Getting ready for IDPA questions?

[GSS]

RickB, thanks for your coments, I couldn't for the life of me figure out how 7+1 could be an advantage over 8+1. That makes perfect sence...

Thank you for clearing that up.

[K1500]

The other way 7+1 could be at a tiny advantage over 8+1 is due to the fact that you have an even number of rounds in your gun with 7+1. Why is this important? Well, if you are shooting at paper only (no steel) and are required to make two shots per target, you get the shoot your last two shots into the 4th target, slide lock load, and resume with the 5th target. The 8+1 guy gets to shoot the 4th target and 1 shot at the 5th, slide lock reload, give the 5th one more shot, and then move on. So the 8+1 guy has an extra transition and has to remember not to move on to the next target. FWIW, the ESP and SSP guys are forced to start with 10+1 (if the gun holds that much) for this reason.

This really is a very small advantage, since most courses have some steel in the mix, which could mess up the above scenario. It's also into the realm of splitting hairs.

There is no problem with shooting 7 round mags. What you shouldn't do is shoot with a mix of 7 and 8 round mags, choosing which one you want to start with based on an analysis of the COF. That should earn you a FTDR (same as a SSP guy downloading their mags to time their reloads). Of course, that's an advanced gamer tactic that you have no reason to worry about when you are just starting out in the sport.

Go forth and shoot IDPA, it's lots of fun!

[snokid]

At your first match don't try to keep up with people that have shooting it for awhile, just try to make all your hit's in the center (0 down) part of the target and be safe, watching your muzzle direction (downrange), when moving and reloading make sure your finger is out of the trigger guard. If you do those things you will have a great time. All the gaming things will come later.


Just let the match directer know you are new and you will be made to feel at home and helped along nicely.

sno

[MarkP]

Originally Posted by snokid

At your first match don't try to keep up with people that have shooting it for awhile, just try to make all your hit's in the center (0 down) part of the target and be safe, watching your muzzle direction (downrange), when moving and reloading make sure your finger is out of the trigger guard. If you do those things you will have a great time. All the gaming things will come later.


Just let the match directer know you are new and you will be made to feel at home and helped along nicely.

sno

That last sentence is VERY IMPORTANT - if you don't let the MD know ,it is possible you could miss out on range rules that are particular to that club and any other new shooter orientation that is offered.