10 Reasons Why You Should Shoot IDPA

[Chasbo00]

This article is a few years old; but, I think it's still pretty solid info and contains some good advise. IDPA is the fastest growing action pistol sport and membership today is ~ 20,000.

1. IMPROVE YOUR GUN-HANDLING SKILLS
This is the bread and butter of the IDPA experience. Various gun-handling/self-defense skills are woven into the scenarios. For example: drawing from concealment, shooting on the move, reloading, weak-hand/strong-hand shooting, transition from one shooting position to another, engaging threat targets from cover, retrieving your gun from a drawer, integration of a flashlight, shooting from inside a car and more.

http://www.handgunsmag.com/2010/09/24/t ... pa_092905/

[riggs]

Has anyone ever participated in the KSTG events at the NRA range in Fairfax? I'm wondering how they compare to IDPA.

[Chasbo00]

Has anyone ever participated in the KSTG events at the NRA range in Fairfax? I'm wondering how they compare to IDPA.

Although I've not shot it I'm familiar with KSTG's rules. The two games are pretty similar. Some differences as examples: 3x5 cards are used for head down zero areas rather than IDPA's 6" square. Fault lines are used for cover and you are not allowed to extend your gun past the cover. AIWB is allowed. Glock 34s are not allowed. First shot trigger pull must be at least 4 lbs.

Here is a link to the KSTG rules (at end of first post):

http://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?2330-KSTG

[38superfan]

How does one begin to participate in IDPA matches?

[ShotgunBlast]

I think this is just a ploy from the ammo manufacturers to sell more product.

[Chasbo00]

How does one begin to participate in IDPA matches?

Go to the IDPA site, http://www.idpa.com/, there is a tab labeled compete. From there you can search for clubs/IDPA matches. The Range in Fredericksburg, http://www.indoorrange.com/ , is I think close to you and has IDPA matches a couple times a month. I've not shot there so I don't have any personal experience regarding the place. It's indoors, but because it's close, The Range may be good place for you to start out - give them a call and inquire about IDPA there.

And if I can help you shooting in WV, MD or in VA near Richmond, shoot me a PM.

Jump in; the water's fine and you will have fun. You will also find most all IDPA folks more than happy to help a new shooter.

[Chasbo00]

I think this is just a ploy from the ammo manufacturers to sell more product.

Plus reloading equipment and components. Many competitive shooters reload because they can tailor their loads to their guns and it saves money. Even at the national championship matchs, many competitors are shooting reloads.

[38superfan]

How does one begin to participate in IDPA matches?

Go to the IDPA site, http://www.idpa.com/, there is a tab labeled compete. From there you can search for clubs/IDPA matches. The Range in Fredericksburg, http://www.indoorrange.com/ , is I think close to you and has IDPA matches a couple times a month. I've not shot there so I don't have any personal experience regarding the place. It's indoors, but because it's close, The Range may be good place for you to start out - give them a call and inquire about IDPA there.

And if I can help you shooting in WV, MD or in VA near Richmond, shoot me a PM.

Jump in; the water's fine and you will have fun. You will also find most all IDPA folks more than happy to help a new shooter.

Thanks Chasbo00! I will take a look.

[Jamie]

Why IDPA instead of USPSA? I see more of the latter near me.

[Chasbo00]

Why IDPA instead of USPSA? I see more of the latter near me.

I'm a fan of both and recommend both. IDPA may appeal to new shooters a little more since the equipment requirement (mags and mag pouches in particular) is usually less and they may already have everything they need with just their carry gear.

I most often shoot what is close and for me that is mainly IDPA. However, my favorite is an all steel match shot under USPSA rules near Richmond every month.