Question about IDPA and barrel changes...

[bigdawg86]

I have a Glock 34 which I just picked up as I want to get into IDPA. I have shot the gun and it's pretty much my new favorite.

I want to change the barrel out, primarily because I reload and would use lead projectiles to keep costs down. The IDPA rule book is as follows, but I don't know quite what it means.

8.2.1.3.11 Replacement of barrel with one of factory configuration that uses the original cartridge.

Is something like this OK or no go? I would obviously get the non threaded version, but don't know if the fluting would disqualify the barrel?

http://www.blacklistind.com/collections/barrels/products/glock-ultra-match-barrels

[himurax13]

Get a 9mm barrel of the same length. There are several brands to choose from.

Using a barrel with a different length or caliber from stock is not allowed in IDPA.

[bigdawg86]

Get a 9mm barrel of the same length. There are several brands to choose from.

Using a barrel with a different length or caliber from stock is not allowed in IDPA.

The barrels are of the same length and caliber. I would not get a threaded one so everything would be the same... I just don't know if the Hollywood flutes would be allowed or not.

[himurax13]

I would Probably guess not. I wouldn't spend the extra cash for that anyways.

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[hd-dude]

You can change to an aftermarket barrel of the same caliber but it moves you from the SSP into the ESP division

[Corbin Dallas]

When you say lead projectiles do you mean coated or just cast?

[Walky Talky]

I went looking up the rules for the IDPA revolver division and it appears that the maximum barrel length is 4.2 inches . . which leads me to wonder why the 6 inch 686 Performance Center model is called a Competitor model when it can't be used in the revolver division? Is a revolver with a 6 inch barrel welcome in any competition?

[Walky Talky]

USPSA

Thanks for the info, I guess I'll start looking up their rules now. Any events in California?

[himurax13]

Thanks for the info, I guess I'll start looking up their rules now. Any events in California?

Depends where you are.

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[Pardini]

I went looking up the rules for the IDPA revolver division and it appears that the maximum barrel length is 4.2 inches . . which leads me to wonder why the 6 inch 686 Performance Center model is called a Competitor model when it can't be used in the revolver division? Is a revolver with a 6 inch barrel welcome in any competition?

ICORE

[Pardini]

I have a Glock 34 which I just picked up as I want to get into IDPA. I have shot the gun and it's pretty much my new favorite.

I want to change the barrel out, primarily because I reload and would use lead projectiles to keep costs down. The IDPA rule book is as follows, but I don't know quite what it means.

8.2.1.3.11 Replacement of barrel with one of factory configuration that uses the original cartridge.

Is something like this OK or no go? I would obviously get the non threaded version, but don't know if the fluting would disqualify the barrel?

http://www.blacklistind.com/collecti...-match-barrels

I've shot nothing but my own cast bullets out of my 35 for 15 + years. It's never had a jacketed bullet down the barrel. All is still well. I have two friends that have done the same without issue. One with a 45 and the other with a 9.

[Whiskey_Sauer]

I have a Glock 34 which I just picked up as I want to get into IDPA. I have shot the gun and it's pretty much my new favorite.

I want to change the barrel out, primarily because I reload and would use lead projectiles to keep costs down. The IDPA rule book is as follows, but I don't know quite what it means.

8.2.1.3.11 Replacement of barrel with one of factory configuration that uses the original cartridge.

Is something like this OK or no go? I would obviously get the non threaded version, but don't know if the fluting would disqualify the barrel?

http://www.blacklistind.com/collecti...-match-barrels

The section you are quoting (8.2.1.3.11) is from the inclusive list of SSP modifications. But you should also pay attention to the list of excluded modifications in SSP, which contains:

8.2.1.4.1 Externally visible modifications other than those listed in the Permitted Modifications section.

ESP, likewise, has a similar rule in its list of permitted modifications, at least insofar as the "of factory configuration" is concerned:

8.2.2.2.9 Replacement of barrel with one of factory configuration that uses a stock or non-stock cartridge.

However, ESP does not have a similar rule prohibiting external visible modifications.

If I were the equipment check officer at a major match, I would bump you to ESP simply based upon the non-factory configured barrel that is a visible modification from a factory barrel. I recognize, however, that many people shoot stainless steel barrels (e.g., Lone Wolf) in SSP without controversy. That being said, however, if you're willing to go to ESP, then you would probably want to make additional modifications to the gun as well to get your money's worth.

But getting to the premise of your original thinking, however, would you really be saving money by spending $220 on a barrel, and then buying & loading lead bullets as opposed to jacketed bullets? What's the typical price difference between a case of lead vs. a case of jacketed? Multiply that over the lifetime of a barrel?

ETA: Actually, I just looked up the price of moly-coated bullets, and you may have a point.

[himurax13]

I have never heard of anyone getting bumped into ESP for switching to an aftermarket barrel of the same caliber and length.

I have tried using .357 sized bullets in my G34, .402 in my G35, and .452 in my G41 and they all started leading severely with a 92/6/2 alloy mix in under 100 rounds. I have even seen some leading from extreme bullets as well. Since I generally use hardcast bullets niwadays, the factory barrel gets tossed into a box whenever I get another Glock.

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[baranski]

I have a Glock 34 which I just picked up as I want to get into IDPA. I have shot the gun and it's pretty much my new favorite.

I want to change the barrel out, primarily because I reload and would use lead projectiles to keep costs down. The IDPA rule book is as follows, but I don't know quite what it means.

8.2.1.3.11 Replacement of barrel with one of factory configuration that uses the original cartridge.

Is something like this OK or no go? I would obviously get the non threaded version, but don't know if the fluting would disqualify the barrel?

http://www.blacklistind.com/collecti...-match-barrels

Are you joining or just shooting in the matches?

IIRC it matters. Otherwise they put you in unclassified.

[Whiskey_Sauer]

I have never heard of anyone getting bumped into ESP for switching to an aftermarket barrel of the same caliber and length.

At a club-level match, certainly not. At a major match, I wouldn't risk it.