Good holster for my S&W 686 SSR and IDPA events?
- Thread starter Thetaii
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Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
BladeTech makes their OWB holster for wheelguns and it's very popular for IDPA use.
Just get a model without a drop-and-offset belt attachment and you should be fine.
http://shop.blade-tech.com/index.php?cPath=1_23_24#.UZbbBaLYdJk
Just get a model without a drop-and-offset belt attachment and you should be fine.
http://shop.blade-tech.com/index.php?cPath=1_23_24#.UZbbBaLYdJk
Jim Watson
Member
One word, Kydex.
There are several good brands, I use Ready Tac
http://www.cpwsa.com/ready_tactical.htm
But there are others.
You need speedloader carriers, too. Three are allowed, but I like two on the belt, one in the vest pocket.
There are several good brands, I use Ready Tac
http://www.cpwsa.com/ready_tactical.htm
But there are others.
You need speedloader carriers, too. Three are allowed, but I like two on the belt, one in the vest pocket.
Thanks Jim and Sam. I'll definitely check out both holsters.
Also Jim are you saying I can use three speedloader carriers that hold 2 speedloaders each, or 3 speedloaders total?
I currently have one HKS speedloader case that holds two speedloaders. So it sounds like I need more speedloaders/cases, but I want to be sure I get exactly what I need/am allowed per IDPA rules.
Also Jim are you saying I can use three speedloader carriers that hold 2 speedloaders each, or 3 speedloaders total?
I currently have one HKS speedloader case that holds two speedloaders. So it sounds like I need more speedloaders/cases, but I want to be sure I get exactly what I need/am allowed per IDPA rules.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
Three loaders total. You can put two in front of the gun on your belt, and one on either side behind your hip.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
That's up to you! ...Well, honestly, the "Stingray" mechanism is pretty popular and very secure.
Here's a view of all the different versions: http://shop.blade-tech.com/index.php?cPath=81_124
Just avoid anything that says "D/OS" If you're male, those aren't legal for IDPA. If you're female they are, though.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
Is this one from Safariland legal for IDPA competitions?
http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/product.aspx?pid=002
If it is, I really like that holster.
The Comp III Speedloaders are very fast and easy to use because of their length.
http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/product.aspx?pid=COMP III
I like the Safariland speedloader holder too. It holds the loaders secure but allows for quick deployment.
http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/product.aspx?pid=333
http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/product.aspx?pid=002
If it is, I really like that holster.
The Comp III Speedloaders are very fast and easy to use because of their length.
http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/product.aspx?pid=COMP III
I like the Safariland speedloader holder too. It holds the loaders secure but allows for quick deployment.
http://www.safariland.com/DutyGear/product.aspx?pid=333
In addition to BladeTech and ReadyTac, look into MasterTac and Comp-Tac holders. I can vouch for the Comp-Tac, though I don't know if they make one for the SSR version of the 686.
Cool holster, but not even close to being IDPA-legal.
CompIIIs are very popular, but so are Jetloaders. Check 'em out. They can be improved even more by cutting about half the lower skirt off and filling in the center hole, a process known as "Bubberizing".
IDPA mandates the body of the speedloader has to be covered, so Safariland speedloader holders aren't IDPA-legal. Blade-Tech, ReadyTac, and North Mountain holders are.
ArchAngelCD said:
Cool holster, but not even close to being IDPA-legal.
ArchAngelCD said:
CompIIIs are very popular, but so are Jetloaders. Check 'em out. They can be improved even more by cutting about half the lower skirt off and filling in the center hole, a process known as "Bubberizing".
ArchAngelCD said:
IDPA mandates the body of the speedloader has to be covered, so Safariland speedloader holders aren't IDPA-legal. Blade-Tech, ReadyTac, and North Mountain holders are.
Ok so I just ordered a Bladetech OWB http://shop.blade-tech.com/index.php?cPath=1_23_24#.UZend7W1F8F
and I also got one of their Reinforced Looper Series Gun Belts in black (The "Wind" embossed model.). I really like the look of the belt but my wife says "I'm not a Cowboy so you don't need a Cowboy belt."
Nevertheless I grew up on Westerns, still love em, and she's just gonna have to deal with it. Here's the belt: http://shop.blade-tech.com/product_info.php?cPath=85&products_id=66#.UZenprW1F8E
Now I think I'm gonna get some of those comp III Safariland speedloaders, and the North mountain speedloader holders BUT before I do one last question. What do you all think about Moon clips vs. Speedloaders? I've never used Moon clips but have used plenty of Speedloaders. I'm sure there are tons of links/posts/articles, etc. about this question but since I have all your attention I figured I might as well ask.
Well now I'm off to watch my first IDPA event! Unfortunately my 686 SSR isn't available for pick up till Monday so I'll have to wait till I can get in on the fun.
and I also got one of their Reinforced Looper Series Gun Belts in black (The "Wind" embossed model.). I really like the look of the belt but my wife says "I'm not a Cowboy so you don't need a Cowboy belt."
Nevertheless I grew up on Westerns, still love em, and she's just gonna have to deal with it. Here's the belt: http://shop.blade-tech.com/product_info.php?cPath=85&products_id=66#.UZenprW1F8ENow I think I'm gonna get some of those comp III Safariland speedloaders, and the North mountain speedloader holders BUT before I do one last question. What do you all think about Moon clips vs. Speedloaders? I've never used Moon clips but have used plenty of Speedloaders. I'm sure there are tons of links/posts/articles, etc. about this question but since I have all your attention I figured I might as well ask.
Well now I'm off to watch my first IDPA event! Unfortunately my 686 SSR isn't available for pick up till Monday so I'll have to wait till I can get in on the fun.
Is the 686SSR already cut for moonclips? If not, the cylinder would need to be machined to accept them.
My advice is to stick with speedloaders in SSR: Moonclips will put you in ESR, and you'll have to make 165k PF, which will be very snappy with a .357. And the long skinny .357 rounds aren't as quick in moons as .45acp, which other ESR shooters will be using, so you'll actually be handicapping yourself. Whether you use moons or speedloaders, practice is the key.
My advice is to stick with speedloaders in SSR: Moonclips will put you in ESR, and you'll have to make 165k PF, which will be very snappy with a .357. And the long skinny .357 rounds aren't as quick in moons as .45acp, which other ESR shooters will be using, so you'll actually be handicapping yourself. Whether you use moons or speedloaders, practice is the key.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
Yeah, that gun is designed to work in the "SSR" division. Modifying it for moonclips would not be something I'd do. There are much better choices for a weapon if you want to move to the "ESR" division.
Sam1911 said:
Yep - besides, there are generally more SSR shooters than ESR, so you'll see more competition in the former.
And regardless of the gun or division, learning the game is a big part of the learning curve, so my advice to any new IDPA shooter is to pick a gun (it's very cool you picked a 686, btw
), learn the game with it, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the ride!Thanks for the info MrBorland. I had the best time watching an IDPA event today over at Olympic Prado shooting range in Chino, CA. Everyone was very helpful/friendly. Seems like a great bunch and the event/stages look like they should be a real blast! I too am glad I chose the 686 SSR. I've always wanted a wheel gun and it seemed to be the most affordable "entry level" yet suitable for competition .38 special/.38/.357 4" barreled 6 shot revolver. I also decided to pick it up after learning all about the IDPA, and SSR class.
So far I think I got just about everything I need to shoot at the next IDPA match. Today I went to a Bass Pro Shop (My first time at this Toys R Us for outdoors-men/shooters!) and picked up a sweet Tactical Series 5.11 vest they had on sale. I also ordered a few Safariland Comp III speed loaders, and some North Mountain speed loader holders. I originally ordered some holders from Ready Tech but unfortunately they were back ordered for 3 weeks and I want to get some good practice using them before my first IDPA event.
So far I think I got just about everything I need to shoot at the next IDPA match. Today I went to a Bass Pro Shop (My first time at this Toys R Us for outdoors-men/shooters!) and picked up a sweet Tactical Series 5.11 vest they had on sale. I also ordered a few Safariland Comp III speed loaders, and some North Mountain speed loader holders. I originally ordered some holders from Ready Tech but unfortunately they were back ordered for 3 weeks and I want to get some good practice using them before my first IDPA event.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
Yeah, I wasn't sure about IDPA rules, thanks for that information. I kinda thought those items were too good to be legal! lol
Thetaii said:
My experience has been that IDPA folks are very friendly, especially to newcomers. If you're fortunate enough to have other revolver shooters at your match, I think you'll find they are a particularly helpful crew.
As far as your gun, you made an excellent choice in the 686, which are very popular in SSR. As to the holders, I use North Mountain moonclip holders, and think their stuff is top notch. And the owner, Bob, is very supportive of the competition revolver community.
If you don't handload your own ammo, but would like some dummy rounds for reload practice with your CompIIIs, PM me an address and I'll be happy to send you some. Dummy rounds are simply a bullet pressed & crimped into a clean/resized case, sans primer & powder. With weights & bullet profile essentially the same as real ammo, they're better to practice reloads with than snap caps, which are too light, IMO.
Feel free to PM me if you like with any questions you might have. Sam1911's an SSR shooter, too; he exemplifies the friendly & helpful nature of the division, so I'm guessing he'd be willing & able to help as well.
Good shooting!
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
The only issue I've seen with the 686 SSR was that both the two I've handled had a strange trigger stacking effect at the top of the pull. I'll be curious to hear if yours does as well, and if that smooths out over time.
Thanks for the offer about dummy rounds MrBorland! I definitely would love some and I'll PM ya! Also Sam1911 I'll let you know if I have any issues with the trigger. So far I haven't noticed any and during my visit to an indoor range I met a guy/the owner of the range who's a serious 686/revo lover who did some quick free adjustments to my trigger that really smoothed out the trigger, especially the return of the trigger after pulling.
Also I just found out that the Bladetech holster I ordered for my 686 won't arrive till around July 6th and that's from the distributor (they said they make them to order.) There's a IDPA event I want to shoot in later in June so I'm wondering if any one knows an alternative online supplier of 686 Bladetech holsters that are actually in stock. I also wouldn't mind getting another holster but I couldn't find an IDPA legal one that seemed to be ideal.
Also I just found out that the Bladetech holster I ordered for my 686 won't arrive till around July 6th and that's from the distributor (they said they make them to order.) There's a IDPA event I want to shoot in later in June so I'm wondering if any one knows an alternative online supplier of 686 Bladetech holsters that are actually in stock. I also wouldn't mind getting another holster but I couldn't find an IDPA legal one that seemed to be ideal.
Thetaii said:
Great. I'll try whipping a few up tonight. Just takes a few minutes.
Thetaii said:
The ReadyTac holster Jim Watson (post #3) linked to is very popular and an excellent IDPA holster. Comp-Tac also makes an excellent IDPA holster, and MasterTacs are quickly gaining some fans. I've looked over MasterTac's stuff and was impressed. We also have 2 local Master/DM level shooters who've designed and make kydex holsters & holders. I had them make a holster for my k-frame, and it's excellent. I can send you contact info if you like. Whatever you get, I'd get in touch with them to be sure the SSR version of the 686 will fit.
Well I just got an email from Bladetech and they're gonna put a rush on my holster order so I can have it by June 15th (That's when the IDPA event is.) I also ordered a gun belt from them, have my 3 Safariland speed loaders and some North Mountain speed loader holders. Lastly I got my 5.11 vest, and a few hundred .38 special rounds so I should be "ready" for the event. Now I just need to get some practice in with my shooting, drawing, and loading.
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