I have been wanting to come to one of these events and I have been wanting to take the class but TIME (wish I could design a machine to make more if it) hasn't allowed. What would I need to get started? #of mags? Shooting belt? Vest?
Gear:
Gun. OWB or IWB belt holster that carries the gun close to the body. Two mag pouches (unless you are shooting a singlestack, whereupon you get three). Three magazines (unless singlestack, whereupon you get four). Belt that holds it all. Concealment garment such that all of your gear is not visible when you hold your arms straight out to each side. (If shooting a revolver, rules get a bit more convoluted about how many/where, so take a look at the handbook.)
But that's it for gear.
Things to remember when shooting:
1) Safety first, last, always. Look up the muzzle (180 and such) rules, finger out of the trigger guard rules, etc.
2) If there is cover, you have to use it.
3) Tactical priority and tactical sequence.
4) Slidelock reloads/Tac Loads/Reloads with Retention -- and you can't move if you are reloading.
5) Do what the stage briefing says.
...and ask questions, because people will be happy to help out.