Holster, Belt, and Pouch For IDPA

[Louca]

I am interested in IDPA and USPSA shooting, but currently do not have a holster and related accessories. For reference, I will be shooting the HK 45C in .45 ACP. I am currently thinking of the Comp-tec Paddle holster, Comp-tec Twin Paddle magazine pouch, and the Comp-tec Contour belt. For those of you that shoot those sports, does that sound good for IDPA? Would you recommend something more or something different?

I plan to shoot IDPA for a while. Then, if I don't exhaust all my funds on ammo, I plan to get into USPSA. For USPSA, will a single dual-magazine pouch be enough, or would I be required to carry more than that? Thanks.

Lou

 

[Bobson]

If I recall correctly, there have been several threads on this topic in the last year or so. A search for "USPSA/IDPA equipment/gear" or something similar should bring you a good number of results. I've never competed in either of them (not for lack of want, but for a lack of making it a priority), and I don't really remember what people say is required. I'm sure someone with experience will be along to answer your questions if a search doesn't find you all the info you need/want.

Good luck.

 

[Sam1911]

The Comp-Tac gear is all first rate. Some folks love paddles, some don't. If you know they work for you, you'll be happy with that kit.

IDPA will require no more than two mags on your belt. Some folks like to get single pouches because then you can move them around a little, but I wouldn't do so with paddles, and most IDPA shooters seem to use double mag pouches.

USPSA will allow/require a whole lot more mags than that, and allow them to be positioned more flexibly.

 

[Louca]

there have been several threads on this topic in the last year or so. A search for "USPSA/IDPA equipment/gear" or something similar should bring you a good number of results.

Thank you and yes, you are right. Actually, that's how I got info that led to my decisions. I probably should have mentioned that I got a lot of info from here, TFL, and hkpro. I was asking again just in case there might have been something I forgot or didn't know. Thanks.

Some folks love paddles, some don't. If you know they work for you, you'll be happy with that kit.

That's just the thing - I am flying blind here. The only holsters I have were self-made from leather, one for my Ruger Mk I and one for my Colt 1911. So I am trusting all the advice, and have NO knowledge it will work for me. Thanks Sam.

Lou

 

[9mmepiphany]

I used a paddle holster when I first started IDPA...mostly because I already had it...and it will work to start out. You'll eventually find that it might limit your presentation speed.

A lot of folks do use a double pouch. I like the freedom of placement offer by single pouches...plus I'm shooting a M&P, which has unusually long base plates and I like the extra separation.

When you move onto USPSA, you'll likely want 5-6 single pouches

 

[jwrowland77]

I plan to shoot IDPA for a while. Then, if I don't exhaust all my funds on ammo, I plan to get into USPSA. For USPSA, will a single dual-magazine pouch be enough, or would I be required to carry more than that? Thanks.

Lou

I know this is semi off topic, but do you reload? If you don't, you might want to look into it. You could do both for the same price to buy factory ammo shooting one. If you cast, you'll be able to shoot even more.

Another side note is, reloads are going to be more accurate than factory, plus you can customize the recoil, of whether you like a snap type recoil, or more of a push type recoil. It's nice being able to customize ammo to your shooting preference. Plus you can practice a lot more for cheaper.

 

[Louca]

JW, you are definitely right. I DO reload for all calibers I shoot except pellet gun and .22 LR. I do not cast my own lead bullets. I usually buy them and thats about all I have shot in my 1911. I am going to try to shoot lead in IDPA. If that doesn't work (see below), I may try a plated bullet albeit at higher cost.

The reason I say try is because the HK 45C, with its polygonal rifling, supposedly only takes jacketed bullets, although I have not seen that substantiated anywhere. It has been fine so far with a few lead rounds I have sent through it.

If I had to shoot jacketed ammo, I would wince at the cost, but it would still be a lot less expensive than buying ammo. I don't mind if we go a little off-topic here, especially since I am the OP!

You'll eventually find that it might limit your presentation speed.

Could you tell me more about that? Is there a holster that might be better to address iwhat you mention?

Lou

 

[9mmepiphany]

I'm currently using a Blade-Tach OWB holster, for my M&P9 and using the Stingray (SR) belt attachment. The SR seems to stabilize the holster on the belt a bit better when your hand hits it...paddle holsters tend to rock a bit on the belt

I'd also consider the Black Ice holster which allows a smoother presentation from the seated position ($5 more)...but, I got the OWB for a great deal.

Not that there is anything wrong with the Comp-Tac, that is what I use with my SIG 220/226

 

[Louca]

paddle holsters tend to rock a bit on the belt

Whoa, that is HUGE, and I would think real important to me. And since you have both, you have a great comparison of how much it can rock. Their web site does not mention what material the holster is made of. Does it look to be the same as Comp-Tec? The only mention of Kydex on the Blade Tech web site is for a magazine pouch.

Did you also buy one of their belts?

I'd also consider the Black Ice holster which allows a smoother presentation ...

They look real nice but, alas, it looks like they might not make it for the HK.

I know, lots of questions, but this is great info for me, thanks.

Lou

 

[9mmepiphany]

It really isn't that big a thing for most folks starting out...if you can't draw and put 2 rounds into 6" in a second from 3-5 yards.

I hardly noticed it when I went to paddle holsters, because many of my leather holster were cut for 1.75" belt loops when I was using a 1.5" belt...paddle holsters leave extra room in the area, because they have to allow for pant material. The nice thing about kydex holsters is that they can be adjusted to different belt widths with the moveable spacers.

Both Comp-Tec and Blade-Tac make their holsters with kydex.

I don't have any experience with Comp-Tec belts...I use my Wilderness Instructor's belt from when I used to work/teach.

These are the magazine pouches I'm using (I carry 3)

 

[RussB]

I have both Blade-Tech (1911's and revolver) competition rigs, and Comp-Tac competition sets for the HK45. I use velcro Safariland belts with my Blade-Tech rigs

The Comp-Tac International holster came with 3 mounting options, belt, paddles and dropped & offset. They offer a deal when you get the belt, holster and mag carrier together.

The Comp-Tac reinforced belt is excellent, and I use it for concealed carry all the time



Here's my Comp-Tac rig,



This is the paddle,



and this is the dropped-offset,

 

[Louca]

I have both Blade-Tech (1911's and revolver) competition rigs, and Comp-Tac competition sets for the HK45. I use velcro Safariland belts with my Blade-Tech rigs

So do you prefer one manufacturer over the other?

I still have not ordered my holster yet, but almost ordered the Blade-Tech OWB. The one thing I sort of did not care for on the Comp-Tac OWB holster was the loop type of connection to the belt. The loops look large like they might not hold the holster as solidly as the Sting Ray style from BT. I can only go by what the pictures show since I have not actually worn both.

I actually find shopping for holsters quite frustrating and a lot like trying to buy shoes online. I do appreciate your comments and your pictures sure make the HK look like it right at home in the holster. Thanks.

Lou

 

[Jeff22]

paddle holster?

If you use a paddle holster, remember that the paddle part is designed to be worn inside your waistband. That's what anchors the holster.

I shoot USPSA and IDPA a little bit, and I see new shooters (and some who should know better) using Fobus paddle holsters and just having the paddle part tucked on the other side of their belt . . . I tactfully pointed that out to a few guys years ago, and their response was "That's just the way I do it . . . " Okay, do it wrong, I don't care . . .

I prefer OWB holsters myself, leather or kydex. I've had good luck with holsters from Comp Tac and Blade Tech, as well as a couple of local guys who make kydex gear who are no longer in business

 

[Gryff]

So do you prefer one manufacturer over the other?

I still have not ordered my holster yet, but almost ordered the Blade-Tech OWB. The one thing I sort of did not care for on the Comp-Tac OWB holster was the loop type of connection to the belt. The loops look large like they might not hold the holster as solidly as the Sting Ray style from BT. I can only go by what the pictures show since I have not actually worn both.

Comp-Tac holsters are world-class. As a matter of fact, the belt loop is made from the same piece of kydex as the holster, so Comp-Tacs are actually stronger than Blade-Techs.

That being said, I prefer Blade-Tech because you can change the back plate. I shoot both IDPA and USPSA Production Division, and I use the same holster for each. But in IDPA, I use the SRB back plate (because the Drop-and-Offset backplate is not IDPA legal for men), but in USPSA I run it with the DOH backplate because it is legal. If I ran a Comp-Tac holster, I would need to have two separate holsters to take advantage of these rule differences.

 

[Gryff]

A lot of folks do use a double pouch. I like the freedom of placement offer by single pouches...plus I'm shooting a M&P, which has unusually long base plates and I like the extra separation.

FYI, the M&P Compact base plates fit the full-size mags, and have a much-smaller lip on them:

http://www.speedshooterspecialties....product_info&cPath=103_91_258&products_id=957

I didn't understand why M&P shooters talked about these until I got my M&P Pro. I have a dual mag pouch, and the first time I did a speed reload, I felt the rear mag lip hook on my hand and the mag went sailing out of my pouch.

 

[9mmepiphany]

You discovered it the same way I did.

 

[RussB]

If I ran a Comp-Tac holster, I would need to have two separate holsters to take advantage of these rule differences.

As I said, my Comp-Tac International holster came with the D/OS, belt and paddle. All 3 included