Help me pick my IDPA gun

[Skribs]

I've done one IDPA competition in the past. It was about 10 years ago. I couldn't afford ammo to do so regularly, picked up some cheaper hobbies, and it's been a while.

I'd like to get back into it now. Out of the guns I currently have, there are a handful that I would consider using.

1. S&W M&P 9C with hybrid fiber optic night sights and an Apex trigger kit. I'm assuming this would land in ESP due to the trigger kit.
2. Springfield XDm 40C with night sights. This should be in SSP.
3. HK VP9 with red dot. This would be CO.
4. Ruger LCP. Definitely in BUG-S.

I do wish I could use my .50 GI Glock, just for fun, but it doesn't appear that converted guns are allowed in IDPA.

 

[1KPerDay]

Try them all. I shoot in a different IDPA division pretty much every match depending on my mood LOL. I'd go with the VP9 and shoot CO primarily if I were you and had to choose one rig.

 

[Jim Watson]

1 MP compact in CCP, same as ESP in smaller Box.
2. Yup
3 very popular now, I cling to my iron sights.
4. Hardly anybody shoots main match BUG, I save mine for the occasional novelty hideout gun shoot.

Few limits on ESP, shoot your .50.

 

[Skribs]

1 MP compact in CCP, same as ESP in smaller Box.

Thanks! I had assumed (wrongly) that it was based on SSP and not ESP.

Few limits on ESP, shoot your .50.

Not that I don't believe you, but can you point me to some source that says you can use non-standard calibers in ESP? The IDPA rules I found don't specify one way or the other.

 

[Skribs]

Try them all. I shoot in a different IDPA division pretty much every match depending on my mood LOL. I'd go with the VP9 and shoot CO primarily if I were you and had to choose one rig.

Then, "which one should I try first"?

 

[1KPerDay]

Then, "which one should I try first"?

Up to you. Toss a coin if you honestly have no preference.

 

[Jim Watson]

Thanks! I had assumed (wrongly) that it was based on SSP and not ESP.



Not that I don't believe you, but can you point me to some source that says you can use non-standard calibers in ESP? The IDPA rules I found don't specify one way or the other.

A.2.1 Handguns permitted for use in ESP must:
A.2.1.1 Be semi-automatic.
A.2.1.2 Use 9 mm (9x19) or larger cartridges. No other specification except pf 125
A.2.1.3 The unloaded firearm with the heaviest magazine must weigh 43.00 oz. or less.
A.2.1.4 The firearm with the largest magazine inserted must fit in the IDPA gun test box measuring 8 3⁄4” x 6” x 1 5/8".

 

[jmorris]

Whatever you shoot the best with at speed, including reloads.

 

[mcb]

Real men shoot a revolver in IDPA...

 

[Skribs]

Whatever you shoot the best with at speed, including reloads.

I suck with all of them.

Real men shoot a revolver in IDPA...

I have two revolvers. One is too big for my hand, the other hurts my hand.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

If you carry one of those more than the others, that's the one I recommend.

Of the guns you listed I like the HK

 

[Skribs]

If you carry one of those more than the others, that's the one I recommend.

Of the guns you listed I like the HK

Lately I haven't been carrying much. Right now the XDm is my nightstand gun, my M&P is my "I'm wearing a belt" carry gun, my LCP is my "I'm not wearing a belt" carry gun. I'm likely switching my VP9 to both the nighstand gun and the "I'm wearing a belt" gun.

The XDm is the one I have the best holster for IDPA, as I generally prefer leather over kydex, but the XDm came with kydex holsters.

 

[mcb]

I have two revolvers. One is too big for my hand, the other hurts my hand.

Sound like you need to invest in some new grips for your revolvers. Unlike many modern semi-auto revolver grips are easily changes and can be changed dramatically to fit the user hand.

 

[Skribs]

Sound like you need to invest in some new grips for your revolvers. Unlike many modern semi-auto revolver grips are easily changes and can be changed dramatically to fit the user hand.

The problem with the GP100 isn't the grip itself, it's that the hammer is out of easy reach. Although I guess that's not a big deal when shooting double action.

The LCR is a carry gun, I'd rather have the small grip on it.

 

[mcb]

The problem with the GP100 isn't the grip itself, it's that the hammer is out of easy reach. Although I guess that's not a big deal when shooting double action.

The LCR is a carry gun, I'd rather have the small grip on it.

A GP100 with a ~4 inch barrel is a great IDPA revolver. You will never need to thumb the hammer back in an IDPA match. You should be shooting 100% in double action. If you get good at shooting your GP100 in IDPA it will make you a better competitor in all other division.

 

[1KPerDay]

Lately I haven't been carrying much. Right now the XDm is my nightstand gun, my M&P is my "I'm wearing a belt" carry gun, my LCP is my "I'm not wearing a belt" carry gun. I'm likely switching my VP9 to both the nighstand gun and the "I'm wearing a belt" gun.

The XDm is the one I have the best holster for IDPA, as I generally prefer leather over kydex, but the XDm came with kydex holsters.

Get a good IDPA approved kydex OWB holster and pouches for whatever gun you plan to use. Leather holsters can be iffy when reholstering often, particularly if they aren’t reinforced to hold themselves open after the draw.

 

[waktasz]

1 or 3. You don't really want to shoot 40 in IDPA. Decision would be based on if you want to shoot irons or not

 

[MrBorland]

You don't really want to shoot 40 in IDPA

Unless the rules changed, .40S&W can be a pretty sweet competition round if you reload.

If you get good at shooting your GP100 in IDPA it will make you a better competitor in all other division.

I tend to agree, with the caveat that it helps a great deal if you've got another revolver shooter, preferably a good one, to show you the ropes. Otherwise, there's a good chance you'll flail, get frustrated. OTOH, there's nothing better than smoking a stage with a revolver, IMHO.

 

[waktasz]

I shot 40 minor exclusively for a long time. Made GM with it. But somehow I don't think that's the situation OP is in

 

[Skribs]

Unless the rules changed, .40S&W can be a pretty sweet competition round if you reload.

When the magazine is empty, I do.

 

[Skribs]

Okay, y'all win. I'm planning on the GP100. Just gotta get some kit (speedloaders, kydex holster, etc.) and I'll be good to go.

The thing that won me over is that it's NOT one of my carry guns. So it's usually empty and I can do all kinds of practice with it. Also that revolvers are good for dry fire and generally better for at-home drills (in my opinion).

 

[waktasz]

of all the answers you chose the only wrong one

 

[Jim Watson]

Dummy rounds and un-resized empties for extensive reload practice.
I won’t say wrong, but definitely harder.

 

[mcb]

of all the answers you chose the only wrong one

Curious why? OP is not a complete newbie to the sport. If he gets good at the sport with a revolver he will be that much more ahead when he switches to a more competitive division. The only problem with Revolver division is you too often finish both first and DFL.

 

[waktasz]

Yes, exactly