What's best for IDPA

[joespapa]

I shot SASS for five years but had to quit due to time constraints. I'm wanting to try IDPA. I own two guns I could use to see if I like it. S&W model 19 2 1/2" or colt combat commander .45 I shoot either one well. Which would you use and why?

 

[W.E.G.]

IDPA is geared toward 9mm semi-auto pistols that can hold at least 10 rounds.

Whatever you have that's closest to that will give you the best scores.

Some folks shoot revolver in IDPA.
There is actually a class for revolvers.
Unless you are at a major shoot, you are usually guaranteed to "win your class" if you shoot a revolver in an IDPA event - because you'll be the only one.
You'll be last, or nearly last in the overall, even if you shoot the revolver well.

Its just the way that game is set up.

 

[growr]

Either would be a great choice for IDPA...do you have a holster that covers the trigger guard for each? (not necessary if you are using IWB holsters). You will need a pouch for either your speedloaders (2) or magazines (2).

I have never felt out of it by using a revolver and have a great deal of fun using my M66/M15 and a Kramer #3 IWB holster!

Use whatever YOU like best. Me....I use the entire herd to be proficient with everything I own. But then I am the odd man out on this.

Randy

 

[snubbyfan]

I'd use the K frame snubby. Just for the simple fact that I carry a snubby as my ccw.

 

[Grayfox]

IDPA stages are supposed to be revolver friendly. However they usually aren't. Match Directors often get caught up in the game and forget that wheelgunners need to reload more often.
I used to shoot a 4" Model 586 quite often. However, it didn't work out. These days I stick to my 1911s for matches.
Start with the Commander and if your club is revolver friendly, then you can switch to the Model 19 if you wish.

 

[David Sinko]

Use the Model 19. Since you shoot it well, you will beat at least some who use the semiautos. That's the best way to make friends and influence people. Since you'll be competing in SSR and your revolver has a short barrel, you can use watered down ammo that is even less than the allowed minimum 105 power factor. As long as you can make the minimum in a 4" barrel, you're fine. You can have a lot of fun with this.

Dave Sinko

 

[cyberiad]

Any MD who can't design stages appropriate for autos and revolvers doesn't know what he is doing.

 

[o3rugby1]

Well i shoot IDPA quit a bit. The model 19 would be fun to shoot but it will also frustrate you to no end on the reload sections. The commander on the other hand is what i would use of the 2. The commander will be able to handle the long shots and no problem on the reloads. It comes down to how your range handles your IDPA runs. Are there some fun runs like back up guns Etc. ? I use a glock 34. But a J frame for a back up gun runs. Ed

 

[bpeddicord]

Use the snubby revolver if you feel confident with it. I often shoot my 2" model 64 or my 2.5" 686. I almost always finish in the top 1/3 of shooters. Use Safariland Comp III speedloaders to get faster reloads. I personally seem to shoot the 2" model 64 better than any of my other guns. It's fast out of the holster and quick to get the sights on target.

 

[ACP230]

I have shot a revolver in IDPA. Didn't work too well for me.

Also shot a BHP a few times. Did a bit better.

Next time I shoot a match it will be with a 9mm Colt Combat
Commander.

 

[frankw]

I shoot a revolver in IDPA a good bit. I started with a 2 1/2" 66 and after I got more serious I moved to a 4" 66 but I never had any problem shooting them.
I usually shoot in three different State matches every year along with a match each month at two different local clubs. I agree with the statement that if you can't shoot a revolver in a stage somebody doesn't know how to design stages.
I am old and slow but I usually beat a good number of bottom feeder shooters in a match and besides shooting a revolver is just plain fun.
But to complicate things, if I am not shooting a revolver I shoot a 1911 .45 so either gun would be fine for you to get your feet wet or to even stay with.
Good Luck and have fun.

 

[gr7070]

Another vote for the revolver! They're the most fun you can have at a match. One can also be somewhat competitive with them.

And to clear up some misinformation in this thread:

Stages are not supposed to be revolver-friendly. Stages are expected to be revolver-neutral, which is very different from friendly.

Holsters do not need to cover the trigger guard. They need to cover the trigger, and if the photos in the rulebook are any indication they don't have to cover the entire trigger, but more likely the face of it.