IDPA question regarding magazines

[smalls]

I've been told that for an IDPA match I need three magazines. I've also been told that two will do. Anybody have insight on this?
I think I also read that the stage is paused if I need to reload a magazine. Like if I had 2 mags, and both were empty, they'd let me reload one with ammo from my pocket.
I'm not sure where I read this, though.

 

[chrome_austex]

You'd like to have 3 mags. Depending on the day and the range officers, you might be ok with 2, but you might not finish a stage or two. Our range officers usually try to work with the new people, but ymmv.

If you've got 2 and the match is this weekend, give it a go.

 

[ny32182]

The maximum "minimum" round count for an IDPA stage is 18. Therefore, if you are shooting in the 9mm divisions you can complete the vast majority of all stages with two mags (starting with 20+1 total rounds). The only time you couldn't is if a stage required two reloads on the clock, which is extremely rare. You want an extra magazine as a back up: You might have to dump one due to malfunction, or if you drop one by accident, the best plan is to usually just go to your third one.

If you are shooting CDP you will really need 3 in order to complete an 18 round stage.

Reloads are either on or off the clock depending on the stage design; running out of loaded mags does not come into play one way or the other. For now, in the event that you run out of ammo, just stop and take the "DNF" scoring model, which will likely just work out to scoring it as if you completely missed the targets you did not shoot. If you ever go to a major match, this approach would be frowned on however, so the best plan is to carry 3 mags to the line.

 

[ny32182]

However, I agree that if the match is this weekend and two mags is what you have now, go shoot. But get a third as soon as you can.

 

[CatsEye]

For 90% of the stages IDPA shoots 2 magazines are all you need. Sometimes though 3 are needed.

 

[smalls]

Thanks for the help. I'm gonna get another asap, but money's tight and my mags are $50 each!

 

[FatPants]

Thanks for the help. I'm gonna get another asap, but money's tight and my mags are $50 each!

If you are shooting a common gun, I'm sure someone will have an extra you can use as well.

 

[jmorris]

For CDP you need 3 for every 18 round stage. SSP & ESP 2 will work for most stages. 6 reload, 6 reload 6, stages are common and you need 3 then.

 

[smalls]

I shoot a S&W Sigma, so I think that puts me in SSP. And unfortunately, not a common pistol, as many people don't like them. At least, I didn't see anyone shooting one at the match I went to go check out.