Need advice on IDPA revolver

[RM]

I have a seven shot S&W 686+. Is it practical to use this gun for IDPA? Does the one empty chamber make for frustration? I only plan on casual competition, but perhaps I should get a 6-shot instead. Thank you for any thoughts on this subject.

 

[Jim Watson]

I don't consider it practical to use in sanctioned IDPA competition.
You may not load a revolver with more than six rounds. No problem on the start, just load six and be sure to get the empty under the hammer. But a reload will be tedious.

Your local club might allow you to use it to get started, so check with them first. If you stay in the game you will have to have a sixshooter to be competitive or even "unfrustrated" in SSR.

I had one, realized its lack of usefulness, could not find a sucker - uh, buyer, and had S&W install a six shot cylinder and hand. Not cheap, though.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Not sure where you're shooting, but most people will let you shoot a time or two to see if you like the "game". I would do that, see if you like the folks there and the course of fire. From there, decide if you are into it and want to buy another revolver or not.

Rough to buy a weapon to shoot competition only to decide a few weeks later that it's not for you. I would avoid that if possible.

I know at the IWLA in Damascus they are very easy going about what people shoot. It's more a personal choice rather than a rule with them.

 

[Sunray]

IDPA is a shooting game just like IPSC. Neither are in the least bit 'practical'. Read the rules on the IDPA site, but if the 7 shot is what you have and your budget, like everybody's, is tight, go shooting and have fun. Speed loaders don't have to be fully loaded to work.
Mind you, you could see it as an opportunity to buy another revolver. Then you'll desparately need a semi-auto.
http://www.idpa.com/

 

[tnroadrunner]

Taurus 7 shot

I've used a 7 shot loading with only 6 and have had no problem. Did that for several years, but just started to shoot with a semi auto. I just have loads of fun not really competative in either revolver or semi auto. But like previous posts try it and if you like it and are going to stay with a revolver then think about getting a 6 shot.

 

[richardschennberg]

It's not so bad because:
1. You could use the 7-round capacity in ICORE (6 round friendly, but a 7th or even 8th shot is handy if you have to make up a shot). Note that USPSA allows loading 7 or 8 but only firing 6 (this only helps if you have a misfire or cylinder-skip).
2. You can get used to closing the cylinder with the missing round on top. The slight extra time is not too bad for IDPA because it is more important to avoid points down (hits out of the -0 zone, FTN, procedurals).

That being said, you'd be slightly better off with a 6-round S&W 686 for SSR or if you want to shoot both IDPA revolver categories with the same gun. You will have to shoot .357 Magnum for ESR to make 165 power factor, while either .38 Speacial or .357 Magnum are O.K. for SSR.
Most shooters favor the S&W 625-x .45 ACP with full moon clips if you want a gun for ESR but not SSR (although you could use .45 Auto Rim with speedloaders for SSR).
So you should be fine with the gun you have, but now you have "excuses" to buy one or two more!
Richard
Schennberg.com

 

[akanotken]

Ask them if you can "shoot what you own"

if you are a casual shooter, they shouldn't mind. You can offer to shoot for no score, or in a faster class (tell them to post your scores in SSP, heh). If I was a fellow revolver shooter, I wouldn't mind as I doubt you'd ever get fewer reloads than I (most courses of fire are not going to reward a 7 round gun over a 6), as long as I make my shots.

I shoot 99 % semi.

BTW, what's everyone using to make power in SSR? Seems like there are few 38 special loads that actually will make the power.

 

[sctman800]

I have been shooting at our local club for about a year, "combat pistol" once a month. It is not a sanctioned club but we use the scoring and general rules. We welcome newcomers and try to make their experience a good one. If they come with equipment that isn't to standards the people that run the matches will help them out or let them use something not quite right as long as everything is done SAFELY.
I am thinking about shooting IDPA next year besides my local club matches so I have been looking at power factors for my .38 Special. I have been using Titegroup and 150gr LSWCs and even tho the manuals say I should be getting enough velocity it just isn't there. I tried some Unique and got over 900fps with a listed standard pressure load which will make the 125000 power factor with ease. Jim.

 

[TheGrouch]

sctman


What club do you shoot at? I'm originally from Georgetown, IL.

 

[cadfael]

BTW, what's everyone using to make power in SSR? Seems like there are few 38 special loads that actually will make the power.

Kenneth,

I'm using S&B 38 special 158g LRN ammo. It should make power factor with no problem and isn't that expensive(stinks though). You're welcome to try a few sometime. I'm waiting for some more to arrive. If it's in before this weekend I'll have it at Black Creek this weekend. If not, I'll be burning through some UMC that doesn't make PF.

Adam

 

[sctman800]

Grouch
Westville Sportsmans Club.
Jim.