IDPA Gear...post your thoughts.

[oneshotonekill]

Mods, don't chastise me, IDPA is a pistol shooting sport, it could go in either thread, I thought it might get more feedback here....move if need be.


Myself and couple of friends are gonna do a couple of IDPA shoots and were discussing the availability of gear. What do you use and what are your thoughts? Holsters, pistols, belts, mags, yada yada yada....

 

[sbcman]

Prepare to laugh.

Hangun: 4" 686
Holster: $8 Blackhawk
Speedloaders: $8 HKS @3 (2 of which I bought new)
Belt: $20 Black Leather
Ammo: 158gr LRNFP Lee .358 sized to .357 over a mid-range load of Universal
Most Important Equipment: Mind

All of this is soon to change though. Evidently you can't run a 7rd revolver with 7 shots, so my next match will be with a 2" model 66, same belt, HKS speedloaders, rounds and mind.

 

[dom1104]

Belt Holster.
Belt mag pouches or the "tactical pocket"
Gun.

 

[Titanium_Frost]

The equipment is what makes IDPA such a great sport to start out in.

Pistol: Kimber 1911 or Taurus PT92

Holster: Fobus or Bianci Leather (the cheap one)

Mag carrier: Fobus

Mags: factory (PT92) Wilson or Chip (1911)

Extra stuff: extra mags are good. Hats are good. Comfortable ear protection is great. I use mechanics gloves when its cold or I run a long gun. Good water proof boots are a must in the rain. A good belt is also a plus.

All told, if you have a common gun, say a Glock or 1911, you could buy all of your equipment for $100 or less to go IDPA shooting and be just as competitive.

Good luck, be safe, and have fun!

 

[rvb]

there's a sticky in this forum that should answer your questions.

that said:

holster: bladetech or comptac are the most common. Holster rules are goofy. whatever you get, check it against the rules. OWB kydex is most common. Some use their IWB carry holsters. You have to figure out your goals (eg if training w/ carry gear is the goal, you may use your IWB). I recommend against paddles because they are less solid on the belt.

pistol: whatever you have or want that fits the rules. Dont get caught up in thinking a certain model will make you more competitive, although generally a full-size gun will more competitive.

mags: minimum of 3.

Belt: a good stiff one.

You need a "cover garment." eg a long un-tucked shirt, a jacket or vest, etc. Has to cover gun when your arms are held straight out to your side.

All told, if you have a common gun, say a Glock or 1911, you could buy all of your equipment for $100 or less to go IDPA shooting and be just as competitive.

True for USPSA, too, though a couple extra mags and mag pouches may be desired depending on division.

-rvb

 

[Rob377]

Run what ya brung.

I use my carry holster (Raven) and carry gun (M&P357).

some comp-tac pouches. Only need 2, since that's all you're allowed.

3 mags. You can only have 2 on the belt, 1 in the gun. Having a few extras probably isn't a bad idea, but not necessary.

my cover garment is just a button down shirt, untucked/unbuttoned. If you get really into it, you can get one of the wiz-bang "hey everyone, I'm carrying!" vests with all the pockets and whatnot.

I usually do OK with the basics.

 

[oneshotonekill]

We were thinkin a 1911 in 9mm would be the way to fly. Lower recoil and a heavier gun...

 

[Titanium_Frost]

Good choice! That will put you in ESP but don't let that worry you. That's what I run my Taurus in.

 

[hueycrew]

If you are going to shoot the gun you carry I'd use the hostler I would use for carry (as long as it meets the rules). Nothing like live fire practice. I like Blade Tech holsters and mag holders.

Stiff belt is a must. Makes it more comfortable to wear. Wilderness is the brand I like.

9mm 1911 is fun to shoot in IDPA. My favorite is a RIA converted to 9mm from Super 38.

It helps to have more magazines. Especially when you shoot the Classifier.

 

[DustyDawg48]

Like others have said, just bring what you currently have as long as it is safe and you should be good for the first couple of matches. Really just a strong-side holster is needed and something to act as a cover garment since the mags can go in your pocket. Glasses and ear protection and enough ammo and you are good to go! After watching other shooters and then you shooting a few matches you'll then start to see the gear changes you'd like to make. What I use now looks nothing like it did when I started only the caliber has stayed the same.

I shoot primarily in CDP (Custom Defensive Pistol) using my Glock 21
Glock Sport/Combat holster & Glock single mag pouches
My best investment has been my Ares Gear belt, at $80 most people will balk but I've had it for nearly a year and it is the single greatest piece of equipment I own. Nothing like a good belt to keep your pants where you want them and to help distribute the weight of your gear. My cover garment used to be one of those photographer's vests you see many use but I recently switched to a St Louis Cardinals baseball jersey which is way more inconspicuous than the 'shoot me first' vests if you wear it out in public.

 

[indycruzr]

My gear

Pistol: Walther PPQ 9mm
Holster: Safariland OWB paddle
Mag carrier: XD Gear dual mag
Mags: 1 factory PPQ and 2 ProMag P99
Vest: 5.11 Tactical

Bring what you got, local matches are forgiving the first couple of time. At least that has been my experience.

 

[sbcman]

Forgot to add this gear:

Water
Crackers/Jerky etc.