Hi just a basic newb question. I'm left handed so for each specific gun is there a specific holster or is there universal holsters? Looking for one I could use for competition. And also magazine belts. Where is a good place to find ones that are legal for competition? Thanks
Idpa and ipsc gear / holsters
- Thread starter Jdiep
- Start date
ArcticHound
Regular
- Location
- North of the GTA, Ontario
For belts, there are a few companies out there that are popular - Double Alpha Academy and CR Speed are two popular makes. For holsters, you're going to want one molded specifically for your pistol, rather than a generic one-size-fits-all thing. Your holster needs to provide enough retention to maintain your pistol while running and still allow you to draw quickly, and a custom fit does that for you. Bladetech is popular, as is stuff from Solely Canadian.
I would check out the gear of other IPSC shooters at a match - most will be only too happy to share their thoughts with you and let you have a closer look. There are lots of articles online reviewing belts, holsters, and mag pouches. There is no one "best" brand, per se.
I would check out the gear of other IPSC shooters at a match - most will be only too happy to share their thoughts with you and let you have a closer look. There are lots of articles online reviewing belts, holsters, and mag pouches. There is no one "best" brand, per se.
Good idea...When doing this, keep in mind, for some folks, this is a real passion, and they spend a lot on it. You do not need to spend a lot to get started, be safe, be proficient, and have fun. Once you have participated for awhile, you will have a better idea of your particular interests, and you will likely be wanting different gear than you first purchased. So don't break the bank just because someone said "this is the best", or "you really need that".
Good luck and have fun!
FreedomIsn'tFree
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Republic of Buffalo.
I use a CR speed belt, a Bladetech holster and mags pouches.
My first post was pretty general. More specifically, a stiff belt is paramount. As mentioned, look for Double Alpha or CR Speed. Bladetech or Soley Canadian kydex holster, specific to your gun (lots of other just as good options), and a half dozen mag pouches of the style that will fit your mags. Don't have to be too fancy. Deals come up on EE so keep an eye.
Baxtercharlie
Regular
- Location
- York Region, Ontario
General rule of thumb, gear legal in IDPA can be used in IPSC.
IPSC gear may not allways be able to be used in IDPA
IPSC gear may not allways be able to be used in IDPA
Buy a holster specific to you gun... Blade tech is a decent affordable option... If you want a holster that works for both, remove the dropped and offset part and simply go with the belt loop.
Mag pouches are likely ok either way... But you'll need a few extra for IPSC....
Mag pouches are likely ok either way... But you'll need a few extra for IPSC....
Thanks for the wealth of info! I love this community. I think I'll get some idpa gear so it can be used for both. Think I'll go watch a few matches and see what how the gear is used. So far I've just talked to people who've done it and seem countless videos lol
Like NVShooter mentioned Solely Canadian is really good and made in Canada. He has many options available.
And also mentioned before a good belt makes a huge difference. There are reasonably priced concealed carry oriented belts available online that work really well.
And also mentioned before a good belt makes a huge difference. There are reasonably priced concealed carry oriented belts available online that work really well.
You can buy IDPA compliant holsters, mag holders and belts that are IDPA and IPSC compliant. There are Holsters, belts and mag holders that are IPSC compliant but not IDPA compliant.
The least expensive way to go would be:
First buy a pistol that complies with IDPA SSP Division. The gun will comply with IPSC Production provided the 1st trigger pull is a minimum of 5#'s- exception Glock 34/35 not legal in IPSC. IDPA does not have a minimum trigger pull weight IPSC does.
2nd Buy an IDPA compliant mag holder (s) You need two or three for IDPA. IDPA compliant mag holders will be IPSC compliant BUT IPSC allows for Mag holders that do not comply with IDPA rules.
3rd. Buy an IDPA compliant belt. IPSC allows for double belt systems. IDPA does not. IDPA has a maximum thickness for belts. The belts cannot exceed 1 3/4" in width. I am not sure if IPSC worries about belt thickness.
Following these guidelines will give you a decent set up for both sports that will serve you well in IDPA and IPSC Production Division. As you skill improves you may or may not benefit from specialized equipment made specifically for IPSC, most of which would not be compliant with IDPA equipment rules.
Blade Tech, Comp-Tac are the two most popular holsters in IDPA in the US. Soley Canadian is a Canadian manufacturer who has developed a solid reputation with his customers for producing a competitive product.
Buy quality when it comes to these three items for you chosen pistol. It starts with a good belt leather or synthetic. While 1 1/2" wide belts work for maximum stability find a good 1 3/4" belt. Your holster and mag holders belt loops must match your belt width for best results. A lot of folks use the Wilderness style of belt.
I hope some of this helps. I should add do some reading before you buy your pistol. There are a lot of pistols that do well in both sports. Unless you are really gifted or intent on devoting a lot of time practicing most modern pistols fitting each sports criteria will work. IPSC Production has a minimum 5# trigger pull limit and a must fit in an IPSC Shooting box while IDPA does not BUT IDPA limits you to a gun that must fit in their shooting box and the maximum weight is 43oz. Check out the rules for each sport. While the rules are slightly different you will find most guns that work for one will work for the other. (Glock 34/35 is one popular exception that works for IDPA but not IPSC).
Both sports are a lot of fun. Buy what you can afford. You don't need the most expensive, latest blaster pictured in all the gun rags to be competitive and to have fun. M&P and Glocks costing under $800 dominate IDPA at the top levels of the sport. A Glock 17 won the IPSC World Shoot a few years ago. It is the archer not the arrow.
Take care
Bob
The least expensive way to go would be:
First buy a pistol that complies with IDPA SSP Division. The gun will comply with IPSC Production provided the 1st trigger pull is a minimum of 5#'s- exception Glock 34/35 not legal in IPSC. IDPA does not have a minimum trigger pull weight IPSC does.
2nd Buy an IDPA compliant mag holder (s) You need two or three for IDPA. IDPA compliant mag holders will be IPSC compliant BUT IPSC allows for Mag holders that do not comply with IDPA rules.
3rd. Buy an IDPA compliant belt. IPSC allows for double belt systems. IDPA does not. IDPA has a maximum thickness for belts. The belts cannot exceed 1 3/4" in width. I am not sure if IPSC worries about belt thickness.
Following these guidelines will give you a decent set up for both sports that will serve you well in IDPA and IPSC Production Division. As you skill improves you may or may not benefit from specialized equipment made specifically for IPSC, most of which would not be compliant with IDPA equipment rules.
Blade Tech, Comp-Tac are the two most popular holsters in IDPA in the US. Soley Canadian is a Canadian manufacturer who has developed a solid reputation with his customers for producing a competitive product.
Buy quality when it comes to these three items for you chosen pistol. It starts with a good belt leather or synthetic. While 1 1/2" wide belts work for maximum stability find a good 1 3/4" belt. Your holster and mag holders belt loops must match your belt width for best results. A lot of folks use the Wilderness style of belt.
I hope some of this helps. I should add do some reading before you buy your pistol. There are a lot of pistols that do well in both sports. Unless you are really gifted or intent on devoting a lot of time practicing most modern pistols fitting each sports criteria will work. IPSC Production has a minimum 5# trigger pull limit and a must fit in an IPSC Shooting box while IDPA does not BUT IDPA limits you to a gun that must fit in their shooting box and the maximum weight is 43oz. Check out the rules for each sport. While the rules are slightly different you will find most guns that work for one will work for the other. (Glock 34/35 is one popular exception that works for IDPA but not IPSC).
Both sports are a lot of fun. Buy what you can afford. You don't need the most expensive, latest blaster pictured in all the gun rags to be competitive and to have fun. M&P and Glocks costing under $800 dominate IDPA at the top levels of the sport. A Glock 17 won the IPSC World Shoot a few years ago. It is the archer not the arrow.
Take care
Bob
I've been quite pleased with Comp-Tac's International holster model. Their mag pouches also work well.
The IDPA world champion has been a long-time Safariland 5189 holster user.
Any of the kydex outside the waistband holsters that are intended for IDPA or IPSC shooting from big name companies, or good copies from small producers, should serve you well. IPSC rules allow high tech race holsters that aren't permitted in IDPA or USPSA's Production Division. If you're not within 2% of the national champions' scores in a match, there's no chance a change of holster might win the match for you.
The IDPA world champion has been a long-time Safariland 5189 holster user.
Any of the kydex outside the waistband holsters that are intended for IDPA or IPSC shooting from big name companies, or good copies from small producers, should serve you well. IPSC rules allow high tech race holsters that aren't permitted in IDPA or USPSA's Production Division. If you're not within 2% of the national champions' scores in a match, there's no chance a change of holster might win the match for you.
Yes, a standard belt holster will work. No dropped and offset allowed in IDPA. Check out the IDPA rule book for what is allowed. Most mainstream holster makers will say if the holster you are looking at is IDPA approved.
Tale Care
Bob
Tale Care
Bob
Jdiep...I see you're in Red Deer. IPSC Alberta has a some nearby matches coming up that you may want to check out. RDSC is scheduled for an indoor match on March 19th, and the Rocky Rod & Gun Club has 2 qualifiers on May 20th & 21st in Rocky Mountain House.
