Shot IDPA for the first time

[Lee in OH]

I've been reading here about the rules and all, but I decided to try it anyway. I had a ball. There was no screaming and shouting and no one was looking down anyone's holsters looking for daylight. I think I was the only one there who was asking questions about it. This isn't a state shoot or anything, just a local group that shoots once a month. I will be going back. It's like a video game, only with real guns. Much better than shooting bullseye practice.

Don't get me wrong, I sucked. Magazine changes killed me terribly (my poor Wilson magazines hitting concrete...almost made me cry). I can see myself practing in the basement to get better. I won't post my scores as it's not important to me. I'm going there to learn how to become a better tactical marksman...not win, well, nothing I guess.

It appears to me that today was a traditional IDPA match. Everyone was helpful and courteous..and very considerate of a noob who didn't know what to do. I think all these rules changes can only hurt the game. My experience has been that unless there is a glaring conflict which needs to be settled or deficiency which needs to be addressed, leaving things alone is the best method. Out of the 20 guys that were there when I was, only about 3 or 4 were gamers (I guess this is the term they use for themselves). The vast majority were just folks who enjoy the game and are only shooting aginst themselves and their last good round.

All the arguing about petty rules is what chased me away from benchrest shooting. I want to enjoy these things, not stress about passing muster.

BTW, the shoot was at the American Range in North Jackson, OH.