IDPA IPSC Glock Suggestions

[Ghost361]

I shoot some GSSF and PPC stuff now but am totally unfamiliar with how to get into the IDPA or IPSC stuff so can anyone give me a hand and ideas on what I need to bring or have to get into it. I hear things about not being able to shoot with the best using 9mm. Is that the case. If so can I get away with a .40. I would like to stay with the Glock since believe it or not with the shape of my hand and what I am used to in trigger control I shoot it better than a 1911. (I hear some cringes out there) Any advice would be appreciated. I was thinking about a stock 35 if I cannot get away with my 34. Also a side note I do not reload and probably wont start anytime soon due to a huge lack of space to do it right. Thanks in advance.

[0DDJ0B]

i'm not any kind of expert here since i just started myself but i tell you what i use and what you need for idpa since that's all i shoot.
i shoot with a G34 and the sights is the only thing that modded on it. i put a HiViz Tactical fiber optic front sight and an LPA rear all black adjustable sight.
as far as what you need gear wise it's pretty basic (which is why i picked idpa to start with). you need your pistol, three mags, an approved holster(a whole bunch of them fit the bill), one dbl or two single mag carriers and a conceal garment (untucked button up shirt for hot weather, light jacket for cold weather).
as far as beeing competative with a nine you'll have no problems unless you shoot a lot of steal targets which we don't where i shoot. the only other thing i hear with people who shoot nines is that they have a hard time seeing the holes on the targets.
like i said, i just started and i've been placing mid pack in groups of shooters that have been shooting a lot longer and have a lot better gear.
my advice would be go for it and get you some trigger time. you'll get to see a lot of the popular gear and what not. then you could tell if you need more or differnt gear. the most important thing is go with and open mind, learn some safe shooting tactics and have fun. after shooting your first match going to the range to shoot paper will be way too boring :supergrin:
hope that helps ya out :thumbsup:

[Steve Koski]

Shoot your 34 for a dozen matches. At that point, you can make an informed decision about going with a .40.

[Bill Dncn]

Originally posted by Steve Koski
Shoot your 34 for a dozen matches. At that point, you can make an informed decision about going with a .40.

+1

The G34 just won the IDPA Nationals :thumbsup: If that helps you any.

I was pretty much where your at about 4 months ago. I was wanting to try IDPA, and soon hope to join USPSA. I was torn between the 34, and 35. I went with the 35. I wanted more of an all around gaming gun. I also reload, and the 40 can be very soft shooting loaded to minor pf.

I wish my trigger control with a Glock was as good as, or better then a 1911 :upeyes:

Go watch a match, but take your equipment i.e. G34, mags, holster, mag carriers, belt, ammo, eyes, and ears. A cover garment if going to IDPA.

Whatever you do "JUST DO IT". When you arrive let the Match Director, Safety Officers, and whomever know that you are there to watch, and learn. Chances are you will be shooting your first match :supergrin:
As you know people in the shooting sports are always willing to help newcomers, and they will. My first match I only had 2 mags, and people were throwing spares at me....well not literally. They will walk you through, and when it's over you too will be hooked :rock:

:wavey:

[Joe D]

If you don't reload get the G34.

[Bill Dncn]

Originally posted by Joe D
If you don't reload get the G34.

If I read his post correctly, he already has a G34

[Ghost361]

Thanks to all of you this is very helpful. But with the 9mm I am curious, what is the whole power factor thing. And how does that affect my score.

[Steve Koski]

In IDPA, the 9mm has no penalty to your score. In IPSC/USPSA you'll get the same score if your hits are good, but you'll get more penalties for bad hits. So, just make sure your hits are good and there's no difference at all.

You'll learn all of this at your first few matches. Go, shoot, learn, have fun.

[bruce282]

In USPSA (the American version of IPSC) Production everyone is scored minor, 9mm, 40s&w, ,45acp, ,50AE, you get the picture:) , so there is no penalty using a 34 instead of of a 35. Should you dabble in Limited or Limited 10, then a full power .40 will outscore a 9mm given any hit in the B,C, or D zone on the target.


Bruce

Editted to correct stupid stuff.

[want2race441]

Like others, I went through the 34/35 debate myself. I didn't (and still don't) reload. For me 9mm is cheaper and I planned on shooting Production division (all minor) so it didn't matter.

Now that I've shot USPSA for a few months I do sort of regret not getting the 35. I need to do a grip mod to the right, rear portion of the trigger frame. Right where my middle finger knuckle hits it. The squared edge makes my knuckle swell up when practicing drills. It's quite painfull and limits my dry fire time. Shooting production prevents me from doing the necessary modification.

I switched to Limited and Ltd 10 this month, but still don't want file on the frame just yet. My plan is to get a 35 and put all the Limited gear from the 34 on it, modify the grip and be done with it. My 34 will then go back to Production class only. I really like shooting minor in Limited (underdog) but I know it's a disadvantage in the long run (big matches).

Now to just win one those certificates at the Lexington GSSF this month...

[ede]

john i shoot a 17 with heinie rear and dawson fiber optic front and skate board tape. i use the cheapest fobus mag carriers and holster i could find, since i wasn't sure i'd like it. i use an uncle mikes duty belt. i'm sure no expert and can't shoot with the best of them or anything like that but i have a good time. the thing i really like about the 17 is the brass is so cheap to buy i don't look for my empties.

[howardw]

IDPA Stock Service Pistol and USPSA Production were both designed for 9mm double action/safe action pistols. These are the divisions designed for the Glock. The 34 dominates in these divisions. Use your 34. There is no penalty for shooting minor, or better said, there is no reason to shoot major in these divisions.

Just get out there and shoot and don't worry about your equipment. The equipment is the least important component. What stands between people thinking about shooting IDPA/IPSC and people being regular competitors is the fear and uncertainty of going to that first match. And that fear and uncertainty is always gone either before the first stage they shoot or immediately after it...

And as always, 9mm because you can shoot more for the same amount of money...

Have a blast!

[want2race441]

As far as equipment, I'll list what I use. Of course, darn near any carry holster and mag carriers work for Production. If you have equipment, disregard the following links. I did not. I started from scratch so I bought what I thought would work best in accordance with the rules.

A good belt. Wilderness 1.5", polymer lined: http://thewilderness.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/3/products_id/36?osCsid=111d59102c658dc479368700a4032bc8

(For USPSA, not IDPA)
Speedcomp mag carriers. http://www.spdcomp.com/wst_page4.php?idx=1&file=images/SpeedSV1.jpg&=&ID2=eRSIIl They are legal for Production as long as they are worn in the proper location on the belt.

Hellwig Holster, for G34 (bladetech DOH also good). http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=6954&title=KSTC+TACTICAL-C+HOLSTER

It just depends on how serious you want to get. Use the best equipment and your performance is only hindered by your ability. Same reason most of us swap out the sights.