New gun to start IDPA?

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bodam

bodam

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Everything I currently own is a compact, I'd like to get something full size to really start learning the proper mechanics of shooting.

I've sold off all my Glocks, I wanted to move away from .40 and focus on 45acp and 9mm mostly.

I have several Xd's, but the largest frame that I have is the 4". I shot in a defensive class last weekend for the first time and really enjoyed it. Enough that I'd like to start learning more, and start shooting in IDPA type events.

My issue with the 4" XD was the take down lever was right where my left thumb lays. Every time I fired, the lever rubbed my thumb until it was very uncomfortable to shoot with the proper grip.

So here is my question, do I buy a Glock 34, or should I try a XDM 5.25 competition model?

Moving to the Glock 34 eliminates the take down lever problem completely. The XDM has a modified take down lever, more beveled which might be more comfortable to handle.

Any thoughts for a future IDPA noob?
 
I don't know anything about the differences in XD platforms, but if I was already aware of an ergonomic issue I would just start with something else. Glock 34 is very popular, and is the one you want if you are going to buy a Glock dedicated to IDPA SSP or ESP.

There is no reason you can't shoot a few matches with one of your compact guns, and having some more perspective on what the IDPA gun will be used for first hand should give you some good insight into deciding what gun you might want to use for it long term.
 
Don't buy the 'wrong' gun

Before buying a new gun find out which firearm division you wish to compete in.

All the action sports group shooters according to gun features and characteristics, so the gun you show up with will determine what division you compete in.

These rules are very strictly enforced, and often include size/weight/caliber/sight/grip/capacity considerations.

Going to a few matches and talking with competitors (and trying out some of their guns) is a good way to add to your online research re: the rules and in some cases, lists of approved guns.
 
Take what you have and go try it. Then once you get a feel for it, ask questions. :)

Honestly I enjoy shooting a match with what I carry. I tried competing with a g34 and ended up switching back to my daily carry. I saw it as more of a challenge. It also gives me a chance to run what I carry with. I don't like running the built for speed cover garments, I like to dress as I normally dress.

Basically go out and get a feel for it. Run what ya got! It is fun no matter. Then decide if you want to game it or just casually compete with your carry gear. either way you'll enjoy it.
 
Try the M&P Pro 9mm. Behind the Glock, it's the 2nd most popular IDPA gun. The Pro has all the features you really want, just drop an Apex trigger kit in it and you're done!
 
I would shoot a few matches with what you have before spending money on a dedicated IDPA gun. After you get some trigger time on actual stages will be better informed as to what you want/need for a dedicated gun.
As a side note I'm sort of an odd ball as I shoot an HK USP9 with the Light LEM trigger.
 
Another vote for using your 4" XD for now. Tape your thumb.

FWIW, it's not a given that one shoots better/faster with a 5" gun. Some do, some don't. I know a DM-level shooter who prefers a compact Glock 26, with a 3.4" barrel. I borrowed a G26 and a G34 for a GSSF match recently, and did better with the G26. It's all personal preference based on actually shooting them at speed. Once you start competing, get friendly with other shooters, and I'm willing to bet they'll let you try their gun before you buy anything else.
 
MrBorland said:
FWIW, it's not a given that one shoots better/faster with a 5" gun. Some do, some don't. I know a DM-level shooter who prefers a compact Glock 26, with a 3.4" barrel. I borrowed a G26 and a G34 for a GSSF match recently, and did better with the G26. It's all personal preference based on actually shooting them at speed. Once you start competing, get friendly with other shooters, and I'm willing to bet they'll let you try their gun before you buy anything else.
Click to expand...

I'm one of those odd balls that shoots better with less sight radius. More practice could solve that. A limited budget means I'd rather spend time shooting what I carry instead of focusing on beating the other guys. Regardless of where you place, it is very fun. Speaking for myself, I spent WAY too much time trying to make sure I was "ready" to go. Just find a match Saturday and go. :D
 
Thanks guys, while I save up for a possible purchase, I will try a couple of matches and possibly try and shoot a couple of guns to see what I like.

I have no knowledge about the classes, etc. Pretty intimidating, lol
 
bodam said:
Pretty intimidating, lol
Click to expand...

I thought so before I tried it.

I finally went out and tried it. I found a bunch of people like me. They put me in a group with experienced people and other newbies. I had a ton of fun and made new friends. Broke bread afterwards with my new friends. Less thinking, more shooting. You'll have more thought fodder for overthinking it after a match.
 
Well, you can either treat it like a game and buy all new equipment aimed at allowing you to "play the game" as well as you can or you can use the IDPA events to get some training with using your actual CCW setup. Yes, IDPA is a "game". But it's a game where you can actually use your CCW setup under the clock and find out how easy it is to use when you wear different clothing and how fast you can shoot with acceptable accuracy.

Compared to the other options your CCW gun may put you at a slight disadvantage towards the idea of actually winning your category. But if you keep track of your own times and find that your times go down and accuracy goes up it seems to me like you're getting better with your own gear and will be in a better position if you are ever in a position to have to use your CCW rig.
 
I just starting shooting IDPA this past January, and thought it was intimidating at first too. I got placed in a very helpful squad my first match, and people were constantly giving me advice/pointers and didn't care a bit if I picked their brain. I chose to shoot it with my CCW, a G26, and honestly I did feel at a disadvantage because most of the people were shooting G34 or the equivalents from other makers. If your goal is just to improve your skillset with whatever you want to carry, then I wouldn't worry about getting a competition gun, just take what you'd actually CCW. If you want to seriously compete, then by all means go out and get a new gun, who doesn't want a new gun anyway lol.
 
For IDPA, I've used a P226/9, P229/40 in SSP and a P220 in CDP. Most said I was at a disadvantage with the double action first shot. I wasn't at all, because those are the guns I am most familiar with. I've even placed with them. So whatever you shoot the most, just use that. A longer gun is not necessarily a good thing. These stages have targets that aren't that far away. A longer gun is more barrel to pull out of the holster.
 
I think that BCRider nailed it.

I've been competing in action pistol, IPSC since 1978 and IDPA after1998 and I got caught up in the gamesmanship at first.

Now with several mantles loaded with trophies (It ain't bragging if it's true :D) I go to the matches only to maintain the skills necessary for SD & HD and if a trophy is awarded I don't take it home because "mamma" wouldn't let me in the door with it. Truthfully though, no trophies have been offered for my performances for the last five years! :(.

Without the pressure of trying to win, matches have become more enjoyable and I get to focus on working on SD techniques that are going to benefit me with what I am actually going to carry. If a course of fire's scenario is far fetched I stay to observe and have some commaraderie with the shooters later. YMMV.

PS - Go to the matches with what you have and don't buy anything until you get your "sea legs".
 
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