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| International Defensive Pistol Association |
- Handgun
- Holster
- Magazine Pouch
- (3) Magazines
- Ammunition
- Concealment Garment
- Eye and Ear Protection
What gun do I buy ?
The biggest question I get is, "What gun do I buy?" This is a hard question to answer. There is so much that goes into a gun selection. How does it feel in your hand? How does it feel during recoil? What caliber do you want to shoot? I suggest shooting a couple different guns to find out what you like. Having confidence in what you are using really does help. When selecting a handgun, I would stay with the major manufacturers of guns. The most popular guns I see being used are Smith and Wesson M&P Pro9, Glock 34, 1911, and 2011 style weapons. If you look at these pistols there is one thing they all have in common, the same trigger pull very time. There is a lot to be said about that. When it comes to magazines, get factory. Don't buy cheap, imitation mags.
What holster and magazine pouch ?
There is a large market of these materials on the net. You can spend anywhere from $10 to $100+ on these items. When selecting a quality holster and mag pouch, first, make sure the one you have selected is legal to use. The two major companies that are used the most are Comp-Tac Victory Gear and Safariland. If you select a holster company outside these two, DON'T BUY CHEAP !!
What type of ammo do I get ?
Most of the players of IDPA, load their our ammo. By doing it this way, its cost effective, they can run the components that best run in their guns, and they can "download" the rounds so the felt recoil is less. Although there are companies that make ammunition for competition. I personally use Atlanta Arms and Ammo. If you have to buy your own here is the formula you need to make sure your ammo makes the minimum 125,000 Power Factor. (Power Factor (PF) = Weight of the Bullet (grains) x Feet per Second (FPS)) For example, if you have a 147 grain bullet traveling 900 FPS = 132,300 PF. So the key is, the heavier the bullet is, the slower it can go. The slower it goes, the less felt recoil it has. If your ammo does not make PF, then your score will not count. So pay attention to this. Here are the minimums for the common weights of 9mm, 40 cal, and .45 auto.
9mm
What holster and magazine pouch ?
There is a large market of these materials on the net. You can spend anywhere from $10 to $100+ on these items. When selecting a quality holster and mag pouch, first, make sure the one you have selected is legal to use. The two major companies that are used the most are Comp-Tac Victory Gear and Safariland. If you select a holster company outside these two, DON'T BUY CHEAP !!
What type of ammo do I get ?
Most of the players of IDPA, load their our ammo. By doing it this way, its cost effective, they can run the components that best run in their guns, and they can "download" the rounds so the felt recoil is less. Although there are companies that make ammunition for competition. I personally use Atlanta Arms and Ammo. If you have to buy your own here is the formula you need to make sure your ammo makes the minimum 125,000 Power Factor. (Power Factor (PF) = Weight of the Bullet (grains) x Feet per Second (FPS)) For example, if you have a 147 grain bullet traveling 900 FPS = 132,300 PF. So the key is, the heavier the bullet is, the slower it can go. The slower it goes, the less felt recoil it has. If your ammo does not make PF, then your score will not count. So pay attention to this. Here are the minimums for the common weights of 9mm, 40 cal, and .45 auto.
9mm
- 115 grain - 1090 FPS
- 124 grain - 1010 FPS
- 147 grain - 850 FPS
.40 cal
- 165 grain - 760 FPS
- 180 grain - 695 FPS
- 200 grain - 625 FPS
.45 auto
- 230 grain - 545 FPS
Concealment Garment
I have seen a couple different types of concealment garments out on the circuit. You have to get something that fits you. If its too big, take it to a shop and have it taken in. The garment just has to cover the gun and your mags. Among the brands that I see are 5.11 Tactical and Armadillo Concealment.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Ears and Eye protection doesn't make or break you as a shooter. However, I would take this advise because it could save you money in the long run. Get some glasses that have lenses that you can change out. Lenses get scratched and need to be replaced. Replacing a lense can be cheaper than the glasses. Also, you maybe shooting in direct sunlight or darkness, so you want to be prepared for every scenario. As far as ear pro goes, I would look to invest in the electronic hearing protection. You can hear range commands easier and the noise cancellation works really well to prevent the gun blast from damaging your ears.
I hope this helps you get started. Here is a list of the equipment and setup I use. If you still have questions, please email me at Brandon@wrightshooting.com.
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