Which IDPA Class for Glock 30?

[rhodco]

After reading the IDPA rule book on the requirements for SSP, ESP, and CDP, it looks to me like a .45 caliber Glock 30 can qualify for all 3. In SSP and ESP, I could load magazines to the maximum 10 round capacity and begin each string with 10 +1 in the chamber. However, it is a pain to have to use one round from another mag just to get that +1 in the chamber.

I could also shoot in CDP by loading only 8 rounds per mag. Starting off with 9 in the first mag satisfies the 8 +1 requirement easily.

So my question is, which classification would be best? Any advantage or disadvantage for any of them?

 

[Jim Watson]

I'd shoot it in SSP which is usually the largest division so I could see how I was progressing.

 

[waktasz]

CDP would be best, because everyone in that division is shooting 165 power factor .45.

In SSP and ESP, most shoot 9mm, and they only have to make 125 power factor.

 

[pikid89]

However, it is a pain to have to use one round from another mag just to get that +1 in the chamber.

if your worried about the capacity use G21 magazines with the appropriate spacer, besides, that would give you a better grip anyway

 

[Six]

So my question is, which classification would be best? Any advantage or disadvantage for any of them?

Depends entirely on what your goals are and who you want to shoot against.

Basically do you want to shoot against people with similar guns (SSP) or people with the same caliber (CDP)?

Either way you're going to shoot a .45 against 9mms in SSP/ESP or Glock vs 1911 in CDP...

If you're shooting for placement, you're at a disadvantage here

If it were me, I'd probably start in SSP and see if there was any reason to switch divisions. And that decision might come down to who do I want to shoot with and against. Some friendly competition is always fun.

And if you want to shoot the classifier, the times are different, so with the same gun it's easier to qualify to a class in SSP than it is in CDP or ESP. http://www.idpa.com/classify.asp

 

[ny32182]

I certainly have nothing against the G30 or any other gun, but if you are ultimately trying to win, you will find that it is not really optimal for that purpose in any division. So, until (if/when) you decide to get an optimized gun, I would say the division you pick is not really that important.

If anything, you might be more competitive in SSP especially if you download some ammo to at least be more close to the 125pf than most factory .45. In CDP where you are required to make 165pf, the much heavier 1911's you will be competing against will be soaking up the recoil far better than the compact Glock, would be my guess.

 

[Bovice]

Shoot SSP and don't worry about your ammo. Don't be a sissy, shoot full power loads. You'll be a better shooter in the end. The guys that are finishing up top with their queef load 9mm's wouldn't be able to do so well with a large bore handgun, and probably not even with a full powered 9mm load. It's called gaming and it's pathetic.

 

[ny32182]

The guys up top would still win with +p ammo.

 

[waktasz]

Shoot SSP and don't worry about your ammo. Don't be a sissy, shoot full power loads. You'll be a better shooter in the end. The guys that are finishing up top with their queef load 9mm's wouldn't be able to do so well with a large bore handgun, and probably not even with a full powered 9mm load. It's called gaming and it's pathetic.

Yea those guys at the top sure are clowns. You'd fit in well with them.

 

[Sam1911]

The guys up top would still win with +p ammo.

The guys at the top tend to be pretty amazing shooters regardless of what ammo they're using.

If one started using +P+, the top 2-3 positions on the score card might shuffle slightly, but don't believe for a minute that mouse-fart loads (or race-prepped guns) are why the Master-class guys are at the top of the heap.

...

Back on track: Personally, I'd download the mags and shoot CDP. I've watched good shooters with plastic guns beat out other good shooters with 1911s. Skills trump equipment every time.

Sure there are guns that some people might shoot faster than your Glock compact. But by the time you have enough rounds, enough practice sessions, and enough matches under your belt to really be being held back by your equipment -- you'll know enough to answer these questions for yourself.

Go shoot. Work on developing your skills. When you've got 10,000 rds. downrange, reevaluate your choice of gun, division, and ammo -- and your reasons for participating in the sport.

 

[rhodco]

Thanks Sam. That pretty much sums it up. The reason why I got into IDPA was not to win any awards. Winning doesn't really matter to me. It's about testing myself under pressure to see if I'm as good as I think I am. And, finding out what my weaknesses are while there is still time to improve on it. My choice of pistol has nothing to do with the game, and everything to do with real life preparedness. If participating in CDP gives me more of a challenge, I'm up for it. It may also mean more reload practice ;-)

 

[Jim Watson]

don't believe for a minute that mouse-fart loads (or race-prepped guns) are why the Master-class guys are at the top of the heap.

This is true, as far as it goes, a master class shooter does not need superfine gun and ammo to beat ME, but he needs every edge he can get against the other masters.

 

[Sam1911]

Jim, exactly what I meant, but you said it better.

Personally, I LOVE to see shooters come out with the stuff they really carry. It bugs me just a little tiny bit to see guys bag their "carry" gun and holster up their "match" gun before the match briefing.

Of course, I'm a little guilty of it myself, as I don't normally carry the 9mm xDM that I compete with most often, but at least I do carry it sometimes ... at least to and from the match...

But seriously, what could be more valuable to you in the long term than dynamic range time with the gun that will be in your hand when you have to reach for one?

If you prefer to carry a compact or sub-compact, remember it isn't a magic talisman to keep you from evil. Just 'cause you can shoot a full-sized gun decently doesn't mean your compact will do what you want it to. If you can't make it GO, better hit the range, preferably at "practical" style practices and matches and work on it until you can.

 

[GCBurner]

I started getting interested in IDPA to become a better defensive pistol shooter, with the defensive pistol and ammo that I'll actually be carrying for self defense. In my case, it's a Glock 30 .45ACP with 230gr. HPs in the SSP class, and a S&W 640 .38 125gr. +P in SSR and BUG. Bullseye matches with light target loads are fine, and I enjoy that, too, but if I have to shoot to defend my life, I want to practice a different skill set.

 

[Autolycus]

Have you also looked into GSSF? You get a discounted gun every year?

Either way I think you should take the advice of some of the people here.