What is the best revolver for IDPA?

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The BEST revolver for IDPA is the one that fits you best....probably one you already own. Many find that a Model 19/66 does well, also I see many 586-686 L frames on the firing line. Grips will make a HUGE difference in how your gun feels to you. Many opt for the Hogue grips that S&W currently issues on their revolvers. Make sure however, that your speedloaders function properly with your grips. Most of all.....HAVE FUN in IDPA with you revolver!!!
 
I use a 3" M66 with an SDM gold bead front sight in IDPA. It has packmayr grippers on it and they give the best grip without being too sticky. I happened upon it so I use it but perhaps a 4" K frame would be better. I like how the lighter K is faster from the holster and transitioning targets.

I use the same gun in ICORE and am at a disadvantage to most of the competitors.
 
Thanks Growr
Can you give me some insight into power factors, barrel length, etc? Do any of the shooters use a 625 4"? Thinking about shooting 45acp or 38sp?
 
For me, which ever I happen to be shooting at the time. I shoot a S&W 610-3, 625-8, 19-3 snub, 19-6 4", 25-2 Jovino and a PC 646 for IDPA. I'll shoot speedloaders or RIMZ and have a blast with either.
 
I used to work with a guy who did very well with nothing but a heavy barreled Model 10 that had a basic trigger job done.
 
istricky,
A friend of mine uses his 625 4" with moon clips and thinks it is the ultimate set up. It certainly works for him. When I am shooting revolver I often will use .38 SPL loaded with 4 grns of Unique/158 SWC or RNL's. On occassion I actually use full throttle .357 Magnums with JHP's just to replicate what I actually would carry. If I am doing that I usually use my 686 4" but will also use my model 66 2" which I actually DO carry.
A number of fellow revolver shooter in the club thnink that the ultimate is a 610 with .40 S&W ammo in full moon clips. A great combination in my opinion. We have an active ICORE contingent within our club so there is alot of revolver interest. Seems like the most common barrel length is a 4" however.
The only trigger work I have done is simply to have my gunsmith (factory S&W trained armorer when the dept. all carried wheel guns) smooth things out. I don't need or even want the lightest action...just want smooth. If you get an action TOO light you run the risk of misfires due to too light of a strike on the primer.
When I do use my 25 I use 230 hardball in moon clips and call it good. Hope that helps you out. do you own a revolver right now? If so, what is it and how is it configured?
Randy
 
Originally posted by DocAlamo:
i guess it would depend on whether you were going to shoot SSR or ESR. For SSR I use my 686SSR. For ESR I use my 625JM.

Dr. Bill
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I have an SSR on order.

But the 625JM would be my first pick for ESR.

Good taste, buddy
icon_smile.gif
 
3"or 4",Fix-sight,K-Frame..DAO with HKS speed loaders and IWB holster is IMO "True IDPA" and very "Old School".....the "GAMERS" in my area are all using 4"L-Frame 686 with the "Speed Loaders on a Stick"...the Safariland Comp III and Kydex Belt Slide Holsters. I am "Old School"

APS...can shot...he is working hard on "Mastering" that said "Wheel Gun"

A01257
 
Can you give me some insight into power factors, barrel length, etc? Do any of the shooters use a 625 4"? Thinking about shooting 45acp or 38sp?
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Sounds like you could benefit from reading the IDPA rules regarding Division requirements for SSR and ESR. Pages 24 and 25:
http://www.idpa.com/Documents/IDPARuleBook2005.pdf

SSR: Speedloaders only, minor power, dominated by 4" K/L frame S&W shooting .38 158gr +P.

ESR: Major power clip guns, dominated by 4" N frame S&W shooting .45 ACP or .40 S&W.

Each Division in IDPA competes only within itself. If you buy a 625, for example, you are only going to compete with other ESR shooters. There is no such thing in IDPA as an "Overall winner" at a match, such as is done in USPSA/IPSC.

Ther is also no option in IDPA for the shooter to change his mind about the power factor at the match either. That 625 in ESR is required to shoot major power or be disqualified. Standard .45 ball makes major power.
In SSR, minor power is required, but if you don't reload, you should know that standard commercial .38 ammo does not make minor power, and you have to buy +P. I load my own.
 
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I use this 686 with fiber optics to shoot SSR. Notice I had to cut the grip to get the speedloader to clear faster.
686side.jpg

686top.jpg


I also have the S&W 686SSR. I bobbed the hammer and put on the big dot site, but have not put that many rounds thru it yet.
686SSRLFSIDE.jpg

686SSRSITES.jpg

Hand loaded +P+ is all that works for my 686s.


The 625-3 is my ESR favorite.
625-3side.jpg

I had a 610 for a while but the 625 reloads faster. 165K power factor is not always possible with factory ammo either. Check the power factor before going to any big matches, you may be surprised.

P.S. I won the 686 SSR at the 2008 S&W Indoor Championships! Best Prize by far! Thank You Smith & Wesson!!!!!
 
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I'll be using my Model 10 with HKS speedloaders in IDPA for the first time on April 3rd. I've only been to one IDPA event so far, but in that one I used a friend's 9mm Glock to win the ESP class, even beating my friend with his own gun :D. I got my 10 the month after but didn't get to go to the last event of the year. I'm so excited to try out the revolver in SSR.
 
I'm going to try ESR for the first time this season. I'm going to shoot my M-22 Thunder Ranch. It's not hardly as competition ready as a 625 but I'm a sucker for a blued gun. It should be fun. :D
 
The best depends on what division you want to shoot and what gun you like. The 686 in SSR and the 625 in ESR are by far the most common but you do see all kinds of revolvers.

I would love to have an action tuned 3" K frame as I think this would be the best choice for me.
I mostly shoot a 686 and a 2 1/2" 66 but have shot a HB Model 10 but my old eyes have some problems with that sight.
 
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