Looking to get into IDPA with K or L frame

[petemacmahon]

I'm looking to get into IDPA using one of the following: M15, M19 (both K frames) or my M581 L frame.

I would like to get recommendations and opinions on holsters, speed-loaders, and speed-loader carriers from members who have real IDPA experience with any of those revolvers.

Thanks!

 

[robertrwalsh]

I would go with the L-frame gun unless you are very, very fond of one of the other ones for some reason. I use standard HKS speed loaders with closed top duty carriers, because that is what I am used to. Nobody else does so in the group that I shoot with, as far as I know. I am very fond of the Safariland 567 holster for this purpose.

 

[growr]

You cannot go wrong with any of the choices you mentioned....I frequently use my Dad's 4" K-38 that he carried on duty as a sheriff many years ago. Sort of my way of saying thanks to my Dad...long deceased.

No alterations or action work done ever...MY OH MY is it smooth!! Was made in 1948 according to the serial number.

I too use HKS speedloaders/pouches and my DeSantis, Galco or more often than not my Kramer holster is on my belt....

The biggest thing is to check the IDPA website as to what is and is NOT legal....other than that I always encourage new shooters in any shooting sport to use what you already have first and then branch out from there.

Like the old Nike commercial.....Just Do It!!! You will have a blast...literally.

Randy

PS. OKFCO5 will be along shortly to chime in as well....

 

[OKFC05]

The biggest thing is to check the IDPA website as to what is and is NOT legal....other than that I always encourage new shooters in any shooting sport to use what you already have first and then branch out from there.

this^^^^^^^^^

IMHO, most money spent trying to arrive with the "perfect rig" is wasted. And waiting even another month to go try it is definitely time wasted.
First match, be safe, have fun, maybe learn something. After a few matches you'll be able to form your own opinions.
The IDPA rules changed this March 2nd, especially in Revolver division, so a good reading is in order!
http://members.idpa.com/Content/Rules/x2gukat1.wyt.pdf

 

[one eye joe]

DEFINITELY HECK THE RULES ! ! ! SHOW UP AT YOUR FIRST MATCH WITH SOMETHING THAT FITS THE RULES, THAT YOU ALREADY OWN AND ARE COMFORTABLE WITH. CONSIDER YOUR FIRST FEW MATCHES RECON MISSIONS. BE OBSERVANT, CHECK OUT WHAT OTHERS ARE SHOOTING, CHAT WITH PEOPLE, ASK QUESTIONS. YOU WILL SOON BE ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT SUITS YOU BEST….

 

[Kaedan]

Wow they really messed with the revolver division.

And I still wonder what these guys are thinking with the BUG setup.

It's becoming less realistic every year.

 

[fredj338]

I prefer an owb paddle holster for Idpa. It fits anyplace on your hip you want, regardless of belt loop config. Safariland mkes a good one.
The safariland comp III is pretty much std, bu you can use comp II or hks. I prefer a paddle style clip, either singles or double, again, allows the most flexibility with position. Safariland can help there too. There re also a hst of small outfits doing kydex that will work for you too.

 

[Grayfox]

I've shot a 4" 586 in IDPA off and on for many years. I've always just used normal carry gear and done just fine.
Then again, I'm too old and slow to be a serious competitor. I don't get into the "gameing" aspect of it. To me its more a matter of practice for concealed carry and just having some fun.

 

[old&slow]

Wow they really messed with the revolver division.

It's becoming less realistic every year.

I shot a few IDPA matches several years ago. I thought about half the rules were unrealistic then.

Personally, I would prefer the Safariland II speed loaders and the L frame.
Good Luck, Enjoy, and like another poster said, just do it..

 

[Pizza Bob]

I use a 586 in .38 Spl for IDPA. I'm also old and slow but do tend to try and get whatever competitive advantage I can with my gear choices and gun mods - all within the rules of course.

I use an Alabama Holster Co holster which works well - but all my other Kydex holsters come from Blade-Tech. For IDPA I prefer the Stingray belt loop as it allows me to bridge belt keepers for optimum holster positioning. The Tech-Lock is nice, but you may get stuck behind or in front of a keeper. I use Kydex speedloader holders obtained from BobR1 here on the forum. Fast & secure. Safariland Comp III's are my choice of loader, but Jet Loaders work well too. Both are spring assisted and only require a linear motion to dump the rounds. Both have large "handles" that are easy to grab.

Down the road you may want to consider a trigger job, a fiber optic front sight and chamfering the charge holes.

For now shoot what you have. If you need equipment choose wisely - buy once, cry once - but if you have "make-do" stuff, try using it first until you have a better understanding of the requirements of the game.

Good luck. Have fun and be safe.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[Tanners Owner]

I shot my state match 2 years ago with my M15, won my div/classification. Did the same last year with my 625. While I shoot the 625 mostly, I occasionally go with the M15- it a great gun.

To your question, shoot what's most comfortable for you. Like a previous poster, I prefer safariland paddle holster & comp III speedloaders. They work for me.

Good luck & enjoy IDPA, I've had a hoot shooting it & met some great people, despite many of them shooting "bottom feeders"

 

[jimbo728]

Just be aware, your holster needs to cover the trigger per IDPA rules.
Jim

 

[Harkrader]

686-6 SSR Pro Series works really well for me. I use .357 Magnum loads, while most people use target (meaning light) .38 Special loads. I figure all practice is useful for self-defense, so I use SD loads.

 

[BobR1]

You should have a little more cylinder clearance with the 586. If your 586 has a (Pinned On) Front Sight, you can upgrade to a Fiber Optic front sight.

Speed Loaders: You have 2 Good choices
Safariland Comp III and Jet Loaders
Use HKS for Load and Make Ready

Midway may still have the Comp III's on sale.

I use the Comp III's in my 686 and GP100.
With my K Frame 64 I use Jet Loaders which are just a hair smaller in diameter.

Speed Loader Carriers: You have a few choices. I make the Big Creek Kydex Carriers. You will need 3.

Holsters: Look at a Garrette Industries leather lined kydex. I think you will like what you see.

Ammo: If you reload, I would use a 158-160 grain Round Nose bullet.

Vest: Check out a Duluth Trading "Working Man's Vest". 82014
Also look at the Duluth Trading "Dry on the Fly" Vest 82700
I will be ordering a Dry on the Fly for Summer Concealed Carry my next order.
I carry a Speed Strip in the front pockets for weight so the vest will sweep back better.

I pack my gear around on the range in a plastic tote used for cleaning supplies. The one I have is clear and came from WalMart. It will hold a water bottle, and has Two big main compartment, one for loader speed loaders, and one for unloaded ones and Brass.

Good luck

Bob R
Big Creek Kydex Speedloader Carriers

 

[oldafsp]

My thoughts

And I shoot both a K and L frame in the revolver division.

Speedloader- Comp III's most definitely. Tried the Jet loaders but didn't like them as well.

HKS or a Comp II for load and make ready.

Get a Safariland loading tray. They are cheap and best $22 investment you will ever buy. Ecop has them on Ebay. Both K and L frame are available. They hold 84 rounds so you can recharge your speedloaders with zero effort. And fit in the bottom of most range bags.

Holster- Here is the difficult part. I am large build and a straight drop is not really comfortable for me. I found the Fobus paddle holster works great, is cost effective (under $30 online usually) and is designed for K frame heavy barrels and L frames. A Model 15 is a bit loose on barrel fit but stays secured no problem.

Grips- Again a personal preference. Stay away from the pretty wood factory stocks. Even the later model targets with the larger speedloader cutout. They project out way too far to get a clean insert with a speed loader. Put them back on your gun to take photos. Even the smooth combats can interfere with fast reloading.

Pachmyer Grippers work for me and leave plenty of clearance for Comp III's to line right up.

Shooting revolver in IDPA can be very rewarding and frustrating at the same time. You can lose valuable time bobbling a reload or worse yet dropping rounds that you have to pick up to avoid a procedural error. Practice, practice and more practice!

Concentrate on being smooth on your reloads, the speed will come as you progress.

The best of it all is getting out there and showing the auto pistol crowd that revolvers are still viable competition guns in the right hands.

Best of luck to you.

Model 681 in action-


And my Model 15-3, modified with a .312 wide smooth combat trigger, white outline rear sight blade, action job and Pachmyer Grippers.