idpa

looking to get into this, and am wondering which gun i should start with as a beginner shooter. all ideas helpful.


Well,

:stirthepot2:

You opened a big can of worms that will soon drift completely off topic, but I will begin with my 0.02 IDPA is great, you will have a great time.

In my opinion, there is no "perfect" pistol for everybody. It depends on a bunch of factors, some of which you can control and others you cannot. The best pistol for you is different from the best pistol from the guy next to you.

-Do you have friends with different types of pistols you can try?
-Do you live near a range where you can try the pistols they have?
-Your hand size may affect which type of pistols you feel more comfortable holding?
-Are you set on a particular type of gun (i.e. Glock, Sig, 1911, etc...) or a particular caliber (like 9mm, 40 S&W or 45 ACP)? This may limit your choices.
-What about cost? The upper limit you are willing to spend will have a huge impact on what you shoot. Don't forget, it's not just the cost of the pistol but all the additional equipment you will need (magazines, a holster, mag pouches) and of course ammo.

My advice, shoot as many different types of pistols and calibers as you can. Go to an IDPA match and ask questions, most guys will likely let you try a mag or two after you have talked to them for a while. Then will you be able to pick the pistol that is right for you. Don't listen to people who have finite opinions on an entire type of pistol or manufacturer as everyone has their own vital ground. I personally don't like Glock or Norinco (and yes I have trashed these two before in different topics) but you have to decide what is best for you based upon what is vital to you.

Sorry, no easy answers here.


Words Twice
 
+!, IDPA is great fun. I also suggest borrowing a few guns before making this decision. No amount of reading will replace hands on time with different guns.

I'm the poster boy for borrowed guns, having shot three matches including the BC provincials with borrowed guns, not yet deciding what gun I want to commit to. :)

For a beginning shooter, or advanced shooter, you cannot go wrong with a Glock 17 or an STI Spartan 1911. You can get started with gun, 5.11 kydex holster, mag pouch, spare mags for under $1000 either way, and will not be at a disadvantage to anyone.
 
+!, IDPA is great fun. I also suggest borrowing a few guns before making this decision. No amount of reading will replace hands on time with different guns.

I'm the poster boy for borrowed guns, having shot three matches including the BC provincials with borrowed guns, not yet deciding what gun I want to commit to. :)

For a beginning shooter, or advanced shooter, you cannot go wrong with a Glock 17 or an STI Spartan 1911. You can get started with gun, 5.11 kydex holster, mag pouch, spare mags for under $1000 either way, and will not be at a disadvantage to anyone.

I agree 100% with this. If you get a chance, try and shoot as many guns as you can and find the one tat best suits you.
 
+1 IDPA is fantastic fun and a great shooting experience. Allot of guys are shooting th G17, but like stated earlier, pistols are very personal so you will have to find out yourself what turns your crank. Have fun.

Darb
 
Ok, here's something I've been wondering about. Can you go your local range and practice your draw and fire with a concealed holster and gun? IE: Baby Glock in an MTAC holster with a shirt or jacket covering it. Standing at the line, pull the covering away, draw, fire, and put it back to do it again. This is what you do during an IDPA course of fire right? Draw from concealment etc.
 
Ok, here's something I've been wondering about. Can you go your local range and practice your draw and fire with a concealed holster and gun? IE: Baby Glock in an MTAC holster with a shirt or jacket covering it. Standing at the line, pull the covering away, draw, fire, and put it back to do it again. This is what you do during an IDPA course of fire right? Draw from concealment etc.


Yes, that is how IDPA matches are run. How far you can go will depend on the Range and their rules. Some will let you do this if you are a known quanity to them or if you have a holster course. Others will not, no matter who you are. Each Range will have their own left and right of arc with respect to what they will allow you to do. The best thing you can do is call ranges close to you and ask the question.


Words Twice
 
Which pistol

That is a big question.

My answer to that is why do you want to shoot it and how competative do you want to be.

Do you want to shoot it for practice for defensive purposes. Then get something like a Glock 17. You want to be competative, try something in a 1911.

Greg
 
That is a big question.

My answer to that is why do you want to shoot it and how competative do you want to be.

Do you want to shoot it for practice for defensive purposes. Then get something like a Glock 17. You want to be competative, try something in a 1911.

Greg

You can bee just as competitive with a Glock as a 1911 or with an M&P too.

It's all in how you handle it.
 
The right pistol

Some firearms have an advantage over others when competing. Shooting a heavier gun will lessen the recoil putting you back on target. A firearm with a high bore axis will increase your times getting back on target etc.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with any firearm. Some will just give you an edge on times if that is what you want.

I shoot for a different reason than to be the top shooter. You just have to choose what you want to do with it.

Greg
 
I have had top of the line 1911's, I shot well with all of them. I have had much cheaper 1911's built on my shop bench, that I shot just as well with. I found that I shot very consistant with a Berretta 92F, never shot good with any of the USP pistols and do not like the fit and feel or them. For most of the time that I have been shooting, the Glock was hands down the most consistant pistol I shot, until I got a SIG, there has been no better all around gun for me to shoot then standard P226. For one to tell you that this gun is better then that gun for what ever reason is very premature. Again, you need to find what best suits your feel, once you have a comfortable pistol, you will become proficient with it through practice and competing.
 
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