IDPA help

[Rck'n'ROll]

I am trying to get involved in IDPA gun competitions, and would like to buy a new 1911 to use in their competitions. I can spend $1500-$3000 tops on a hand gun. Any IDPA shooters out there that would give me some information on which 1911 to get (make/model) would be greatly appreciated.

P.S.
I am currently using a full sized HK USP .45 for home defense/range shooting, and love the way it shoots. I am 6'4" tall, 228 lbs, athletic build, and have large hands. Larger frame hand guns are no problem for me, and I do prefer them.

[Wulf]

I always tell people to go any play the sport for a while before you purchase specialized gear. Your USP will be fine for getting your feet wet. After a half dozen matches you'll not have to ask anyones opinion on what you need because you'll have your own opinion.

[Rck'n'ROll]

Ahhh words of wisdom Wulf . I think I will follow your advice.

Thnx for the reply!

[1911whore]

go out

play with your usp and then see what you want to do after you try it, as far as a 1911 it really depends on if you want to shoot CDP or ESP in esp you will be best suited with a sub caliber 1911 preferably 9mm but cdp you gotta have a 45.

[mike100]

1911 wise you really would be best served by one that is reliable. You don't need/want a match grade one with tight match bbl dimensions. you just need to to get out to 10-30 ft. Jams screw up your time and one blown stage is bad for your overall score.

the other part of IDPA is whether or not you'll play with a game gun or a more realistic ccw sized one. Why shoot a commander when everybody else has a 5 inch piece? a nice compact 8 round single stack 9mm is hard pressed to play against stock service pistols that are doublestacked 10+1 capacities.

The last piece of advice is to buy the kydex holster that is popular for comps. I like the Ky-Tac idpa approved models. The are fast, hold the gun against your hip properly and cost a good bit less than designer leather. Fine if you have a real decent leather rig, but plastic is where it is at for gaming.

[Pryde]

Or you could just get a $400 used Glock 17 and shoot SSP competitively on an even playing field (equipment wise) with everyone else.

[Gryff]

Any IDPA shooters out there that would give me some information on which 1911 to get (make/model) would be greatly appreciated.

I shoot IDPA quite a bit. Two most-popular brands of 1911s that I see (and which are spoken well of) are Springfield Armory and Kimber.

The Springfield "Loaded" model, as well as the Kimber "Eclipse" and "Custom II" both appear to give great performance relative to their price.

If you decide to go seriously upscale like a Wilson or a Nighthawk, be careful. Several models from both these makers are too heavy to be legal in IDPA (which is especially ironic in Wilson's case).

Alternatively, if you are going to have a 1911 custom made to your specifications, I have repeatedly heard that you cannot start with a better basic platform than the Springfield "GI .45" low-end model.

Best,

Gryff

[hawk1]

I always tell people to go any play the sport for a while before you purchase specialized gear. Your USP will be fine for getting your feet wet. After a half dozen matches you'll not have to ask anyones opinion on what you need because you'll have your own opinion.

Great advice above.

[JiminCA]

Good advice above about playing with your USP for awhile.

While you're at the matches, you'll see other shooters doing well and doing poorly. You'll make observations about what works and what doesn't. You'll have conversations. Plus competitors will be friendly and you'll almost certainly get the opportunity to try out others' guns.

Then you can make an informed buy that fits your experience.

[FallingDown]

I am trying to get involved in IDPA gun competitions, and would like to buy a new 1911 to use in their competitions. I can spend $1500-$3000 tops on a hand gun. Any IDPA shooters out there that would give me some information on which 1911 to get (make/model) would be greatly appreciated.

P.S.
I am currently using a full sized HK USP .45 for home defense/range shooting, and love the way it shoots. I am 6'4" tall, 228 lbs, athletic build, and have large hands. Larger frame hand guns are no problem for me, and I do prefer them.

I guess I'm not the only one who watches the Venture Brothers

[mike452]

Your budget of $1500-$3000 is awesome!

I see others' pistols are somewhat equivalent to their ability. Similar to paintball guns. Rarely do I see people with nice guns that can't shoot.

[SecondAmendmentgirl]

Practical training

1911 wise you really would be best served by one that is reliable. You don't need/want a match grade one with tight match bbl dimensions. you just need to to get out to 10-30 ft. Jams screw up your time and one blown stage is bad for your overall score.

the other part of IDPA is whether or not you'll play with a game gun or a more realistic ccw sized one. Why shoot a commander when everybody else has a 5 inch piece? a nice compact 8 round single stack 9mm is hard pressed to play against stock service pistols that are doublestacked 10+1 capacities.

The last piece of advice is to buy the kydex holster that is popular for comps. I like the Ky-Tac idpa approved models. The are fast, hold the gun against your hip properly and cost a good bit less than designer leather. Fine if you have a real decent leather rig, but plastic is where it is at for gaming.

What if you want to "train as you fight" and go with a leather holster and a compact 9mm, just for your own training purposes, as opposed to trophies, contests or titles?

[MrNiceGuy]

What if you want to "train as you fight" and go with a leather holster and a compact 9mm, just for your own training purposes, as opposed to trophies, contests or titles?

Then come to Tac Pistols at Chabot, fun friendly folks, go at your own pace, no prizes...:P
Your holster better be on your waist and covers the trigger though.

[Gryff]

What if you want to "train as you fight" and go with a leather holster and a compact 9mm, just for your own training purposes, as opposed to trophies, contests or titles?

Nothing wrong with that. Just remember that competition isn't training, and shouldn't be confused as such. Anytime a timer is involved, it spurs you to do things faster than you should when someone is shooting back (like go dashing around corners or out into the open).

It does perfect your gun-handling mechanics, though. Sight acquisition, reloads, jam recoveries are all skills that are improved by competition.

-Jim

[rorschach]

Or you could just get a $400 used Glock 17 and shoot SSP competitively on an even playing field (equipment wise) with everyone else.

Thats how I started, with a 2nd hand G17, cheepee gunshow nylon holster and a crappy plastic mag pouch. I hate the equipment race.

Even now when I shoot CDP I use sub-$1000 1911's, namely SW1911, Springer loaded 1911 and Kimber TLE.