Ipsc back up gun
- Thread starter Basille
- Start date
- Location
- Prince George B.C.
Yes I have used my backup gun. Broken ejector on a 1911!
I have also loaned my backup out on several occasions.
If you are going to spend the money to travel to out-of-town matches; spend the dollars to attend Provincial and National level matches -- then a backup is well worthwhile.
If you are just shooting local matches then I wouldn't spend the money.
All depends on how deep you are getting into the IPSC pool!
John
I have also loaned my backup out on several occasions.
If you are going to spend the money to travel to out-of-town matches; spend the dollars to attend Provincial and National level matches -- then a backup is well worthwhile.
If you are just shooting local matches then I wouldn't spend the money.
All depends on how deep you are getting into the IPSC pool!
John
In the 9 years where I shot without a backup gun, I could have used a backup only twice - when a trigger started to double. Instead of getting a backup gun, I got a backup trigger group (full hammer, sear disconnector set) but never had to use it after that.
During the last 3 years, I've had a backup gun, and had to go to it once. The night before a match, I found my barrel link was cracked and I was not able to get it to a gunsmith to replace the link for a few days. At a match, somebody else's gun died on them, and they were able to use my backup gun.
Other than that, my backup gun has gone unfired in the last 3 years.
I probably wouldn't buy a backup gun unless you're buying a new gun and relegating your old one to backup status.
During the last 3 years, I've had a backup gun, and had to go to it once. The night before a match, I found my barrel link was cracked and I was not able to get it to a gunsmith to replace the link for a few days. At a match, somebody else's gun died on them, and they were able to use my backup gun.
Other than that, my backup gun has gone unfired in the last 3 years.
I probably wouldn't buy a backup gun unless you're buying a new gun and relegating your old one to backup status.
- Location
- Halifax - NS
Agreement with everyone above.
Either my backup gun has been scavenged for parts (day before the nationals in BC a few years back, I found a broken extractor in my primary) or it's saved someone else's butt at a match.
I've rarely needed it, but it gives me piece of mind that it's there and on the rare occasions I've grabbed it; I was very thankful to have it. I don't bring a backup to local matches; just the big ones.
Either my backup gun has been scavenged for parts (day before the nationals in BC a few years back, I found a broken extractor in my primary) or it's saved someone else's butt at a match.
I've rarely needed it, but it gives me piece of mind that it's there and on the rare occasions I've grabbed it; I was very thankful to have it. I don't bring a backup to local matches; just the big ones.
One thing I have found is that if you have a good working back up there is less will to fix any problems with your primary. I ran one gun last year and it gives you a really good reason to make sure its perfect.
With a 1911 or Glock I'll carry spares like extractor, slide stop, link, and trigger components to a big match. If I shot a CZ I would replace slide stop, extractor and springs before a big match.
With a 1911 or Glock I'll carry spares like extractor, slide stop, link, and trigger components to a big match. If I shot a CZ I would replace slide stop, extractor and springs before a big match.
I think of it in terms of Murphy.. If you have a working backup nothing will ever go wrong with your primary. If you don't, then you'll experience a catastrophic failure in the middle of a match you travelled 1500mi to attend
In the 10 years that I shot IPSC, never. In the 16 years I have shot Cowboy Action, rifle x2, Shotgun x3, Pistol x3. Nothing like flying into an IPSC match from the NWT to Regina to shoot a 2 day match, then to fly to the US the next day for another match and having your pistol break down on the first stage of the Regina match. Seen it happen at an IPSC match in Regina in the early '90's, after thinking long and hard, I've never shot another match without backup guns available.
I have probably loaned out my backup guns, to unfortunate fellow competitors at least 6 times in 26 years of competition.
I have probably loaned out my backup guns, to unfortunate fellow competitors at least 6 times in 26 years of competition.
FreedomIsn'tFree
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Republic of Buffalo.
Never, because I shoot a Glock.
Stuff breaks on Glocks too, I've had slide locks, and extractors break and seen slides fail. If you put enough use on it any gun will break.
I hate to say it, but that's probably also indicative of how many rounds a year you shoot, which will further have an influence on how likely something is to break. There were years that I put 20-50k rounds downrange. In the last 4 years, I've probably fired less than 10k rounds total. Small wonder that I don't run into that many broken parts.
heavenIsAlie
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Abbotsford
i get my back ups when I buy a new primary, worked for me so far. Less about when stuff breaks and more about if there are any gremlins in my main gun that make me doubt it for a big match
I would think most people would prefer to practice with the gun they will be competing with. I do know some people that have match slide stops, magazines and other wear items that they swap out.
Last edited:
