Help me shop for a revolver I can use in IDPA and IPSC

Dr.Chris

Dr.Chris

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I'd love to hear your revolver recomendations for IDPA and IPSC.

For IDPA I am still trying to sort out the classes as I understand it Enhanced Service Revolver is full moon clip and Stock Service Revolver is for revolvers that don’t use full moon clips. But I heard there is also a 4" barrel length restriction on SSR (which of course I can't do because I'm not 12.6). Plus I haven't seen anything saying it must be a six shooter, so am I better off buying a .38/.357 that carries 7 or 8 shots?

As for IPSC, I think IDPA is my priority right now, but I'd like an IDPA revolver I can use in both...

Thanks,
Chris
 
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mine is a 6 shot with 6'' barrel its been a great gun for me alot guys shoot the S&W 625 which is 45cal and using moon clips
 
there is no barrel length you can,not use in Canada for idpa because of our barrel length laws . the rules you are reading are written for Americans that don,t have to have a over 4 inch barrel to meet the law. i used to shoot my 6 inch all the time and another guy i know shoots an 8 inch
 
Lots Of Revolver Choices EH!

For IDPA and IPSC any S&W Model 25 or 625 or even the Brazilian 1937 era S&W 1917 Model would work well as they have for me.

My current revolver pick for IPSC is a S&W 625 with full moon clips and Bill Jordan grips from Herretts that are carved to fit my hand.

The S&W 625 is an easy transfer to Enhanced Service Revolver for IDPA. The holster I use for IPSC is also IDPA approved. The moonclips are easy to use with the "Shoot the Moon" belt holder.

Otherwise, any S&W or Colt Revolver in 357/38 Special with at least a dozen speedloaders will work for IPSC or IDPA or PPC Service revolver as well. I have shot IPSC Matches with my Colt Python and S&W Model 27. The speedloaders are not as fast as the full moonclips but even then it is "interesting" as controlled DA revolver work bets "Hosing and/or the Spray and Pray" approach.

There are so many perfectly good revolvers around it is "problematic" that so few people shoot IPSC Revolver. After years of being either the sole or one of two competitors in local Level I and Level II IPSC Matches I dont really know why.

Recently I had a 1954 era Colt Official Police that was absolutely NRA Excellent or better equipped with Ashley high visibility sights for IPSC Matches. Its 1954 era DA is flawless and "Python like" after some very quality smithing by Mr Brian Jennings at Bits and Pieces.

The C.O.P. original cost mint in the cosmoline was $179.00.

A Colt Police Positve Special (see them in the $175.00 range or so) would do as well with some speedloaders. Add a set of Herret Grips and away you go.

DA point shooting at the close range IPSC targets goes well with a good DA revolver of which there are lots available.

The time to pick up older quality N Frames and Colt .357 Troopers is now.

Matched with a .22LR version of a Colt Trooper and with the second in 357/38 special you can get in lots of practice before you take to the field in IPSC and IDPA with the 38/357 version.

The main "drag" with speedloaders versus moonclips is that the latter are inexpensive and keep all six fired cases together for easy pick up.

However ones like H&K are about $10 or so apiece and sell used on this board for less. I also use Safariland ones. They are the short type versus more expensive PPC type and would work in IDPA Service Revolver.

IF only there were MORE S&W revolvers around in 40 S&W and 10mm that would be Perfect in my opinion.
 
What happens if I go to a US match?

motoman said:
there is no barrel length you can,not use in Canada for idpa because of our barrel length laws . the rules you are reading are written for Americans that don,t have to have a over 4 inch barrel to meet the law. i used to shoot my 6 inch all the time and another guy i know shoots an 8 inch
Click to expand...

That makes sense, but what happens if I actually get good and go to nationals in the US? I'm sure they won't let me shoot something longer than the 4.2" limit will they?

Chris
 
For IPSC, choose a 6 round revolver over a 7 or higher. Revolver division only lets you load 6. If you have 7+, it will be a nightmare remembering which chamber(s) are empty , etc.
 
Dr.Chris said:
I'd love to hear your revolver recomendations for IDPA and IPSC.

For IDPA I am still trying to sort out the classes as I understand it Enhanced Service Revolver is full moon clip and Stock Service Revolver is for revolvers that don’t use full moon clips. But I heard there is also a 4" barrel length restriction on SSR (which of course I can't do because I'm not 12.6). Plus I haven't seen anything saying it must be a six shooter, so am I better off buying a .38/.357 that carries 7 or 8 shots?

As for IPSC, I think IDPA is my priority right now, but I'd like an IDPA revolver I can use in both...

Thanks,
Chris
Click to expand...

Chris:

I use both a 4" and a 2 1/2" 686's in IDPA and IPSC.

I classified (IDPA) with the 2 1/2" (at Popurhedoff's urging) and have shot 2 matches since with each gun and placed 1st both times.

As Sean says, don't go for a 7+ revolver, for the reasons he has cited.

Good luck and remember that you are playing a game and to have fun.

RePete.
 
Well I think it is between the 686 and the 625 now

Well I think it is between the 686 and the 625 now. I will certainly have to try both guns, at least to see how they fit my hand; Since the 686 is a medium frame and the 625 is large.

Assuming I am using factory ammo for now (though I may handload one day) how would the recoil be on these? What else do I need to consider to decide between a 686 and a 625?

Chris
 
sonofpaleface said:
For IDPA and IPSC any S&W Model 25 or 625 or even the Brazilian 1937 era S&W 1917 Model would work well as they have for me.

My current revolver pick for IPSC is a S&W 625 with full moon clips and Bill Jordan grips from Herretts that are carved to fit my hand.

The S&W 625 is an easy transfer to Enhanced Service Revolver for IDPA. The holster I use for IPSC is also IDPA approved. The moonclips are easy to use with the "Shoot the Moon" belt holder.

Otherwise, any S&W or Colt Revolver in 357/38 Special with at least a dozen speedloaders will work for IPSC or IDPA or PPC Service revolver as well. I have shot IPSC Matches with my Colt Python and S&W Model 27. The speedloaders are not as fast as the full moonclips but even then it is "interesting" as controlled DA revolver work bets "Hosing and/or the Spray and Pray" approach.

There are so many perfectly good revolvers around it is "problematic" that so few people shoot IPSC Revolver. After years of being either the sole or one of two competitors in local Level I and Level II IPSC Matches I dont really know why.

Recently I had a 1954 era Colt Official Police that was absolutely NRA Excellent or better equipped with Ashley high visibility sights for IPSC Matches. Its 1954 era DA is flawless and "Python like" after some very quality smithing by Mr Brian Jennings at Bits and Pieces.

The C.O.P. original cost mint in the cosmoline was $179.00.

A Colt Police Positve Special (see them in the $175.00 range or so) would do as well with some speedloaders. Add a set of Herret Grips and away you go.

DA point shooting at the close range IPSC targets goes well with a good DA revolver of which there are lots available.

The time to pick up older quality N Frames and Colt .357 Troopers is now.

Matched with a .22LR version of a Colt Trooper and with the second in 357/38 special you can get in lots of practice before you take to the field in IPSC and IDPA with the 38/357 version.

The main "drag" with speedloaders versus moonclips is that the latter are inexpensive and keep all six fired cases together for easy pick up.

However ones like H&K are about $10 or so apiece and sell used on this board for less. I also use Safariland ones. They are the short type versus more expensive PPC type and would work in IDPA Service Revolver.

IF only there were MORE S&W revolvers around in 40 S&W and 10mm that would be Perfect in my opinion.
Click to expand...

Been thinking about shooting a few matches next year with my 686 just have to get a couple of more speed loader holders and some more speed loaders. Too bad I can,t use my model 19 PPC gun>:mad:
 
Dr. Chris

I own both a 686 and 625. I shoot the 625 in IPSC, albeit not very well. My fault, not the guns. I feel the 686 has more felt recoil than the 625. I also think if you are going to shoot IPSC Major, which the 625 does easily, you could be very sore with the 686, shooting Major.

The N frame helps tame the recoil. In fact I shot a power factor of 201 at the Quebec Provincials yesterday. I digress, but I was only shooting a power factor of 183 on my friends crony a month of so ago, with the same loads. I find the N frame, once you get used to the weight, more comfortable and enjoyable to shoot.

Tryin to find one for sale, that is another story!!!!!

Just my .02 worth

Rod

Dr.Chris said:
Well I think it is between the 686 and the 625 now. I will certainly have to try both guns, at least to see how they fit my hand; Since the 686 is a medium frame and the 625 is large.

Assuming I am using factory ammo for now (though I may handload one day) how would the recoil be on these? What else do I need to consider to decide between a 686 and a 625?

Chris
Click to expand...
 
I use a 4" S&W Model 19 in IDPA matches in the US. I shot PPC for many years, so I am used to making reloads with the Safariland Comp II or III loaders and I quite like this set up. Frequently come in second and occasionally first in SSR. I tried a 4" 586 last year, but I found it slowed me down a bit, the K frame fits me better.
 
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