What is the caliber of choice for competition?

[Ughh]

Hello guys, well as the title says it all: What is the caliber of choice for competition in USPSA, IDPA, or any other pistol shooting competition?

Also do calibers intertwine? or is it divided like, 9mm vs 9mm, 45 vs 45, etc...?

Vet competitor's remarks or suggestions of any kind are definitely welcome.

 

[Lv4snobrdg]

varies from comp to comp. Most are gear to accommodate what you bring. Higher velocities have a preference, like the 38 super, since most comps have time limitations directly associated with them the idea is fast projectile and less recoil to reduce the amount time between shots.

Lots and lots of research you can do on this subject. Best to talk to folks who shoot the matches, your local NRA shooting club can square you away on the caliber's and pistol mods that fit each type of event.

Folks love the 45 for the Defense pistol, but an equal amount may like the .460...this is truly an area of "what works for you"

GL

 

[REAPER4206969]

.40 Smith and Wesson

 

[Gunfighter123]

In "OPEN" in IPSC the .38 Super is at the top , followed by 9x21.
In "Production" in IPSC the 9mm is King --- no major power factor so why not shoot 9mm.
In "Limited and Limited 10 " in IPSC the .40S&W is tops , followed by the .45acp --- you MUST use a .40 cal or bigger in Limited.

IDPA is about equal in .45acp , 40S&W. and 9mm.

Revolver in either are .45acp , 10mm , and the .357mag -- all about equal.

 

[Gunfighter123]

I've been useing the same Para-Ordnance in .38 Super with Red Dot for about 15+ years in IPSC "OPEN".


In "Production" for local IPSC , I use a double action Witness Elite Match in 9mm.


In "Revolver" for IPSC , I use a custom double action only S&W 610 in 10mm and shoot "Major" power factor.


In "Single Stack" in IPSC , I use a mild custom Colt Gold Cup in .45acp


Ps --- I do have/use other handguns for IPSC but three of the four above have served me well for 20+ years of Action Pistol competitions.

 

[Gunfighter123]

OOPS --- I forgot and don't want "it" to be mad !!!!

For "Limited/Limited 10" in IPSC , I use a Para-Ordnance P-14 Limited in .45acp;


As I said I have/use other guns for other "types" of Action Shooting like Steel Challenge , Bowling Pin , 3-Gun , Heavy Metal , etc. etc.

 

[Philo_Beddoe]

you MUST use a .40 cal or bigger in Limited.

actually, this is not true, you can use a 9mm, but you take a scoring hit for non A-zone hits with a minor caliber

meaning you have to shoot a major caliber gun to be competative for the most part.

 

[Nomad]

Open class - 38 Super

Limited class - 40 S&W

Limited 10 class - 45 ACP

 

[Drail]

Gunfighter123, you are SO old school, bless your heart. Your handgun collection looks eerily like mine. I refuse to change. Hell, I still shoot IPSC and pins and steel with a .45 ACP. It worked fine for me 30 years ago and it still does.

 

[Gunfighter123]

Drail ---- Old Shooter Dudes ROCK

 

[Drail]

All of them young punks can learn some good stuff from Old Shooter Dudes. We can't run as fast as we used to but those targets are in serious trouble.

 

[LiveLife]

+1 for 40S&W in G22.

 

[Ughh]

Are there divisions based on barrel length and gun size? or is it just divided based on caliber and level of mods??

 

[pitty920]

9mm is really the best caliber, some say light 40cal are equal in kick and power.

The true best round is the wildcat 9mm (9mmX25mm...) they are usually more than the 9mmX19mm ammo usually ranging up to 9X25mm this gives you a flatter shot and is more accurat while still using the tried and true cheap 9mm bullet, butttt! u more than likely will have to handload these yourself, unless u are lucky enought to find someone who loads and sells them, this is the best round to shoot and the top pros shoot them, but the normal 9 will do fine too, and if not into reloading is the ideal round to shoot.

*If u dont alrady have them i would reccoment adjustable sights and a dual action recoil spring! www.efkfiredragon.com has the spring for about $60.

As u know ported barrels are prohibited and reduce recoil about 25%, but the recoil springs are allowed and reduce up to 40%!!!!! Wich is like going form a 357mag to 9mm and will get you follow up shots on target much quicker.

IF U HAPPENT TO OWN A 1911 THE 38 SUPER IS GREAT, AND I HAVE ALSO HEARD GOOD THINGS ABOUT THE 400 CORBON!!
The cheapest way to reduce/absoarb recoil is to buy a hogue rubber wrap around grip for $12 bucks, this helps greatly and feels great, and is cheap.

 

[Ughh]

What's the caliber of choice for rifle competition in IPSC USPSA??