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MO IDPA groups. Are they worth my time?

WCEarp

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 6, 2012
Messages
78
Location
Oak Grove, Missouri
I figured I would check out one the the local groups once the weather warmed up. By then I would have a good amount of range time and dry fire practicing in.

The official groups in MO are a minimum of two hours away from me. I would hate to travel across the state to find out the range masters suck or that the members are rude. I wouldn't mind the drive for a quality experience.

Off hand, who here participates in defensive training and competition.?
 

mspgunner

Regular Member
Joined
Feb 6, 2009
Messages
1,966
Location
Ellisville, Missouri, USA
I've watched IDPA and shot USPSA. It's a "competition". It is fun and interesting. In my opinion, if an individual would use their firearm in self defense the IDPA/USPSA format might teach you to point and shoot, change mags and move and shoot. Is it real life? NO. They are scenerios and that's not a bad thing. It is NOT defensive training, it is competition. Go watch, see if it is what you want out of training. You will probably see many very good shooters and it is interesting. You'll have to decide for yourself.

Face it, most shooting situations for personal defense is one on one, pull bang, over! The IDPA/USPSA may be a valuble exercise in multi-contact situations, but really....
 

xd shooter

Regular Member
Joined
Oct 31, 2010
Messages
333
Location
usa
I have shot quite a bit of IDPA, some USPSA, some 3 gun.

I have enjoyed ALL of it, and have found the practice beneficial, for target aquisition, Shoot/don't shoot, mag changes, etc.

I have also enjoyed the many DIFFERENT scenarios, from the obvious multiple target, kill zone shooting (unlikely for a real life scenario), to the single target, shoot while retreating, from retention (VERY likely real life scenario).

I also feel VERY confident in my drawing technique (using a Serpa Blackhawk and an XD .45, and no holes in my leg as of today) and speed, both from cover (under shirt) and open (USPSA style).

The competition part of it has it's uses, both from a drawing speed aspect, but also the speed with which you aquire and shoot your target, as in you want to get off the shot before the bad guy does, obviously without shooting the WRONG target.

Range shooting has it's uses, but putting holes in the zero while standing still and taking 10 seconds to sight in only gets you so far in self defense situations, learning about cover and shooting accurately while on the move gives you a whole new perspective. :)

I try to shoot with a different group every month, a different RO, as I believe that each one has something to teach me, a new perspective or a different eye on my technique, all in the name of trying to be faster, more accurate, and to eye all situations from a self defense perspective, IOW, which direction do I go, which target to take out first (if there are multiples), etc.

I also know that I have fired WAY more rounds than if I were simply doing range shooting, making me a better shooter overall.
 

Morpheus97

Regular Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2011
Messages
130
Location
Florissant, MO
Similar to XD Shooter, I shoot IDPA, USPSA, 3 Gun, and other various matches. I also have taken several tactical defensive handgun classes over the last few years at a school in south central MO. I try to take at least one class each year. As has been stated, competition shooting is not "training", but it is a good way to practice skills beyond shooting from a stationary position at a stationary target.

IDPA is very scripted in the execution of each stage. For the most part, all shooters engage targets in the same order from the same position(s). IDPA has more of an emphasis on accuracy than USPSA.

USPSA is different in that you are presented a stage full of targets (and no-shoots) and it is up to each shooter to determine the best way of executing that stage. In addition to testing shooting skills, it also forces you to exercise your problem-solving skills. In my opinion, USPSA seems to be a little more run-and-gun that IDPA.

3-Gun and other multi-gun matches are just plain fun. If shooting one gun in a match is fun, shooting two or more guns in the same match is even better :)

This past Saturday I shot a Monster Match benefiting the USO of Missouri. There were 6 stages with 50+ rounds per stage. It was a lot of fun and raised quite a bit of money for a great cause.

Most of my competition shooting has been at BenchRest Rifle Club in Wright City, MO. You are welcome to make the drive and join me sometime.
 

Oramac

Regular Member
Joined
May 25, 2009
Messages
572
Location
St Louis, Mo
Every third Saturday Benchrest Rifle Club has an IDPA match. I've gone to a few of them and they are always a great time. I'd definitely recommend them to anyone. As has been said, it's not true-to-life training, but it's great for practicing movement, draws, no-shoot targets, and the like that you can't practice at a normal range. Plus the people are great and it's just an all-around fun time. If you have any questions about the Benchrest IDPA match, shoot me a PM.
 

mspgunner

Regular Member
Joined
Feb 6, 2009
Messages
1,966
Location
Ellisville, Missouri, USA
The we site for BRRC: http://www.shootingstl.com/
You do not have to be a member to shoot competitions there.
The gate will be open.
The club is open to "new members". It is a "Private club" and YES there are a lot of rules and and a substantial start up cost and orientation.

I'm a member, just literally walked in the door from sighting in my deer rifle there. It is wwithout a doubt the finest shooting facility in the State of Missouri.
Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. (Night shooting is somethig that goes on)... but it's open to members...........
 

WCEarp

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 6, 2012
Messages
78
Location
Oak Grove, Missouri
Thank you all for the input. That is the kind of info I was wanting to know about the local clubs. I guess I get to make a trip to the east side of the state to check BRRC out.

Sorry if I gave the impression that I thought IDPA was a good defensive training regiment. I by no means ment that. I am interested in getting into shooting sports. Standard range trips and shooting clay pigeons just isn't cutting it anymore. I figured it was time to try something new.

I was just also curious as to who went to self defense training classes.
 

mspgunner

Regular Member
Joined
Feb 6, 2009
Messages
1,966
Location
Ellisville, Missouri, USA
Thank you all for the input. That is the kind of info I was wanting to know about the local clubs. I guess I get to make a trip to the east side of the state to check BRRC out.

Sorry if I gave the impression that I thought IDPA was a good defensive training regiment. I by no means ment that. I am interested in getting into shooting sports. Standard range trips and shooting clay pigeons just isn't cutting it anymore. I figured it was time to try something new.

I was just also curious as to who went to self defense training classes.

There are also "self defense" training programs. Tim Oliver outside of Columbia comes to mind. "Tim Oliver Learn To Carry". I know several who took his class and I know him to have a Very good reputation! Google him to find the classes. Tell him I sent 'ya! No commission involved...........
 

REALteach4u

Regular Member
Joined
Nov 25, 2010
Messages
428
Location
Spfld, Mo.
If you broaden your horizons and explore IDPA, IPSC, and USPSA you may find one that suits you and is considerably closer to you. The closest I have in the Springfield area are Bear Creek in Stocton, Mo and the USPSA group (Joplin Action Pistol League) in Joplin, Mo. I believe there is another group a bit closer to Springfield, but getting in touch with them can be difficult from time to time.

Sometimes you'll just have to make the drive. When I get a chance to get out to the Houston, Mo area I do like to hit Big Piney Sportsman's Club for their IDPA-style matches. I've been trying to get the time to hit one in St. Louis or Illinois if I can get scheduling to work for a match. Again, sometimes it's just necessary to make the drive, but make it a worth while drive. In other words if you're going on a trip anyway, check to see if anything is going on in that area. If you're going to make the drive for just the match, find a dive that's worth your time to eat at. (dives have been great when you find one that's good)
 
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