P229 with stainless guide rod for competition...

[OH25shooter]

Can my P229 with an add-on stainless steel guide rod be used in competition? In other words, I replaced the factory plastic rod with a stainless steel. It was manufactured in 1996 and I've heard some of the older models came with steel rods. I know the rules can be sticky in some areas and before I drop cash into the sport, I'd like to know the rule regarding this firearm.

[Jim Watson]

What "competition"?

IDPA SSP says "Guide rods made of a material different from the factory part it replaces" is an "EXCLUDED Modification", i.e. not allowed.
But if the P229 was ever made with a steel guide rod, how would anybody ever know? My SIG-Sauers have steel guide rods, albeit tubular and not very heavy.
What did you do with the old rod? If you want to be absolutely pure, put it back in. Or shoot in ESP where "Full length guide rod manufactured of material that is no heavier than common steel." is a PERMITTED Modification.

You are apparently ok for USPSA Production as long as the steel rod does not add more than two ounces to the weight of the gun, versus stock.

[OH25shooter]

What "competition"?
Well, here's my dilemma. I have two available 9mm auto's of choice for competition shooting. A P229, with an add-on stainless guide rod and a S&W PC 952-2 that has a 9 round capacity magazine. I'm comfortable shooting either one. I've seen an IDPA match and I'm going to visit a steel challenge match. Equipment for the P229 is easier to find than the 952. However, I prefer using the newer, more costly PC S&W. So, to answer your question on which competition, it's still that, a question. I will say this, I DO NOT want to be questioned at a match regarding the use of the stainless steel rod in the P229. Changing back and forth is senseless. I bought the steel because I do not like plastic. The grips are plastic, but that's fine. You obviously have competition shooting experience. What's your opinion? I only want to use one gun. In this case, my favorite is the better made, more accurate 952-2.

[Jim Watson]

P229 - As I said, since SIG-Sauers have been sold with steel guide rods before going plastic, nobody will notice or care that you have added one. It will enter in IDPA Stock Service Pistol (SSP) and in the Steel Challenge IDPA Stock category (apparently from their site, I have no direct experience in S.C.) Mastering the DA-SA crunch-tick is the key to success with it.

M952-2 - Nice gun; S&W furnished one for a pickup gun stage at the IDPA Florida State the year before last. Everybody admired it and it just ran and ran all day. It will enter in IDPA Enhanced Service Pistol and S.C. IDPA Enhanced. Its 9-round magazine is not at a major disadvantage to the maximum of 10; starting at 9+1 you will have enough ammo to complete any IDPA stage of the maximum 18 scored hits with one reload... if you don't miss too much. Some people prefer 9 round magazines because the 9+1 start makes them come out even on a big array of double tap targets. Good technique on the slide-mounted safety during the "presentation" at the target is the key to good times with it.

I can understand your wanting to shoot the same gun all the time. I shoot the same gun, or at least the same action type, for at least a year at a time. I make my selection for the next match season after the IDPA Nationals so I have all winter to make the transition.

So go with the 952. As I said, nailing the safety as the gun comes in line is the key. At least it seems so to me because it looks and feels odd to me with my 1911 reflexes. Dryfire and live fire practice.

You will need to work on a manual of arms.
At the conclusion of an IDPA stage you are required to "Unload and show clear." When the Safety Officer pronounces your gun clear, you must drop the hammer by dryfiring before holstering it with hammer down and magazine well empty on a cold range. Since the 952 has a magazine disconnector, you will have to have an EMPTY magazine in your pocket so as to get the hammer down.
Since you are also required to start most stages "topped off" at 9+1 in your case, you can accomplish everything like so.
Come to the line with two reload magazines on your belt(the maximum allowed in IDPA.) Have a full magazine to start the stage and a magazine with ONE round in your pocket.
At the command "Load and make ready." insert the mag with one round, rack the slide to chamber that round, set the safety, and pocket the now empty "Barney Bullet" magazine. Insert the full magazine and holster the gun.
Wait for the orders "Is the shooter ready?" "Stand by." BEEP! and shoot the stage.
At the command "If you are finished, unload and show clear." remove the last magazine from the gun, eject the last round from the chamber, hold the slide open so the Safety Officer can see it is unloaded. He will then say "Gun is clear, hammer down, holster." You show him the now empty Barney magazine, insert it, dryfire the hammer down, take out the empty magazine, and holster the gun. Pick up the ejected last round and any magazine you dropped during a reload, and watch the S.O. score your targets.

You will get used to the routine before long.

[OH25shooter]

Thanks so much. I followed your point perfectly. One final question. Do you have any ideas where to purchase IDPA qualified equipment for the S&W 952? That model is not listed on any sites carrying IDPA goods.

[Jim Watson]

Go to
http://smith-wessonforum.com/groupee/forums
and do a search on 952 holsters which will bring up several brands

I use the Ready Tactical Products kydex gear but must warn you that the maker (Who is local to me.) is in the process of moving into a new shop and setting up for a large department order so turnaround time would not be the best.

[OH25shooter]

I can't get onto the S&W forum site. :banghead: My internet provider is Yahoo. It will not allow me to register. That site bans Yahoo. But thanks for providing the info.

[Jim Watson]

Ok, here's what they have:

The Safariland 561 was mentioned for S&W 952.
I have a 560 (same thing on a paddle instead of belt loop) that I have used for a CZ75 and a P210, it is three-way adjustable for different guns, and accepts my M52 with the barrel protruding a bit; so the 5" barrel version ought to work fine.
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/productdetail.aspx?p=12503&s=29740

http://www.highnoonholsters.com/
I would look at their Skin Guard model.

There was also mention of a PSL holster but no website given.

You can see the lineup of Ready Tactical products at
http://www.pistolpacking.com/index.html
but as I said, Chris is in the midst of setting up a new shop and then turning out a large government agency order so I don't know what his turnaround time would be. Probably better than High Noon but not as good as ordering Safariland from Brownells.

Everybody makes corresponding magazine carriers. You need two single or one double pouch; IDPA only allows two reload magazines on the person. Your Barney magazine for loading/clearing and the magazine to load the gun with can go in your pocket.

[OH25shooter]

Thank you once again. You've been more than helpful.