Handgun for IDPA

[Tubguy]

I am considering joining IDPA. I am curious as to the handgun Manufacture, Model and caliber I should consider purchasing. As well as holster type. Not sure if it will be my EDC or not. Maybe just my competition piece.

[TH3180]

That leaves it wide open. What division are you planning on shooting?

[The Lance]

I compete in uspsa with my edc glock 19 in production.

Does me fine.. Find a gun that you like to carry and work with it.

If it's your first season do it with your edc first few matches and then move up in division as you go.

[Pat Cannon]

Speaking purely for myself, what I like best about IDPA is the opportunity to put my everyday carry gear through some somewhat realistic testing.

If you currently carry, start with your carry gun. Even if you carry a 5-shot snubby or a .380 mousegun you can shoot in the Back Up Gun ("BUG") side matches, and just observe the main match to see what appeals to you.

Because it was in large part the writings Jeff Cooper that sucked me into handgun, I had to have a 1911 so that's what I carried and that's what I competed with for years. First a cheap Charles Daly, then a Kimber Custom II. Then I decided the manual safety was too complicated for my simple brain, and the 99% reliability of my 1911s wasn't good enough, so I switched to revolvers: a 3" Ruger GP100, and a Ruger SP101 for BUG.

Most people can't resist getting specialized competition gear, but you can add that as you go and as your budget allows. Even I use speedloader carriers that I never wear outside of a match.

In theory, the five divisions in IDPA don't compete against each other. But some guys like to be the fastest of the fast so they shoot ESP (Enhanced Service Pistol) for that reason. I shoot SSR (Stock Service Revolver) and the most fun part, to me, is when I manage to beat a few of the guys in other divisions who are shooting guns that are supposed to be faster.

Bottom line: it don't matter, it'll be fun fun fun

[PRS]

Glock 34, put a set of sevigny sights and a glocktrigers.com triger in it. A comptac or Blackhawk cqc and ur race r ready.

[gman1868]

Bottom line: it don't matter, it'll be fun fun fun

+1

Shoot what you know you're good at, the rule book is very specific about the size, capacity, etc which will tell you what Division you'd compete in.

[rugersol]

It's been a few years ... but ...

IIRC, there's no division in IDPA fer any optics/porting?! ... at which, ya'll wanna avoid the "C" model Glocks, and any other ported/compensated bbl's!

Ya'll also need a "non-race" holster ... more 'er less an OWB "carry" holster! ... IIRC, some kydex holsters are still legal?! ... I would start lookin' there ... particularly at availability! ... fer example, a Walther PPQ-M2 might be neat ... but if ya can't get a kydex IDPA-legal holster fer it (yet), then ya gotta look at (probly custom) leather!

While they tend to frown on "gamesmanship" (a.k.a. "gaming" 'er "cheating"), so long as it's otherwise legal (ya may need to reference the latest rulebook, to be sure), a longer-bbl pistol will be easier to shoot (fast)!

I used to shoot a fair bit of revolver in USPSA ... I liked it well 'nuff ... but some courses could be up to 32rd! ... and some positions req'd more than 6rd! ... at which, it could be somewhat trying ... at times! I've never shot a revolver in IDPA, but IIRC, strings are limited to 18rd ... and I suspect a lotta positions'd be closer to 6rd?! At which, if I were to look at a gun specifically fer IDPA, I'd probly lean towards a revolver, 'er 1911!

IIRC, there's now two revolver divisions?! ... one's a 6rd-only no-moon-clip deal?! ... the other allows moon-clips ... don't recall if it's also limited to 6rd fired?! ... 7rd - 8rd gun may be allowed, at which, I ain't sure if ya'd hafta retain the partial clips?! ... may also be some bbl length restrictions, there?! ... so don't jest run out 'n buy the first wheelgun, ya see!

If ya don't handload, ya may wanna look at ammo restrictions per division, as well as availability ... I see more .40 on the shelves ... but it costs more than 9mm (when it's otherwise on the shelves)! IIRC, the 1911 division requires .45acp?! If ya go with 9mm, and ya intend to shoot this summer, and ya ain't otherwise well-stocked, ya may 'er may not have a problem!

[Ron Burgundy]

Have you picked out a fishing vest yet?

[JJ]

IIRC, there's no division in IDPA fer any optics/porting?! ... at which, ya'll wanna avoid the "C" model Glocks, and any other ported/compensated bbl's!

Ya'll also need a "non-race" holster ... more 'er less an OWB "carry" holster! ... IIRC, some kydex holsters are still legal?! ... I would start lookin' there ... particularly at availability! ... fer example, a Walther PPQ-M2 might be neat ... but if ya can't get a kydex IDPA-legal holster fer it (yet), then ya gotta look at (probly custom) leather!

kydex is legal, you just can't use a dropped offset holster like USPSA.

In the past, IDPA used to maintain a list of IDPA-approved holsters, but the size of this list soon became unmanageable. There were also a few instances of manufacturers making unacceptable changes to their designs after getting the original designs approved, which lead to some problems. The official IDPA-approved holster list was discontinued in favor of the characteristics-based approach originally adopted for handguns.

Basically, IDPA-approved holsters will be strong-side hip holsters or inside-the waistband holsters which cover the trigger guard and which have no cut-aways, drop, or offset, except that a limited amount of drop and offset is allowed for women. Holsters must be practical for all-day concealed-carry use. In a nutshell, IDPA requires "working" holsters, not competition holsters.

Similarly, spare magazine pouches, speedloaders, speedloader holders, and belts are approved based on their characteristics.

http://members.idpa.com/Content/Rules/qy4k0see.2om.pdf for full rulebook.

[gman1868]

Have you picked out a fishing vest yet?

I believe you might have miss-spoken, I believe you meant to say "Shoot me first" vest.

[Fast351]

I would recommend any of the tupperware brands if you're just starting out. Stone cold reliability, and room to grow to be one of the best. Also won't break the bank:

Glock 17/34
S&W M&P Pro 9mm
XDM 5.25 9mm (little more expensive but nice out of the box triggers)

Any one of those work well. If you want to get a little more "exotic" there are several other popular guns out there. The CZs seem to be real popular as of late, 1911s are always well represented, but I can tell you after years of SOing they are also the most problem prone. Sigs are around, although I think any DA/SA gun is harder to shoot than a gun with the same trigger every pull. Smiths are the most popular revolver if that's your calling.

If you already have something in 9/38 or bigger that you have a holster and 3 mags/speedloaders for, bring that. Try it. I shot my carry gun for years before switching to something a little easier to shoot and easier on the wallet ammo wise.

[connsolo]

Use your carry rig for a couple matches so if you decide it's not your thing you haven't spent a ton of cash. I need to actually make it to some matches this summer.

[Tubguy]

Thanks for all your advice. I'm going to watch a IDPA match tomorrow at Minnetonka.
And then step up to the line and shoot