IDPA gun?

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Topgun121

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If I were interested in getting a new gun to try my hand at IDPA, is it better to have a 1911 style pistol that I can shoot from single action after drawing (also requiring a move to take off the thumb safety), or a DAO gun like a glock that I would not have to move a safety off? I guess with practice, flipping the safety on a 1911 is just as quick as DOA, would just have to practice that. My current gun is a DA/SA with a decocker. So My first shot out of the holster would be DA then I would be SA after that. I figured for IDPA, it would be best to have the same trigger pull on all shots....... Thought on gun style for this?
 
While a consistent trigger pull is probably an advantage, I urge yyou not to buy a new gun to try your hand. Start out with whatever you have got that is reasonably suitable. If you have been practicing the DA-SA shift, you will do ok.
Pick a new gun later, after you are sure you will stay with it and feel the need for something new and improved.

By the way, if you read the rules, you will see that a SA like the 1911 does not compete head to head with the Glock or your whateverthehellitis DA-SA.
 
I agree with Jim that you should start out with whatever you have now. After you get into the sport a little you will have a better understanding of what you like and what you want. I have a friend who shoots his Sig DA/SA and does just fine. I know people who won't shoot anything other than their 1911s. For me, I like the consistant action and feel of my M&P Pro. I don't believe there is a "best" way to go, it depends more on your style and preferences. Take what you have and go shoot, then decide.
 
My first couple of years in IDPA I settled on single-action-only and used a Browning Hi-Power (with the mag disconnect removed). This worked well, and I can tell you that having to flip the safety off before shooting is not a problem. (You flip it off while the gun is on its way between in-the-holster and on-the-target, so there really is no extra time delay.) The same would apply to a 1911. Lately, I decided to follow the spirit of the game more closely - use what you carry (or might carry). So I switched to a SIG P239 in an inside-the-waistband holster. This, of course, is DA/SA which required me to learn a new system. This has also worked well for me after I learned how to shoot that first DA shot accurately. The message here is that all trigger systems can work well, but you need to do a LOT of practice - live rounds at the range and dry firing at home. In live practice I often put only 3 rounds in the mag - this gives me more practice in changing mags, which is another skill that must be practiced to improve speed.
 
I started off using BHP's in .40 because that is what I carry.

I switched to an EAA Witness Elite Match in .40 because it's the most accurate pistol I have ever owned, and my scores got better. Then I switched to a Springfield XD9 Tactical and improved my scores and times. For game playing in IDPA you get no advantage from using a .40, and shooting a 9 is significantly faster on the splits.

Personally I find the initial DA trigger pull horrible for trying to shoot fast. I have a CZ 75 in 9mm that I tried for IDPA but that first shot was killing me. So it's back to being my barbeque gun.
 
My first couple of years in IDPA I settled on single-action-only and used a Browning Hi-Power (with the mag disconnect removed).

Don't mean to besmirch your honor but technically guns that came from the factory with a magazine disconnect must be shot in IDPA with that mag disconnect intact. Some Hi-Powers came with them and some didn't. Removing a mag disconnect has been ruled as violating the prohibition against "disabling a safety device," and makes the gun illegal for competition use.

How anyone would enforce this on you without your own admission of the point I'm not sure, but I know several Hi-Power shooters who follow the letter of the rule and choose to carry a spare, empty mag to allow them to drop the hammer after "unload and show clear" because of that disconnect.

In fact, I SO'd for one this weekend.

-Sam
 
my mindset says, shoot what i carry (.45acp) and be as tactical as possible.
....but my wallet says, be a gamer and keep poppin the 9 mil.... :D
 
I'd go with those who said to shoot what you carry.

However, if you want to play the game, I'd say use a 1911 with a good trigger.
Like you said, you can learn to manipulate the safety.

The SA 1911 does not forgive sloppy gun handling and safety habits. Back in the day, I witnessed an over eager competitor release the safety too early and shot the ground 3 feet in front. Yes, he obviously had his finger on the trigger. At any rate, the safety should be released only when the sights are on target, or close.

If you do your part, the 1911 format is a very good competition pistol for many reasons that have probably been covered in past threads.
 
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