IDPA What Do You Need In The Way Of Hareware & Gear?

[T3hK1w1]

eh, I'm not gonna be in any seriously competitive matches anytime soon, so that's not an issue for me.

[Skiprr]

Yeah, but now I need to know the answer so I can understand the specific rule interpretation.

I think CWOOD is going to be right, but the regional SO instructor wasn't absolutely certain and referred the question to HQ. The typical Makarov round will have a power floor at about 102,000, so well below minimum. But the question I posed is that since the rule specifically says "caliber," meaning the diameter of the bullet, if one were to load a 9x18 Makarov with a heavier bullet and greater muzzle velocity, if minimum power floor could be reached, would it be legal?

Inquiring minds want to know...

[Skiprr]

We have a verdict from IDPA HQ: The 9x18 Makarov round does not qualify for IDPA competition. 'Course, CWOOD and prolly a dozen others are saying to themselves, "I already knew that."

The ruling is that for the 9mm minimum in auto-loader divisions, the cartridge length as well as the bullet diameter have to be taken into account. Even if a 9x18 round could meet the 125,000 power floor, it is not elligible for IDPA.

It's interesting that the requirements for Enhanced Service Revolver, no minimum cartridge length is specified, just "9mm caliber (.355" or larger) or larger bore diameter..." But then again, the power floor is 165,000 for ESR, so if you're shooting that small a caliber it almost certainly isn't out of small cartridge.

HQ did add a qualitative note, though, to the effect that if someone's carry gun was a Makarov, most match directors would allow him or her to shoot, just not for score; the round can't be used in a sanctioned match or in the classifier.

I love any day I learn something.

[Hyunchback]

I'm hoping to shoot my first IDPA match on Saturday.

I had previously taken an IPSC safety course in Colorado before moving to Texas. I never participated in an IPSC match since I was either working or packing to move on match dates.

My initial plan had been for a G 22 riding in an Uncle Mike's Kydex belt holster. Today my IDPA rulebook arrives in the mail.

(Sound of squealing brakes.)

While they don't put out a specific list of approved holsters the rulebook specifically mentions the Uncle Mike's belt holster as NOT allowed.

I have at least two other options. A Fobus Glock IWB holster which I haven't worked with much. Or a Galco Combat Master that I normally stick my G 23 in. The G 22 sticks out of the open bottom of the Galco leather.

Or I could just use the G 23.

Any advice?

[Skiprr]

Well, I can't speak for the club running the match, but if it isn't a major like a regional, most clubs are extremely lenient on first-time shooters. If you've practiced mainly with the Uncle Mike's and are most used to it, I'd bring it and one other, just in case. Ask the MD or an SO if, for your first time out, you can shoot with what you're most comfortable with. If that's an issue at the club, go to plan "B". But, long term, if the Uncle Mike's doesn't meet the offset criteria described on page 33 of the rule book, you'll need to go to a different holster.

Both of your other two holsters are legal for IDPA. All IWB holsters are, and your Galco is a leather pancake style, which is also legal...the G22 sticking out the bottom isn't a problem so long as you're comfortable with it and don't have any issues with the sight catching on the leather.

Go the match and have fun!

[fm2]

My initial plan had been for a G 22 riding in an Uncle Mike's Kydex belt holster.
While they don't put out a specific list of approved holsters the rulebook specifically mentions the Uncle Mike's belt holster as NOT allowed.

I have at least two other options. A Fobus Glock IWB holster which I haven't worked with much. Or a Galco Combat Master that I normally stick my G 23 in. The G 22 sticks out of the open bottom of the Galco leather.

Or I could just use the G 23.

Any advice?

Why not shoot with your carry gear?

[Hyunchback]

I'll bring both the 22 and the 23 and appropriate holsters. The G 22 and the UM kydex holster as plan A, the 23 in the Galco as plan B.