Just wondering if anyone here is using a revolver for IDPA. Can you describe your set up? Holster/weapon/carriers etc?
I'm thinking about packing a wheelgun to my next match.
I'm thinking about packing a wheelgun to my next match.
Revolvers in IDPA
- Thread starter Dr.Rob
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Jim Watson
Member
My current SSR is a S&W M25-2 with barrel sawn off to 4"; in a Ready Tactical Products kydex paddle holster and matching moonclip carriers. Calibre .45 ACP with 230 gr LRN at 650 fps in full moon clips.
The 1999 season I shot a 4" Python from a Kramer vertical scabbard loading .38 Special LRN with Safariland Comp II speedloaders carried in The Bear's speedloader pouches.
Claude Werner usually beats me with a 2.5" M19 from a IWB.
The 1999 season I shot a 4" Python from a Kramer vertical scabbard loading .38 Special LRN with Safariland Comp II speedloaders carried in The Bear's speedloader pouches.
Claude Werner usually beats me with a 2.5" M19 from a IWB.
Jim Watson
Member
My FLG did the work. It is pretty basic, just a flat crown and a screw-on Ron Power ramp; he really doesn't like working on revolvers. That is its second stop, it was a 5" cut from 6.5" while 5" barrels were allowed. Scott Mulerkin does prettier work.
http://www.sdmfabricating.com
Lots of 5" 625's sitting on shelves since Oct 26 when they reduced the max barrel length to 4".
http://www.sdmfabricating.com
Lots of 5" 625's sitting on shelves since Oct 26 when they reduced the max barrel length to 4".
Wakal
Member
Thanks for the holster and load tips on your 25...just picked up one of those rare 4" 625's and was going to ask what the smart folks were using 
Alex
Alex
Jim Watson
Member
Clays is the cleanest burning powder I have found for light loads. I don't usually worry about that, I clean my guns occasionally, but you do NOT want unburnt granules under the extractor. Depending on the bullet and seating I have been using 3.1 to 3.5 grains for 600 - 700 fps which is plenty with a 230 grain RN. Best to use a chronograph and work DOWN from the starting load in your gun. I have not had any trouble as low as 600 fps with cast bullets, and don't want a stuck bullet. A friend stuck a jacketed bullet in his barrel trying to go too light. Fortunately he was not shooting rapid fire and did not fire the next. But I have seen that happen and it is hard on barrels.
Jim Watson
Member
A stuck bullet pushed out by a following target load will only bulge the barrel. I have seen people to do it and not know it until they cleaned the gun and felt the patch go loose partway down. Saw a friend stick one in a .45 auto; thinking it was a misfire, he racked the slide and fired. The bushing wedged tight over the bulge in the barrel. It took a hammer to disassemble, but all that was required was a new barrel and bushing.
A blown cylinder and topstrap is more likely a double charge, although it might happen with a stuck bullet and Magnums.
The only gun ever demolished on our range was almost certainly from two doses of Bullseye at full power .357. Loading full charge magnums with fast burning powder is not a good idea. Lending them out can get expensive, as happened here.
A blown cylinder and topstrap is more likely a double charge, although it might happen with a stuck bullet and Magnums.
The only gun ever demolished on our range was almost certainly from two doses of Bullseye at full power .357. Loading full charge magnums with fast burning powder is not a good idea. Lending them out can get expensive, as happened here.
Mike Irwin
Member
Yes.
If it were allowed, I'd be using a shoulder holster with belt speedloader pouches.
Since I can't, I normally use a Don Hume strong-side with a double speedloader pouch on the weak side.
My revolver is either my Model 19 4", or my Model 19 2.5".
The first time I shot I caused the guy running the match no small amount of consternation. He wanted me to wear the speedloader pouch strong side in front of the holster.
I must have looked at him like he was an alien or something, and I don't think he quite believed me when I told him that I shot right handed and reloaded left handed.
I don't think he believed me until I had several flawless reloads in a row.
If it were allowed, I'd be using a shoulder holster with belt speedloader pouches.
Since I can't, I normally use a Don Hume strong-side with a double speedloader pouch on the weak side.
My revolver is either my Model 19 4", or my Model 19 2.5".
The first time I shot I caused the guy running the match no small amount of consternation. He wanted me to wear the speedloader pouch strong side in front of the holster.
I must have looked at him like he was an alien or something, and I don't think he quite believed me when I told him that I shot right handed and reloaded left handed.
I don't think he believed me until I had several flawless reloads in a row.
Neil Casper
Member
I usually use a S&W Model 19 4" in a Kramer Vertical Scabbard. Safariland Comp II Speed Loaders in Talon Tactical Kydex holders.
I load Berry's 158 gr plated round nose bullets in Winchester brass with either Federal or Winchester primers. I'm adicted to Scott Solo 1250 and push the 158 about 850-875 fps. Sometimes I load .357s with the same bullet and push 1250 fps. They have asked me not to use that indoors anymore. Besides the noise, it blinds everyone with the flash!
I load Berry's 158 gr plated round nose bullets in Winchester brass with either Federal or Winchester primers. I'm adicted to Scott Solo 1250 and push the 158 about 850-875 fps. Sometimes I load .357s with the same bullet and push 1250 fps. They have asked me not to use that indoors anymore. Besides the noise, it blinds everyone with the flash!
Guy B. Meredith
Member
I am poking around to see how serious I will be about IDPA (not that I am particularly serious about ANY competition) and how much money I will spend.
For right now I am using my 4" M66, Fobus Kydex and Safariland Comp IIIs in moonclip carriers. I would like to get an adjustable holster, probably still Kydex, would like IDPA to allow moonclip conversions as I do not like cranky breakable speedloaders.
For right now I am using my 4" M66, Fobus Kydex and Safariland Comp IIIs in moonclip carriers. I would like to get an adjustable holster, probably still Kydex, would like IDPA to allow moonclip conversions as I do not like cranky breakable speedloaders.
Prodigalshooter
Member
I just classified with my model 66 last night (Marksman). I'm using a Hume open top paddle, but don't have any holder for my speedloaders yet (on order 1.5 months
) so I was pulling them outa my pockets
Still did ok, for me. I like the Safariland Comp II loaders, they work well. Now I'm Marksman in all 4 categories, so I'm going to concentrate on moving into the SS level next.
For ammo in the revolver, I'm using Winchester .38s in the 130 gr.FMJ. Easy shooting and loading.
) so I was pulling them outa my pockets Still did ok, for me. I like the Safariland Comp II loaders, they work well. Now I'm Marksman in all 4 categories, so I'm going to concentrate on moving into the SS level next.
For ammo in the revolver, I'm using Winchester .38s in the 130 gr.FMJ. Easy shooting and loading.
Poohgyrr
Member
Geez, I haven't been able to make a match in way too long, let alone take a revolver with me.
That said, I really like Comp II's for the mid frames, they've been bullet proof and smooth. And it seems I have to be happy with Comp I's for the N frame.
I use a Sparks SS-2 for my 3" mid frame revolvers, and a Versa Max-2 for my N frame.
That said, I really like Comp II's for the mid frames, they've been bullet proof and smooth. And it seems I have to be happy with Comp I's for the N frame.
I use a Sparks SS-2 for my 3" mid frame revolvers, and a Versa Max-2 for my N frame.
Neil Casper
Member
Mark McJ-
Keep practicing those left handed revolver reloads, there's nothing wrong with your shooting!
Keep practicing those left handed revolver reloads, there's nothing wrong with your shooting!
I was chatting with a fellow at an IDPA match at S&W Academy last Saturday. He was shooting a 625. When I told him that I was considering getting my 5" cut down to 4", he told me not to. He'd sent his 5" in to S&W to have the front sight changed. Rather than just change the front sight, they changed the front barrel. In doing so, they broke the frame, and had to replace it with one of the new ones (with the lock).
If I decide to get my 5" cut down to 4", I think I may pick a gunsmith, rather than S&W.
Take a look at http://www.sdmfabricating.com/
Scott does really nice work. He definitely won't break the frame.
Scott does really nice work. He definitely won't break the frame.
Which One too Shoot?
Started out 2 years ago shoot'n a S&W 686 and a Model 1917, then IDPA change the barrell size. Was not going to change the tack driver 686 nor the 95% 1917 6 inch barrells. Spent a year looking for 625 45acp in 4 inch. Found a performance center model from a private party. Love it. Not legal with the compensator installed, but with 200 grn LRN 5.1 of Unique under an inch group at 25 feet. It will shoot better than my hand will hold. Use a Krammer Vertical Scabbard FBI slant and California Comp. Works "Shoot A Moon" full moon clip holder. Seems to work for me. Hope this helps with your quest. Enjoy, Dr.Who
Started out 2 years ago shoot'n a S&W 686 and a Model 1917, then IDPA change the barrell size. Was not going to change the tack driver 686 nor the 95% 1917 6 inch barrells. Spent a year looking for 625 45acp in 4 inch. Found a performance center model from a private party. Love it. Not legal with the compensator installed, but with 200 grn LRN 5.1 of Unique under an inch group at 25 feet. It will shoot better than my hand will hold. Use a Krammer Vertical Scabbard FBI slant and California Comp. Works "Shoot A Moon" full moon clip holder. Seems to work for me. Hope this helps with your quest. Enjoy, Dr.Who
TeamCorbon
Member
I started out shooting a 4" 686. I used a Blade Tech holster, Safariland comp II speedloaders with Safariland holders. Naturally my ammo was factory Cor-Bon 38 spls in 125 gr weight. We've since introduced a 140 gr Perfornmance load that I use with it.
I switched over to an old 25-2 that I had cut down for pin shooting. I used the same Blade Tech holster for this one. Full moon clips were held in the metal and plastic holders..I don't know who makes these.
Currently I use a 625 PC gun with our Performance Match load made specially for 45 acp revolvers. It's a 200 gr fmj going 725 fps. I will be using this set up at S&W for the Winter Championships at the end of Feb.
As far as a revolversmith. If you don't want to use the PC, try Al's Custom in Freedom PA. He has built several revolvers for me and they have all turned out great! If there'e a complaint about AL, it's that he's "too" particular! I kinda like that!
I switched over to an old 25-2 that I had cut down for pin shooting. I used the same Blade Tech holster for this one. Full moon clips were held in the metal and plastic holders..I don't know who makes these.
Currently I use a 625 PC gun with our Performance Match load made specially for 45 acp revolvers. It's a 200 gr fmj going 725 fps. I will be using this set up at S&W for the Winter Championships at the end of Feb.
As far as a revolversmith. If you don't want to use the PC, try Al's Custom in Freedom PA. He has built several revolvers for me and they have all turned out great! If there'e a complaint about AL, it's that he's "too" particular! I kinda like that!
charleym3
Member
Well since you asked...
I shot a 625 for a while. First a 5 inch, then 4, and lately 3. I can't help but feel like using moon clips is cheating, so I broke out the Model 10-7, HKS speed loaders, and a nameless verticle scabbard.
A few of us at the local IDPA range have a gentlemans agreement to merge SASS with IDPA and shoot the "Wildbunch" class. We use firearms as they appeared pre-WWII. 1911, M&P, P-38, Luger ... Fun stuff.
My everyday load is a light charge of VV N-340 and a 158gr Lasercast TC bullet seated deeply into the case. I crimp onto the cone rather than in the crimp groove. I can run with less powder and still get the required 125 PF. It also shortens the over all length to make the speed loaders easier to handle. Accuracy suffers a little, but it's hard to tell in a speed event.
I shot a 625 for a while. First a 5 inch, then 4, and lately 3. I can't help but feel like using moon clips is cheating, so I broke out the Model 10-7, HKS speed loaders, and a nameless verticle scabbard.
A few of us at the local IDPA range have a gentlemans agreement to merge SASS with IDPA and shoot the "Wildbunch" class. We use firearms as they appeared pre-WWII. 1911, M&P, P-38, Luger ... Fun stuff.
My everyday load is a light charge of VV N-340 and a 158gr Lasercast TC bullet seated deeply into the case. I crimp onto the cone rather than in the crimp groove. I can run with less powder and still get the required 125 PF. It also shortens the over all length to make the speed loaders easier to handle. Accuracy suffers a little, but it's hard to tell in a speed event.
Poohgyrr
Member
<<<<<A few of us at the local IDPA range have a gentlemans agreement to merge SASS with IDPA and shoot the "Wildbunch" class. We use firearms as they appeared pre-WWII. 1911, M&P, P-38, Luger ... Fun stuff>>>>>
Right. at our IDPA match Sun 02-02-03 I was thinking how fun it would have been with a 16" lever in .44 (ten rounds of .44 Spec) and a S&W M24 (six more rounds of .44 Spec).....
Right. at our IDPA match Sun 02-02-03 I was thinking how fun it would have been with a 16" lever in .44 (ten rounds of .44 Spec) and a S&W M24 (six more rounds of .44 Spec).....
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