It recently occurred to me that competition shooting might be something I'd like to try. I usually shoot a M66 or a M67 or my usual carry M642, but I also have a Colt Magnum Carry and a Springfield XD45. What are the features of IDPA and IPSC, and which would be the better choice for the handguns I have available? TIA.
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Your models 66 and 67 fit right into IDPA/SSR with speedloaders and .38 ammo that makes at least 105 power factor. You could use these all the way to the nationals. Need a strong-side holster, 4 speedloaders, and holders for 3 on your belt.
In USPSA, clip fed revolvers with major power rule revolvers(model 625), but you could use the K frames at club matches with a disadvantage.
My choice of your guns for USPSA would be the XD45 in Limited10, major power. Need 5 magazines and holders for 4, plus strong side holster that covers the trigger.
As to difference between IDPA and USPSA, IDPA is more designed to emulate defensive shooting, with concelament, cover, and stages limited to 18 rounds. Suitable for most standard carry guns.
USPSA is higher round count, more of an equipment race, and more complicated scoring rules.
I shoot revolver and stock service pistol in IDPA, and mostly Production and Limited 10 in USPSA......my favorite is PPC.
In USPSA, clip fed revolvers with major power rule revolvers(model 625), but you could use the K frames at club matches with a disadvantage.
My choice of your guns for USPSA would be the XD45 in Limited10, major power. Need 5 magazines and holders for 4, plus strong side holster that covers the trigger.
As to difference between IDPA and USPSA, IDPA is more designed to emulate defensive shooting, with concelament, cover, and stages limited to 18 rounds. Suitable for most standard carry guns.
USPSA is higher round count, more of an equipment race, and more complicated scoring rules.
I shoot revolver and stock service pistol in IDPA, and mostly Production and Limited 10 in USPSA......my favorite is PPC.
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kraigwy
US Veteran
You might also look into ICORE, since you listed revolvers. I shoot a M-64 with my old duty break front hoyt holster. Its a lot of fun, you can get fancy or you can stick to stock revolvers like I do. Warning, it will get adictive and you'll spend a great deal of time at the reloading bench.
ICORE = International Confederation of Revolver Enthusiasts
ICORE Homepage
ICORE = International Confederation of Revolver Enthusiasts
ICORE Homepage
I would have to purchase the speedloaders, and I suspect I would require some practice with them. Are there preferred grips for the revolvers? What about suggested holsters? Mine currently have Hogue and Pachmyer, but I still have the wood service grips for the M67.
As for the XD45, I have 5 magazines and holders for 4, but they are 13 round magazines. Can you just load them with 10 rounds? Buying 5 new magazines would be a major expense I would think.
Nothing in the Atlanta, GA area.
wantmoresmiths
Member
For IDPA,the barrel on your model 66 must be shorter than 4", if it is, then you are good to go. You model 66 will be fine for ICORE, no matter what the barrel length. The Springfield is fine for the CDP division of IDPA, and will work for USPSA, but may not be the best choice depending on which division you enter. Let me suggest that you try all three, no need to limit yourself to only one. Then contact the local USPSA, IDPA, and Icore clubs, and check out the match schedules for each discipline. See what works for your schedule.
"Barrel length of 4.2" or less as measured from the front of the cylinder." ppg 24 and 25, IDPA Rules
http://www.idpa.com/Documents/IDPARuleBook2005.pdf
See the link for the complete IDPA Rules.
imashooter2
Member
Yes, downloading hi caps is very popular. Count your rounds carefully when loading. An accidental extra round in the magazine will move you to Open class.
We shoot ICORE at Pinetucky Gun Club in Augusta on the fifth Saturday of the month... ergo, four times a year. We sometimes get some people that carpool from Atlanta. We originally ran six matches a year, but declining interest in ICORE locally has caused us to cut back.
We also shoot USPSA on the fourth Saturday, and IDPA on the first Sunday. There is a PPC league whose schedule I do not know, but is well attended (we have the only turning target system available to the public in a large area).
You can contact the club at http://pinetucky.com/ or check The CSRA Defensive Pistol Association is a private club shooting IDPA at the Pinetucky Range near Augusta for match results and details. Always call first to insure that a match has not been cancelled, which happens occasionally.
Pinetucky is a private club that allows public access for practice and most shooting events.
Buck
M1911-66
Member
Yes, you will end up doing extensive practice with them. I prefer JetLoader speedloaders, but Safariland Comp IIIs work as well. The HKS speedloaders (and others of that style) put you at a significant disadvantage. It really helps to have your chambers chamfered and to use round-nose bullets. Any decent gunsmith can chamfer your chambers for small dollars. Shooting a revolver in these types of competitions is something of a reloading race.
Note that if you compete with a semi-auto, you'll end up doing a lot reloading practice as well. There is no way around practicing in order to get better. But don't let that keep you from going to your first matches. As long as you can reload your gun safely, then go try it and see if you like it.
That's really personal taste. Some folks prefer grips with finger grooves. I hate grips with finger grooves. You just have to try them and see what you prefer.
I suggest ReadyTactical for both holsters and speedloader holders.
Ready Tactical
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