IPSC Shotgun - 1st Timer Questions

[Tamlin]

I've shot IPSC handgun but never shotgun and interested in giving it a try. I reviewed the rulebook and watched some starter guides on YouTube but want to check in here with a few questions. IPSC shotgun matches are not a common thing in my area so I don't know a lot of people with experience, but we have one coming up.

1. I don't have dedicated gear and want to try a match before deciding if I want to invest in a set-up. I do have plenty of shotshell cards (6 rounds) from S&J. I plan on filling a dump pouch on a battle belt with them and topping up my velcro carrier on my 870 Police as I go. I'm aware this isn't ideal but this is the gear I have. Want to make sure this is allowed.
2. It sounds like each stage will have a safety area to case/uncase my shotgun to move between stages and a rack to store the gun (with chamber flag) while waiting my turn to shoot?
3. I didn't see any specific restrictions on where the items need to be on my belt asides from no further than 75mm away. My dump pouch is around the 7 o'clock position and I rather not move it as my belt already as a bunch of other stuff on. Will this be OK?
4. My 870 Police has a factory installed extended tube (6+1). I have replaced the stock and forend with Magpul furniture, added a Vortex Venom shotgun sight, and have a flashlight attached to the forend. Am I correct that I will be signing up in SG Modified?
5. Any useful tips for safe conduct and avoiding DQs at the match appreciated!

As an aside, if anyone has suggestions for entry level for shotgun I would appreciate it too. Double Tap seems to be the only place in Canada that would carry stuff, but I only saw MagLoad gear there and it was all out of stock (and out of my current budget regardless). Thanks!

 

[pauls]

1) If these ammo cards are carried at waist level and overall not more than 75mm from the body, they should be ok...
No chest rigs.
Dump pouch, I'm sure the match director will let you use it as its your first time and personally, I rather new shooters come and have fun than turn them away due to their gear not being 100% compliant. Even if just shoot for no score, learn what its about and can upgrade gear later if you plan to continue.
2) Yes, there should be safety areas on each range for you to uncase
3) ammo must be at waist level. Other than that, if you want to have it behind your back you are just making it more difficult to reload vs having it all up front.
4) Optic puts you in modified. Probably flashlight as well, but optic for sure.
5)keep you finger off the trigger unless you are shooting at a target, and your muzzle down range at all times. Beaware if where its pointed when reloading. Its your first time, with uncompetitive gear, so you have zero chance of winning, or even placing at the top. Go slow, have fun and learn by speaking with your squad as to what they are using and why.