M&P semi auto IDPA questions

[avacotter]

So I love my M&P40. I want to start shooting at my local events, but have heard that .40 is not the way to go. Is there any truth to this, or could I just sign up and sling some 185 grain? I live in Placer County CA if that makes any difference.

 

[MBATF]

I have recently started shooting IDPA Club Match with my M&P9 FS, and there were plenty of people shooting .40 with their M&P, XD, & Glocks...

I think for IDPA... shoot what you comfortable with and what you will be using the most.

 

[Jim Watson]

I always recommend people start IDPA with whatever they have that meets the rulebook requirements or is even close. (Beginners will seldom be held to the letter of the rules as long as their gear is safe.)

It keeps the startup costs low and does not require you to learn a new gun at the same time you are trying to learn a new sport.

If you are a handloader, a reduced .40 will be competitive. I know people who say they have more controllable recoil than a 9mm.

 

[VMaxSplat]

IDPA is supposed to be a "tactical" match, but you'll probably see people gaming in a variety of ways. In the end its just a game if a timer is running.

Shoot your M&P 40. It will be just fine. You can feel good knowing that you shot your real world carry gun. Remember the old saying, defensive calibers should start with a "4"...

 

[Tanners Owner]

Shoot what you have. I started out with my SIG 239 in SSP, migrated to my M&p 9 then my XD & XDM (40) for ESP, & finally have been shooting my M-15 in SSR. Have been having a blast.
If you are super competitive then perhaps a 9 would suit your needs, but if you want to learn about your gun & your gun handling abilities with the gun you'll use, continue to use your 40. Lots of 40s are used in my IDPA matches, though 9s are the predominate caliber.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Before I invested in a new gun, I'd invest in a good basic reloading press (Assuming you don't already have a press, a $200 investment in a Lee Classic Turret set-up will work fine and pay for itself in the first 1000 rounds.) Reloading will allow you to :
a) meet your practice needs without breaking the bank.
b) load to near 9mm recoil levels with your 40.

As an alternative, you could buy a 9MM barrel and mags for your existing M&P and convert it back and fourth as you like.

 

[growr]

Use what you have and enjoy it! Nothing wrong with a .40 in IDPA or anything else for that matter.

Randy

 

[wantmoresmiths]

Another vote for reloading, if you don't already. The only disadvantage to the 40, is competing against the reduced recoil offer by the 9mm. You can load the 40 down to 9mm recoil levels. I reload the .40 down to a 125 power factor for Icore. The low recoil and weight of my 610 revolver makes the .40 an absolute pleasure to shoot. The advantage of the 40, is the bigger holes are easier to see. This allows you to make up a -3 before it bites you in the butt on the score sheet.