66 replies to this topic

[Vaden]

Ok, I really want to start doing some REAL shooting. I just dont know where to start. IDPA USPA, Steel Challenge..theres so many options and I know some are more serious than others. I've read forum posts from people who just started and they claim that its extremely fun and you dont have to become hardcore into it to compete and have fun but I'm not sure which club will offer the best "casual" shooting and competition and something that runs somewhat close to home. Does anyone have any insight into how to get started, where to start and what I can expect to spend to get into "casual" competition shooting?

[3ddiver]

We shoot USPSA at PASA park. If you are close let me know and we can get together

[Vaden]

Thats the problem, in in Hanover Park, everything I see is 2 hours away and with a thirsty Hemi, that just adds significantly to the cost I guess if its once a month though...

[doubletap]

there are clubs less than 2 hours from you
i am in schaumburg
i shoot both ipsc and idpa .

[Jeffrey]

A2 has somethings going on I believe.  Lombard is an easy sprint from Hanover.

[Machine]

I shoot both. If you haven't tried it before, I would recommend the intro to hangun competition that is organized through Maxxons in Des Plaines. It is a 3 day class over the weekend. Alternatively, I would be happy to help you get started and introduce you to the procedures and such.

You can shoot in events at Oak Park Sportsmans Club (IN PLAINFIELD). Check out their site for dates - opsc.ws. They are running an IDPA and a USPSA each month.

[stm]

Machine, on 02 April 2012 - 02:34 PM, said:

I shoot both. If you haven't tried it before, I would recommend the intro to hangun competition that is organized through Maxxons in Des Plaines. It is a 3 day class over the weekend. Alternatively, I would be happy to help you get started and introduce you to the procedures and such.

You can shoot in events at Oak Park Sportsmans Club (IN PLAINFIELD). Check out their site for dates - opsc.ws. They are running an IDPA and a USPSA each month.

I shot a USPSA Match a few years ago at OPSC. Great people to shoot with. Nice facility and well run match. My experience is that most clubs have at least a few people who are more than willing to help out a new shooter. Send them an email. There is also a great deal of information at uspsa.org regarding rules, gear, and getting started.

Good Luck!

[sleepercaprice1]

Oak Park Sportsmen's Club in Plainfield, IL has both IDPA and USPSA matches every month from April through October. IDPA is the 1st Sunday and USPSA is the 2nd Sunday. Beginners are welcome at either.

[GarandFan]

Vaden, on 02 April 2012 - 01:06 PM, said:

Thats the problem, in in Hanover Park, everything I see is 2 hours away and with a thirsty Hemi, that just adds significantly to the cost

Perhaps a more fuel-efficient vehicle?  

[Vaden]

GarandFan, on 02 April 2012 - 05:17 PM, said:

Vaden, on 02 April 2012 - 01:06 PM, said:

Thats the problem, in in Hanover Park, everything I see is 2 hours away and with a thirsty Hemi, that just adds significantly to the cost

Perhaps a more fuel-efficient vehicle?  

My..um..religion prohibits me from driving anything below an 8 cylinder unless its the spouses primary conveyance. Yeah.

[Vaden]

Thanks everyone for the info and offers. I am really looking forward to getting out and seeing what its all about this summer. I am saving for the last bit of gear I need like holsters, mags and ammo. Maybe I could make it down to spectate one weekend. Plainfield isnt too bad at all, Rockford is a good backup as well.

Deciding which firearm to use is going to be the biggest decision I think.

[papa]

Vaden, on 02 April 2012 - 06:36 PM, said:

GarandFan, on 02 April 2012 - 05:17 PM, said:

Vaden, on 02 April 2012 - 01:06 PM, said:

Thats the problem, in in Hanover Park, everything I see is 2 hours away and with a thirsty Hemi, that just adds significantly to the cost

Perhaps a more fuel-efficient vehicle?

My..um..religion prohibits me from driving anything below an 8 cylinder unless its the spouses primary conveyance. Yeah.

Kids !!!

Pay no attention to anything you might have read in the " gear head " section that was posted by some guy named papa.

[GarandFan]

I'd suggest IDPA ... it consumes less ammunition, requires less (and less expensive) gear, it's great practice for defensive pistol usage.  Would suggest also using 9mm, as cost of ammo is less as well.

[duckies]

Vaden, on 02 April 2012 - 01:06 PM, said:

Thats the problem, in in Hanover Park, everything I see is 2 hours away and with a thirsty Hemi, that just adds significantly to the cost I guess if its once a month though...

I want to do this too. Perhaps we can carpool?LOL I'm not that far from you.

[Vaden]

duckies, on 02 April 2012 - 10:23 PM, said:

Vaden, on 02 April 2012 - 01:06 PM, said:

Thats the problem, in in Hanover Park, everything I see is 2 hours away and with a thirsty Hemi, that just adds significantly to the cost I guess if its once a month though...

I want to do this too. Perhaps we can carpool?LOL I'm not that far from you.

Hell yes!

[Kenny]

Pinetree in Rockford is right off I-39 or I-90 and we shoot USPSA every Thur night at 6:00 It is the most fun you can have with your clothes on!!!!

[doubletap]

shot an IDPA match in rockford on sunday
great courses of fire , good turn out

[ChrisS]

doubletap, on 16 April 2012 - 01:55 PM, said:

shot an IDPA match in rockford on sunday
great courses of fire , good turn out

Where was this?  Shot an IDPA match a while back and wouldn't mind getting into it.  Just not a lot of IDPA matches in the area.

[Vaden]

I ordered all of my IDPA gear today. I will probably be shooting at OPSC in Plainfield on Sundays, Rockford is a bit father out and I can't shoot on Thursday nights because of my work schedule. I do plan on trying to shoot at pine tree if I ever have time off and get to meet few forum members

[willxjcherokee]

If anyone every does carbine matches. Look at getting one or two of these. I just got one and its very nice and I can change mags very quickly. It feels natural.
http://www.amazon.co...m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

[AFigmentOfYourImagination]

Vaden, on 16 April 2012 - 05:16 PM, said:

I ordered all of my IDPA gear today. I will probably be shooting at OPSC in Plainfield on Sundays, Rockford is a bit father out and I can't shoot on Thursday nights because of my work schedule. I do plan on trying to shoot at pine tree if I ever have time off and get to meet few forum members

What does IDPA gear and cost entail if ya don't mind me asking?

[Vaden]

AFigmentOfYourImagination, on 16 April 2012 - 06:01 PM, said:

Vaden, on 16 April 2012 - 05:16 PM, said:

I ordered all of my IDPA gear today. I will probably be shooting at OPSC in Plainfield on Sundays, Rockford is a bit father out and I can't shoot on Thursday nights because of my work schedule. I do plan on trying to shoot at pine tree if I ever have time off and get to meet few forum members

What does IDPA gear and cost entail if ya don't mind me asking?

I picked up some Wilson combat ETM magazines for the 1911, extra mags for the Glock, a gun belt, a few different holsters so I can choose what's best for me to compete with, mag pouches, new hearing protection and shooting glasses and a few hundred rounds of ammo. Total cost..more than halfway to a grand. I'm trying to find a springfield xdm 4.5"barrel or a Glock 17 to shoot in SSP division as well as using the 1911 for CDP.

[assistantchief]

I'm just starting in IDPA too.  Costs vary depending on what you want to do.  I'm using my carry gun and I purchased a blade-tech OWB and double mag pouch at the NRA show for 40.00.  They are both online for about 50.00.  You'll need a cover garment (shirt or vest will do) and about 100 or so rounds of ammo per shoot.  Most ranges charge a shooting fee of around 15.00.  My glasses and ear protection were under 25.00 for both.  Less than 100.00 including ammo and the first match fees to start.

[Vaden]

Well I stocked up on a few hundred rounds of ammo, mostly 9mm& .45. After my first non member shoot, I plan on joining IDPA. My biggest question is if i'm shooting in CDP with my 1911, and I get an itch to shoot the Beretta next month, can I or do I have to shoot another qualifier with the different pistol? Also, will I have to shoot a qualifier right away? I really need practice for the later stages of the qualifier due to the long range targets. I've only really shoot at 25 feet and under in training with my pistol.

[bornhunter04]

I'm going to shoot my first IDPA match this weekend @ the shooting complex in Sparta. Just got a new comp-tac IDPA approved holster in today and i've got a pair of kydex pouches to use for mags. I'm definitely looking forward to it. For a cover garment, i'm just going to use my trap vest for now, figure that'll work.

[Buzzard]

doubletap, on 16 April 2012 - 01:55 PM, said:

shot an IDPA match in rockford on sunday
great courses of fire , good turn out

Where was this held at? Was it at Pinetree? I'm interested in perhaps doing this, but unfortunately, I would have to do it rolling along in a wheelchair. I would hope that there could be concessions made to allow me to "compete". Of course, I'd be sure to come in last - but I wouldn't mind that a bit.

[Davey]

USPSA looks pretty advanced.  Is it newbie friendly?  IDPA looks like less of a learning curve

[Vaden]

Buzzard, on 18 April 2012 - 12:04 AM, said:

doubletap, on 16 April 2012 - 01:55 PM, said:

shot an IDPA match in rockford on sunday
great courses of fire , good turn out

Where was this held at? Was it at Pinetree? I'm interested in perhaps doing this, but unfortunately, I would have to do it rolling along in a wheelchair. I would hope that there could be concessions made to allow me to "compete". Of course, I'd be sure to come in last - but I wouldn't mind that a bit.

Well Buzz your in luck, from what I see in the rulebook there definitely appear to be rules and concessions for people with limited mobility, including wheelchairs. I'll come up and shoot a match with you if you get into it!!

Davey, on 18 April 2012 - 12:51 AM, said:

USPSA looks pretty advanced.  Is it newbie friendly?  IDPA looks like less of a learning curve

IDPA is more practical application and tactics over pure speed and superior marksmanship. It also has a lower dollar startup requirement. I'm really liking what it offers because its how I've always wanted to shoot my guns and I would imagine you can take a lot away from it if your ever in a situation that requires you to engage someone willing to do you harm. However it is still an INTERNATIONAL sport so if your into competition, you can rank up and shoot against people from all over the world.

As stated I am going to attend the May 20th IDPA at OPSC in Plainfield, if I can swing some extra gas money I may spectate at Pine Tree this weekend if thats allowed.

[bornhunter04]

[quote name='Davey' date='18 April 2012 - 01:51 AM' timestamp='1334731862' post='323359']
USPSA looks pretty advanced.  Is it newbie friendly?  IDPA looks like less of a learning curve
[/quote]

IDPA is more practical application and tactics over pure speed and superior marksmanship. It also has a lower dollar startup requirement. I'm really liking what it offers because its how I've always wanted to shoot my guns and I would imagine you can take a lot away from it if your ever in a situation that requires you to engage someone willing to do you harm. However it is still an INTERNATIONAL sport so if your into competition, you can rank up and shoot against people from all over the world.

As stated I am going to attend the May 20th IDPA at OPSC in Plainfield, if I can swing some extra gas money I may spectate at Pine Tree this weekend if thats allowed.
[/quote]

That's what i'm liking about the idea of shooting IDPA. I can use the gear i already have and shoot a defensive style course of fire. For SSP you can be competitive with an out of the box pistol, so no matter how much/little money you have, you can still be competitive!

[idpashooter64]

Here is the rundown on northern Illinois IDPA matches.

Oak Park Sportsmens Club http://www.opscactio...istol/IDPA.html
Howell IDPA at Aurora Sportsmens Club http://www.hscidpa.com/
Pinetree Pistol Club http://www.pinetreep...l-ranges-in-use
North Porter County Conservation Club (Indiana) http://www.northportercountycc.org/
Racine IDPA (Wisc) http://www.racineidp..._IDPA/Home.html
McHenry IDPA http://www.mchenryidpa.com/

Also check out the IDPA Illinois page on Facebook, lots of good local info there. http://www.facebook.com/groups/ILIDPA/

Just read through the rulebook online at http://www.idpa.com/...uleBook2005.pdf and check out this new shooter briefing video

Spectators are always welcome but you will regret not bringing your gear once you get there. If you are safe, no one cares how fast or accurate you are.

Later,
Bill