Newbie Shooter gives a good after action report on having fun shooting his first IDPA match.
Like Massad Ayoob said:
” If you worry about shooting a match and “Oh My God! I’ll never get over it if I come in dead last,” consider you are pretty close to the one in a million people who is willing to test their skills at this. If you ever do come dead last, you still came out ahead of a few hundred thousands of people who thought they were cool but didn’t have the guts to get out there and test themselves like you just did.”
Now to save up enough money to get a generic .45 and start practicing with it. @_@ Your blog really made me interested, and I only wish I had the funds to devote to firearms. ;-;
Consider a second-hand gun. And also, why not a revolver? They are not only allowed in IDPA but encouraged. You can find a good S&W Model 10 for under $400. Speedloaders, holster and the rest may set you back another $100 – $150 if you count your pennies.
The idea is to get shooting!
Been starin at a 400USD Armscor (well, it’s Rock Island Armory branded) and always loved the feel of the M1911A1 types. Guy knows I’m a new shooter and also really stretched on the budget. Probably easier to maintain airsoft hobby over shootin’ and less stress on the folks since I live with em (smartest move I made post-college) but gotta start somewhere ne?
Good review of the Armscor in Swat Magazine. you will have to buy good magazines, the ones that come with it suck.
+1 on the used S&W K frame. J&G has some trade in Model 64’s for pretty cheap. And if you really focus and work with it, you’ll have a smooth trigger pull many of your friends shall envy.
As for a semi, your best bet is to go for a used 9mm Glock. I’ve spent THOUSANDS of dollars on guns I don’t like (and sold them at a loss) just to come to that conclusion. 9mm give you more $$$ for practicing, less recoil, and more $$$ for practicing.
-then again, I’m a Todd G disciple…
Found it: Model 64 .38spec w/ 4″bbl for $270- http://www.jgsales.com/smith-wesson-model-64-38spl,-4-inch,-stainless,-round-butt,-good-to-very-good-condition.-s-w-p-3592.html
Bobbed hammer even… I wonder if it is set for double action only, it would be perfect then.
That is a great price. Let’s finish a cheap IDPA rig:
Fobus Holster for Mod 64: $25
Speedloaders: From HKS 10-A for $9.99 to Safarilands Comp3 at $20 (gonna need 4)
Seedloader pouch: From chean Uncle Mikes at $17 for a double plus $13 for a single (you gonna need 3 pouches set in a certain way) to Blade-Tech Double Speedloader Pouch for $35 plus Blade-Tech Single Speedloader Pouch for $27.
Belt : The Wilderness (accept no substitute) depending on the model from $34 to $50
Going on the absolute cheap you have a full legal IDPA rig for $400. That is with gun included!
-bookmarked-
Still, the antique collector in me that yearns to obtain funds is yelling “If it’s a revolver, pick up that nice Webley you saw a few weeks back in the antiques and curios shop.”
I’ll keep this in mind, thanks guys.
Thanks, Miguel, for the shout out. I had a blast…pun intended. 🙂 I should know better…I’ve met enough gunnies in my time…but what a nice group of folks. Totally welcoming and helpful. And the courses of fire were lots of fun. Get thee to a match!
+1 on the model 64. I picked one up at the local gun shop (probably from the JG lots) and its a great, reliable revolver. The trigger is like butter…super smooth.
My pleasure! A bad day at the range beats a good day at work 🙂
Work, work all week long
Punchin’ that clock from dusk till dawn.
Countin’ the days till Friday night
That’s when all the conditions are right.
For a good time
I need a good time.
-Lyrics applicable to above, and anytime your hard earned goes to something you love. :3