IDPA Newbie

[joshlm]

I have scouted out an IDPA club in my area and would like to give it a try to see if I like it. I do not want to purchase a new gun untill I see if I am interested or not. I am however willing to purchase holster/mag carriers for what I already have. I currently have a S&W 642 that I carry in a Hume J.I.T., I also have a Millinium pro 9mm with a uncle mike's sidekick. I have a 4" s&w 10-5 and a RIA 45 neither one have holster as they are primarily range guns. I would appreciate any suggestions on which guns are best suited for IDPA and holster/magcarrier recomendations.

[Jim Watson]

Let's see now

M642 - I think a five shot snubby would be discouraging, hard to shoot accurately, multiple reloads to get through a stage. The JIT holster is a popular economy rig, see below.

Taurus Millennium Pro - OK if you can hit with it. Have you got 3 magazines? Is the UM Sidekick a strong side straight draw holster?

M10 - A fine SSR, get a JIT for it, three speedloaders (I prefer Safariland) some way to carry them (a jacket pocket will do,) and you are ready.

RIA - What, the 1911 clone? If so, three magazines, carriers for two, and a holster will fix you up.

Of the Taurus, M10, and RIA; go with the one you shoot the best at some speed. Eye and ear protection, a cover garment, and some practice drawing from concealment DRYFIRE to start with, then join the fun.

[joshlm]

I shoot the M10 and the RIA the best and both are reliable. Is there an entry type holster that would be adequate for the RIA along with a couple of magazine holders? (You are correct that it is a 1911 clone.) If so I might just take both and give them a try.

[Jim Watson]

The Uncle Mike's Kydex Paddle holster is ok. I have read that their Kydex belt holster has been brought into agreement with IDPA rules that there not be a daylight gap along the belt through or under the belt loop and that there not be more than 3/4" between some part of the gun and some part of your body; but haven't seen one to know for sure. Check that out before you buy. Mag carriers likewise.

Blade Tech makes similar injection molded holster and pouch for not much money that they say passes:
http://www.blade-tech.com/product.php?productid=815&cat=259&page=1
http://www.blade-tech.com/product.php?productid=896&cat=283&bestseller

They offer a "combo pack" that gets you the holster, pouch, and a paddle conversion but I don't see the point.

I use Ready Tactical Products gear but that is more expensive.
www.pistolpacking.com