Caliber conversion legal in IDPA?

[A GLOCKwork Orange]

I've been thinking about trying my hand with IDPA. Problem is, I'm cheap and want to shoot 9mm to save on ammo. If I got a conversion barrel for my G33 would I still be legal for SSP? A new gun is not feasible right now... unless of course someone wants to take me up on my trade offer (http://www.glocktalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=296455 ;f )!

If it's not legal, I'll just wait until Christmas and hope a G34 shows up in my X-mas stocking. ;a

---Chris

[MarkP]

At the club level - I don't think anyone would object or care.

Best to check with IDPA to be certain.

[Michael Brown]

It's legal. You can change barrels legally in all of the divisions in IDPA.

Michael Brown

[Custom Glock Racing]

As mentioned I doubt any onew ould care at a club but techically not legal. Barrel changes are allowd but caliber changes are not.

[Michael Brown]

What in the rulebook prohibits caliber conversion?

Michael Brown

[Custom Glock Racing]

Guns must be available in X number and produced for x amount of time. Since a 35 was never produced in 9x19 it does not meet that criteria. Same goes for any caliber conversion.

[Jim Watson]

Caliber conversions are not IDPA legal in Glocks because, as CGR says, Glock model numbers are caliber specific. There was a large flap about a guy who wanted to put a 9mm barrel in his G22 for cheap ammo and B'ville told him he could not. Silly, but true.

Sig-Sauer does not change the model number every time they add a caliber, so conversion barrels are technically ok in most of them.

On the other hand, it would never be noticed if you didn't brag about it.
Don't ask, don't tell.
Go shooting.

On the gripping hand, how much .357 Sig could you buy for the price of a new barrel? I think there is getting to be some econo-ball on the market. You can certainly "try your hand" a lot cheaper with some of that than a new barrel... or a new gun. Unless you are just looking for an excuse to buy a new barrel... or a new gun.

Which brings up a pet peeve-cautionary tale of mine.
Before you jump in and buy a gun in the caliber of the month, be sure that you
1. Have a use for that particular caliber or that the gun you want/need is available in no other, more established caliber.
2. Have a large ammo budget or handload capability.
3. Have patience for ammo and/or loading data to become readily available.

I read every day about people who are torqued because their latest and greatest is expensive and inconvenient to shoot. Before you buy, think it through.

[A GLOCKwork Orange]

Thanks for the replys guys. I bought the G33 and as backup to my G30 carry piece. That is it's main purpose.

I was interested in trying IDPA about a year ago but when I had some financial issues while going through school, I had to sell my G34 (and a few others). :( I've been out of the gun scene for the past year and now that I've gotten established in my life, I'm rebuilding my collection and wanted to go ahead and try the IDPA thing.

I was considering the G33 conversion because I love to shoot and I miss not having a 9mm so I can shoot alot fairly cheap. I bought a G33 instead of a G26 because I wanted as much punch as possible for my backup. I knew that for practice, the conversion would give me the best of both worlds. But now that I want to try IDPA, I want to stay legal as well. I guess I'll go talk to the club and see if they'd mind.

Thanks again guys,
---Chris

[Duck of Death]

" Internal accuracy work to include replacement of barrel with one of factory configuration"

Quote from the IDPA rule book. No caliber change is allowed.

[Michael Brown]

That change above is legal though as long as the barrel is of factory configuration.

Oh well. I'd say if you're shooting locally it would not be a problem. I suppose you could just shoot ESP and not worry about it.

Michael Brown

[Custom Glock Racing]

Factory configuration means same caliber. Caliber changes would not be legal in ESP or CDP either.

[Michael Brown]

Then how does anyone shoot a 9x23 or some other oddball caliber in IDPA (which I am 100% certain has been done at the Nationals) since nobody makes a "factory" gun for these calibers as they're all converted from some other 1911 like the 38 Super?

[murph2127]

Originally posted by Michael Brown
Then how does anyone shoot a 9x23 or some other oddball caliber in IDPA (which I am 100% certain has been done at the Nationals) since nobody makes a "factory" gun for these calibers as they're all converted from some other 1911 like the 38 Super?

They shoot it in Enhanced Service Pistol. That is where the 1911's, other single actions, and many other guns (including quite a few modified glocks) shoot in. What was discussed above pertained to Stock Service Pistol.

Ted

[9146]

Springfield and Colt both made 5" 1911 in 9x23.

Tom

[Duck of Death]

*QUOTE*
What was discussed above pertained to Stock Service Pistol.

Sorry you're wrong, you can't change calibers in any division.

[murph2127]

Originally posted by Duck of Death
*QUOTE*
What was discussed above pertained to Stock Service Pistol.

Sorry you're wrong, you can't change calibers in any division.

I've seen rulings from HQ that have gone either way, depending on how you phrase the question.

The best explanation I've heard is SSP is for guns that come out of the box in the orginal chambering that corresponds to the model number. ESP is for guns in the allowed calibers, no mention is made that it had to come from the factory that way as long as the mods and chambering fits the inclusive list of permitted mods/chambering. Thus an otherwise stock G20 in 9x23 is legal for ESP because it is chambered for a caliber that is on the list of permitted calibers the mods fit the list of permitted mods, and it fits the box, etc.

The direct wording is the gun must "be of" the listed chamberings; nowhere does it say that it must be 'factory chambered' or somesuch.

Ted

[Glenairguy]

On page 11 of the IDPA rule book, it states that a permited modification is "internal accuracy work to include replacement of the barrel with one of factory configuration"

If you cannot buy one from the factory with the caliber of barrel you want to use, it is not permitted. Glocks come caliber specific to each model, therefore only the caliber offered by the factory is allowed. In local matches nobody cares as long as you are safe and have fun.

[shootingbuff]

Now like everything else what IDPA says and writes in the LGB may not be the same, but here read this.

STOCK SERVICE PISTOL DIVISION

Handguns permitted for STOCK SERVICE PISTOL division must be Double Action, Double Action ONLY, or Safe Action and be of 9mm (9x19) or larger caliber, be readily available on dealers’ shelves, have a minimum annual production of 2000 units (discontinued models must have had a total production of 20,000 units) and meet the following criteria: Pistol including magazine must fit in a box measuring 8 3/4" x 6 " x 1 5/8". No external modifications other than changing sights and grips will be permitted. To reduce cost and provide a level playing field for all pistols permitted, the maximum number of rounds that may be loaded in a magazine is ten (10).

Note the part where it states have a min annual production. A G22 does not come in a 9x19 flavor. Which means it does not meet the annual production figure set forth.

Now,

ENHANCED SERVICE PISTOL DIVISION

Handguns permitted for ENHANCED SERVICE PISTOL division must be Single Action or selective SA/DA and be of 9mm (9x19), (9x21), (9x23), .38 Super, .357 Sig, .40 S&W, .41 AE, 10mm Norma, .400 Cor-Bon and meet the following criteria:

The rub is where the LGB states "INCLUSIVE list of permitted modifications: (If it's not on this list, it can't be used in Defensive Pistol competition.)

· Change of sights to another notch and post type
· Change of grips (no weighted grips)
· Internal accuracy work to include replacement of the barrel
with one of factory configuration"

So what is factory configration? DOes it have to be rifled like a Glock bbl? No, but one could be led to believe that. Does it have to be black or tennier coated? No, but it might, though does not. From this I would say a any other caliber than the pistol came stock in is ok. Though if mem serves I contacted HQs and asked as was informed no it is not "factory".

Call HQs and ask or ask the MD where you plan on shooting or just don't say anything and take the chance no one notices or cares.

Hope this is addressed better in the new rulebook.

sb

[MarkP]

ESP:
Internal accuracy work to include replacement of the barrel

My interpretation:
You can't replace a bushing barrel with a bull barrel.
Caliber must remain the same as brl replaced.


On the other hand - it is acceptable to build-up a 1911/2011 in 9x23 for ESP.
I've seen guns built that are multi caliber capable , ie , a 10MM/40sw , 9mm/38super - all it takes is an extra barrel to fit.

At the local level - if it gets a shooter out to a match more often ,I would encourage the conversion barrel installation (for SSP).

The MD does have the authority to allow a little leniency .

My 2 cents,
Mark

[HAMMERHEAD]

Just Shoot It!
Seriously, show up, ask if it's OK, and shoot!
I imagine MOST clubs are like mine, shoot what you want, we'll DQ you later (if you win).
I shot my Glock 20 in todays match (classifier) with a KKM .40s&w conversion. The only comments I got were positive.
I think it's more in the spirit of the event than buying a G-34 for IDPA and carrying a G-27 or G-30.

[murph2127]

last I asked factory configuration was defined as having the same overall dimensions as the original. (can't add weight via a heavy bbl etc.)

Ted

[shootingbuff]

Originally posted by MarkP
My interpretation:
At the local level - if it gets a shooter out to a match more often ,I would encourage the conversion barrel installation (for SSP).

The MD does have the authority to allow a little leniency .

My 2 cents,
Mark

Well around here we allow most anything (as long as it is safe)for a few matches to get folks out and interested. If they stay around we start getting them in line with what the current MD thinks is correct.

sb

[shootingbuff]

Originally posted by HAMMERHEAD
Just Shoot It!
Seriously, show up, ask if it's OK, and shoot!
I imagine MOST clubs are like mine, shoot what you want, we'll DQ you later (if you win).
I shot my Glock 20 in todays match (classifier) with a KKM .40s&w conversion. The only comments I got were positive.
I think it's more in the spirit of the event than buying a G-34 for IDPA and carrying a G-27 or G-30.

Oh please don't bring forth the word spirit :cool: We, as your club will start turning the screws if you start placing a little to well LMAO

It is all fun and I think IDPA gets more out of the good ole boy tactics than enforcing the LGB on new folks. Just my thoughts.


sb