Drop mags in IPSC match?

[John Wesley]

I just went to my first gun match of any kind tonight! - Had a great time BTW. I shot production class using a Ruger 345.

I noticed that everyone just dropped their mags free and they hit the concrete floor. (This was indoors at a local range.)

I was afraid that the mags might be damaged that way. I don't have any extra mags - in fact I need to get a couple more mags if I am going to keep going.

I am not really worried about my score (at least not yet). I am just trying to speed up my draw and follow up shots.

Do you guys use cheap mags for competition? Maybe use separate mags for competition and carry? Maybe just not worry about it?

(I put my empty mags into my pocket and it did slow me down a bit.)

Thoughts?

 

[mpthole]

First, welcome to THR and the wonderful world of competition!

Do you guys use cheap mags for competition? Maybe use separate mags for competition and carry? Maybe just not worry about it?

1. No. Actually my competition mags are more expensive than my carry mags. They're not better or worse, just different.
2. I keep my comp mags separate from my carry mags.
3. I wouldn't worry about it so much. If the mags can't take getting dropped on the floor, I'd be looking into a more durable firearm.

 

[John Wesley]

Thanks for the welcome Mpthole!

I guess I should probably buy more mags for competition and keep my "carry mags" just for carry. That makes sense. I can really see where this will help me become a better shooter.

The Ruger performed flawlessly. (I wish I had!) My strategy apparently was to mix SLOW with INACCURATE! Actually it wasn't that bad. I was at least on target with all but a couple of shots and everyone tells me speed will come. (Safety first of course!)

Thanks again for your response!!!

 

[HSMITH]

I agree with Mark, let them drop and don't worry about it.

My competition mags are $100 each, and I didn't really want to drop them at first, but you get used to it. Part of the game. It still hurts to pick them up and find a footprint on them from the RO or scorekeeper, but again it is just part of the game.

 

[eerw]

I use the same mags for competition carry...that way I know what is is working and what is having problems..all my mags are numbered so that I can identify them if I need to..

let them drop..and just get a hold of some spares..

 

[RedAlert]

Pads Legal??

There used to be pads that glued/epoxied onto the buttplate of the mag to cushion the fall. I don't know the rules of competitive shooting so I don't know if these pads would constitute a modification in stock shooting events.

They might work for you.

RDF

 

[richardschennberg]

Production - Don't add or change base pads.
Single Stack Division (or, outside the US, Standard and Modified Divisions) - Make sure the gun and mag still fit in the IPSC box with the base pad attached.
Some metal base plates already have holes for base pads, but most of these have to be tapped, even for so-called self-tapping screws. I opted to have my gunsmith drill and tap holes for thin but soft base pads on one set of .38 Super Single-Stack mags. A few years ago I had tried a 230-round one-day competition with bare metal and finished the match with a couple cuts on my weak hand.
Richard
Schennberg.com

 

[Waywatcher]

I use a GLOCK, and the mags run about $13 and are tough as nails.
I drop 'em and forget 'em.

At least till I'm done shooting.