This Primer will focus on IDPA, as it's the game with which I'm most familiar. SOME of what's posted here will translate to USPSA, mostly in their Production division. Wulf50guy came up with the questions, trying to ask what would be important for a new shooter to know, and I've answered them to the best of my ability. While my username is in the Starter box, it was fully Wulfy's idea and he deserves that credit before we go any farther.

What do i need?
>>Compared to some games, not much. You'll see what I mean below. More important than ANY piece of gear is a good attitude, an open mind, a willingness to do new things and a want to better yourself.


What type of handgun?
>>The best gun is the gun you carry every day. If that's not suitable, a larger version of the gun you carry every day. If that's not suitable, get a different everyday carry gun. Most people's EDC's put them into Stock Service Pistol or Production (Glock, Sig, Beretta). XD's find themselves in Enhanced Service Pistol. .45ACP 1911's have their own class (Custom Defensive Pistol), as do double action revolvers (Stock Service or Enhanced Service Revolver). Personally, I compete with a clone of the gun I carry (Glock 19). You MAY be at a competitive disadvantage using your EDC, but as a beginner trying to break into the sport inexpensively, that's okay.


Caliber?
>>.38 Special or 9mm and larger. I always suggest 9mm's to new shooters. They're available in a wide variety of platforms and configurations to fit almost every budget. Be aware that MOST factory-loaded .38 Special ammunition does NOT make minimum Power Factor and is illegal for competition. This is extremely important once you get beyond the club-level match. Is your .40, .357 or .45 okay? You bet, but in Stock or Enhanced Service Pistol, there is no competitive advantage to the larger caliber.


Type of ammo?
>>FMJ from a reputable company. I like Winchester, Federal or CCI. Wolf is also popular with those who do not reload. No tracer or armor piercing allowed, per IDPA rules.


Necessary holsters? Belts?
>>You need a strong side belt holster. That's it. A good belt is VERY helpful. Magazines/speed loaders can be loaded from your pockets. You won't win and speed contests that way, but it's legal and keeps the cost down. That said, belt-mounted magazine carriers are STRONGLY encouraged. You are allowed two magazines on your belt and a third in the gun, so a double mag carrier works just fine. I'm going to interject an opinion as a Match Director here. Floppy, soft, nylon holsters; especially inside the waistband holsters, should not be allowed. They are dangerous. If you are carrying a gun on the street in one of these, you are insane. I do not allow them at my matches.


How many Mags should I have?
>>At MINIMUM, three. Four to six is best. Number them, mark them, or identify them in some way so you know they're yours. You will likely NOT be the only one shooting a gun like yours at a match.


Things I can do prior to attending? (personal training, range exercises )
>>Review your gun safety rules. Review them again. Have a knowledge of how your gun works (what're those levers for?). Attend a match as a spectator/guest. Take a buddy if you can, but don't be afraid to go solo. Check with the club you plan on shooting at to see if they have a "new shooter" class. If so, take it, even if they do not mandate the class. Review your gun safety rules again. Read the IDPA rulebook. Read it again, it can be confusing at times. Now, go review your gun safety rules again, you'll need them.


Costs involved?
>>As much or as little as you want to spend, depending upon the game. IDPA is CHEAP when compared to cowboy action shooting, USPSA Open, or bullseye. A $20 Fobus (ack, barf) holster and a used Glock 9mm will get you in the game. Remember to have extra money for a few mags and a holster. Clubs themselves set match fees. Every club I've ever shot charges $10. As a side note, some clubs allow women and Dependant minors to shoot for a reduced fee (or free). Take two hundred rounds of ammunition (or three) to every match. You will likely not shoot that much, but if you need to reshoot a stage, you don't want to run short. It's better to have a little extra than not enough.


Where can I find a place to participate?
>>Check with your local gunshops, ranges, clubs and look on the web on the various game's websites. Regional sections of your favorite bulletin boards would be another place to find matches.


What should I expect?
>>Rather than answer this in a sentence, I've made a do/don't list.

Do's:
-Expect to be baby-sat and coddled over your first couple matches.
-Expect to be reminded of the safety rules at least twice (you DID read them before you went, right?).
-Expect to be humbled.
-Expect to walk away with the realization that you're NOT the fantastic pistol shooter you thought you were when you got to the range that day.
-Expect your brain to turn to jelly the first time the timer buzzes behind you.
-Expect to get some good advice (and likely some bad).
-Expect to have procedurals on every stage you shoot....but expect to have someone explain them to you and how NOT to get them next time.
-Also, expect to go home if you screw up and violate a safety rule.
-Expect to make new friends and possibly reacquaint yourself with some old ones.
-Expect to work the entire day. Help paste targets and pick up brass. Those are the two best things you can do to help your squad move smoothly. This will also make you popular with your Safety Officer.

Do Not's:
-Do not tolerate being degraded for being a new shooter.
-Do not tolerate being yelled at unless you do something unsafe.
-Do not expect to be a Master by the end of the day.
-Do not be afraid to ask for help or clarifications on rules or stages.
-Do NOT be discouraged if things don't go perfectly for you at your first match, or your second, or even your third.
-Do not let the Insufferable Prick (every range has one) keep you from having a good time.


What If I feel intimidated?
>>Relax and take a deep breath. EVERYONE had to be the new guy at some point. It takes a measure of courage to begin a new something. You are going to feel somewhat intimidated. That's normal. Now, see, you're already over it. GO HAVE FUN!!


What kinds of people can I expect to meet?
>>People from all walks of life. Some are great, others are raging pricks (remember, every range has one). Ignore the jerks and make friends with the good people. 99% of the people at any given match will bend over backward to help you. One tip is to identify yourself to the Match Director as soon as you get to the range. Find him and do whatever he tells you to do. Remember, you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar. Be open and friendly toward others, and they will be open and friendly toward you.

All good info.
I'm glad that I finally got you to shoot an IPDA match. It only took me a year and a half to get you to go. Now you are better than I'll ever be.

Good info. I wish I had the time to pursue this.

Make a few hours and at least go watch a match.

You'll either be glad you did or at the worst you'll be out a few hours.

bc

excellent primer. kudos to the op. at ACT, we tell all our students that competitive shooting is very valuable adjunct to any training regimen. most idpa, uspsa or similar shooters are the safest on the range. any of the action games help you learn your manual of arms and to operate under stress, artificially induced of course. those that nay say the shooting games as beneath the "martial artist" or that what you learn will get you killed, either haven't really looked to see what goes on, or have tried and didn't do well. hehe.

Thank you.

bc