Only slight issue I have with IDPA is that .40-cal sort of gets shut out if you really want to compete (and not just practice with your carry gun). The classifications for semi-auto - which I'm still learning - basically break down into either 9mm or .45. Because .40-cal doesn't have quite enough bullet weight to compete in the .45 class, it ends up competing against softer-shooting 9mm guns. Don't get me wrong, you can compete with .40 and if you're good you'll likely beat many competitors using 9mm. But it seems that the folks who get really into the competitve aspects all use 9mm pistols that are borderline true concealed carry guns (full size Glock 17 and even extended slide competition guns like Glock 34). So sooner or later if you hope to place well in a very competitive match, a .40-cal gun could be a disadvantage (and of course .40-cal costs about 40% to 50% more than 9mm, which can get expensive).
But above is all just competitive/gamesmanship complaints. If you just want to go shoot a match with your regular carry gun/holster set up, it is great fun and you'll learn and develop a lot as a shooter. You can save the competitiveness and gamesmanship for later. I shoot with a standard mid-size Glock, Crossbreed Supertuck holster, and a pair of Blackhawk kydex mag pouches. This is the same as my carry setup (except I sometimes use a different mag pouch).
I'd like to find a BUG match somewhere and shoot one of my small guns - Glock 27, Walther PPS, or S&W J-frame. Also thinking of trying a carbine match sometime. Watched some guys compete in carbine a few weeks ago and going through the course with an AR just looks COOL
and a heckuva lotta fun. http://www.idpa.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;