.327 or.32-20 for IDPA?

[Andy Griffith]

I know, that according to the rule book neither calibers are legal for the sanctioned sport, simply because they are less than .38/9mm. However, it is possible to make power factor with either one on the top end. Of course, I guess it's a club/match thing. I guess you can shoot the scenario with anything, just not get "scored" with it, so we have nothing to worry about locally- let 'em shoot.

We have had a couple of competitors use the .327 in some matches and did about par with with .38 shooters.

I might try a .32-20 next match upcoming since I now have some speedloaders that will fit it. Just to try it for grins.

I have fun in the matches no matter what and try what works and what doesn't. Kinda like how the last match two gentlemen used single actions- one Ruger and the other one a Colt SAA- those fellers had a lot of fun.

 

[OKFC05]

Trouble with letting people shoot anything and everything in IDPA club matches is the gaming that goes on, and the non-legal shooters bragging about winning with their mouse loads. Maybe you don't have those problems there--yet. It's not limited to sub-caliber: caught one shooter with a legal caliber but 86 power factor ammo. It also causes a lot of hurt feelings wihen shooters used to shooting "bastard rules we call IDPA at my club" go to a sanctioned match and get DQ'd.

My solution is to let anyone shoot with any gun that is safe at a club match, but those with non-legal guns get their scorecards given back to them after the match, and their scores are not posted. Neither are they eligible for any awards. Takes the gamers fun out of shooting mouse calibers to gain speed.

By the way, single action revolvers are legal, just too slow to win anything on most stages with more than 6 rounds.

 

[Andy Griffith]

Sure, there are lots of fellers that try to "adjust" the system with mouse-fart loads- we've had that several times. One of my good friends tried that and I pointed him out.

Of course, there are no "winners" or "losers" a IDPA since you are shooting against yourself. If time is too slow or scored too low, it just shows what needs to be improved upon in case the situation arises. Sure, someone may have the fastest time- I've never come close to the top, but enjoy the fellowship and the pleasure of running the course with what I carry or may carry- whether it's scored on the board or not.

 

[Jim Watson]

I would allow shooting a non-compliant gun but for no score as per OKFC05. I do not encourage it for funsies, but will authorize it if the shooter assures me he does not have a pistol allowable under the rules. We have seen people with nothing closer to spec than a 6" .38 Special or a Makarov.

I do not share the attitude that "there are no "winners" or "losers" a IDPA since you are shooting against yourself." I assure you that I am out to do the best I can against all comers. My placement in matches has slipped a bit since some injuries earlier this year, but I am working on a comeback versus the rest of the gang.