Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
Well, that sort of depends on what your EDC is. I tend to carry a Gov't Model 1911 a lot and compete with it (or similar-sized guns) regularly. No special holsters needed. I'd agree it is rarely (at big matches anyway) the guy with an IWB holster who wins -- kydex OWBs are just plain faster.IME it isn't the guy drawing his EDC from a true CC holster that wins. Heck that guy isn't usually in the top 10
But that's an interesting corollary to the discussion at hand. If it is true that full-size guns in OWB rigs tend to enable faster and more accurate shooting and presentations, it is also true that the competition tends to show very quickly and clearly what WORKS and what doesn't work quite so well.
So, instead of falling into the "I have a gun, therefore I'm defended" mindset, someone who is forced by their wardrobe or situation to use some kind of sub-compact pistol or a J-frame revolver, and/or a pocket carry or deeper concealment rig gets the opportunity to understand exactly what s/he's giving up in terms of performance in order to "buy" that concealability/compactness. "This is slower..." (checks timer)..."five SECONDS slower. Uh oh..."
It is a great testing ground and educational tool.*
What does boggle the mind a little are folks who will use a gun and rig that helps them finish well in competition, but then will willfully daily carry a "defensive" gun that they cannot run nearly as well. It's the "good enough" or "pro'lly won't need it anyway" mindset. As though competition is MORE important/serious than self-defense.
(* -- Further, this is the primary reason I want to see IDPA consider allowing laser sights in competition. I think it would be hugely interesting to see folks begin to compare their scores with the laser and without -- and to track how their opinions and practices change as they move up in ability. The laser sight manufacturers probably will petition IDPA not to allow it, though.)