This is a very informative video for the new IDPA participants. It is always great when new people come out to shoot, but I can see that not knowing the rules or what to do can be intimidating. If you have questions find somebody and ask, nobody is going to be rude to you and will be more than willing to answer your questions. Go shoot an IDPA match and have fun!
Hi guys, thank you so much for the vids. I shot my first IDPA match today. I took an IDPA/IPSC prep class a while back & have dry fire practiced & practiced as best I can at the range. But this was my first "real" IDPA match. It happened to be a qualifier match, which I understand is different from standard matches, but it was loads of fun. I was told a qualifier was not something I should do for a first match, but I knew I could hanlde it, after watching your stuff (not joking).
Guys, I watched some of these videos to get a feel for my first IDPA event this past Saturday. I went and shot and had a blast, actually think I did pretty well for a first timer. Can’t wait to shoot some more! To others, don’t be intimidated if you have never shot one. Just let them know you are a newbie to IDPA and they are more than happy to guide you through everything. Just wanted to say thanks to you guys at powerfactor.
Hey guys, I just want to say thanks! Ive been watching many of your videos to get ready for my first match at a local range. It was VERY similar to what was shown throughout many of your videos. Even though it wasn't an IDPA or USPSA match I was still prepared on what was expected. We didn't have classes or divisions. The only restriction was no electronic sights. I am looking at shooting an IDPA and USPSA match next month and got out of my fear of what to expect. Met many other shooters that do shoot IDPA and USPSA locally. Great people, alot of fun and the first match went smoothly without embarrassing myself...lol Overall I came in 23 out of 64. Thanks to you guys I knew what to expect and went ahead for my first match. Keep up the good work and get Rick a new cap so he can leave his wife's Pink cap at home next time....j/j Great Videos, Thanks!
After watching all your video's I really wish the only range that does IDPA was not 3 hours away. I just can't swing the extra 6 hours and gas this season. But taking in the info and doing my own practice for next year. Keep it up guys!
Here's a tip: Use fresh batteries in your mic/receiver every time you record. Also, turn a mic gain down on your camera. Thanks for the tips - I thought I might share a few of my own.
@theoneearedguy Yeah, it's often feast or famine. Some shooters will have easy access to some shooting sports but not others, and I can certainly understand why someone would shoot the sport that's offered locally rather than drive for hours to shoot another sport.
+Kevin Williams how did it go? I'm attending my first shot this weekend in California. Actually it's the safe shooter course required to compete, but still excited to shoot in a scenario rather than just at my local indoor gun range.
+David Ruiz it went great. I did ok. I didn't finish last and that was my goal. I had the first night jitters. After three shoots I usually ranked 13 out of 20. I'm getting better real quick though. Also I'm shooting a stock sub compact with 3" barrel. I'm at a disadvantage vs full size guns. I haven't shot an official qualifier yet but I expect to make high marksman or sharp shooter.
Wished I had watched this before last weekend. Fantastic video! I stumbled through my first time ok, but this would have given me a lot more confidence. I'll pass it on. thanks guys
(part two) I would put, in order of importance, the things that helped me shoot safely and do relitively well for a newb, as- 1. Your vids 2. range time 3. dryfire/airsoft practice. Again, thanks for all the work!
First match today. Had a good time. Had never shot so many moving targets before. I am an NRA Pistol trainer, but I guess NRA figures the bad guy is sitting still? lol Thanks for such a great organization, I will come back. I joined before I shot the first match, figured there are bills to pay, and wanted to contribute, even if I just did it once. As I said, I will do it again. I learned a bunch, had a great time, and I learned , as I always do, I have more to learn.
@Ramrodicus Safety Checks and other "orientations" that are conducted pre-match for new shooters may be on match days, or may have to be arranged well in advance. That should be part of the "finding a place to shoot" part of the process. Contact the range or club, and find out the nature of the requirements for new shooters. Rick
@calebargh Generally, you may handle your mags any where and any time, except when in the safety area. I usually load my mags and put them on my belt before going to the safety area, and then put on my gun last. Others like to leave their loaded mags in their range bag until justt before they shoot; it can be tiring to carry a full load of ammo on the belt all day. Rick
It's a Sigtac vest, and I don't think they're made anymore; at least, I don't think they're sold under the Sigtac name, anymore. There are lots of companies making similar products. 5.11 Tactical comes to mind, along with Blackhawk and Eotac. Rick
So I was at my clubs monthly IDPA match and at the end of the match I took my bag over to the safe area, double checked that it was clear, put it in a separate holster that was in my bag, and then placed it in my bag. I left my bag sitting on a table in the safe area while I stood near and watched the end of the match. One of the other shooters came up and asked me if I had ammo in the bag. I responded "Yes I do" and he proceeded to tell me to "move the bag from the safe area before someone sees
The video tells you when you may NOT handle magazines but it does not tell you when or where you MAY. At some point you have to place them in the pouches and eventually reload empties. Otherwise, well done!
@alexrex20 This really is the blabbering episode; if you want info on equipment, rules, and techniques, check out the other 60 episodes. Someone who's never shot a match may have no idea what to expect when arriving at the range on match day, and this episode is intended to describe and explain what they're likely to find. Rick
+Greg Scott I did do a lefty episode, a couple of years ago. It's not 1911-specific, but I do talk about ambi safeties, how to drop the slide from slide-lock, reloads, etc. Rick
@faustgeist After confirming clear, lowering the slide, dropping the hammer, and holstering, the shooter retrieves the round from the ground. As SO, I try to track the trajectory of the ejected round and mark it with my foot, but my attention is on the gun, so that's not always workable. Some shooters develop a parlor trick of catching the ejected round in mid-air, to avoid having to track it down after holstering.
Is that frowned upon(catching a round in mid-air)? I learned it from a guy at my local range, and do it quite often. I'd hate to get DQ'd for something that's almost a habit...
@theblackkknight1 You are right that it would be better to reload from the familiar pouch location, but in over ten years of competition I have never had to reload with the pocketed mag, and on a couple of occasions have discovered a downloaded mag in a pouch; I'll trade the possibility of having to fish in my pocket, in exchange for always having full mags in the pouch; that latter WILL mess up your match. Rick
He explained that he was once told by an SO that he could be disqualified for having ammo in the same bag that he was placing his gun into, even though he, nor I, was not handling any mags or ammo. I was just wondering what you guys think about people having ammo in the bag that they are placing their gun into.
Clear on the "safety zone" for firearms handling, clear on retention of depleted, and partially depleted magazines...still unclear, on where we're allowed to "load" magazines, prior to the stages.
Essentially, anywhere you want, other than the safety area. Handling of ammo and magazines is not restricted, other than don't do it in the safety area. Rick
You are probably right; Steve doesn't shoot IDPA, and was using his USPSA Production-legal rig. I scanned through the episode a couple of times, and never really was able to see either the holster or the belt? Rick
Very helpful - thanks. I missed where you can load your mags (at the start and between stages). Also, what becomes of the ejected round when unloading? Can I just pick it up and put it in my pocket or back in a mag?
+einfussganger At most ranges, you can load your mags any time, and any place other than the safe area. It's the opposite of handling your gun; gun only in the safe area, ammo and mags anywhere but the safe area. If you eject the round onto the ground, pick it up after the "range is clear" command. Be certain that it is your round, if you are going to immediately put it back in the mag. I picked-up what I thought was my 9mm round, and it was someone else's .38 Super; fit in the mag, but wouldn't fit in the gun. Rick
Following IDPA rules, I can only have 2 "full" magazines in pouches on my belt. If at some time during a stage,I need to tac reload and somehow need those remaining rounds to finish the stage( no matter how how remote), it would be better to reload that last partial from your pouch where you train from,and not the bottom of a pocket that has lint and who knows what ever else in it. If you don't check ever mag before a stage, sounds like shooter error to me.
Thanks, this video helped a lot. just couple of questions. How much ammunition should i bring to match, and what grain should the ammunition be?I also have p226 elite with build in factory SRT trigger, would IDPA allow SRT triggers or will it be considered as modification to firearm?
Typical round count is ~100, but you might find matches closer to 125, so bring 150 if you have it. As for the SRT, I can't find anything definitive. If it's a stock part, factory installed, then I don't see why it wouldn't be SSP legal. If it were installed after the gun was purchased, it should still be legal because it's a factory part that is offered on other, stock models. Regardless, it would be legal in ESP division. SIGs are not especially popular for competition so there's not a lot of chatter about them, but I'll keep looking.Rick
Thank you for your informative information. Seems like Glock 34 and Glock 17 are most commonly used. Probably because of the single action vs double action.
Yeah, conventional DA/SA pistols are just not very popular. There used to be a half-dozen SIG fanboys at my club, who had their guns smithed by Bruce Gray, and they were all good shots, but I don't think their choice of gun was a contributing factor! I've given up on my DA/SA gun after one match, but won't completely dismiss a more modern version of that 65yo design. Rick
I would highly recommend updating this video. For example, "if finished, unload and show clear" is THE OFFICIAL command that must be universally used as stated in the idpa rulebook. This is an international sport so these english words must be used word for word. Another by-the-book is "if clear, slide forward" or "if clear, close cylinder". Words like 'hammer down' are ipsc commands, not idpa commands. As well as "are you ready" instead of "shooter ready". Also, "load and make ready" does not mean the shooter can make safe then load. It is simply to load. Lots of changes to the official rulebook since 2010 :)
+ThatsMrRightToYou You are right that the range commands are out of date, but the specifics of the range commands are not really the topic of this episode. The point is to familiarize new shooters to the process of match registration, squadding, shooting order, etc. We did a number of episodes during 2015 on the new IDPA rule book, and if we didn't cover the new range commands, I can do an update. Rick
Even having a range bag near a safe table/area is a Really Bad idea ! The only thing placed on the table should be the gun. It's just another opportunity to slip and dig ammo or mags out of the bag. Should be no Clutter on said table, plus a couple of bags on the table just makes others wait longer to use the area.
I have never been to a range that explicitly disallowed ammo in the safety area, only the handling of ammo there. If your local range doesn't want ammo in the safety area, that's certainly within their rights, but it should be posted, as that's not common. Rick
"Steve" appeared to be using an illegal holster and belt according to the IDPA rulebook. His holster appeared to be a "drop offset" type holster popular in USPSA events and his belt appeared to be an "outer" belt, also the type popular at USPSA matches. It would be helpful to demonstrate and use proper equipment. "Rick" appeared to be using proper magazine and belt, his holster was not visible during this video.
Great video guys...thanks a lot for the info. I have been shooting for all my life, and never been to a IDPA match. This is going to prepare me quite nicely. Thanks again for your time you put into making this video. -GY6vids
You must be a member before you shoot your second match. In my experience, it can take up to six weeks for memberships to be processed, though online registration has probably improved the process; I suspect most clubs will accept a "I joined, but haven't received my membership card yet" at your second match; we always have. Rick
ptw783 The power floor for BUG division is 95 powerfactor; Stock REV is 105, Enhanced REV/155; SSP, ESP, CCP/125; CDP/165. It's not a velocity floor, it's a combination of bullet weight and velocity; bullet weight in grains x velocity in feet-per-second, drop the zeros, eg 200grs x 850fps = 170 powerfactor
***** Some ranges require that live rounds are picked-up, but with the price of ammunition these days, most people don't need to be encouraged to pick up their live rounds.Rick
Going to my first idpa match in a couple weeks. All the rules make me nervous like I'm going to do something natural and almost automatic and get kicked out. I understand safety and I'm a safety nazi but it almost sounds like going to somewhere anti-gun. If you can't handle a gun or carry a gun ON A GUN RANGE then apparently it's not safe to carry a gun anywhere, any time. Can't be safe and unsafe at the same time.
If you are referring to the "cold range" concept, meaning you are loaded only when it's your turn to shoot, there are clubs that run a "hot range", where everyone is loaded all the time. Others, a "warm range", in which everyone is loaded while in a shooting bay, but unloaded in the clubhouse, parking lot, etc. All are IDPA-legal options. Rick
Yeah I understand that. And I know it's not your fault and I'm not saying it is. I was just making the comment. It seems hypocritical to me for a gun range where I'd assume the vast majority or all the members are pro-gun and pro-concealed carry to not allow carrying concealed, on a gun range no less. It could also be bad PR if some anti-gun nut found out about this. They could use the argument why let people who we don't know carry concealed anywhere when a gun club where most of the members know each other doesn't allow concealed carry ON THE GUN RANGE. Pretty ironic. They would have a very good point. If a gun club can't support its members carrying concealed, they probably shouldn't be in favor of anyone carrying concealed. It makes gun clubs, shooters and people who do carry concealed like I do on a daily basis look like hypocrites. They should be consistent, for or against concealed carry, period. The club I'm (maybe) going to shoot at is a cold range and I'm seriously having second thoughts if I want to be affiliated with an anti-concealed carry organization. I think the IDPA should drop affiliation with such clubs as well. Unless I'm really missing something here. Maybe someone can convince me otherwise and I kinda hope so lol.
Carrying concealed doesn't mean you're handling your firearm. We had too many people showing off their loaded firearms behind the firing lines. Once you learn that the club is a cold range it's easier to simply show up at the club with an unloaded firearm. Unfortunately, we had a group arrive from a competing club and one of their members shot a hole in the trunk of their car. Luckily the round also hit his AR-15 which stopped the bullet from doing more damage to the gas tank or electronics. Also lucky no one was killed or maimed. I'll also try the short answer. We invite the public to our matches and unfortunately we have had some real "unusual" characters participate. Some I wouldn't trust with a staple gun.
I just joined a range that is a cold range. At first I was very put off by it, as my previous range had no such rules. After attending my range orientation and some action shooting classes I have no problem with it. It's not they are anti concealed carry or anti anything. What they are is PRO SAFETY. This keeps any of the above mentioned situations from being even a remote possibility. The club I joined is a cold range, however, you ARE allowed to carry concealed provided it stays concealed.
+Tec 9 With a Match Director's OK, it could be used in the Not For Competition division. You'd still need a legal holster - something of a problem? - but just about any "handgun" could be legal for NFC. I've shot my .30 Luger in NFC, when normally the .30 cartridge wouldn't be legal in other divisions. Rick
Just shot my first IDPA practice, 2 days ago. Wish I had watched this first. No dq, no non threats, and no pe, or fe. Was too fast on the The first course, and got +25. Second one, I was less jittery, and was only +6. I think this might become an addiction.
After you've shot a few matches, you'll realize that you really have to pay close attention to only a handful of rules. Safety, always, but following the stage procedure, engaging the correct target, and using proper cover while doing so, covers about 90% of it. Don't move with an empty gun, reload when it's empty, and have fun. Rick
Good information, however, you really need to work on your presentation. There was far too much verbal fluff and physical hand waving. Be more succinct, no need to belabor your points.
This is a very informative video for the new IDPA participants. It is always great when new people come out to shoot, but I can see that not knowing the rules or what to do can be intimidating. If you have questions find somebody and ask, nobody is going to be rude to you and will be more than willing to answer your questions. Go shoot an IDPA match and have fun!
This has to be the most informative video I have see on competition shooting. Thank you.
Hi guys, thank you so much for the vids. I shot my first IDPA match today. I took an IDPA/IPSC prep class a while back & have dry fire practiced & practiced as best I can at the range. But this was my first "real" IDPA match. It happened to be a qualifier match, which I understand is different from standard matches, but it was loads of fun.
I was told a qualifier was not something I should do for a first match, but I knew I could hanlde it, after watching your stuff (not joking).
This video explains why I see what I see at the range(s). Thanks guys. Thanks a lot.
Guys, I watched some of these videos to get a feel for my first IDPA event this past Saturday. I went and shot and had a blast, actually think I did pretty well for a first timer. Can’t wait to shoot some more! To others, don’t be intimidated if you have never shot one. Just let them know you are a newbie to IDPA and they are more than happy to guide you through everything. Just wanted to say thanks to you guys at powerfactor.
Hey guys, I just want to say thanks! Ive been watching many of your videos to get ready for my first match at a local range. It was VERY similar to what was shown throughout many of your videos. Even though it wasn't an IDPA or USPSA match I was still prepared on what was expected. We didn't have classes or divisions. The only restriction was no electronic sights. I am looking at shooting an IDPA and USPSA match next month and got out of my fear of what to expect. Met many other shooters that do shoot IDPA and USPSA locally. Great people, alot of fun and the first match went smoothly without embarrassing myself...lol Overall I came in 23 out of 64. Thanks to you guys I knew what to expect and went ahead for my first match. Keep up the good work and get Rick a new cap so he can leave his wife's Pink cap at home next time....j/j Great Videos, Thanks!
holy 80's intro
80's mic as well
Very well done. In fact it is excellent. A great reminder for those who haven't competed in a while as well as newbies
I am sending a link to your video to help out a friend who wants to get into this. Very thorough introduction. Thanks guys!!
After watching all your video's I really wish the only range that does IDPA was not 3 hours away. I just can't swing the extra 6 hours and gas this season. But taking in the info and doing my own practice for next year.
Keep it up guys!
Here's a tip: Use fresh batteries in your mic/receiver every time you record. Also, turn a mic gain down on your camera. Thanks for the tips - I thought I might share a few of my own.
@theoneearedguy Yeah, it's often feast or famine. Some shooters will have easy access to some shooting sports but not others, and I can certainly understand why someone would shoot the sport that's offered locally rather than drive for hours to shoot another sport.
I just signed up this week. Already found my local club and my first match is in two weeks. I'm so pumped up. This looks like a blast.
+Kevin Williams how did it go? I'm attending my first shot this weekend in California. Actually it's the safe shooter course required to compete, but still excited to shoot in a scenario rather than just at my local indoor gun range.
+David Ruiz it went great. I did ok. I didn't finish last and that was my goal. I had the first night jitters. After three shoots I usually ranked 13 out of 20. I'm getting better real quick though. Also I'm shooting a stock sub compact with 3" barrel. I'm at a disadvantage vs full size guns. I haven't shot an official qualifier yet but I expect to make high marksman or sharp shooter.
Wished I had watched this before last weekend. Fantastic video! I stumbled through my first time ok, but this would have given me a lot more confidence. I'll pass it on. thanks guys
(part two) I would put, in order of importance, the things that helped me shoot safely and do relitively well for a newb, as- 1. Your vids 2. range time 3. dryfire/airsoft practice.
Again, thanks for all the work!
Thanks for the tip. It's been over 2 years since that episode and we've got the mics figured out now.
First match today. Had a good time. Had never shot so many moving targets before. I am an NRA Pistol trainer, but I guess NRA figures the bad guy is sitting still? lol
Thanks for such a great organization, I will come back. I joined before I shot the first match, figured there are bills to pay, and wanted to contribute, even if I just did it once. As I said, I will do it again. I learned a bunch, had a great time, and I learned , as I always do, I have more to learn.
@NJ03Mach1 They're like slicks...especially when it snows! :-) Summer tires! Great grip when the temp is over 40...no so great when its below.
Thank you for taking the time to make such an informative video.
@Ramrodicus Safety Checks and other "orientations" that are conducted pre-match for new shooters may be on match days, or may have to be arranged well in advance. That should be part of the "finding a place to shoot" part of the process. Contact the range or club, and find out the nature of the requirements for new shooters.
Rick
Try IDPA! It is great practice and a lot of fun.
I'm new to all of this and this was a great video for first timers!! Thanks!!
Great video! thank you so much for spending the time to make this
@calebargh Generally, you may handle your mags any where and any time, except when in the safety area. I usually load my mags and put them on my belt before going to the safety area, and then put on my gun last. Others like to leave their loaded mags in their range bag until justt before they shoot; it can be tiring to carry a full load of ammo on the belt all day.
Rick
Nice job as usual guys. Great stuff.
It's a Sigtac vest, and I don't think they're made anymore; at least, I don't think they're sold under the Sigtac name, anymore. There are lots of companies making similar products. 5.11 Tactical comes to mind, along with Blackhawk and Eotac.
Rick
So I was at my clubs monthly IDPA match and at the end of the match I took my bag over to the safe area, double checked that it was clear, put it in a separate holster that was in my bag, and then placed it in my bag. I left my bag sitting on a table in the safe area while I stood near and watched the end of the match. One of the other shooters came up and asked me if I had ammo in the bag. I responded "Yes I do" and he proceeded to tell me to "move the bag from the safe area before someone sees
The video tells you when you may NOT handle magazines but it does not tell you when or where you MAY. At some point you have to place them in the pouches and eventually reload empties. Otherwise, well done!
Some of the range commands have changed with the new rule book; reason enough to reshoot this episode? Any suggestions for improvements?
Rick
@alexrex20 This really is the blabbering episode; if you want info on equipment, rules, and techniques, check out the other 60 episodes. Someone who's never shot a match may have no idea what to expect when arriving at the range on match day, and this episode is intended to describe and explain what they're likely to find.
Rick
Glad you benefited from watching the show!
Rick
Rick,you should do a video on left handed shooters using 1911's. Good video, even for those that have shot IDPA.
+Greg Scott I did do a lefty episode, a couple of years ago. It's not 1911-specific, but I do talk about ambi safeties, how to drop the slide from slide-lock, reloads, etc. Rick
@faustgeist After confirming clear, lowering the slide, dropping the hammer, and holstering, the shooter retrieves the round from the ground. As SO, I try to track the trajectory of the ejected round and mark it with my foot, but my attention is on the gun, so that's not always workable. Some shooters develop a parlor trick of catching the ejected round in mid-air, to avoid having to track it down after holstering.
Is that frowned upon(catching a round in mid-air)? I learned it from a guy at my local range, and do it quite often. I'd hate to get DQ'd for something that's almost a habit...
@theblackkknight1 You are right that it would be better to reload from the familiar pouch location, but in over ten years of competition I have never had to reload with the pocketed mag, and on a couple of occasions have discovered a downloaded mag in a pouch; I'll trade the possibility of having to fish in my pocket, in exchange for always having full mags in the pouch; that latter WILL mess up your match.
Rick
Rick,..You are the Norm Abram of shooting sports!...
That's a compliment, right?
Rick
Absolutely!....enjoying your shows...Tom
He explained that he was once told by an SO that he could be disqualified for having ammo in the same bag that he was placing his gun into, even though he, nor I, was not handling any mags or ammo. I was just wondering what you guys think about people having ammo in the bag that they are placing their gun into.
Clear on the "safety zone" for firearms handling, clear on retention of depleted, and partially depleted magazines...still unclear, on where we're allowed to "load" magazines, prior to the stages.
Essentially, anywhere you want, other than the safety area. Handling of ammo and magazines is not restricted, other than don't do it in the safety area. Rick
Really helpful, thanks.
You are probably right; Steve doesn't shoot IDPA, and was using his USPSA Production-legal rig. I scanned through the episode a couple of times, and never really was able to see either the holster or the belt?
Rick
Excellent video!
very helpful series
Very helpful - thanks. I missed where you can load your mags (at the start and between stages). Also, what becomes of the ejected round when unloading? Can I just pick it up and put it in my pocket or back in a mag?
+einfussganger At most ranges, you can load your mags any time, and any place other than the safe area. It's the opposite of handling your gun; gun only in the safe area, ammo and mags anywhere but the safe area. If you eject the round onto the ground, pick it up after the "range is clear" command. Be certain that it is your round, if you are going to immediately put it back in the mag. I picked-up what I thought was my 9mm round, and it was someone else's .38 Super; fit in the mag, but wouldn't fit in the gun. Rick
Following IDPA rules, I can only have 2 "full" magazines in pouches on my belt. If at some time during a stage,I need to tac reload and somehow need those remaining rounds to finish the stage( no matter how how remote), it would be better to reload that last partial from your pouch where you train from,and not the bottom of a pocket that has lint and who knows what ever else in it. If you don't check ever mag before a stage, sounds like shooter error to me.
Thanks, this video helped a lot. just couple of questions. How much ammunition should i bring to match, and what grain should the ammunition be?I also have p226 elite with build in factory SRT trigger, would IDPA allow SRT triggers or will it be considered as modification to firearm?
Typical round count is ~100, but you might find matches closer to 125, so bring 150 if you have it. As for the SRT, I can't find anything definitive. If it's a stock part, factory installed, then I don't see why it wouldn't be SSP legal. If it were installed after the gun was purchased, it should still be legal because it's a factory part that is offered on other, stock models. Regardless, it would be legal in ESP division. SIGs are not especially popular for competition so there's not a lot of chatter about them, but I'll keep looking.Rick
Thank you for your informative information. Seems like Glock 34 and Glock 17 are most commonly used. Probably because of the single action vs double action.
Yeah, conventional DA/SA pistols are just not very popular. There used to be a half-dozen SIG fanboys at my club, who had their guns smithed by Bruce Gray, and they were all good shots, but I don't think their choice of gun was a contributing factor! I've given up on my DA/SA gun after one match, but won't completely dismiss a more modern version of that 65yo design. Rick
Mics were at different levels :)
I would highly recommend updating this video. For example, "if finished, unload and show clear" is THE OFFICIAL command that must be universally used as stated in the idpa rulebook. This is an international sport so these english words must be used word for word. Another by-the-book is "if clear, slide forward" or "if clear, close cylinder". Words like 'hammer down' are ipsc commands, not idpa commands. As well as "are you ready" instead of "shooter ready". Also, "load and make ready" does not mean the shooter can make safe then load. It is simply to load. Lots of changes to the official rulebook since 2010 :)
+ThatsMrRightToYou You are right that the range commands are out of date, but the specifics of the range commands are not really the topic of this episode. The point is to familiarize new shooters to the process of match registration, squadding, shooting order, etc. We did a number of episodes during 2015 on the new IDPA rule book, and if we didn't cover the new range commands, I can do an update. Rick
very helpful, thanks !!!
Very informative. Thanks alot. Keep it up!
@donaldpaintball3 it should be a 3 Series Coupe
I noticed after his first live fire exercise he cleared his pistol & dropped a live round. What is the procedure for retrieving that unfired bullet?
Even having a range bag
near a safe table/area is
a Really Bad idea ! The
only thing placed on the
table should be the gun.
It's just another opportunity
to slip and dig ammo or mags
out of the bag. Should be no
Clutter on said table, plus a
couple of bags on the table
just makes others wait longer
to use the area.
@calebargh You can handle your magazines anywhere BUT the safety area, so yeah, after and out of the safety area.
Steve
I wanna know where to find an idpa match near me. The closest one that shows up online is the next state over 😐
I have never been to a range that explicitly disallowed ammo in the safety area, only the handling of ammo there. If your local range doesn't want ammo in the safety area, that's certainly within their rights, but it should be posted, as that's not common.
Rick
That Steve is a real John Wayne "Badass"!
Hey where did you find that vest, I’m a chess enthusiast and it would be the perfect blend of my two hobbies
Great stuff, thank you.
Where did you actually load your mags at?
Very informative
"Steve" appeared to be using an illegal holster and belt according to the IDPA rulebook. His holster appeared to be a "drop offset" type holster popular in USPSA events and his belt appeared to be an "outer" belt, also the type popular at USPSA matches. It would be helpful to demonstrate and use proper equipment. "Rick" appeared to be using proper magazine and belt, his holster was not visible during this video.
Very helpful video! Thank you.
Well done!
Ya, like no one guessed who’s BMW that was from the shooting glasses you had on.
Ha-ha!
Great video guys...thanks a lot for the info.
I have been shooting for all my life, and never been to a IDPA match. This is going to prepare me quite nicely. Thanks again for your time you put into making this video.
-GY6vids
How did your first match go? 😂
thanks for the vid! Do you have to be an IDPA member to shoot a match?
You must be a member before you shoot your second match. In my experience, it can take up to six weeks for memberships to be processed, though online registration has probably improved the process; I suspect most clubs will accept a "I joined, but haven't received my membership card yet" at your second match; we always have.
Rick
thanks!
What jacket is the guy on the left wearing?
Well done.
is it normal to shoot reduced powder loads or did the camera cut out the noise?
ptw783 .45s are usually downloaded, but 9mms and .38 Specials are running at or near full power. Rick
Awesome video! I couldn't find IDPA velocity standards, what is the floor velocity? Awesome video by the way!
ptw783 The power floor for BUG division is 95 powerfactor; Stock REV is 105, Enhanced REV/155; SSP, ESP, CCP/125; CDP/165. It's not a velocity floor, it's a combination of bullet weight and velocity; bullet weight in grains x velocity in feet-per-second, drop the zeros, eg 200grs x 850fps = 170 powerfactor
How many rounds of ammo should you bring durning these event?
A six or seven stage match can take about a hundred rounds. I double that amount in my bag.
Where do i get a vest like that?
What do you do about the live rounds unloaded on the ground?
I wondered the same thing.
***** Some ranges require that live rounds are picked-up, but with the price of ammunition these days, most people don't need to be encouraged to pick up their live rounds.Rick
Thanks so much guys! appreciate the support. please let your friends who are interested to shoot IDPA know and watch this vid!
Nice BMW. 550i?
The radio voice at the beginning is completely lame.
thanks.
LOL, I shot idpa and uspsa before signing up.
Looking for some tips, check out some videos and leave a comment, thanks.
Going to my first idpa match in a couple weeks. All the rules make me nervous like I'm going to do something natural and almost automatic and get kicked out. I understand safety and I'm a safety nazi but it almost sounds like going to somewhere anti-gun. If you can't handle a gun or carry a gun ON A GUN RANGE then apparently it's not safe to carry a gun anywhere, any time. Can't be safe and unsafe at the same time.
If you are referring to the "cold range" concept, meaning you are loaded only when it's your turn to shoot, there are clubs that run a "hot range", where everyone is loaded all the time. Others, a "warm range", in which everyone is loaded while in a shooting bay, but unloaded in the clubhouse, parking lot, etc. All are IDPA-legal options. Rick
Yeah I understand that. And I know it's not your fault and I'm not saying it is. I was just making the comment. It seems hypocritical to me for a gun range where I'd assume the vast majority or all the members are pro-gun and pro-concealed carry to not allow carrying concealed, on a gun range no less. It could also be bad PR if some anti-gun nut found out about this. They could use the argument why let people who we don't know carry concealed anywhere when a gun club where most of the members know each other doesn't allow concealed carry ON THE GUN RANGE. Pretty ironic. They would have a very good point. If a gun club can't support its members carrying concealed, they probably shouldn't be in favor of anyone carrying concealed. It makes gun clubs, shooters and people who do carry concealed like I do on a daily basis look like hypocrites. They should be consistent, for or against concealed carry, period. The club I'm (maybe) going to shoot at is a cold range and I'm seriously having second thoughts if I want to be affiliated with an anti-concealed carry organization. I think the IDPA should drop affiliation with such clubs as well. Unless I'm really missing something here. Maybe someone can convince me otherwise and I kinda hope so lol.
Carrying concealed doesn't mean you're handling your firearm. We had too many people showing off their loaded firearms behind the firing lines. Once you learn that the club is a cold range it's easier to simply show up at the club with an unloaded firearm. Unfortunately, we had a group arrive from a competing club and one of their members shot a hole in the trunk of their car. Luckily the round also hit his AR-15 which stopped the bullet from doing more damage to the gas tank or electronics. Also lucky no one was killed or maimed. I'll also try the short answer. We invite the public to our matches and unfortunately we have had some real "unusual" characters participate. Some I wouldn't trust with a staple gun.
I just joined a range that is a cold range. At first I was very put off by it, as my previous range had no such rules.
After attending my range orientation and some action shooting classes I have no problem with it.
It's not they are anti concealed carry or anti anything. What they are is PRO SAFETY. This keeps any of the above mentioned situations from being even a remote possibility.
The club I joined is a cold range, however, you ARE allowed to carry concealed provided it stays concealed.
@alexrex20 Jeremy Clarkson...is that you?
Check out the Android app called "Splits - Shot Timer". It will help track your speed and accuracy. Great training tool!
Can I use my Tec-9?
+Tec 9 With a Match Director's OK, it could be used in the Not For Competition division. You'd still need a legal holster - something of a problem? - but just about any "handgun" could be legal for NFC. I've shot my .30 Luger in NFC, when normally the .30 cartridge wouldn't be legal in other divisions. Rick
Does he know those fishermen vests are really not cool anymore?
I see this was from 2011. What is the common cover used now? Not the rules requirement, but what guys are really wearing?
Just shot my first IDPA practice, 2 days ago.
Wish I had watched this first.
No dq, no non threats, and no pe, or fe.
Was too fast on the The first course, and got +25.
Second one, I was less jittery, and was only +6.
I think this might become an addiction.
Long socks and new balance dad sneakers describe this sport insanely well
guy in the blue is funny
cheesiest radio voice commercial ever lol
Mas pls drop the toupee
Now for Americas top 40 music countdown!!! Lol
hmm, that's a nice car.
safety first and foremost. given the negative opinion some of society have about guns, the last thing a gin club needs is a negligent discharge..
soo many rules youre head will explode
After you've shot a few matches, you'll realize that you really have to pay close attention to only a handful of rules. Safety, always, but following the stage procedure, engaging the correct target, and using proper cover while doing so, covers about 90% of it. Don't move with an empty gun, reload when it's empty, and have fun.
Rick
IDPA way to complicated. Not tactical enough for me.
Not very smart to be breaking in to vehicles where there are dudes with guns!!!!! Just Sayin! Lmao
Freaking BMW drivers lmao
Lol. I thought nys gun laws sucks
couldn't finish the video. too much blabbering and story telling. also, i hate BMW drivers.
Good information, however, you really need to work on your presentation. There was far too much verbal fluff and physical hand waving. Be more succinct, no need to belabor your points.