How many magazines do I need for IPSC or IDPA?
- Thread starter Dexter Morgan
- Start date
For IDPA you need 3 mags and 2 mag pouches for general competition. I just did a classifier recently, and for that they encouraged you to have more mags as it allowed you to load for multiple strings simultaneously and help speed things up (but you never use more than 3 in a single string). There are ome pretty specific rules about the type of mags and holsters you can use. if you have not already checked it out look at the IDPA website for specifics.
For IPSC you will usually want 5 or 6 mags and mag pouches to be competitive, so you have the freedom to do mag changes whenever you want on a given stage. Generally you will see bladetech type holsters with the drop-offset (DOH) for production division and more race holsters (Ghost, CR Speed, etc) in standard and open divisions. If you are looking at using the same gun in IDPA and IPSC a bladetech will do well as race holsters are not allowed in IDPA.
lonedrone
For IPSC you will usually want 5 or 6 mags and mag pouches to be competitive, so you have the freedom to do mag changes whenever you want on a given stage. Generally you will see bladetech type holsters with the drop-offset (DOH) for production division and more race holsters (Ghost, CR Speed, etc) in standard and open divisions. If you are looking at using the same gun in IDPA and IPSC a bladetech will do well as race holsters are not allowed in IDPA.
lonedrone
IDPA stipulates a maximum of two magazine pouches. IPSC allows as many pouches as you wish.
Some IPSC courses will have a minimum 32 round course of fire and they may include moving targets, small targets, and steel (all of which might require unplanned and extra make-up shots). Some banks of targets will be grouped together in such a way that you will choose to reload before you have emptied your magazine (to enable you to approach a group of targets will a full magazine). Having extra magazines just means one less thing that you have to worry about.
That is also assuming that your magazines are ten-round capacity. If your magazines have a lower maximum capacity, you'll need even more magazines to give you the flexibility to reload when you want to (rather than when you have emptied your magazine).
Some IPSC courses will have a minimum 32 round course of fire and they may include moving targets, small targets, and steel (all of which might require unplanned and extra make-up shots). Some banks of targets will be grouped together in such a way that you will choose to reload before you have emptied your magazine (to enable you to approach a group of targets will a full magazine). Having extra magazines just means one less thing that you have to worry about.
That is also assuming that your magazines are ten-round capacity. If your magazines have a lower maximum capacity, you'll need even more magazines to give you the flexibility to reload when you want to (rather than when you have emptied your magazine).
You can get by with 4 pouches and mags. I'd suggest a realistic number is at least 4 pouches, and 6 mags.
I have 4 mag pouches strong side, and two weak side behind the holster, and tend to have a stripper mag in my back pocket and a stage mag in my front pocket.
DO I need 80 rounds on a stage, no. However, many match directors will set up multiple stages side by side, and run competitors hot to the next stage. It's nice to be able to do a few speed shoots and a medium course without having to charge mags.
I have 4 mag pouches strong side, and two weak side behind the holster, and tend to have a stripper mag in my back pocket and a stage mag in my front pocket.
DO I need 80 rounds on a stage, no. However, many match directors will set up multiple stages side by side, and run competitors hot to the next stage. It's nice to be able to do a few speed shoots and a medium course without having to charge mags.
You can never have too many mags for IPSC. The minimum is 5. I have 6 mags because one of them is used for a stripper. It's also a good idea to have at least 1 spare mag/spare mag parts when doing a match in the middle of nowhere.
Get at least five for mags.
For the holster I would recommend something that works for both games. Bladetech makes a great holster. I don't recommend the DOH holster - overrated. The offset is nice but the drop isn't what you want in a holster. Everybody raves about it and I don't know why. Lots of people will recommend it for IPSC then recommend a different holster for idpa. Why? You want the same gear until you get some experience to make good decisions later and not waste money.
For the holster I would recommend something that works for both games. Bladetech makes a great holster. I don't recommend the DOH holster - overrated. The offset is nice but the drop isn't what you want in a holster. Everybody raves about it and I don't know why. Lots of people will recommend it for IPSC then recommend a different holster for idpa. Why? You want the same gear until you get some experience to make good decisions later and not waste money.
stormbringer
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- S.W. Ontario
If you cannot afford the extra two magazines and two holders that IPSC would require over IDPA (we are talking what $120 here. Then perhaps neither sport is really what you are looking for.
Bullseye is a fun game and uses .22 rimfire so it is super cheap to shoot. A nice Ruger Mk III bull barrel can be had for much less then and IDPA or IPSC gun. Perhaps that would be a viable option to start?
dinsdale
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Just outside the Ottawa City Limits!
I shoot both IDPA and IPSC and figure 6 mags and 5-6 pouches to be the minimum.
You only need 2 pouches (1 double pouch) for IDPA but the 6 mags comes in really handy when the squads are moving fast and you don't have time to reload the mags all the time.
Bladetech holster and Fobus Pouches works for both.
As you get better, better mag pouches for IPSC.
You only need 2 pouches (1 double pouch) for IDPA but the 6 mags comes in really handy when the squads are moving fast and you don't have time to reload the mags all the time.
Bladetech holster and Fobus Pouches works for both.
As you get better, better mag pouches for IPSC.
+1 these were the three things that caused me to re-think IPSC.
Unless you have deep pockets and even then i would still suggest that you reload for IPSC.
Finding a bullet & powder combination that just squeeks you into the Power Factor class you want to shoot in while reducing your muzzle flip will help you with you stage times.
Yes it is. It's usually way less ammo to shoot at a match too. Average IDPA match is about 150-200rds; average IPSC/USPSA match is about 250-500rds. I always bring at least 700rds
Well it's all about shooting so IPSC look a lot better to me the more rounds the better.....but your round count is a little over the top
the average level 2 would be 200 ish max.... We don't even shoot 500 at level 3.....!Usually that's a good way to not make PF. A good plan is to shoot 7 to 10 PF over the PF limit major or minor. Nothing sucks worse than finding out that you are shooting for no score because you tried to cut it to close to the line. My Major loads are around 174PF.
