IDPA

[TSB]

Hey Guys and Gals,

I'm thinking about shooting in IDPA competitions but I've had four hip replacements in the last two years so I don't move too well anymore.  I realize it's defensive pistol shooting and therefor must involve some moving, squating and the like.  Should I be worried if I can't keep up, the only experience I've had is what I've seen on shooting shows and they seem to move quite a bit.

Any advice would be appreciated.  I know I can't blaze through anymore but it's really about accuracy AND time, right?

Thanks,

Timothy

[CZShooter]

I will warn you...once you shoot your first match...you WILL become addicted! IDPA is (in my opinion) the most fun you can have with your clothes on. It really depends on what you are in it for. Most of the guys that I shoot with are out there to have fun and put rounds down range. You are shooting against the clock...so most of the competition is against yourself.

Yes...there is movement involved. I'm an IDPA match director, and I have a couple of guys that don't get around like they used to. It doesn't seem to bother them at all. I've had guys that couldn't get up and down very well...so they just took a procedural penalty (3 seconds) and shot anyway.

I hope you give it a try...I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

[TSB]

Thanks CZ, I suppose the movement can be at any pace.  I don't intend on winning anything but puttin' holes in paper gets a little boring at times.  I'm going to a shoot on Saturday with my daughters "Meathead", I'll check it out and see what the buzz is all about before I commit to anything.

SW Michigan?  I grew up in Grand Rapids, sure would be nice to be home again!

Tim

[addict]

Give it a try TSB, I think you will will like it.
One of the crew I shoot with has two trashed knees. Stages requiring movement will keep him from winning, but he has fun. He is in the running with the stationary stages.
I cant afford to practice enough to win anything and have to rely on my speed to make up for my crappy reloads. But I shoot for the fun and the camaraderie. Love to see you on the range!
Addict

[fullautovalmet76]

Hi TSB,
I just started myself about 3 months ago and I really like it. The part that attracted me to it is its emphasis on accuracy first and speed second. There are some like you who can not move as well as others and I have not seen any of the Safety Officers (SOs) in the match deny or give penalties because of a physical limitation, but that's how it is done in my club in Florida. I know there are others on this forum who can provide a wealth of information to you and I wish you the best of luck! Have fun!

[Sponsor]

[bbbean]

Go shoot a match. Nothing says you have to be competitive at the national level to enjoy the sport. The only thing you really have to compete with is your own best score. If you move through the stage a little slower than the Master shooters, but still have a good time and hone your skills, its a successful match!

FWIW, you might also consider Steel Challenge - lots of shooting, not so much running. But whether you opt for USPSA, Steel Challenge, IDPA, or Cowboy shooting, just get out to the match and shoot!

[ellis4538]

TSB...I'm pushing 62 (down in weight from 283) and have been shooting IDPA since the beginning (as well as USPSA for 30 years).  I am just getting over my first heart attack (mild) as well as 2 operations (non-heart related) and have 2 bad knees.  I never did move very good and I still, after all these years have a lot of fun.  I have competed against - in the same squad at the USPSA Nationals - a lady who blew out her back at work, as a nurse.  She has to use a cane to get around but neither she nor I finished last!!!!!!!  Go for it, you will have fun and meet lots of interesting folks.

FWIW

Richard

[ismram]

I will warn you...once you shoot your first match...you WILL become addicted! IDPA is (in my opinion) the most fun you can have with your clothes on. It really depends on what you are in it for. Most of the guys that I shoot with are out there to have fun and put rounds down range. You are shooting against the clock...so most of the competition is against yourself.

Yes...there is movement involved. I'm an IDPA match director, and I have a couple of guys that don't get around like they used to. It doesn't seem to bother them at all. I've had guys that couldn't get up and down very well...so they just took a procedural penalty (3 seconds) and shot anyway.

I hope you give it a try...I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

+1 I'm with CZ! You will get addicted! Maybe you can't shoot with the masters, but you will improve your skills. And have fun too.  Go for it!

[jnevis]

We have a friend that shoots USPSA and IDPA with us that doesn't move all that fast, more of a shuffle, and doesn't even come close to the top of the scorecard, neither do I.  We do have a great time just blasting away and getting to talk with some of the people you see in the magazines.  I can't play golf with Tiger Woods or baseball with Cal Ripken but I can shoot with Todd Jarrett.  May not win, or be on his squad, but he is there and likes to talk with people at the match.

[ratcatcher55]

TSB,

Go for it!  It fun and get's the heart beating a bit faster.
I run in the middle to end of my class but who cares.
Generally a very nice bunch of people who are very helpful to newbies to the game.

Good luck

Ratcatcher55