Any advice out there about first time IDPA competition ? I know it’s all about time and accuracy and safety, but should my concentration be on hitting targets or speed the first time around ? Or just finishing a stage without any major catastrophe.
It's a game, it has rules. Most of those rules impact your score and you can learn them as you go - but - some of the rules are safety rules, and violating them can get you dq'd. Make sure you understand the safety rules/protocols/procedures so that you can shoot the entire match.
1) IDPA matches are usually cold ranges.
This means that any firearm you have with you must be unloaded until you're the shooter on the line and have been told to load and make ready.
2) Most ranges operate with a "180 rule". If you visualize a line parallel to the backstop, running through your body as you move within the bay, your muzzle must not break that line. IOW, keep your gun pointed downrange at all times while shooting.
3) Firearms may only be handled at a designated safe table or under the direction of your Safety Officer.
4) Ammunition may not be handled at the safe table. Load your mags anywhere else, but not there.
5) When running a stage, keep your finger off of the trigger unless you're shooting. A high index works well because the SO on you can clearly see that your finger's not on the trigger.
If the SO says "STOP" - just stop. Keep your gun pointed downrange and wait for the next instruction. You may have done something unsafe, a prop may have failed, a dog may have just run onto the stage - it doesn't matter what the cause is - just stop.
Tell the SO's in your group that it's your first match. They should bump you down in the shooting order so that you can watch a few others run the stage first.
Google the range commands, so that you understand them before hand. There aren't very many, they're not complex - and they're standardized.
Focus on doing the stages without errors, speed can be developed, but setting bad habits in place to start with is rougher - it's hard to unlearn bad habits.
Don't get hung up on "well that's stupid, I would never do that in real life" - it's a game - it has a lot of rules.
If you're shooting from behind a wall, or a barrier, don't jam yourself up on it, arms length is usually about right.
Listen to the stage briefing. Unless it says otherwise, paper gets two hits, steel must fall, and cover garment is required.
Make sure your gear is adequate. Sturdy belt, decent holster, two mag carriers, eye and ear protection.