IDPA shooters..... Unfortunately the club I shoot at never had a match in 2020 due to...... well the whole craziness of "things" hopefully this will be a different story at the end of this year. So my question is to the IDPA community or any other shooting community here is what are you guys running. What holster rig, what side arm, factory or hand loads. Optic or iron.... Lets hear the run down..

I run a M&P pro in 9mm. 1.0... I shoot ESP division. I run SSS mag well and an Apex comp trigger. Blade-tech holster and kydex single mag pouches i made. (don't care for the double mag pouch) My mags have Springer precision bases on them. Currently I shoot mostly hand loads. 115 Berrys or 115 Xtreme round nose, ahead of 6.0gr of Unique. I shot SSP division for a few years, then got the itch to hot-rod the pro some so I bumped to ESP.

I haven’t shot a match in a little over a year due a health issue but I don’t believe the club I shot with missed a single match. I don’t think they’d kill a match for a tornado or flood.

My question is will idpa and other shooting sports survive in this age of ammo & loading component shortages and excessive prices for these items if you do find them. I have plenty of components at the moment but I’ve considered if I want to shoot up all of my stash for a few hours of fun.

The range I belong to (ORSA) hosts all the action matches. It’s a first class organization with some pretty backward thinking sometimes. I proposed just using 22 rimfire for practice on the action ranges and at first was met with resistance. Later in the meeting it was decided we could use 22 rimfire to practice but we can only use authorized IPSC or IDPA targets. No standard bullseye targets and we must look like we’re practicing for an action match. Absolutely no slow fire!

I digressed but what will happen if ammo and prices get tighter and higher? The Wu-flu isn’t goiNg to end anytime soon. Our fearless president says we’ll be wearing masks through next year too.

I don’t answer the original question, I shoot a Springfield 5” 1911 9mm with Bomar style sights using home loads with 124gr polymer coated lead RN and Bullseye powder. I believe my leather is Galco that I used in stock class in IPSC 25 years ago.

I also shoot a Kimber TLE Pro 4” 45.

My 45 mags are all McCormick Shooting Stars I’ve been using 30 years. My 9’s are either Mecgar or MetalForm. All mags have been 100% reliable. I wish I was a reliable as they are.

I may shoot some with my Kimber Aegis Ultra 3” 9mm using a pancake holster I got off eBay. Don’t remember the brand. May also shoot with my Kimber LW Nightstar with Vortex optics in 9mm. It all depends on the mood.

.38SuperMan, Yes we have talked about running 22s for some action pistol shooting, but 22 ammo is no where to be found in SW PA. So your a Kimber fan..... I am too. I shot my Kimber compact at a few matches and thought about my Custom carry 2 in 9mm. But I always go back to my M&P. Yes I don't know how the Plandemic of the wu-flu will effect this years shooting sports and ammo crunch. But hopefully this year will go better than last.

A few of the local matches are giving people the option to run .22's. It doesn't make sense for me - my reloading components are stacked way deeper than my .22 supply.

My primary gun is a 4" Chiappa Rhino chambered in .40 S&W. It's wearing white grips in this family photo (later upgraded to a cut-down Hogue grip):



To its left is my carry gun and to its right are 5" and 6" versions (my USPSA guns). All are 40's - my load is a 200gr SNS RN coated bullet over ~3.8 grains of WST. I use a Dara holster and finally upgraded my moonclip holders to Master Tacs after I got a procedural for one bouncing out of the old Safariland holders I was using (at Regionals, no less).

These guns come out to play in the off-season: both 9mm 1911's. The ESP gun is a Springfield Armory that's been tri-topped and refinished in rose gold TiN. The CO gun is a RIA that was milled for an optic and cerakoted Sniper Gray with a TiN'd barrel. Both wear Dawson magwells and use Dawson mags.



I use a regular old BladeTech holster with these and MCE Digital Armory Lo-Pro mag carriers.

Oh... and a vest.

Big fan of 1911’s in general. I bought an M&P Shield 2.0 9mm last year. The only polymer gun I’ve owned, still own, is a Ruger LCP. I’ve always had a block about polymer guns. The only one I’d shot was a Glock 25 years ago and hated the trigger although I shot it well. 1911 are beautiful guns and polymer are really ugly in my view. Just a personal aesthetic thing.

Well last year I started getting a bug to at least explore a possible Polymer carry gun. After looking at the Sig 365, Hellcat and other Springfields and good old Glock I picked up a Shield 9mm and really liked the feel and even the trigger was ok. The balance was much better than the Springfields and not as ugly as the Glock. Even though I’m half Scandinavian I’m just not into their design aesthetic.

I wound up buying the Shield and now I find myself looking at full size M&P’s. I really enjoy shooting it and find it very accurate and pleasant to shoot even with arthritic hands and wrists.

If I get back into Idpa one day I may give it a spin.

Usually I run a government model 1911 in .38 super. Sometimes an officer's model in either 9mm or .38 super. Sometimes something strange. A while back I ran thru with a Luger.

I really like the M&P series, they just feel good in my hand. My primary carry piece is my shield, I've upgraded most of the triggers to Apex, Just like the enhanced trigger. And my thinking is I shoot the full size the most and the shied is a scaled down version of the pro. But man oh days those 1911s are sweet. I guess that is what happens when someone asks you how many more guns do you need and the answer is always just one more.

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I never had a Chiappa in my hand let alone shoot one, They look sweet. I'm not a big wheel gun guy, not that I dislike them at all, just always bought semis, until my model 66. The 1911s you have pictured are awesome.

Yeah, I'm more comfortable with a revolver than a semi-auto. I think my brain is broken or something.

The Chiappa's are a different beast (to wit - a "rhino"). Strange grip angle and trigger feel. For whatever reason, I just like them. I also have a few Smiths (including an 8-shot 627 for Revo Minor in USPSA) that I enjoy.

I shoot a 686 that I made into a 4" 646. That's a 40 S&W L frame. It's like a 3/4 size 45. It has fiber optic front and rear sights and a good action.
The holster is a thumb break Galco that works well.

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What do you run for moons?

I shoot SSR with my 2 1/2 inch 66-1. G-code kydex holster. Safariland comp iii speedloaders in north mountain carriers. Basic Uncle Mikes belt. 38 special handloads using 158 gr berrys rnfp, hp38 powder (lyman manual jacketed data) and federal primers.

Toying with the idea of switching to ESR with my performance center 625.

For the 40 and 45 (625) I'm running Ranch products moon clips. They make one for the 646, and it also fits 9mm, 38 Super, etc.

For the 38 Short Colt, 38 Special, 357 Mag. 6, 7, and 8 shots, I'm using TK Custom moons and all Starline brass.

Mooner-Demooners are BMT. They are the best ever.

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I've shot both ways and prefer ESR. I really like the size of the K/L over the N so it's tough, though.

That's awesome. I honestly didn't know the 646 was a thing - I though the 610 was Smith's only 10/40.

BMT is 100% the way to go. Unfortunately, they don't make a .40 Rhino version (just the .357). I use them for my 627, though.

By the way, you worked on every Rhino in that picture (four cylinder reams, three custom front sights). I should send you a framed copy!

When there was an IDPA club here, I shot my Dad's K-38 revolver with his duty belt and holster with speedloaders.

That gun is still in jail being held as evidence from my burglary in May. Feds have the case and will have it back in about 30 years.

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That would be cool!

Would the 646 moons not fit a Rhino? I never thought to try it when I had a cylinder here. I'm using a BMT mooner for my .40. If the clips fit, the mooner should work.

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All iron sights. CDP---S&W 282 1911 ESP---STI Spartan 9mm SSP---S&W 910 CCP---S&W 3913 LS SSR---S&W Model 66 4" shooting .38 Special...Comp2 speedloaders. Plastic paddle holsters for all. Only got to shoot a few matches last season...hoping for more this year.

Glock 34...target version of 17. Shot a model 19 at first but
the 34 made a big difference. Even won a match or two.
Haven't had a match all last year.
Bunch of wimps in the wimpy state of Maryland. I really miss it as
it fills in the cold months that I don't shoot cowboy actin. Comtac holster.

Shoot both revolver and carry optics. Model 19 and a Sig 320x5. Use Comptek holsters and mag holders on a 5-11 trainer belt. Use safariland comp III speedloaders. Shooting bayou bullets 145 gr RN at pf 110 and bayou 120 gr TC pf 130 in the 9 mm.

The club has just announced .22 pistol and carbine matches for this summer. Pistols have to fit an IDPA legal holster and fit in the box. Lots of club members are not reloaded and are suffering the ammo shortage.

I shoot a variety of guns- as I enjoy the variety. As to kit, mostly OWB leather holsters for my Sig 320s, CZ P10, CZ SP01T, P01, and revolvers. Holsters are from Privateer Leather or Warbird Leather. I use Kytex mag carriers. Same leather for my revolvers and safailand comp III.

Been fortunate to have ASI at my club too, and have been shooting my 617 and having a hoot.

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Guns + Dogs= Bliss

I haven't shot IDPA/defensive pistol for abour 3 years, health problems. When I did shoot I mixed it up.
1911 in 45 and 9MM
45 Ruger CMD
45 Lightweight Commander
S&W 625
S&W 686/586
Beretta 92FS
Shot one match with a 642 just because
642, LC9 and 2-1/2" 19 in BUG
All with open sights
Mostly plastic holsters but some leather, long as you can get a smooth fast draw holster doesn't matter to me. I shoot for fun.
Plastic mag/speed loader carriers.
Shoot mostly handloads. 200gr in 45, 124 in 9MM and 158 in .38.
Did a short run with a PT100 .40, too much recoil for me.
Shot a 90 round qualifier with the 45 Lt Wt Commander and 225 gr, Tired of the recoil by the end of the match.
Shoot what you have and see what you like. I guess I like the 625 and the Ruger CMD the best for now.

You may have just rocked my world. Ranch Products advertises their moons as working in the Rhino; that would save me a ton over TK's, and if they work, the BMT would also work. Time to place a few orders.

Just got word that not our local club but a club with in 2 hrs of me is starting up in April..... IDPA in 2 months!!!!!!

I'm shooting a S&W 610 using .40 caliber loaded into Speed Beez moonclips and paddle holster. Dawson Precision fiber optic front sight, TK Custom Speed trigger and hammer, and a Revolver Supply cylinder release. I'm using North Mountain moonclip holders, but have had trouble with the button on the bottom not staying locked and it becoming disengaged. It plays hell on me trying to get the moonclips out of the holder when it keeps flipping up. I've strap tied the bottom now, so hopefully it will stay closed. I can't use the quick on and off method, and have to thread it through my belt, but that's easier than struggling on the clock. You can see the trouble I had with it at a local match in January, on the YouTube video. BMT Mooner is the only way to go. I also like my VZ Grips. Have them on several of my revolvers.

IDPA - ESR Division - Gunport January 2021 - YouTube

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Those use blade-tech tek-loks for belt attachment don't they? The tek-lok should have a secondary locking tab on them.

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Due to a variety of reasons, I haven't shot a match in almost two years. (health issues, Covid, weather, etc) However, when I was shooting regularly, I took the basic principal of IDPA to heart. I use straight up, everyday guns and gear. I'm too old and slow to be a serious competitor. For me, this is just practical practice for everyday carry. Plus, its fun.
CDP: Springfield loaded 1911A1 .45acp, leather concealment holster and mag pouches.
SSR: S&W 586 4" using .38 Specials, leather pancake holster and HKS speed loaders.

Oddly enough, I usually win the SSR division. Of course, that's because I'm usually the only revolver shooter there.

Do they use the mount that's a pushbutton release with the sliding locking tab? I had the exact same problem with those on my Master Tac moonclip holders. I flipped the mounts over and that helped but I still would have them open occasionally. I wound up replacing all of the mounts with Tek Loks as they use the same hole pattern.

Sig 226RX or X5 Romeo plus the comptec holsters, all set up and shipped from the sig pro shop.

I much prefer USPSA, you should try it if you have a chance.

I have a friend that shoots USPSA not real far from me. He keeps asking me to go. I will probably check it out this spring. My local club is still on the fence about IDPA this season. Closest IDPA to me is in Davis WV about 1.5 hrs from me. I usually try and make it for 1 match there a year.

You must go...it's a blast - pun intended and the crowd has a real great camaraderie and will help you out. Shooting is at a high level, lot's of movement, fast and very varied, you'll learn a lot.

Local to me it seems the IDPA crowd likes argumentating back/forth about a entire big ledger of rather byzantine 'rules' which shall simulate 'real life' situations. In reality they are not. They were designed to ensure IDPA is different from USPSA.

I am for sure going to try a USPSA match this year. Sorry to hear the bad experiences you've had shooting IDPA. I've shot local matches for IDPA at a club in Northern WV for 4 years and its been nothing but good, like you've talked about your USPSA matches. I've also shot at a few other clubs including a Tier 2 match, a few years back. And I've really enjoyed my local club matches and the way things were run. The crowd made a big difference.

I have shot a few IDPA matches out of state in the south and had a great experience. But I am in general through w IDPA. I just don't love it and I also even think all of these rules are made up out of thin air and are absolutely irrelevant, even harmful to prepare you to master a real life practical shooting situation. You must actually clear your mind of those rules and move on to intuitively do the best you can and that is what I feel USPSA trains way better.

They're both games with rules - they just have different rules.

I shoot both. And ICORE. And probably gonna have to switch to SASS if this administration has its way.

Holy **** - they work.

Rounds are a little tighter snapping into the Ranch Products than TK's, and deflect a tiny, tiny bit more when they're in there, but I think they will work fine. Considering I can buy 80 Ranch Products for the cost of 10 TK's I'm willing to accept a minorly looser fit.

I'm loading half TK and half RP for my next match to see if there's any difference in competition. I also have a sample RIMZ polymer moonclip coming to try out.

Great! Let us know how all that works. Especially the Rimz. I've never seen one of those.

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Glock 34 in a Comp-tac rig
STI Trojan in a Comp-tac rig

Iron sights.

Handloads: 4.1 gr. Unique with a 147 gr. FMJ. Easily makes power factor while remaining subsonic.

Awesome Hey how does that load work out for you? I just got some 147s in and Unique is my go-to powder. I can't wait to try some through the Chronograph. Should be trying them this weekend.

I agree about clearing ones mind of the rules and moving on instinct, muscle memory, and training if ever you would find yourself in a dangerous situation. I think the Running and gunning game whichever one you play prepares one for such a situation. I don't think any game would totally prepare any of us. But compared to just walking up to a line and shooting a mag or two full at a bullseye, Action shooting which every is fun, and your heart is rate up, decisions need made, shooting from cover and weak hand shots, All better prepares the player. Enjoy whichever game you play. Be safe out there.

Looking forward to hearing how you made out. I also happen to love Steel challenge once/while. No running but fast transitions.

No go. The design is very cool (thick enough to keep the cartridges straight, pliable enough to moon and de-moon by hand) but the Rhino's cylinder diameter is just different enough that I had to force the moon in and out.

It wouldn't be a terrible option for the carry load of a self defense revo but definitely not for competition.

It works very well. No malfunctions in any guns with stock springs.

If I were shooting bullseye, I would not choose this load as it doesn't seem to be as accurate in my guns as 115s or 124s, but for low recoil IDPA competition, it's great.

Mine are the newer style push button releases. It's not the older style tec-loks.

Do you have what Blade Tech calls the small tek-lok?

Replace then with the original ones here.
Blade-Tech(R) Tek-Lok(R) Attachment - Blade-Tech Holsters

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Our local clubs kept shootng all last year. I even went to 3-4 sanctioned matches in several states.
I have shot all the div but bug-r. So my gear is pretty broad. Right now I am enjoying bug-s, it's basically what I ccw. G26, irons, Comptac paddle rig for sanctioned matches, Vedder iwb for local. I only shoot my handloads.

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I see it totally diff. Any form of competitin will leave scars that must be managed. Uspsa just offers more of them IMO. Ignoring cover positions, unrealistic gear, minimal accuracy requirements all lead to a mess in a real fight if you can't manage those scars. Jmo, idpa at least attempts some sense of survival in your practice.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

Except uspsa doesn't require shooting support or strong Hand only. It encourages speed over acciracy & forget using cover. Jmo, I shoot both but uspsa has more stuff I would never do in a fight, like throw away perfectly good ammo I might need. Neither is yraining, just practce, but all leave scars if you don't manage them.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

I shot USPSA back in the 90’s before it got so overloaded with rules and a few Idpa matches a couple years ago. Sure you learn a few practical things but to me it’s just a game and nothing more. It’s like an arcade game with real guns and ammo. It’s just for fun as far as I’m concerned.

Of course it is, it's just useful practice. Flat range shooting, might as well save your ammo, it isn't really teaching you much about handling your weapon under some minor stress level. So far better IMO for advancing your gun skills. Pair that with a good tactical class on fighting with a gun, a fof class, find me a better practice enviro than idpa.
Jmo, I think most that shun such competition just don't like their egos damaged. If you want to be a really good shooter, you have to have dynamic practice often. Idpa offers that. Just ignore the timer, wear street gear, don't do a walk thru & just practice.

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