Shoot What You Carry

[kraigwy]

Just got back from an ICORE match. I shot all stages "TWICE". Once with my Model 64 Smith and six speed loaders, my normal ICORE gun.

I figured I don't carry the '64 for SD, I carry a 642, in my pocket, w/out speed loaders. Practice is nice, but nothing like shooting competition on stages of fire you don't practice for.

So I decided to shoot the match a second time with my pocket carry. Using the pocket since thats how I carry it and loose rounds in another pocket. Sure I was at a disadvantage, I loaded slower and had the disadvantage of 5 instead of 6 shots.

Still I was impressed with how well I did with the 642, no, not close to wining, but I sure built confidence in the gun I carry. Plus there is more stress in a match then relaxed practice at home.

I figure from now on, any match where the rules allow, I'm shooting my SD gun. Certainly can't hurt anything if you don't let your ego bother you because you can't compete with those high prices specialty built ICORE guns.

 

[APS]

But...but...but....how are you supposed to win and feel all good about yourself and stuff???

Seriously though, good job. I haven't asked my icore club if they will allow pocket draw but I don't think they will. I usually use a 3" M66 because I don't have a more suitable gun. I have used my 340M&P in an IDPA backup gun match but they only do 5 round stages so you don't get to reload. And of course, you can't pocket draw which I think is a big point for practice.

Loose rounds, really? Check out the tuffproducts pocket roo holster. It has a spot for a speedstrip so the gun and reload go into your pocket together.

 

[TNDave]

That's good practice. You will revert to training under stress so putting stress on yourself is good.

 

[David Sinko]

I don't own any dedicated match guns anymore. No more Federal primer only action jobs. And no revolvers with barrel lengths over 4". I don't shoot much IDPA anymore but I did shoot a match today with my 2" Model 64. And I can't wait til I get my 2" 625.

Big ICORE match next weekend and I'll be using my 4" 627, which is as gamey as I get. But that's a good carry gun too.

Dave Sinko