1. Yes. There were 8 686's at the IDPA Nationals, of which 3 were 686SSR.Also used were 10, 13, 19, 586, and 66.
2. Guns worked fine; score depended on shooter.
3. Yes, it is set up for IDPA/SSR, thus the name.
4. Majority use Safariland comp 3 speedloaders and Blade Tech pouches for IDPA. There is a constant search for better pouches.
If you want to compete in USPSA or IDPA/ESR, the Model 625 dominates with .45 ACP and moon clips.