Lots of challenge areas, found some strengths.
Match started good, a guy was selling old used mil-spec 1911 mags at $5 for a pair. I took them all as I only had the two that came with my springer. Unfortunately I had several feed issues in the first couple of stages but they were with the factory mags. While I'll get the gunsmith to check them out it's more likely a case of operator error. The flat base of the mags really requires using extra effort to seat firmly. Already a known issue for me.
In IDPA you are ranked by shooting a classifier. You can get promoted by re-shooting the classifier and doing better, or by being the high score in the match for your current level. If you've not been classified, like me, you are rated as a master. Seems to make room for the beginners to move up since a hot-shot from another sport will compete against their skill-peers. As you might guess I was significantly at the bottom of the master class. Way at the bottom. However, of the 30+ shooters we had I was #9 in the accuracy analysis!
Accuracy is based on the number of points you lose. IDPA targets are scored 0, -1, -3, -5, and "FTN" (Failure to neturalize). A hit in the killing areas of the torso or head is 0, and then the torso goes to -1/-3 as you get to the edges. -5 for a miss and FTN if there is no shot in the 0/-1 area. Each point adds one-half second to your time and all results are based on time. The best shooter of the day was down 7 points, I was only down 18. I was very slow in my shooting but when I got around to pulling the trigger it was in the right place.
I got a few compliments that really stand out. Up front I let the Safety Officer know I was a brand new shooter and that this was my first match. In the first stage I had serious feed issues and resolved them in the course of fire though my time was way up. The SO and another skilled shooter complimented me on my cool and safety mindedness while resolving the issues. The second compliment came after a tough stage where the first bad guy was hiding behind a "no shoot" target. There was a 3-4 inch slice visible between the no shoot and the wall. Or there was the head of the bad guy which was nicely available to us tall folks and got two shots from me.
I got another compliment on a head shot where the course of fire had you move from one side of a wall with holes in it to the other and shoot targets as you saw them. A bad guy between two barrels was meant to be shot through a hole in the wall. But if he sticks up his head there's no reason not to take advantage.
The main match was the pistol and we finished up on time. The first side match was rifle and we shot mostly the same stages except that we doubled up a couple of times. That is, you'd do one stage and then run to the next and do it, all on the same clock and mag change. Someone messed up my game and prevented me from coming in last! What makes that funny is that I was using a borrowed rifle, shot off-side as I'm cross eye dominant, didn't know how the optics worked, and haven't shot an AR at a target since Air Force basic in '82.
Second side match was a low-light shoot. Some of the same stage set-up, some different. I didn't come in last but definately see some areas to work on. Like "bring really warm clothes for a late night match in the mountain shoots in November"! By the end my feet were aching up to my shins and my fingers were losing sensativity.
Overall I had a blast. I'm normally an introvert and can't be around people more more than a few hours without being exhausted. Last night I spent 12 hours straight with a bunch of folks I've never met before and it never bothered me. Everyone was helpful, I found some new friends, and I got to do a lot of shooting in a very fun setting.
Challenge areas are speed and keeping my head clear. I forgot a target on the rifle match, the same one I had head-shot with the pistol! Strengths are choosing good shots, and body movement. I've done some self-defense training in years gone by and I could really feel my body relax and stay centered with good foot movement throughout the day. Well, at least while I could still feel my feet.
I also appreciated the conversations here. You all have made me feel welcome, even as a newbie, and that helped reduce some stress because I didn't have to meet any high goals to be accepted. I also figure the after action report will garner me some advice on how to improve.
Thanks!
leam