IDPA Resources

[Winston_Smith]

I would appreciate someone pointing this newb here to a good resource that helps explain what is and what is not legal for IDPA.  I'm a new member of IDPA, have reviewed the rules several times, and am still confused as to what upgrades/customization one can do without running afoul of the rules.  In particular, I'm trying to reconcile the ESP modification rules to what is on offer at both CZ Custom and Cajun Gun Works.  Thanks in advance.

[Smitty79]

I was just barely Expert in IDPA and a a qualified Safety Officer.   Having read the rules, if I wanted to get help understanding the rules and getting current on interpretations, I'd talk to my local match director or post in the IDPA section at brianenos.com.

[larry8061]

What specifically do you want to do or obtain?

[Winston_Smith]

I'm contemplating having the CGW "E" conversion done on a CZ 97BD.  I didn't know if the added barrel bushing would disqualify it from ESP.  After getting on the Brian Enos forum, I've come to the conclusion that it would technically violate the rules but, under the so-called "Gentlemen's Agreement," IDPA has effectively suspended its rules for ESP other than weight and fitting in the box.  Let's hope that becomes permanent.

[Earl Keese]

Winston, have you participated in your first match yet?

[Winston_Smith]

Yes.  It wasn't totally disastrous in that I wasn't disqualified for any safety violations so I consider it a resounding success.  But I learned an important lesson -- a Walther PPQ .45 is NOT a competition gun.  The recoil over a long hot day just wore me down.  I'm waiting to take delivery of a Walther Q5 Match SF (here in NC the Sheriff has to sign off on your pistol permit and he's taking forever).  I also might shoot my PCR this month.  We will see.  Frankly, I was disappointed that the overwhelming majority were shooting Carry Optic.  But I'm fast learning that the IDPA rules really don't make a lot of sense.  Not trying to start a flame war but it is what it is.

[Earl Keese]

Yes.  It wasn't totally disastrous in that I wasn't disqualified for any safety violations so I consider it a resounding success.  But I learned an important lesson -- a Walther PPQ .45 is NOT a competition gun.  The recoil over a long hot day just wore me down.  I'm waiting to take delivery of a Walther Q5 Match SF (here in NC the Sheriff has to sign off on your pistol permit and he's taking forever).  I also might shoot my PCR this month.  We will see.  Frankly, I was disappointed that the overwhelming majority were shooting Carry Optic.  But I'm fast learning that the IDPA rules really don't make a lot of sense.  Not trying to start a flame war but it is what it is.

That's what I suspected, one or two matches in at most. There's nothing wrong with that, but like a lot of us who've been down this road...your focus on equipment at this stage isn't going to help you. Add some good sights to your PCR and go compete. Better yet, use the Q5 and stick with it for a year at least. Striker fired pistols are easier to master. Don't worry about building for a certain class. Shoot the class they put you in and have fun, you won't be competitive starting out anyway. IDPA  does have some interesting rules, but it's still a lot of fun. I started shooting BUG matches this year with my RAMI in CO. Am I competitive? Not very...currently mid pack but I use what I carry and have a great time improving each month. Good luck.

[Winston_Smith]

My focus on equipment isn't really IDPA related.  I enjoy shooting quality firearms.  IDPA is secondary.  I'm not doing this as serious competition, just for fun.

[Johnny Chimpo]

Frankly, I was disappointed that the overwhelming majority were shooting Carry Optic.

Why?

[Smitty79]

Slide ride dot is the way to go for carry for people with old eyes.    I'm 64.    I like carrying my P10C with a Delta Point Pro.    I now have a Shield Plus that I will get cut for an optic.   I shot IDPA with a dot and shoot USPSA with a dot.