Steyr beats Glock et al at PA State IDPA Match

[jng1226]

Hi Folks,

The box-stock M9 has again triumphed over Glocks, XDs, Berettas, Sigs, etc. in a major IDPA match and this time for the class win.

I just got back from the Pennsylvania State IDPA Match (at the beautiful Ontelaunee Rod and Gun club about 1.5 hours north of Philly) where me and the trusty M9 placed 1st SSP/Expert. Here's a link to the results (they left the "de" off of my last name):

2005 PA State IDPA Match Results (http://www.johnmurphyplumbing.com/statematch/07-15-05.HTM)

Once again, the Steyr flexes its advantges in box-stock form (OEM tri/trap sights and all other parts) over Glocks, XDs, Sigs and other big-brand guns with trigger jobs, fiber optic sights and other aftermarket enhancements. I just really wish I could get Dawson adjustable fiber optic sights and a lighter disconnector for the Steyr. I have to re-read the rule book to see if the new Deluxe247-designed Grip Plug is legal, because if the slight bevel indeed helps with reloads it will be a definite must-have.

It wasn't all roses again this match. I flubbed a stage pretty badly (Stage 7 - down 10 + FTN = 11 seconds down for just that stage alone) and unfortunately, I also have to report a dreaded FTE that happened on a modified El Presidente stage (Stage 11) that cost me at least 2.5 seconds to clear the spent casing and finish the stage. I was pretty upset about this as I specifically removed the extractor for a detail cleaning before the match. Between these two stages I thought I was out of contention but I managed to keep my head game together for most of the other stages. Even though my time and accuracy were not as good as I had hoped for, the competitors in my class/division had even tougher breaks so we still ended up on top. I hope I don't get bumped up to Master, as I'm not looking forward to being tail-end Charlie in that class just yet. :wink: The Master-level times were just incredible from the first 3-4 guys in each division.

If you Steyr corporate folks are listening: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE come out with a 5" competition version (a la Glock 34 and XD Tactical) with 3-3.5 lb trigger, adjustable fiber optic sights and a removable magazine well. These simple competition hop-ups combined with the superior grip ergonomics, low perceived recoil/muzzle rise due to ultra-low bore axis/111-degree grip angle and durable metal subframe with crisp trigger will make a real contender for SSP/ESP Division wins! Price this thing around $650 retail/$550 street and you will have a legion of IDPA/USPSA/IPSC competitors proving the aforementioned design advantages every weekend. Better yet, they will buy Ms (and Ss if you re-introduce it) as carry/duty/home defense guns after the confidence they gain in competition (like me - I've got one each). I've already convinced 3 people I know of to buy the Steyr after shooting matches with them and letting them try a few rounds. I know at least IDPASteyr and myself would LOVE to be beta testers for such a program (HINT HINT) :D

Gotta give plugs to the Comp-Tac crew for their excellent C-T.A.C. adjustable IWB Kydex holster (www.comp-tac.com) and Lancer Custom Ammo for their equally excellent compeition 9mm ammo (Lancer Custom Competition Ammo (http://lancerammo.com/products/competitioncatalog.aspx?cat=1)).

Jeff

[noway]

Nothing new, the M series has been doing great ever since it's introduction into these typical of shootings sports.
:cool:

[Zundfolge]

Got the big ole 404
http://www.johnmurphyplumbing.com/statematch/07-15-05.HTM

[jng1226]

Zundfolge - it appears that Match Director Ted Murphy has updated his website to also include the stage descriptions - try this link:

http://www.johnmurphyplumbing.com/statematch/

Jeff

[FlaChef]

Jeff, why are you sweating going to master? you would've been in the middle of the pack for ssp master too.

[jng1226]

Chef,

I guess I've got a competitive personality, even though I would shoot IDPA and be dead last just because it is that much fun. If it was a difference of 5 seconds or so between me and the master winners it would be great, but 20+ seconds is a huge gap.

Also, the thing about Master is that you end up shooting against people who do it for a living (or close to it). People like Ernie Langdon, Tom Yost and Aaron Roberts (Blackwater instructor). A civilian like me who doesn't practice (or can't afford to more likely) 3 times a week or more just won't get to be competitive in that class.

It would be good if there was a separate Master class for "professionals", so weekend duffers like me could have a chance at placing. Then again, it's all a game and the most fun you can have with your pistols.

Jeff

[nomadboi]

Comp-tac does Steyr Ms? Not listed on their site yet...

Been wondering about that. Shot my first IDPA match a week or two ago with a technically-illegal holster for my M40.

[jng1226]

Originally posted by nomadboi
Comp-tac does Steyr Ms? Not listed on their site yet...

Been wondering about that. Shot my first IDPA match a week or two ago with a technically-illegal holster for my M40.

Yes, a fellow Steyr enthusiast in Houston was kind enough to supply them with an M40 to make holsters. You have to ask them for it (if possible talk to J.B.), and someone just told me that they were charging a $20 premium for the Steyr M9 holster because it is a "special order" piece (ETA - this is the premium if you order an M9, supposedly an M40 is the normal price even though they are the same dimensions!) :(

Even though they've used an M40 for the Kydex molding, my M9 and S9 fit perfectly in the C-T.A.C. and Belt holsters I have from them (the dimensions of the 9, .357 and .40s are all the same, and the S just has a 1/2 inch shorter slide so you have a little empty space in the front of the holster).

I use the C-T.A.C. as it is fully legal, because the Belt Holster I got from them seems to stick out a bit to far from the body to be "legal". IDPASteyr had the same problem but said he fixed it with a heat gun. I haven't attempted this yet.

Jeff

[nomadboi]

Don't suppose any holster makers out there offer IDPA Member discounts, do they?

[jnclement]

I thought all non-IWB holsters were illegal for IDPA now. Except Wilson Combat. :soap: Oh..........that was so tacky.

I'll play nice now.

[jng1226]

Originally posted by jnclement
I thought all non-IWB holsters were illegal for IDPA now. Except Wilson Combat. :soap: Oh..........that was so tacky.

I'll play nice now.

;z ROFLMAO!

[FlaChef]

does your local club check gear, i know mine just says your on your own conscience (ala they don't want to make hobbyist buy new gear for local matches).
State and major maches are really where it counts.

[jng1226]

Originally posted by FlaChef
State and major maches are really where it counts.

That's why I always use my C-T.A.C, to keep practiced with what I know is legal at major matches. While I think it is one of the finest IWB holsters ever made, there is no way that it is equal to a straight drop OWB holster for speed and consistent firing grip from the holster.

When using the C-T.A.C. sometimes I don't get a perfect grip from the draw because it is so close to the body. This costs a little bit as you have to readjust your grip before getting a sight picture and then firing, maybe half a second. This adds up to six seconds over 12 stages of a major match.

I guess the good thing is that most people I'm shooting against are using Glock 34's with Dawson Fiber Optic sights, 3.5 lb triggers and Safariland 561 competition OWB holsters. So I consider shooting a box-stock pistol in an IWB holster as a handicap and better training - if I do upgrade to competition equipment it will seem that much easier.

If Steyr refuses to compete with the big boys and doesn't come out with a 5" adjustable-sight M-based "competition" pistol for around $650, then I'll probably end up with an XD Tactical with Dawsons. ;Q
You could even keep the signature Triangle/Trap Sights, maybe with a fiber-optic insert at the tip and tighter rear trapezoid for less "air" and a bit more precision at longer ranges.

I sure would miss the superior ergonomics and super-low bore-axis of the Steyr though. C'mon Steyr, let's get serious about competitive shooting, it would be a great PR move!

Jeff