Revolvers in IDPA

**Dr.Rob** · December 30, 2002, 05:45 PM

Just wondering if anyone here is using a revolver for IDPA. Can you describe your set up? Holster/weapon/carriers etc?

I'm thinking about packing a wheelgun to my next match.

Jim Watson · December 30, 2002, 07:22 PM

My current SSR is a S&W M25-2 with barrel sawn off to 4"; in a Ready Tactical Products kydex paddle holster and matching moonclip carriers. Calibre .45 ACP with 230 gr LRN at 650 fps in full moon clips.

The 1999 season I shot a 4" Python from a Kramer vertical scabbard loading .38 Special LRN with Safariland Comp II speedloaders carried in The Bear's speedloader pouches.

Claude Werner usually beats me with a 2.5" M19 from a IWB.

NEon · December 30, 2002, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jim Watson
My current SSR is a S&W M25-2 with barrel sawn off to 4"; in a Ready Tactical Products kydex paddle holster and matching moonclip carriers. Calibre .45 ACP with 230 gr LRN at 650 fps in full moon clips.

The 1999 season I shot a 4" Python from a Kramer vertical scabbard loading .38 Special LRN with Safariland Comp II speedloaders carried in The Bear's speedloader pouches.

Claude Werner usually beats me with a 2.5" M19 from a IWB.

Who did the saw for you. Finding a 4" is pretty hard, finding a 5" in no problem.

Jim Watson · December 30, 2002, 10:32 PM

My FLG did the work. It is pretty basic, just a flat crown and a screw-on Ron Power ramp; he really doesn't like working on revolvers. That is its second stop, it was a 5" cut from 6.5" while 5" barrels were allowed. Scott Mulerkin does prettier work.
http://www.sdmfabricating.com
Lots of 5" 625's sitting on shelves since Oct 26 when they reduced the max barrel length to 4".

Wakal · December 30, 2002, 11:08 PM

Thanks for the holster and load tips on your 25...just picked up one of those rare 4" 625's and was going to ask what the smart folks were using

Alex

Jim Watson · December 31, 2002, 12:34 AM

Clays is the cleanest burning powder I have found for light loads. I don't usually worry about that, I clean my guns occasionally, but you do NOT want unburnt granules under the extractor. Depending on the bullet and seating I have been using 3.1 to 3.5 grains for 600 - 700 fps which is plenty with a 230 grain RN. Best to use a chronograph and work DOWN from the starting load in your gun. I have not had any trouble as low as 600 fps with cast bullets, and don't want a stuck bullet. A friend stuck a jacketed bullet in his barrel trying to go too light. Fortunately he was not shooting rapid fire and did not fire the next. But I have seen that happen and it is hard on barrels.

NEon · December 31, 2002, 10:47 AM

Hrd on the barrel! I guess it's hard on the barrel. A buddy of mine took the barrel right off the gun, opened the top strap, and took out part of the cylinder. We call him two finger! Just kidding on the fingers, he is ok.

Jim Watson · December 31, 2002, 01:32 PM

A stuck bullet pushed out by a following target load will only bulge the barrel. I have seen people to do it and not know it until they cleaned the gun and felt the patch go loose partway down. Saw a friend stick one in a .45 auto; thinking it was a misfire, he racked the slide and fired. The bushing wedged tight over the bulge in the barrel. It took a hammer to disassemble, but all that was required was a new barrel and bushing.

A blown cylinder and topstrap is more likely a double charge, although it might happen with a stuck bullet and Magnums.

The only gun ever demolished on our range was almost certainly from two doses of Bullseye at full power .357. Loading full charge magnums with fast burning powder is not a good idea. Lending them out can get expensive, as happened here.

NEon · December 31, 2002, 05:27 PM

Jim, it was a 357 S&W Model 66 with issue ammo. Caught everyone's interest on the range. Ammo company both the old boy a new gun.

Mike Irwin · January 3, 2003, 01:59 AM

Yes.

If it were allowed, I'd be using a shoulder holster with belt speedloader pouches.

Since I can't, I normally use a Don Hume strong-side with a double speedloader pouch on the weak side.

My revolver is either my Model 19 4", or my Model 19 2.5".

The first time I shot I caused the guy running the match no small amount of consternation. He wanted me to wear the speedloader pouch strong side in front of the holster.

I must have looked at him like he was an alien or something, and I don't think he quite believed me when I told him that I shot right handed and reloaded left handed.

I don't think he believed me until I had several flawless reloads in a row.

M1911 · January 4, 2003, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Lots of 5" 625's sitting on shelves since Oct 26 when they reduced the max barrel length to 4".

I'm debating whether to keep my 5" as is, or have it cut off, or have it replaced with a 4" barrel.

NEon · January 5, 2003, 09:35 AM

I'm shooting the S&W IDPA Winter Championship in late Feb. I am taking my old model 25 (45acp) down (the shoot is at the factory) and see about putting a four inch barrel on it.

Neil Casper · January 8, 2003, 10:21 AM

I usually use a S&W Model 19 4" in a Kramer Vertical Scabbard. Safariland Comp II Speed Loaders in Talon Tactical Kydex holders.
I load Berry's 158 gr plated round nose bullets in Winchester brass with either Federal or Winchester primers. I'm adicted to Scott Solo 1250 and push the 158 about 850-875 fps. Sometimes I load .357s with the same bullet and push 1250 fps. They have asked me not to use that indoors anymore. Besides the noise, it blinds everyone with the flash!

Guy B. Meredith · January 10, 2003, 08:08 PM

I am poking around to see how serious I will be about IDPA (not that I am particularly serious about ANY competition) and how much money I will spend.

For right now I am using my 4" M66, Fobus Kydex and Safariland Comp IIIs in moonclip carriers. I would like to get an adjustable holster, probably still Kydex, would like IDPA to allow moonclip conversions as I do not like cranky breakable speedloaders.

Prodigalshooter · January 11, 2003, 12:38 PM

I just classified with my model 66 last night (Marksman). I'm using a Hume open top paddle, but don't have any holder for my speedloaders yet (on order 1.5 months

) so I was pulling them outa my pockets

Still did ok, for me. I like the Safariland Comp II loaders, they work well. Now I'm Marksman in all 4 categories, so I'm going to concentrate on moving into the SS level next.
For ammo in the revolver, I'm using Winchester .38s in the 130 gr.FMJ. Easy shooting and loading.

Poohgyrr · January 23, 2003, 09:14 PM

Geez, I haven't been able to make a match in way too long, let alone take a revolver with me.

That said, I really like Comp II's for the mid frames, they've been bullet proof and smooth. And it seems I have to be happy with Comp I's for the N frame.

I use a Sparks SS-2 for my 3" mid frame revolvers, and a Versa Max-2 for my N frame.

mark mcj · January 28, 2003, 12:03 AM

I just started using a 6 shooter and use a S&W 586 4". My holster is a Safariland 561. My speed loaders are SL Comp II's
the speed loader holders I use are not approved by IDPA so, no use in listing them.
I don't mind your .357 loads Neil

Neil Casper · January 28, 2003, 12:34 AM

Mark McJ-
Keep practicing those left handed revolver reloads, there's nothing wrong with your shooting!

M1911 · January 29, 2003, 09:09 PM

Quote:

I'm shooting the S&W IDPA Winter Championship in late Feb. I am taking my old model 25 (45acp) down (the shoot is at the factory) and see about putting a four inch barrel on it.

I was chatting with a fellow at an IDPA match at S&W Academy last Saturday. He was shooting a 625. When I told him that I was considering getting my 5" cut down to 4", he told me not to. He'd sent his 5" in to S&W to have the front sight changed. Rather than just change the front sight, they changed the front barrel. In doing so, they broke the frame, and had to replace it with one of the new ones (with the lock).

If I decide to get my 5" cut down to 4", I think I may pick a gunsmith, rather than S&W.

mark mcj · January 29, 2003, 10:00 PM

Take a look at http://www.sdmfabricating.com/

Scott does really nice work. He definitely won't break the frame.

Dr.Who · January 31, 2003, 02:25 AM

Started out 2 years ago shoot'n a S&W 686 and a Model 1917, then IDPA change the barrell size. Was not going to change the tack driver 686 nor the 95% 1917 6 inch barrells. Spent a year looking for 625 45acp in 4 inch. Found a performance center model from a private party. Love it. Not legal with the compensator installed, but with 200 grn LRN 5.1 of Unique under an inch group at 25 feet. It will shoot better than my hand will hold. Use a Krammer Vertical Scabbard FBI slant and California Comp. Works "Shoot A Moon" full moon clip holder. Seems to work for me. Hope this helps with your quest. Enjoy, Dr.Who

TeamCorbon · February 1, 2003, 12:14 PM

I started out shooting a 4" 686. I used a Blade Tech holster, Safariland comp II speedloaders with Safariland holders. Naturally my ammo was factory Cor-Bon 38 spls in 125 gr weight. We've since introduced a 140 gr Perfornmance load that I use with it.

I switched over to an old 25-2 that I had cut down for pin shooting. I used the same Blade Tech holster for this one. Full moon clips were held in the metal and plastic holders..I don't know who makes these.

Currently I use a 625 PC gun with our Performance Match load made specially for 45 acp revolvers. It's a 200 gr fmj going 725 fps. I will be using this set up at S&W for the Winter Championships at the end of Feb.

As far as a revolversmith. If you don't want to use the PC, try Al's Custom in Freedom PA. He has built several revolvers for me and they have all turned out great! If there'e a complaint about AL, it's that he's "too" particular! I kinda like that!

charleym3 · February 4, 2003, 08:49 PM

I shot a 625 for a while. First a 5 inch, then 4, and lately 3. I can't help but feel like using moon clips is cheating, so I broke out the Model 10-7, HKS speed loaders, and a nameless verticle scabbard.
A few of us at the local IDPA range have a gentlemans agreement to merge SASS with IDPA and shoot the "Wildbunch" class. We use firearms as they appeared pre-WWII. 1911, M&P, P-38, Luger ... Fun stuff.

My everyday load is a light charge of VV N-340 and a 158gr Lasercast TC bullet seated deeply into the case. I crimp onto the cone rather than in the crimp groove. I can run with less powder and still get the required 125 PF. It also shortens the over all length to make the speed loaders easier to handle. Accuracy suffers a little, but it's hard to tell in a speed event.

Poohgyrr · February 5, 2003, 02:24 AM

<<<<<A few of us at the local IDPA range have a gentlemans agreement to merge SASS with IDPA and shoot the "Wildbunch" class. We use firearms as they appeared pre-WWII. 1911, M&P, P-38, Luger ... Fun stuff>>>>>

Right. at our IDPA match Sun 02-02-03 I was thinking how fun it would have been with a 16" lever in .44 (ten rounds of .44 Spec) and a S&W M24 (six more rounds of .44 Spec).....

NEon · February 5, 2003, 05:37 PM

TeamCorbon, hope to see you at the S&W shoot. We are getting there Wed and staying until Sat. I shoot on Thurs. Also, taking the surefire course Thurs night, and going to the Springfield cocktail party Fri night. Staying at the Holiday Inn.

December 30, 2002, 05:45 PM	#1
Dr.Rob Moderator Join Date: December 23, 2002 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 6,740	Revolvers in IDPA Just wondering if anyone here is using a revolver for IDPA. Can you describe your set up? Holster/weapon/carriers etc? I'm thinking about packing a wheelgun to my next match. __________________ Former TFL Moderator. "Guess you broke into the WRONG rec room!" ;)

December 30, 2002, 07:22 PM	#2
Jim Watson Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 11,226	My current SSR is a S&W M25-2 with barrel sawn off to 4"; in a Ready Tactical Products kydex paddle holster and matching moonclip carriers. Calibre .45 ACP with 230 gr LRN at 650 fps in full moon clips. The 1999 season I shot a 4" Python from a Kramer vertical scabbard loading .38 Special LRN with Safariland Comp II speedloaders carried in The Bear's speedloader pouches. Claude Werner usually beats me with a 2.5" M19 from a IWB. __________________ I have a few facts and a lot of opinions.

December 30, 2002, 10:32 PM	#4
Jim Watson Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 11,226	My FLG did the work. It is pretty basic, just a flat crown and a screw-on Ron Power ramp; he really doesn't like working on revolvers. That is its second stop, it was a 5" cut from 6.5" while 5" barrels were allowed. Scott Mulerkin does prettier work. http://www.sdmfabricating.com Lots of 5" 625's sitting on shelves since Oct 26 when they reduced the max barrel length to 4". __________________ I have a few facts and a lot of opinions.

December 31, 2002, 12:34 AM	#6
Jim Watson Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 11,226	Clays is the cleanest burning powder I have found for light loads. I don't usually worry about that, I clean my guns occasionally, but you do NOT want unburnt granules under the extractor. Depending on the bullet and seating I have been using 3.1 to 3.5 grains for 600 - 700 fps which is plenty with a 230 grain RN. Best to use a chronograph and work DOWN from the starting load in your gun. I have not had any trouble as low as 600 fps with cast bullets, and don't want a stuck bullet. A friend stuck a jacketed bullet in his barrel trying to go too light. Fortunately he was not shooting rapid fire and did not fire the next. But I have seen that happen and it is hard on barrels. __________________ I have a few facts and a lot of opinions.

December 31, 2002, 10:47 AM	#7
NEon Member Join Date: December 29, 2002 Posts: 74	Hrd on the barrel! I guess it's hard on the barrel. A buddy of mine took the barrel right off the gun, opened the top strap, and took out part of the cylinder. We call him two finger! Just kidding on the fingers, he is ok. __________________ May you be in Heaven 30 seconds before the Devil knows you're dead.

December 30, 2002, 11:08 PM	#5
Wakal Member Join Date: December 27, 2002 Location: Von Ormy, Texas Posts: 442	Thanks for the holster and load tips on your 25...just picked up one of those rare 4" 625's and was going to ask what the smart folks were using Alex

December 31, 2002, 01:32 PM	#8
Jim Watson Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Posts: 11,226	A stuck bullet pushed out by a following target load will only bulge the barrel. I have seen people to do it and not know it until they cleaned the gun and felt the patch go loose partway down. Saw a friend stick one in a .45 auto; thinking it was a misfire, he racked the slide and fired. The bushing wedged tight over the bulge in the barrel. It took a hammer to disassemble, but all that was required was a new barrel and bushing. A blown cylinder and topstrap is more likely a double charge, although it might happen with a stuck bullet and Magnums. The only gun ever demolished on our range was almost certainly from two doses of Bullseye at full power .357. Loading full charge magnums with fast burning powder is not a good idea. Lending them out can get expensive, as happened here. __________________ I have a few facts and a lot of opinions.

December 31, 2002, 05:27 PM	#9
NEon Member Join Date: December 29, 2002 Posts: 74	Jim, it was a 357 S&W Model 66 with issue ammo. Caught everyone's interest on the range. Ammo company both the old boy a new gun. __________________ May you be in Heaven 30 seconds before the Devil knows you're dead.

January 3, 2003, 01:59 AM	#10
Mike Irwin member Join Date: December 22, 2002 Location: Below the Manson-Nixon line in Virginia... Posts: 7,954	Yes. If it were allowed, I'd be using a shoulder holster with belt speedloader pouches. Since I can't, I normally use a Don Hume strong-side with a double speedloader pouch on the weak side. My revolver is either my Model 19 4", or my Model 19 2.5". The first time I shot I caused the guy running the match no small amount of consternation. He wanted me to wear the speedloader pouch strong side in front of the holster. I must have looked at him like he was an alien or something, and I don't think he quite believed me when I told him that I shot right handed and reloaded left handed. I don't think he believed me until I had several flawless reloads in a row.

January 5, 2003, 09:35 AM	#12
NEon Member Join Date: December 29, 2002 Posts: 74	I'm shooting the S&W IDPA Winter Championship in late Feb. I am taking my old model 25 (45acp) down (the shoot is at the factory) and see about putting a four inch barrel on it. __________________ May you be in Heaven 30 seconds before the Devil knows you're dead.

January 8, 2003, 10:21 AM	#13
Neil Casper Member Join Date: December 25, 2002 Location: The Fire Sufferers Land of North Central Ohio Posts: 28	I usually use a S&W Model 19 4" in a Kramer Vertical Scabbard. Safariland Comp II Speed Loaders in Talon Tactical Kydex holders. I load Berry's 158 gr plated round nose bullets in Winchester brass with either Federal or Winchester primers. I'm adicted to Scott Solo 1250 and push the 158 about 850-875 fps. Sometimes I load .357s with the same bullet and push 1250 fps. They have asked me not to use that indoors anymore. Besides the noise, it blinds everyone with the flash! __________________ neil "I AM my brothers keeper."

January 10, 2003, 08:08 PM	#14
Guy B. Meredith Member Join Date: December 25, 2002 Location: San Ramon, CA Posts: 1,669	I am poking around to see how serious I will be about IDPA (not that I am particularly serious about ANY competition) and how much money I will spend. For right now I am using my 4" M66, Fobus Kydex and Safariland Comp IIIs in moonclip carriers. I would like to get an adjustable holster, probably still Kydex, would like IDPA to allow moonclip conversions as I do not like cranky breakable speedloaders. __________________ Smart Gun + 1 Battery + 3 Wires = Dumb Gun PC = Groupthink filter on reality. Apostrophes denote ownership or missing letters NOT plurals! San Francisco who??

January 11, 2003, 12:38 PM	#15
Prodigalshooter Member Join Date: December 24, 2002 Location: SoCal Gulag Posts: 553	I just classified with my model 66 last night (Marksman). I'm using a Hume open top paddle, but don't have any holder for my speedloaders yet (on order 1.5 months ) so I was pulling them outa my pockets Still did ok, for me. I like the Safariland Comp II loaders, they work well. Now I'm Marksman in all 4 categories, so I'm going to concentrate on moving into the SS level next. For ammo in the revolver, I'm using Winchester .38s in the 130 gr.FMJ. Easy shooting and loading. __________________ just another survivor

January 23, 2003, 09:14 PM	#16
Poohgyrr Member Join Date: December 27, 2002 Location: Northern CA: blue skies, green grass, live oak trees, trout fishing. Posts: 832	Geez, I haven't been able to make a match in way too long, let alone take a revolver with me. That said, I really like Comp II's for the mid frames, they've been bullet proof and smooth. And it seems I have to be happy with Comp I's for the N frame. I use a Sparks SS-2 for my 3" mid frame revolvers, and a Versa Max-2 for my N frame. __________________ "Life brings sorrows and joys alike. It is what a man does with them - not what they do to him - that is the test of his mettle." T. Roosevelt

January 28, 2003, 12:03 AM	#17
mark mcj Member Join Date: December 31, 2002 Posts: 103	I just started using a 6 shooter and use a S&W 586 4". My holster is a Safariland 561. My speed loaders are SL Comp II's the speed loader holders I use are not approved by IDPA so, no use in listing them. I don't mind your .357 loads Neil __________________ mark mcj

January 28, 2003, 12:34 AM	#18
Neil Casper Member Join Date: December 25, 2002 Location: The Fire Sufferers Land of North Central Ohio Posts: 28	Mark McJ- Keep practicing those left handed revolver reloads, there's nothing wrong with your shooting! __________________ neil "I AM my brothers keeper."

January 29, 2003, 10:00 PM	#20
mark mcj Member Join Date: December 31, 2002 Posts: 103	Take a look at http://www.sdmfabricating.com/ Scott does really nice work. He definitely won't break the frame. __________________ mark mcj

January 31, 2003, 02:25 AM	#21
Dr.Who Member Join Date: January 31, 2003 Location: IL Posts: 758	Which One too Shoot? Started out 2 years ago shoot'n a S&W 686 and a Model 1917, then IDPA change the barrell size. Was not going to change the tack driver 686 nor the 95% 1917 6 inch barrells. Spent a year looking for 625 45acp in 4 inch. Found a performance center model from a private party. Love it. Not legal with the compensator installed, but with 200 grn LRN 5.1 of Unique under an inch group at 25 feet. It will shoot better than my hand will hold. Use a Krammer Vertical Scabbard FBI slant and California Comp. Works "Shoot A Moon" full moon clip holder. Seems to work for me. Hope this helps with your quest. Enjoy, Dr.Who __________________ "Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted" Albert Einstien 1879-1955 Keep in mind that if the world did not Suck.... We'd all fall off!

February 1, 2003, 12:14 PM	#22
TeamCorbon Member Join Date: January 30, 2003 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 36	I started out shooting a 4" 686. I used a Blade Tech holster, Safariland comp II speedloaders with Safariland holders. Naturally my ammo was factory Cor-Bon 38 spls in 125 gr weight. We've since introduced a 140 gr Perfornmance load that I use with it. I switched over to an old 25-2 that I had cut down for pin shooting. I used the same Blade Tech holster for this one. Full moon clips were held in the metal and plastic holders..I don't know who makes these. Currently I use a 625 PC gun with our Performance Match load made specially for 45 acp revolvers. It's a 200 gr fmj going 725 fps. I will be using this set up at S&W for the Winter Championships at the end of Feb. As far as a revolversmith. If you don't want to use the PC, try Al's Custom in Freedom PA. He has built several revolvers for me and they have all turned out great! If there'e a complaint about AL, it's that he's "too" particular! I kinda like that! __________________ Michael Shovel National Sales Manager CORBON/Glaser Mike@CORBON.com

February 4, 2003, 08:49 PM	#23
charleym3 Member Join Date: December 26, 2002 Location: Central NC Posts: 261	Well since you asked... I shot a 625 for a while. First a 5 inch, then 4, and lately 3. I can't help but feel like using moon clips is cheating, so I broke out the Model 10-7, HKS speed loaders, and a nameless verticle scabbard. A few of us at the local IDPA range have a gentlemans agreement to merge SASS with IDPA and shoot the "Wildbunch" class. We use firearms as they appeared pre-WWII. 1911, M&P, P-38, Luger ... Fun stuff. My everyday load is a light charge of VV N-340 and a 158gr Lasercast TC bullet seated deeply into the case. I crimp onto the cone rather than in the crimp groove. I can run with less powder and still get the required 125 PF. It also shortens the over all length to make the speed loaders easier to handle. Accuracy suffers a little, but it's hard to tell in a speed event. __________________ -Charley, When the need is great enough, limitations are meaningless.

February 5, 2003, 02:24 AM	#24
Poohgyrr Member Join Date: December 27, 2002 Location: Northern CA: blue skies, green grass, live oak trees, trout fishing. Posts: 832	<<<<<A few of us at the local IDPA range have a gentlemans agreement to merge SASS with IDPA and shoot the "Wildbunch" class. We use firearms as they appeared pre-WWII. 1911, M&P, P-38, Luger ... Fun stuff>>>>> Right. at our IDPA match Sun 02-02-03 I was thinking how fun it would have been with a 16" lever in .44 (ten rounds of .44 Spec) and a S&W M24 (six more rounds of .44 Spec)..... __________________ "Life brings sorrows and joys alike. It is what a man does with them - not what they do to him - that is the test of his mettle." T. Roosevelt

February 5, 2003, 05:37 PM	#25
NEon Member Join Date: December 29, 2002 Posts: 74	TeamCorbon, hope to see you at the S&W shoot. We are getting there Wed and staying until Sat. I shoot on Thurs. Also, taking the surefire course Thurs night, and going to the Springfield cocktail party Fri night. Staying at the Holiday Inn. __________________ May you be in Heaven 30 seconds before the Devil knows you're dead.

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