Sidearms & Scatterguns IDPA ?'s

[Cserv]

Do any of you guys compete, and what do you run for gear? I just finished a intro class and qualifier this past weekend, and think it might be something to help develop my pistol skills. Right now I've got a G22 with factory sights,and a Blackhawk Serpa. Am looking to pick up a G17 or 19, and also have been wanting a 1911.
Thanks for any input, suggestions.

Eric

 

[EXTREMEPREJUDICE]

Well, as you know you can run just about anything that is pretty much a carry sidearm will work for IDPA (excluding small calibers.) Depending on my preferences on match day I shoot a Glock 34 in SSP, 1911 in CDP, and a 9mm 1911 in ESP. I holster in Comp-Tac OWB as it's fast and easy to present (and when you load and make ready and then show clear and holster very easy to manipulate, but I have used both leather and kydex IWB on occasion.) Many believe you should use what you carry on a daily basis but personally don't consider competition training so I use what's most simple and makes the match fun. Unlike most opinions, I prefer the major matches to the local club weekenders because they are run much more consistently/efficiently and you don't run abreast of so many self appointed experts and/or yahoos. As always, YMMV...........have fun!

 

[427Cobra]

I use my G35 with ammo loaded to 126k Power Factor, CompTac holster, 511 vest(which I hate in the summer), the extra length of the G34/35 combined with Warren/Sevigny sights IMHO makes a them more accurate than a G17/22.

 

[Briggs]

I would get an owb comp-tac or blade tech and a few mag carriers and you will be good to go. I often wear a baggy tshirt rather than a vest since I don't carry with a vest. I run my 19 bc that's what I carry but ocasionally ill grab the 34.

 

[lash]

Also a fan of the OWB CompTac for IDPA for the same reasons as mentioned above. I use my S&W M&P 9 for SSP and a 1911 Combat Commander for CDP. I use just a light short sleeve shirt for cover in the summers down here in Florida and a long sleeved shirt or jacket during the winter as I do not own a comp. vest.

While I enjoy the competitive aspect of these matches, I shoot them mostly for the discipline and skill set. Oh yeah,and they are fun too.

 

[ShootsBlanks]

I have been shooting IDPA for about 11 years. While I started with a G22, I switched to a G34 and started reloading in 2005. I have also used G17 and G21.

I am not a fan of the Serpa. There are plenty of good holsters available.

My carry gun is a G19 but none of my Glocks have factory sights. Two have night sights and the rest are fiber optic from Dawson. Check out sights on other shooters guns and see what works for you. I like the narrowest front sight I can get.

 

[Rob01]

Been shooting IDPA on and off since the 90's. My gear now is a Glock 34 with a Fobus holster and mag pouches. Runs just fine. I have changed the trigger and sights on the Glock and that's it. Run it in SSP. I have used a Glock 17 and 19 and also a Kimber Classic Custom. I like the 34 best.

All depends on what you want to get out of IDPA. If you are practicing to carry then use what you carry so you build muscle memory and get good with that gear. Shooting it for a game then get the gear that will work best to give you the advantages you want. For game I wouldn't run a Serpa. The finger release is slower to draw. I have used one. You can get good with it but it's still another operation of than grabbing and pulling.

 

[Cserv]

Yeah been thinking of ditching the Serpa for awhile, like the thought of the longer guns for the sight radius, but also like to practice how I play, and am on a pretty tight budget with two babies in the house. Will definatly look into some of the mentioned options.
Thanks, and keep 'em comin'.

Eric

 

[lash]

I would agree that Fobus gear is fine for IDPA. I use Fobus mag pouches/holsters and they work fine every time. Plus Fobus can usually be found for really good prices. I think I may have picked mine up on Amazon with free shipping, but that was a few years ago, so I can't be sure.

 

[SquarePizza]

My experience will not help, but I run a 686 in a lobo gunleather holster with stock sights. But I just shoot in club matches, nothing series. Since I have to CC here in NY, I try to run exactly what I carry. With the exception of shooting reloads instead of factory ammo and carrying 5starspped loaders (I don't carry reloads with me in daily CC).

 

[gaphighpower]

FWIW...

I shoot club matches and mainly do it to improve/maintain my CC abilities and have FUN. I've been shooting for several years off/on when its too hot to compete in rifle matches. It's amazing how much I've improved in (action) pistol accuracy. From draw, proper hold, sight picture, trigger control, reloading there's nothing that compares to being put under artificial pressure and performing well. When the buzzer goes off it's all automatic. I can't remember how fast I drew, how quickly I moved, what my hold looked like, etc. - only the holes I put in the cardboard and the procedural rules I broke :-(

Back on subject...

I shoot H+K .45 in SSP class. I use a BLACKHAWK nylon ambi pancake holster (I'm lefty), BIANCHI nylon mag holster. I tend to keep things simple. The more "serious" shooters are using 1911's and GLOCKs but I have big hands and the H+K feels perfect in my hand. Plus the .45 is the only pistol round I reload. Plus, plus the .45 makes the biggest holes!

cheers,
gap

 

[bornhunter04]

+1 on a comp-tac or something similiar. Really all you need is a good holster and a couple of mag pouches.

I've only shot a couple matches this year (including the state match), been shooting more 3 gun. But it will definitely show you what you need to work on for pistol skills. It's a lot of fun, and once you get to know the people at your local club matches, you'll make friends and enjoy shooting with them even more.

Main thing is to ask questions during the walk through to make sure you understand the COF, this will result is fewer procedurals.

I shoot a G17, my main carry gun is a G19, so not much difference between the two. I upgraded the front sight on my 17 and the trigger and that's it. Also in the fall/winter/spring i carry my g19 owb very close to where I run my g17 for IDPA so there again its all very similar.

Main thing is to be safe and have fun (watch the booger hook and don't break the 180).

 

[VJJPunisher]

I run a g35 but loaded way down to cycle like a 9. I use the 511 vest and use a fobus holster. I blackened the white on the rear sight so when I'm speeding as long as that front white dot stays crystal clear all goes well and quickly

 

[meathunter1]

I run my para LDA, but it was a little cumbersome with 4 extra double stack mags. Trigger was a dream though. I agree with the fellas above, ditch the serpa. Find an inexpensive bladetech, easier to draw. If you reload, "dumb down" your loads to get quicker follow up shots. I started shooting 230gr fmj's , and wondered how the other guys shooting 45acp were so much faster than me. I quickly learned that they shot slower 185's. Just my 2cents from experience. I had a ton of fun with it!

 

[gaphighpower]

I quickly learned that they shot slower 185's.

+1, such are the advantages of reloading