Which handgun would you recommend out of these for IDPA?

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Snubster

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I've never done IDPA, but I'd like to try. My primary goal is to get more time behind the trigger of my carry-suitable guns. I'd like to leave them as they are (which is completely stock):

Sig P239 (9 mm) TDA
Sig P220 (.45) TDA
Sig P228 (9 mm) TDA
Colt Series 70 Repro (.45) SA
Glock 23 (.40) safe-action

If it matters, I don't reload yet, but I have the interest to learn.

I would like to focus on a single handgun to get the most comfortable with it.

Suggestions?
 
I'd shoot IDPA with the one I carry the most. I know a lot of guys who do that. No one forces you to game it. I would choose a 9mm because it's cheaper to shoot. Shoot what you have until you decide you really like it.
 
Hi Boulder:

Sorry I can't comment on good choices for IDPA, because I'm in the exact boat as you. Never done IDPA, but looking to try. I'll probably use a 9mm CZ by the way.

As I understand the rules, the Sigs and Glock will have you shooting in the SSP division, regardless of caliber, while the Colt 1911 will bump you to the CDP division.

I was planning to attend/observe yesterday's match in Clear Creek, and was disappointed when it was canceled due to snow.

Hope to see you out there,
Douglas (in Denver).
 
If you want to exercise your carry gun, shoot your most carried gun.

Considered purely as IDPA guns, the P228, P239, and Glock 23 fall in Stock Service Pistol. The P239 will be hampered by less than 10 round magazine capacity, it and the P228 by the DA-SA transition; the G23 by greater recoil than 9mm.

The Colt will enter Custom Defensive Pistol. It will be competitive with all the other .45s only if you can see the sights and make a smooth reload in an un-beveled magazine well.

The P220 could enter either SSP with the other DA autos and be limited by recoil and magazine capacity; or in CDP with the 1911s and be slowed a bit by the DA start.

Me?
In your position, I would shoot the P228.
9mm ammunition is the least expensive centerfire, you get 10+1 magazine capacity, and I can shoot DA-SA better than I can Glocks tricky trigger and Lugeroid grip angle. (But there are a LOT more Glocks than Sig-Sauers in IDPA. The trigger is at least consistent and you can get used to the grip angle.)

You need the gun, at least three magazines, a holster, carrier for two spare magazines, eye and ear protection, and a concealment garment you can draw out from under smoothly and safely. (That is something you can practice at home dryfire.)
 
[Thread hijack on]:

Jim (or others) What is the required procedure when using a decocker-equipped pistol? Required decock before movement? Before re-holstering? etc. I haven't seen an IDPA match yet, so I'm not sure how they go.

Also, I couldn't find anything in the IDPA rules about it.

Thanks!

[thread hijack off]
 
When shooting a decocker pistol like a Sig-Sauer in IDPA, you must decock the gun at the Load and Make Ready command before you start shooting. If it has a combined decocker/safety like a Beretta, you are NOT required to have the safety on a decocked gun at the start.

You are not required to decock at any time during the stage, just keep your finger out of the trigger guard when moving or reloading.

After the stage at the Unload and Show Clear command, you remove the magazine, eject the chambered round, show the Safety Officer your gun IS empty, and when he says Hammer Down, drop the hammer by PULLING THE TRIGGER. Don't use the decocker then. The intent is that if a round slips by the clearing process, it will go off into the berm under controlled conditions instead of you holstering a gun with a chambered round between stages on a cold range.
 
First time out, I'd go with the P228. Get a feel for it and then see if you want to shoot something different.

I'm an IDPA newbie and headed to my 4th match this Saturday. With 10rd mags, I've yet to need more than 1 extra magazine. There's always a variety of pistols/calibers/capacities in the group, so you you can observe some differences in how each stage is shot.

Take a water bottle or other drink and a snack bar.
I also like to wear a ball cap or something with a bill in front.

And following the example of other shooters, I now double-up on ear protection. You'll shoot about 80 rounds and your ears may be exposed to about 800 rounds.

Ton of fun! My first time they let me shoot free and put me last so I got the benefit of seeing how everyone else shot the stage. After you see the experienced folks goof up, you relax a little and enjoy a lot.
 
A LOT, and I mean a LOT, of people shoot Glocks in IDPA. YMMV but you can go far with a Glock if they work for you. BUT, if you don't have oodles of free cash, you'll probably want to stick with 9mm. The cost adds up.
 
A LOT, and I mean a LOT, of people shoot Glocks in IDPA. YMMV but you can go far with a Glock if they work for you. BUT, if you don't have oodles of free cash, you'll probably want to stick with 9mm. The cost adds up.
 
The Colt

I think IDPA is perfect for shooting what you carry. If you ever want to really compete and put a ton of lead down range, shoot IPSC. That said, your Colt would be my choice to carry and is an excellent platform for an IDPA pistol. You can shoot it stock and have a ball and as you improve, you can improve the gun. A trigger job, better sites, maybe some checkering, etc. It's the best gun you have, by far, to customize over time. The Colt, definately the Colt.
 
IDPA is fun. I'm addicted after a couple of times out. Take whichever gun you like the most. right now I'm shooting a sig 226 in 9mm.

I have been into shooting sports for a while and finally picked up a timer to train with. Even bought some accessories that help me out. since I have larger hands I picked up some new grips for my gun and new shinny extra mags for shooting.
 
Take what you have and watch what other people are shootin and go from there.Take atleast 3 mags and plenty of ammo.I have been shooting IDPA for three years and cant wait for the next shoot to come around.Now I am shooting in three gun.Need more ammo so Im gonna start reloading my own so I can afford my new addiction.
 
I too am a newbie interested in IDPA and plan to participate this Spring. Is there a seperate class for 5-shot revolvers? That's what I own and carry, so that is what I'll be shooting. Am I likely to be the only one with a j-frame snubby?

Best regards,
Rainbowbob
 
To your last question...
Yes.
IDPA has a Back Up Gun (BUG) division, but it is very restricted as to what can be done with the five-shooters, has to be run as a separate event, and is seldom bothered with by match directors like me.

You can shoot your J-frame as a main match gun in Stock Service Revolver (SSR) and take the heat on more frequent reloads. Main match stages usually run from six to 18 shots. You won't win, but you will get very good at reloading.
 
Out of the selection you currently have, I believe the Colt would be the most competitive, especially if it has a decent set of sights, and a good trigger.

I think the 239 is the best "carry" gun of the bunch.

Why don't you shoot them all? It's a good way to find out just how dependable they are, and which one actually works best for YOU.
 
Shoot the one that you feel most corfortable with.....I have been shooting in IDPA matches for the last 3 years ....both at the club level and at some major matches........I have shot in all the divisions.....am currently shooting in ESP with an STI double stack 45 cal.

I would start with the thought of just learing everthing you can.....type of gun......class is of no importance when starting out.....learn the rules....and the rest will come to you with practice and resilance...expect to learn something at each match...have fun.


That said...I do prefer the 45 single stack in CDP......just fits my hand better!!!
 
Thank you everyone for the great input! Jim, thanks for laying out the basics for a newbie like me--classifying the different gun types was very informative.

I actually sold the Glock 23 and replaced it with a Glock 26. I'm thinking I'm going to start with the Sig P239 and the Glock 26 to become more familiar with these two. Because of their sizes, these can definitely be my "always" guns (like my snubbie wheelguns). I'd really like to get some practice with what I would normally actually be carrying.

Definitely later on, I want to try the P228 and Colt S-70 as I think they would be a lot more competitive.
 
+1 for the Sig P239 9mm.

The P239 is a great carry weapon, really accurate and fast. You can buy and legally use 10rd mags -available from Sig,on the net, gunshows, etc.
. They are pricey but lets you shoot what you carry.
I started USPSA with the 239 9mm. My son started recently and he's shooting it now....doing real well too.
 
First choice, The Colt

It's been around a long time, and there are lots of after market parts options as you progress and learn what you want and don't want.

Second Choice, Sig P220 Sigs are very ergonomic, and I prefer the strength of the P220 full slide rails.

Last choice would be the Glock. A good gun (when using a double stacked magazine), limited on mondifications, very durable, but I prefer .45 ACP.

LD
 
You'll want at least 3 mags (four for the 1911), holster and mag pouch. When I started with IDPA, I only had 2 mags for most guns - which limited my choice.

If you have holsters and mag pouches for everything, then I'd rotate and have fun.
 
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