CCW guns used in competition

[DragonFire]

This past year I've gotten into some defensive pistol competitions like IDPA. While I've used mostly my S&W 610 revolver, I've also used my Taurus PT100 autoloader on a couple of occasions.

Since one of the competions doesn't have a separate revolver division, I was looking at the autos I have with the idea to start using one on a more frequent basis. The problem I have is that most of my handguns were acquired with CCW in mind and are of the more compact nature.

It seems to me that most of the people shooting in IDPA etc. are using big, full-size guns that offer the most capacity, longest sight-radius, and steadiest platforms.

I don't really have a problem with that except that I thought these competions were supposed to sort of reflect real-world scenarios using real-world equipment. My Glock 27, my main CCW gun, qualifies as a back-up gun in IDPA.

It's kind of funny to watch all the competitors come in and take off their carry guns and put on their "game" guns. But then it's frustrating to get some kind of penalty because one of my actions wouldn't have been practical on "the streets". Like what these guys are doing in any way reflects the "real world".

Anybody else see the problem with this. Is anybody using their CCW guns in competition?

 

[P95Carry]

Some of the guys at my club do in fact use smaller size auto's, which they carry .... but it was when I chose to use my BHP Practical instead of SW99 that I found the shootability so good that it has become an alternative carry. So now - I do shoot IDPA with a carry piece!

I also carry SP-101 but practice with that has to be a solitary deal.

 

[Ankeny]

Anybody else see the problem with this.

I don't see a problem. IDPA is just a gun game. Shoot whatever you like to shoot, it's your business.

Is your 610 revolver your normal carry gun? The reason I ask is the good folks at IDPA headquarters are on record stating the allowance of clipped wheelguns was a mistake. I guess they feel a 610, 625, etc. are "gamer guns".

 

[sm]

I have participated in IDPA and IPSC and used nothing but a CCW firearm. I was using the stages to practice, train and instill focus and skills for real world use. I had a lot of fun, met some great folks.

Most often used : Gov't Model of 1911( 7 rds mags) , BHP.

My "tricked out" gun was a Kimber Series I Stainless, to " trick" it out moreso I removed FLGR,added skateboard tape on front strap and used CMC or 47D's. [ I can't count past 7 in a mag and kept doing mag changes with a rd left to go ]

For BUGs I used Snubby K frames, J Frames, Glock 26 and Keltec P-11.

I had so much fun using a P-11 for primary and for BUG a few times, No I didn't win, but I learned a lot and provided comic relief. " ...dang Son never seen anyone carry two of them thangs...Let me try that..."

I like using a full size 1911 for primary and Commander size for BUG .

Well...shoot 'em if ya got 'em , shoot 'em if ya carry 'em.

 

[juggler]

We call them "CONTACT" matches at our club, for Concealed Tactical. When I run them I tell everyone that they should show up ready to go.....as in "What would you wear/carry to go to the store?"
If they want to use cheaper ammo, ok.....but you shouldn't have to change guns or slide on a 2nd or 3rd ammo pouch.
The idea is to practice with what you use, in my mind. There is always IPSC if you want to go over the top, and even IDPA. Both fun, just different purposes IMHO.

 

[kotengu]

I always shot my CCW piece. There's no reason you can't keep up with a G27 - it'll do fine. I shot a stock G27 for a long time and was right there with most. Now I shoot a G30. I don't think you would ever notice the accuracy difference between the compact and the extended slide length models.

Another pet peeve of mine is the use of downloaded ammo for competition. I'm going to carry full-powered ammo, so I always shoot full-powered ammo - the only difference is FMJ vs JHP.

If you really think capacity is the deciding factor, get some high caps - they'll work in your G27. Otherwise, look at it as more chances to practice your reload - which will do you more good than winning that match......

 

[psyopspec]

First, keep in mind that it's only game. After realizing that, it's not a hard step to realize that you can approach it as a game, or as practice for some your CCW fundamentals. Either way, don't let it bother you too much what anyone else is using/doing to gain a competitive edge.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

I agree with other posts in that it is inherently a game, and people will do what they want. But I personally dont want to rob myself of a lot of good practice with a piece worth practicing with. In this type of shooting, my goal is to become better with that weapon I will have in hand, not with the weapon I'd wish I had. So, I shoot my carry weapon, a Glock 33. I dont think I'm actually at any disadvantage and I havent seen any accuracy difference between it and my G17. Sight radius is the only haunting part, but the ranges usually arent large enough for that to come into play. People will shoot what they want, but I want to have the most comfort and confidence with what I will have when the need arises.
It's also worth noting that I dont show up to the match looking to win. I show up looking to learn and to perfect.

-Spooky

 

[Correia]

I shoot my carry guns.

Really, I do the best of both worlds. I carry a full size gun. When I need to be tuckable, I use a single stack 1911. When I have a concealing garment, I use a double stack 1911. No little guns here.

 

[pax]

juggler,

We have similar matches here. You should have heard the howls one day last summer ...

The match director's wife stopped every car coming onto the range, poked her head in the car window, and asked, "You folks carrying right now?"

Affirmative answers got a 'passed' for the first stage of the day, while negative ones got a 'failed' for that stage.

Heh.

pax

 

[John Forsyth]

I carry what I compete with, a single stack 1911. Now it may not be the exact pistol, as I have several 1911's, 10mm's and .45's, as I like to shoot in different classes. Also, I sometimes carry an alloy framed Commander, but I do not compete with it. I did when I first got to make sure it worked though.

IDPA is a game, shoot what you want. I knew a shooter that did compete regularly with a G26, but have not seen them in awhile.

 

[ted murphy]

I've found many of my shooters who carry a smallish gun end up switching to a full size after they realize the advantage.

Truth be told though, after years of running matches, I realize the majority of the shooters don't carry to or from the match, so I suspect they don't carry much at other times either.

I really don't mind either way just as long as they are coming to shoot.

I've like the full size guns so I carry them and shoot them in competition.

Ted

 

[another okie]

"It's kind of funny to watch all the competitors come in and take off their carry guns and put on their "game" guns. But then it's frustrating to get some kind of penalty because one of my actions wouldn't have been practical on "the streets". Like what these guys are doing in any way reflects the "real world".

Those are two different issues: 1. type of gun; 2. real life v. game. Issue # 2 has been hashed to death.

As far as guns are concerned, I agree. You used to see a lot more actual carry guns used in IDPA; now it seems like it's mostly Glock 34s and tuned 1911s. I use both my Glock 17 and my 26, both of which I carry concealed, though I carry the 26 a lot more, and shoot it just about as well. I shot the Oklahoma IDPA championship with my 26 once, and did about as well as I would have with a 34, namely, not very well.

One thing to keep in mind is that there are many of us who carry in a pocket or an ankle or a shoulder holster, all of which are illegal in IDPA or IPSC, so if we're going to have to put on a non-carry holster we might as well shoot a different gun as well.

 

[wheelgunner100]

It's just a matter of what you want to get out of IDPA. I started competing because I wanted to get better with my carry gun. I come to the range and take out my carry ammo and put my carry gun back in my carry holster and go shoot.

 

[nhhillbilly]

Agreed. I shoot IDPA to practice not for any other reason. Some times I shoot in Full Uniform and some times with my concealment clothing. Almost always with my Glock 23 as this is my duty and cc gun. Train and practice like you fight. Unless required I do not do a walk though either. The buildings I have search I don't get a walk though at 0300 hours.

 

[C. H. Luke]

Since do not think IDPA is good practice for the street use a different gun for it than for CCW.

Do use the CCW gun in the training courses take and in own very specific self-defense practice. No running, no barrel boogey, etc. All training done from the holster with emphasis on good fast presentation, continually work on draw stroke, true head {c/o} shots, etc.
IDPA is fun, enjoy the camaraderie and better than nothing if one doesn't practice. Not to mention you only draw once per Stage, usually. That said, am as guilty as anyone in liking high round count and "speed shoots"!

 

[Wakal]

I have to modify my carry gun to make it "legal" for IDPA, which amuses me to no end.

After years of carrying a single-stack 1911, I decided to upgrade to a more modern design. STI Commander chambered in 9 by 23 Supercomp (Winchester loads their Silvertips in that caliber), usually in a Sparks SS2. When I show up at matches, I have to download my magazines...by eight...to comply with the "10 round" rule. Nice.




Alex

 

[OF]

I compete with and carry the same gun: full-size single stack .45, but we have people shoot with compact guns all the time. A buddy shot his G27 the other day. We get small-frame 1911's, mid-size and compact Glocks, Makarov's, etc.

Shoot whatever you want, as long as it fits within the rules, go for it.

- Gabe

 

[TonyB]

You kind of get sucked into the whole competition aspect of it,, in the beginning I was thinking of it as practice and trainning....then I started doing better...now I use my Glock 17 most of the(which I never carry)or my Speed six(which I seldom carry)...sometimes though a couple of us will shoot our 5 shot carry guns(in my case an Sp101)I shoot it great,but the constant reloads suck......Out of the 10 or so people who show up,only maybe 3 or 4 of us actually carry all the time....
now you got me thinking I'll use my SP101 this week.....

 

[CZ52GUY]

I compete with and carry the same gun: full-size single stack .45, but we have people shoot with compact guns all the time. A buddy shot his G27 the other day. We get small-frame 1911's, mid-size and compact Glocks, Makarov's, etc.

A Mak'? I love mine (favorite "grab and go" carry piece) but I haven't found a load that makes the 125 power factor (unless the Mak's running in "BUG" division)...

Funny, I pushed up getting my CCW because of IDPA.

1) Less hassle getting kitted up
2) I've started practicing more seriously with all my firearms which makes me want to protect my cargo from unlawful theft and use

I ran through 3/4 of a class with a G23 and then switched to a G35...for gaming...no contest...and I realized I wasn't crazy about .40 as a carry piece...now I'm looking at trading the G23 in on a CDP piece...which I'll faithfully carry to all matches .

Stay Safe,

CZ52'

 

[BerettaNut92]

I switch. I don't like carrying a dirty gun!

I carry my tricked out Elite II, and compete with my stock Elite.

 

[waktasz]

I used to shoot my Glock 26 and did pretty well with it, but got rid of it when I realized I can conceal my 229 just as well. Now I shoot IDPA with my 229 or my Para hi-cap...depends how I feel in the morning or how much ammo for either I have sitting in the house.

 

[poesraven]

AHHH, yes....., getting sucked into the competition THING. At 1st I really wanted to be the ON THE A-LIST, , But slowly I learned>" EGO" had to be locked in the trunk w/ the piece I thought I really needed to win matches. Now, its all about fun, learning techniques, Re-learning what I thought I knew w/ all those dry fires and mirror games. I now use what I carry, and in some stages I'm quicker than the best, and in others I'm slower than the slowest, but I've become more familiar w/ what I shoot, and not what someone else shoots..............