Spoke with Paul from IDPA yesterday. What an all around great guy to talk to. It sounds like there is quite a lot I need to work on before entering any sort of competitions. I think I could be ready after maybe 6 months of consistent training. Looking forward to getting there.
^^^THISTCGC also has a practical pistol match that is very relaxed, slow speed.
If your safe with your draw, holster and muzzle discipline then your good to go for IDPA as well.
My IDPA club always has beginners. All you need to do is be safe... that's it. If you can shoot straight enough to hit a target, you will get a decent score. One need not worry about shooting fast and accurate enough to place well at first, because IDPA was created more as a fun self defense learning experience, with a little bit of competition thrown in. I'm never going to be in the top shooter category so I don't worry about it, mostly competing against myself and just having fun doing self defense type shooting.
IMO a very competitive guy would be happier at USPSA. But it will cost you more in a specialized handgun and LOTS more ammo. IDPA can be shot with whatever you use for EDC or just whatever you got. Our matches here are typically around 80-120rds. I've competed in both types of clubs/matches.
bb