IDPA

[THauch33]

So, I was just wondering what you all use for IDPA? I think I want to give it a try, but don't have a handgun at this time. I thought I had it narrowed down to the SR9 until the guy at the gun shop had me hold the S&W M&P. I just felt good, but I haven't shot it yet. I'm going to the range to rent a couple guns next week. I don't want to spend a ton. I'm thinking about the SR9, XD, and M&P. Are there any others I should consider?
Thanks for your input.
Also any info for a first timer at IDPA would be welcome.
Thanks

 

[Grendel]

I use my SR9 for CCW and IDPA. I used to use my carry rig holster, a Crossbreed Supertuck, for IDPA, but I recently got a Comp-Tac kydex OWB that works much better for competition.

The M&P has gotten very popular at the local monthly match I attend, with a lot of them being former Glock owners. Lots of people shooting 1911's, a few wheelgun shooters, and a smattering of other makes and models.

There's some beginner's info on our local group's Web site:

http://www.pmrpcidpa.com

The type of gun you choose will determine what division you shoot it. For example, I shoot my SR9 in Stock Service Pistol (SSP). Any gun that qualifies for SSP will also qualify for Enhanced Service Pistol division. If you continue with the sport, you'll also shoot a Classifier at some point to get your classification (Novice, Marksman, Sharpshooter, Expert, Master). You compete against others in your division/class.

You'll need a gun that can conceivably be used for CCW (no 1911 race gun with compensator, red dot sight, and toilet-sized mag well), a holster that can be used for CCW (IWB or OWB), and mag pouch(es) to carry two additional mags.

It's easy to get into novella length telling you about it, so just check out the link above, the main IDPA site, and if you have any questions, ask away.

-JT

 

[crispy]

Yeah, scratch the XD. ** EDIT ** In IDPA is classified as Single Action and must shoot in Enhanced Service Pistol.

I bought a M&P Pro 9mm as a gamer gun. Its fabulous. Then I upgraded it with the Apex competition kit and it got even better. It is without a doubt the way to go if you want to compete. You'll want to get the Pro or if you get the standard full size you will want to put in one of the Apex kits.

End of story right?

I'm shooting my SR9c in IDPA. Why? Just because. I want to be proficient with it as I actually carry it. IDPA is fewer rounds and usually shorter distances. Perfect for the SR9c. Plus, I don't really care how well I score in IDPA, its just for fun and practice.

But there is more room to grow with the M&P. More parts and accessories for it. More people shoot it in Production/SSP than anything except Glock.

 

[Cheesewhiz]

Yeah, scratch the XD. If you crossover and shoot USPSA, it doesn't qualify as a Production gun. You'll be shooting Limited.

?

All okay for USPSA production class, from their website:
XD .45 ACP Compact 4" (29 oz.), XD .45 ACP Compact 5" (31 oz.), XD Service model 357SIG 4" (26 oz.), XD Service Model 40S&W 4" (29 oz.), XD Service Model 45ACP 4" (29 oz.), XD Service Model 45GAP 4" (28.8 oz.), XD Service model 9mm 4" (28 oz.), XD Sub-Compact 40S&W 3" (23 oz.), XD Sub-Compact 9mm 3" (26 oz.), XD Tactical Model 357SIG 5" (32 oz.), XD Tactical Model 40 S&W 5" (32 oz.), XD Tactical Model 45ACP 5" (32 oz.), XD Tactical Model 45GAP 5" (31 oz.), XD Tactical Model 9mm 5" (32 oz.), XDM 40 Cal. 4.5" Barrel (30.4 oz.), XDM 40S&W 3.8" Barrel (28 oz.), XDM 45 ACP 4.5" Barrel (31 oz.), XDM 9mm 3.8" Barrel (28 oz.), XDM 9mm 4.5" Barrel (32 oz.)
Ported models are allowed providing that the barrel is non-ported and the other requirements are met.


http://www.uspsa.org/uspsa-NROI-production-gunlist.php

 

[crispy]

You're right. I had it backwards.

IDPA has deemed them to be single action and thus, they are not legal for SSP but have to shoot in ESP.

 

[Grendel]

I've seen very few XD or XD(m) pistols at our local match, but I have seen them. I've seen fewer SR9's. Just mine.

In addition to the plain M&P 9mm, I've seen the 9L and Pro as well. Pretty popular gun.

I'm happy with my SR9. My goal was getting familiar with the gun in a format beyond standing behind a line and plinking at paper. The OWB holster I recently obtained is the first step I've made towards pure competition.

I'm not the only shooter using a SR9 for IDPA, but there are relatively few of us.

-JT

 

[9x19]

I've shot IDPA matches with a variety of pistols in all three categories, but my favorite is the Glock 34... we just get along very well.

 

[9x19]

You're right. I had it backwards.

IDPA has deemed them to be single action and thus, they are not legal for SSP but have to shoot in ESP.

Isn't the XD a single action by design?

 

[Ruger Nut10]

I also used my SR9c for one IDPA indoor match. I used my Fobus "Ruger" holster and bought a 2 mag carrier from CDNN for $6.99. Talk about FUN.
I will play again. I had no clue what I was doing but they held my hand, so to speak and had a blast.

 

[P94/GP100]

I would suggest a Glock as an excellent platform for IDPA; probably one of the 9mm Glocks (G17, G19, G34) would be my first choice, but I also am preferental towards the G21, which you can use in either SSP or CDP.

When you look and the IDPA Quarterly issues that cover the IDPA National matches, for years Glocks (and specifically, the Glock G34 and G17) have overwhelmingly been the predominant guns of choice. There are some cogent reasons for this. That's not to say that there aren't other excellent choices, but... (and I say this as one who is planning on competing in our State IDPA match with a Beretta 92D this year-but I normally prefer to use my Glocks {but at least once a year I'll use my P89 in an IDPA match, with very satisfactory results}).

Glocks are simple to operate, accurate, and extremely durable and reliable. Magazines are easily available and inexpensive-and they're durable and reliable as well.

I'd suggest a kydex holster and a dual magazine pouch, but if you're under a budget crunch, simply get the Glock Sport/Combat (or Sport/Duty) holster, and two of their magazine pouches-all of these are rugged, effective, and exceptionally inexpensive.

Best, Jon

 

[Gun Fan 70]

Two ways of thinking on this one for me.

1. Dave Sevigny uses a Glock 34 (National Champion). Gordon Carroll uses an S&W MP pro ( Texas State Champion and #2 at the nationals last year). You can go with what the top shooters use and be competitive at your class level.

2.Wrung what ya brung. This is a popular saying at our club and just means that you should find a pistol that feels good to you and shoot the heck out of it and have some fun. You will still be competitive at your class level.

Personally I could go either way. Ive been shooting IDPA for a little over a year and like to use my P95 but I'll sometimes use my SR9 or Browning depending on my mood.

Good luck to you, IDPA is an addiction. I promise you once you do it, standing in one spot and shooting at a bullseye target will never be the same again.

 

[9x19]

I've been shooting IDPA since the late 90s, and still find it challenging and fun, but...

The original focus of IDPA was to shoot what you carry everyday... using the same holster, etc. It was a course of fire intended to help develop muscle memory for the draw from concealment, shooting on the move, reloading, and making (quick) shots count.

I still like that concept and although I don't carry my G34 often, I do carry the 19 and 26 a fair amount.

 

[crispy]

I shot the SR9c today at a match.

I have no problems with the trigger, its fine. But the darn sights are darn near worthless. I'm pretty much just pointing and firing.

The FO sights on my M&P Pro are easy to pick up and I could replace the sights on my SR9c to something similar, but that would limit its use as a home defense weapon...

 

[jim52]

I shot the SR9c today at a match.

I have no problems with the trigger, its fine. But the darn sights are darn near worthless. I'm pretty much just pointing and firing.

The FO sights on my M&P Pro are easy to pick up and I could replace the sights on my SR9c to something similar, but that would limit its use as a home defense weapon...

Crispy, I bought a 9c to use for IDPA, haven't had a chance to get to a match yet (will be my first), but I'm curious about your statement. Why are the sights near worthless and why would having FO sights limit its use as a home defense weapon?

 

[crispy]

The little white dots were too hard to pick up quickly. No time to line them up correctly. I still did fine. (Turns out I did better than okay. 5th out of 23 in the SSP division if you include all of the unclassifieds, novices and marksmen.) IDPA is usually such close range that you aren't lining up each shot perfectly anyway.

My FO sight on the M&P just pops (especially on sunny days) and you can find it quickly. But a FO sight at home, inside, in the dark doesn't really work. You'd be just pointing and shooting..., and that IS when it really matters.

I'm thinking of painting my dots. I have day-glo red enamel. I might paint the rear dots read and paint the front dot a high-vis yellow. I don't want to ruin the gun, but I think that would help outside during the day, and not hurt it for the other.

I'm still happy I shot it instead of my M&P. I would have done better with the M&P. I would have been more accurate and fater, but that's not the point for me. It is good to know that I can shoot the short, compact SR9c almost as good as my gamer gun.

BTW, not a single issue. I saw a lot of guys with gun issues. The Ruger, not a hiccup...


EDIT: I went ahead and painted my sights Hi-Point style. Hi-Vis yellow in the front, Day-Glo Red in the rear. Really helps. I can find and focus on the yellow dot easily. The red dots, although out of focus, are easy to place the yellow dot in the middle.

 

[JimB120]

I've only shot my SR9c in IDPA once, and the sights were okay.

I think it would benefit greatly from at least a HiViz front sight.