote: match in Dripping Springs

Hey, would that be at Texas Tactical (I don't think they were in Dripping Strings, but close)? I have shot there many times. Although I've never made it out to ther IDPA matches, I do carbine and IPSC there.

It was Texas Tactical that I visited. I was on vacation in Austin and thought I would go out and shoot with them. It was a blast! It is my understanding that they moved to a different location after being forced to close their range. Great group of folks shooting IDPA out there.
Jason

I have embarrassed myself bigtime and will again because I plan to continue shooting the IDPA and stars when I get the chance, now that I'm started I just wish I could do more of it.

El Gato!

I say to anyone who wants to shoot IDPA or any pistol competition, Just come out and shoot. I was nervous about attending my first IDPA match back in Dec. '04. My thoughts were that my level of skill would not be enough and that I would not be accepted.

However nothing was further from the truth! I was welcomed with open arms and the experience is invaluable. You learn very quickly what combination of equipment works and doesn't work.

Whether someone wants to help themselves with ccw issues or approach from the competition angle, it's a great time.

As far as being embarrassed at a match, well.....just look at my scores. My most recent was in conroe this past weekend. Hey stop laughing. I had a gun malfunction and made several procedurals and missed a few shots.... I need some serious help!

Seriously, to anyone who is even thinking about shooting a pistol match, just find a club that has a match and go. Shooters are willing to help other shooters no matter what their skill level. Of course there is laughter and humor and good natured ribbing. We are allowed to laugh at ourselves.

Eric

Eric-

I also enjoy the ribbing.....it is great fun. There was PLENTY of it to go around in Conroe last weekend. What a blast!

I had a great time shooting with you Saturday! I hope that we can work things out and do it more often. Always good to see a man with a Sig in his hand. Gotta love those things! Let me know if you want to get together on Sunday for a little practice at PSC.
Jason

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

I'm looking forward to my first match. My dad called today & said my gun arrived.
(I sent it off for repair. The manufacturer requires that you sign for it. I'm working during the day, so they can't send it here. I work in a "gun free school zone" so I can't have it sent to my work. I might get accused of trying to shoot people at the school. I sent it to Dad's since he's retired.)