Long time Cowboy Action shooter looking to get into IDPA. Suggest a revolver to start with ie; moon clips or speed loaders etc.

hi joespapa, idpa is not revolver friendly. if you go that route may be a 8 shot revolver. go to a match near you, see if it suits you.....dan

Depends how competitive you want to be. I used to regularly shoot a revolver in IDPA. I started with a 5" Smith .45acp. They changed the rules and I went to a 4" 610 and used the moon clips. The courses of fire are only barely tolerable for a 6-shot revolver, BUT if you go into it with the idea of having fun and improving your shooting, that is cool. If you go in wanting to WIN, it gets more complicated. Like SWDAN said, go to a match near you, check it out, ask a few people a few questions. Download a rule book from their web site and get an idea for equipment and classifications.

I ran revolver a fair amount when I played IDPA. As mentioned it's not a revolver friendly sport. I used an assortment over the years, always using speed loaders. The serious revolver guys ran a Smith 25 with moon clips. Not many ran wheel guns, often times I was the only one.

It's sad, but as has been pointed out, IDPA just isn't revolver-friendly and to even complete the course of fire you pretty much need an 8-shot revolver.
I'd love to participate, but since my love for Smiths is specific to classic revolvers, buying an 8-shot gun I don't love just to be grossly handicapped sort of kills the fun.
If your event is friendly enough and not so crowded that having somebody take forever and sort of be in the way just to have fun and practice with revolver then you are lucky and go for it!

Look for an ICORE league, we started one in Northern IL and it really took off. Then a competitor started another league in Wisconsin. Its great!
Every month we have an indoor match here in IL and an outdoor match in Wisconsin.

My suggestion would be to go shoot a match with a revolver you already have. You’ll then have some idea of where you want to go. You might decide you want to pick up an 8-shot gun set up for moon clips in order to be “competitive.” You might also decide that the challenge of shooting a 6- (or even 5-) shooter with speedloaders floats your boat.

At my own action pistol club I recently began shooting matches with a 2” Model 15. I am not at the slightest risk of “winning,” but I’m having more fun that I have had in a very long time.

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Mark Lathem

IDPA uses 6 shot revolvers only. I have 66, 686, and 646.
USPSA uses the 8 shot revolvers.
8.1.1 Division Summary
8.1.1.1 IDPA is divided into 8 divisions that are entirely separate from one another in competition. None of the
following divisions compete against any other division:
Stock Service Pistol (SSP)
Enhanced Service Pistol (ESP)
Custom Defensive Pistol (CDP)
Compact Carry Pistol (CCP)
Revolver (REV)*
Backup Gun (BUG)*
Carry Optics (CO)
Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC)*
*Specialty Division optional division for Tier 1 – Tier 5 Sanctioned matches.
8.1.2 Magazine Loading: All magazines must be loaded to division capacity (or their maximum capacity if smaller) at
the start signal throughout the match except in the following cases:
8.1.2.1 If a magazine is used that holds less than division capacity, the shooter will load all magazines to the capacity
of the lowest magazine throughout the match with the exception of PCC.
8.1.2.2 The stage description may require reduced magazine loading for standard stages and the initial start of a
scenario stage.
8.1.2.3 In the Revolver division, the shooter must load the revolver and all loading devices with the same number of
rounds throughout the match unless the above loading exceptions apply.
8.1.3 Rules for Magazine Division Capacity
8.1.3.1 SSP, 15 rounds*
8.1.3.2 ESP, CO, CCP10 rounds
8.1.3.3 CDP, 8 rounds
8.1.3.4 REV, BUG-S 6 rounds**
8.1.3.5 BUG-R 5 rounds
8.1.3.6 PCC 10 10 rounds
8.1.3.7 PCC 30 rounds*

https://www.idpa.com/wp-content/uplo...r-12-14-23.pdf

Read Appendix A5 for specific revolver rules

A.5 Revolver Division (REV)
A.5.1 Revolvers will be categorized into one of the two following sub-categories:
A.5.1.1 Stock Revolver or
A.5.1.2 Enhanced Revolver
A.5.2 Stock Revolver handguns permitted for use must be:
A.5.2.1 Any revolver that uses .38 Special or larger cartridges with a rimmed case and is not loaded with moon
clips.
A.5.2.2 The unloaded firearm must weigh 43.00 oz. or less.
A.5.3 Enhanced Revolver handguns permitted for use must be:
A.5.3.1 Any revolver that uses .357 magnum or larger cartridges with rimmed or rimless cases.
A.5.3.2 The unloaded firearm must weigh 50.00 oz. or less.
A.5.3.3 May be loaded via speed loader or full moon clip.
A.5.4 Stock and Enhanced Revolver requirements:
A.5.4.1 The use of trimmed (shortened) ammunition is not allowed.
A.5.5 Ammunition used must match the cartridge listed on the firearm with the following exceptions:
A.5.5.1 .38 Special in .357 Magnum.
A.5.5.2 .44 Special in .44 Magnum.
A.5.5.3 .45 Auto Rim or .45 GAP in .45 ACP.
A.5.5.4 .45 ACP or .45 GAP in .45 Colt.
A.5.5.5 .40 S&W in 10mm.
A.5.5.6 Barrel length must be 4 ¼” or less.
A.5.5.7 Revolvers must be loaded to the division capacity of 6 rounds in the cylinder. Higher capacity 7 and 8
round revolvers are permitted, but may only load 6 rounds

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Science plus Art

Holy cow, I'm going to be all over that! Finally a use for my NRA Action gear. I loved the video of the shooting at Pine Tree. I'll see you soon!

Back when I was shooting IDPA regularly the rule was that stages were limited to no more than 18 rounds. That was some time ago and I don't know if that has changed.
When I chose to go revolver I used a 4" 586 loaded with .38 Specials and speed loaders. I actually did pretty well with that set up. But also bear in mind that I never was a serious competitor. I shot IDPA just for fun and self defense practice.
I will say that when I went wheelgun that I usually won my division. But then I was usually the only one in it.

If you haven't already scoped out the matches you intend to shoot in, I highly recomend going and watching a few. Find out if they are strictly following the rules or if they are a "shoot what you got crew" and how they break down their divisions. Then watch what they are shooting and use that to shape your setup.

Sorry, if that' too vague.

Well before you spend a lot of money on gun and gear, go to your local IDPA match and watch them. There are a lot of clubs out there that they consider themselves IDPA, but in reality they are just IDPA friendly. IDPA rules states that each stage is limited to 18 rounds, and that no more than 6 rounds required while shooting in the open position, to give the wheel gun shooters an equal chance. Some clubs don't follow the rules.

You might even like to shoot USPSA also.

While you are shooting with bottom feeders all around you, unless you are as fast as Jerry Mickluk they will be faster, But you are actually competing against fellow wheel gunners. I shot both IDPA, and ICORE with revolvers for years, it made me a better shooter. We have quite a few wheel gunner only shooters in IDPA in our area.

I just came back from a sanctioned match, and there were 4 revolver shooters, me being one of them. Any 4 inch , 6 shot revolver,38 spl or greater will work.

I started with my S&W M15, then used my 625 (45 ACP moon clipped), and this weekend used my Ruger GP100 WC. All served me well in my division.

Key accessories include a good belt, carry holster, reloaders & reloader carriers. I’ve used safariland comp3s. They are readily available & reasonably inexpensive.

I agree with others- go see a match & look @ ICORE. I disagree with those who say revolvers can’t compete in IDPA- you compete in the revolver division. I shoot both IDPA & ICORE.

Revolver shooters do limit themselves with low capacity & slower reloads, but it’s the nature of the division & I find it satisfying when I do better than a bottom feeder :-)

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Guns + Dogs= Bliss

35 years ago I was shooting IPSC and everything was so simple. You had limited, unlimited and revolver in major and minor power factors. I got busy with life, my business and a new wife and didn’t shoot for 25 or 30 years. Run the clock forward, I’m now in my 70’s and can’t crawl through the dirt like I used to and thought I’d try Idpa. It took two matches and I just got disgusted with the rediculous rules. There was a class for everyone’s gun and the rules about how you engage your targets, direction, dropping magazines with rounds in them plus dozens of other rediculous rules took the fun out of it.

I feel like I shot in the golden age of ipsc and decided to get out while I still had good memories of it.

I run a S&W 686SSR in IDPA, and as much as I do like it, I honestly I wish I would have bought a GP100 Match Champion. Because you don't have to do anything other than a spring swap to get the trigger pull weight down and your done. Get some jetloaders, and call it a day.

I fitna SDM fiber optic front on my 686, was a pain in the rear. The ruger already comes with one. I'm going to refrain of a diatribe of my experience with S&W MiM internals also...

I have shot revolver in IDPA a number of times and actually finished with a higher score than the auto loaders. It is all about speed and "zero down" Accuracy counts!

I have used my old duty revolver, model 19 and done fine. You will find fewer revolver shooters than auto loaders so you are competing against others shooting revolvers.

IDPA has always had a lot of odd rules. It's gotten worse over the years. One of the reasons I backed away from the game. At least some clubs have as well; creating their own sort of hybrid contest.

skip IDPA and go to USPSA or Steel Challenge (great practice). IDPA has nonsensical rules and people bicker over them on top of it. USPSA is much higher level skilled shooting and much better to build the right skills.

ICORE is kind of like USPSA for revos only. It's the most fun with a revolver to me. The revo crowd is generally less tightly wound than the USPSA crowds I've been around.

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protocalldesign.com

I haven't shot in a CAS match in many years, but when I started (SASS #20505), there was only a fraction of the equipment available now; so, my lever action rifle was a Winchester that held only 9 rounds of .45 Colt. It didn't take me long to realize that by having to load that 10th round on the fly, I couldn't be competitive with the guys whose rifle held 10 rounds. So, as soon as Marlin came out with the Cowboy in .45 Colt, I sold my Winchester and bought a Marlin Cowboy. Did I have fun with the Winchester? In the Spirit if the Game, yes; however, always placing towards the end of the ladder wasn't fun. That's what you are looking at, here.

The 625 is a solid pick, but if you want something with a bit more versatility, the 686 SSR is worth a look. It's legal for SSR division and still a great all-around revolver. If you're thinking about using your competition gun for Burnsville MN conceal carry, though, keep in mind the size and weight. A J-frame or something lighter might be more practical for everyday carry.

A couple points here: 1) Not sure where the idea that IDPA is not revolver friendly comes from - maybe conflating it with USPSA? Since stages are limited to 18 rounds (3 cylinder fulls) it is fine for revolvers; and, 2) You are limited to 6 rounds loaded in either stock or enhanced revolver. So, even if you have a 7 or 8 round revolver, you can only load 6 rounds and having that one or two extra chambers just slows things down as you have properly index the cylinder when closing it. Stick with a six round revolver.

I have shot both moon clips and speed loaders. I used a 586-4 (Brazil - perfect for IDPA since it's a .38 Spl) with Safariland Comp III speed loaders and a 625-8 PC, 646 and a Ruger MC in 10 mm (loading .40 S&W) with moon clips. Shoot what you are most comfortable with. Start with something you already have to insure that you like it and are going to stick with it.

Go to a match and observe and ask questions. Try to hook up with someone that shoots with the club you intend to attend to get a leg-up on how things run. Everybody that I've gotten involved in IDPA that elected to go and observe first, later confided to me that they wished they had just participated from the git-go. You'll find that the matches are friendly and everybody is willing to help a new-to-IDPA shooter.

Dive right in and have fun.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

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NRA Benefactor Member

Back when I shot IDPA, I used a 1917 Colt with full moon clips. It was no disadvantage for me.

Use what you already have....a Model 10 and speedloaders of any kind are a great selection. I have used my dad's K-38 and my 625 to shoot IDPA and ICORE .
No need to go buy a special revolver unless you don't have one at all.

Randy

PS.
USPSA is the game that is NOT revolver friendly especially after the rules changes.

Rules for revolver in IDPA, ICORE, and USPSA have changed over time. IDPA has remained true to "load only 6 rounds, regardless of cylinder capacity." USPSA has changed. When IDPA started, the winning setup was a 5" S&W 625. A couple years later, the rule was changed to limit to 4.25"; fair number of 625, 5" guys swapped to 4" barrels or just dropped out. For some time, IDPA revolver was a 125 PF game, which was rough on K-frame S&W's since that's +P territory out of a 4" barrel. Some folks wore down their K's and others ran L frames. Light finally went on at IDPA; lower pf to 105 so that factory available standard pressure .38 spl could shot. Made the K's much more feasible. These days, you seldom see a revolver at an IDPA match, likely due to the steady onslaught of red dots.

@joespapa

Did you ever attend a an IDPA match, shoot one with a revolver? If so how’d you like it? What gun did you use?

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Guns + Dogs= Bliss

IMO - NRA and CMP Action Pistol is the most revolver friendly. Doesn't matter about capacity and reload speed. Strings of fire do not exceed 6 rounds. It's not a track meet -- all shooting is done from static positions. High accuracy standards under time pressure. I shoot a S&W 686 with 6 inch barrel out of a kydex holster in Production Division and routinely post a higher score than others shooting autoloaders.