Idpa

[GreatScott]

Where do most of you San Bernardino guys/gals participate in IDPA events. I assume there are a few different locations to choose from. Any difference from one to the next? Do you guys feel like you get anything valuable from it? My trips to the indoor range just aren't doing it for me anymore, and I feel like I need to participate in something that is a little closer to real life defense situations. I'm just not sure if I'm ready to get involved in anything SUPER competitive at this point since I'm still a little green. Looking for more of a fun challenging shoot if that makes sense.

[WKC]

Either Prado or West End Gun Club would be a good place to start. As for being SUPER competitive, it is really up to you. My advice to new shooters is to first shoot for the fun of it. When you use to the matches, you can start to evaluate your tactics as you run the course of fire. As you get more experienced, you will find that you can split your attention between your tactical considerations and operating the gun. Then you start to push your speed and see how that affects your accuracy. The ultimate goal is to shoot fast but accurate and use good tactics.

But then, you'll have days where you are simply a hoser blasting everything in sight.

[swdr]

Originally Posted by WKC

Either Prado or West End Gun Club would be a good place to start. As for being SUPER competitive, it is really up to you. My advice to new shooters is to first shoot for the fun of it. When you use to the matches, you can start to evaluate your tactics as you run the course of fire. As you get more experienced, you will find that you can split your attention between your tactical considerations and operating the gun. Then you start to push your speed and see how that affects your accuracy. The ultimate goal is to shoot fast but accurate and use good tactics.

But then, you'll have days where you are simply a hoser blasting everything in sight.

Exactly.

[rickr96]

Originally Posted by GreatScott

Where do most of you San Bernardino guys/gals participate in IDPA events. I assume there are a few different locations to choose from. Any difference from one to the next? Do you guys feel like you get anything valuable from it? My trips to the indoor range just aren't doing it for me anymore, and I feel like I need to participate in something that is a little closer to real life defense situations. I'm just not sure if I'm ready to get involved in anything SUPER competitive at this point since I'm still a little green. Looking for more of a fun challenging shoot if that makes sense.

I think IDPA will give you what you're looking for.

It's only as competitive as you want to make it. Most people are not there for the competition, but rather for the chance to shoot and practice in ways most in door ranges won't allow. Check it out... It's a lot of fun.

WKC gave you the two places to start. Prado shoots twice a month and West End shoots once. Both clubs welsome new shooters and make ti very easy to get started. Both have info on their websites about dates and times, etc.

Good luck.

[swdr]

--> Prado IDPA
Shoots 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month.
$20 for newbie, $17 for IDPA member.
~8:00am new-shooter briefing (safe-handling at Prado).
~8:30am startup.

[GreatScott]

Cool...thanks guys. Do you know if there is an age requirement? A buddy of mine has a teenage son that often goes shooting with us.

[WKC]

Originally Posted by GreatScott

Cool...thanks guys. Do you know if there is an age requirement? A buddy of mine has a teenage son that often goes shooting with us.

They like young shooters. Prado has a master class revolver shooter that is under 21. His grandfather brings him there to shoot. I know of at least two others who bring their teenage daughter there to shoot the matches. Make sure your friend's son is capable of handling the gun safely from the holster. Keep in mind that although shooters are generally a forgiving bunch, they are not that way when it comes to safety violations. Make sure you also know the kids ability. The last thing you want to do is to set him up for failure and he will never come back.

[swdr]

Youngest at Prado was a 11 year old girl, IIRC. Daughter of an RSO there.
She shot very well -- don't recall whether it was 9mm or .45.