Help Me Get Started

[Nick B]

I shoot IDPA now with a semi auto (SSP) but am wanting to start shooting in the revolver classes . Advice on equipment is what I need .
For guns I have a 4" 686-4 and a 4" 625-3 . Both guns have action and trigger jobs and the chamber mouths have been beveled .
What holsters do I need and also what about speed loaders and pouches for the 686 ? For the 625 I was thinking about the North Mountain IDPA Moon Clip Holder?
How are the Blade Tech holsters ?
Thanks in advance.
Nick

 

[fredj338]

There are many holster options. I run a Safariland paddle, works with any N-frame & maybe the L-frame too. I use Calif Comp moon clip holders for the 625. Most guys are using Safarilnad CompII or III loaders for the 686. Their triple holder works fine but there are others like Blade Tech.

 

[Pizza Bob]

Nick:

Sounds like you already have a pretty good handle on what you need. I run similar guns (586-4 Brazil Contract and 625-8 PC) and the only additional mods to the guns are sights. On the 586 I am running an LPA rear sight and on the 625 a Bowen Rough Country. Both use fiber-optic front sights.

Blade Tech is definitely the way to go for holsters. I prefer the adjustable or fixed Stingray belt attachment as it allows you to "bridge" belt keepers (holster slot, keeper, holster slot) which allows both optimum holster positioning and keeping the holster tight against the body. The Tek Lok is nice for fast on & off, but may trap you behind or in front of a keeper in a less desirable holster position.

Carriers for clips or loaders may depend on whether you strong-hand or weak-hand load. A triple pouch is OK if you weak-hand load and all loading devices are carried on the weak-hand side of the body. If you strong-hand load you want two loading devices in front of your holster and one behind. For clips I use the stacked North Mountain holder in front and one of the simple metal clip with post type behind. For speed loaders, Comp III's work great - lots to grab and spring powered into the cylinder - fast and positive. As for holders, BobR1 here on the forum makes great Kydex wrap around holders.

Good luck with whatever equipment you choose.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[Nick B]

Thanks Fred and Pizza Bob . I was starting to think this sub forum was the wrong place to ask .
Any active forums on the web that cater to wheel gun competitions ?

 

[BAM-BAM]

It's not always competitive......but I try(ed) to always carry as close to my concealed carry "stuff" as possible.....................my idea is to try to take the "DP" in IDPA to heart.................

Sparks Summer Special or Bianchi 5BHL.......for a 3" 65 or 66........leather friction fit or split-six for speedloaders..... Comp IIs.

That said; I love, and it's hard to beat a 4" 686

 

[USARMYSPEC4]

I shoot a revolver 986 S&W, and use a bladete. Very nice and good price.
Get the belt offset on the holster if you get one. It will lower the holster
about 2-3" and pushes the top of the holster about a inch away from the
belt. I shoot steel SCSA.

 

[Pizza Bob]

I shoot a revolver 986 S&W, and use a bladete. Very nice and good price.
Get the belt offset on the holster if you get one. It will lower the holster
about 2-3" and pushes the top of the holster about a inch away from the
belt. I shoot steel SCSA.

Just FYI: The Drop/Offset link in the holster is prohibited in IDPA unless you are a female.

 

[jtcarm]

I run my M-66 in a Safariland 568. I havent tried any others. It should be available for your guns.

IMO, practice is more important than the holster. Just pick one that IDPA legal

Fwiw: I shoot with a guy who's expert in the revolver class (I'm SS.). Very experienced competitor. He says he's run a 625 in the past but despite the speed of moon clip reloads, he shot lower scores due to the added recoil, and he's about 6' 5" & 280 with huge hands.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[frankw]

This is what I used for a long time in IDPA and still do except for some grip and sight changes.
S&W 66, Holster is from Talon Tactical and the speedloader holder are Ready Tactical. A google search will find all of these.
North Mountain is now making some good looking speed loader holders but I have not used them.
I use both Safariland Comp III speedloaders and Jet Loaders that I cut way down for faster reloads.
Good Luck, i t is fun. Jump right in!

 

[Nick B]

Thanks to all who have replied . I now have a load for my 686 .
158 grain plated round nose with 3.5 grains of BE in a .38 case .
738 fps average . Shoots great .

 

[fredj338]

I think much too much is made of the holster used. I carry IWB, shoot it IDPA a couple times a year. The other times it's a larger format gun, sim to what I ccw, in an OWB rig. Few gunfights are won on your presentation IMO, matches either for that matter. Your shooting skills & tactical awareness are far more important. As long as you are using a rig in the same location on your body & gun sim to what you carry, IMO, you are way ahead by just practicing. I carry a 1911PD, compete with a full size steel 1911. IF you have to count on a speed draw, you have already lost the tactical awareness issue IMO.

 

[BobR1]

For IDPA the Safariland 333 speed loader carrier is a No Go. You will need singles. You need 3 carriers for IDPA. For ICORE you may want as many as 5 carriers.

For the 686 SIX SHOOTER you will do alright with Safariland Comp III's. You can normally catch them on sale at Midway. Jet Loaders are a little better, and I prefer them for K Frames, as they are a hair smaller in diameter than a K Frame Comp III.

I am still using leather holsters. I have a combination of pancakes, and Avenger style holsters. I have one leather lined kydex holster that I am not real impressed with for my 6" GP100.

Bob R
Big Creek Speed Loader Carriers

 

[Steve_Revo_]

Nick,

I know it's been a few months since you asked your question but I figured I would throw in my 2 cents worth...

Congratulations on deciding to shoot revolver! Revo's are great fun and will definitely improve your shooting. If you can run a Revo you can run anything.

Since the combined the revolver divisions most of IDPA seems to be moving towards the 625 / moon clipped guns as they just tend to be a bit quicker / easier to load. That said, I'm still running a pair of Smith & Wesson 686SSRs with speed loaders.

Blade Tech makes a fine holster, I use one for my USPSA / ICORE belt rig. For IDPA I use a holster and speed loader pouches from Master TAC... I found them on Facebook but I'm not sure if they have a real web page.

I run Comp III speed loaders but I really like the Jet Loaders... However, IDPA used to send out cards from Safariland for 50% off and I just couldn't pass that up so Comp III's it is.

If you shoot the 625 Ranch products has a nice deal on moon clips... Blade tech has a great holster and 4wheelguns.com has some nice moon clip holders.

My ICORE / USPSA rig:

IDPA rig: