IPSC Beginner in Open Division

tFly

tFly

Member
Rating - 100%
2   0   0
Location
Kelowna
Hey everyone. I've just signed up for my black badge course and since its not for a while, I figured I'd ask an equipment related question now.

I'll be using my sig p226 to compete, and the production division seems like the natural place to start. However, I have a weapon light mounted to the gun which, from what I can tell places me in the open division.

"Hey tFly, why don't you just remove the light for the match?"
Because I've spent a good deal of time waiting for a custom kydex holster that will fit the light. I also don't want to go back to the first holster I bought, a POS bladetech.

The other option is to run the gun without the light, in my light holster. The gun will obviously still fit, but the retention is less secure than with the light attached. Would this even be allowed?

My main concern is showing up at a match and being destroyed by people with big dollar race guns simply because I want to run my gun with a light mounted (not even turned on) because that's how I do 99% of yay practice right now. I realize I'll be shooting within my division with people of similar skill, but will my equipment be that much of a handicap?

Thanks for the info, really excited to get into the sport!
Cheers.
 
In my opinion, yes, you will be at a handicap. But, then again, who cares? You shoot for you, not anyone else. If you want to take your sig up against the race guns, I'm not going to stop you.

The gun must fit in the holster and the trigger guard must be covered when holstered. Those are the only reg's I believe. (those and "must be attached to the belt")

Whether you are allowed to have the light on or not, I'm not sure.

edit: just looked it up,

"5.1.3.2 "Optical/electronic sights" are aiming devices (including flashlights) fitted to a firearm which use
electronic circuitry and/or lenses."

So the flashlight is just considered an "aiming device".


Welcome to the sport! Happy shooting!
 
tFly said:
The other option is to run the gun without the light, in my light holster. The gun will obviously still fit, but the retention is less secure than with the light attached. Would this even be allowed?
Click to expand...

There is no definition of holster retention, as long as the gun won't fall out on it's own, you should be fine. If you can adjust the tension of the holster, just crank it up a bit with the light removed. Generally if you can jump off a chair and the gun won't fall out you will be A-OK. Others test their gear by making sure the pistol wont fall out if the holster is upside down, but this is not required in the rules.
 
If you truly don't care about how you fare, keep the light mounted, shoot Open class, and have your ass handed to you by just about anybody shooting against you in the same class....but you'll be true to the 'beware the man with only one gun' edict. Too many guys take this sh** way too seriously....just go out....have fun....get some experience...and be willing to take advise. You'll soon learn what works, what doesn't , and who to emulate to improve your skills.
My advise would be, use the gun you have (226), ditch the light when you're competing so as stay in Production, and you'll learn just as much, and likely have a better time doing it.
Just my $0.02 worth...

PS...Also interested why you feel the Bladetech holster was 'not your cup of tea'. I have lots of them and they work well for me.
 
Last edited:
The injection moulded Blade Tech holsters (& 5.11 Revolution series) are definitely budget but I've used one with my 226 and never felt that I needed anything better.
 
I've won a few matches using a Blade Tech holster. I think POS is a bit harsh but I can understand if you prefer a different holster though (some guys drive Fords, some go Mopar).

-ivan-
 
take the light off, shoot production, as soon as the buzzer starts you are 99% of the time just going to draw anyways so it doesnt have to be very tight

or shoot open and be killed, which i guess is ok for some people, but i have more fun when i dont see my name at the bottom match after match
 
Unless you have been shooting for a while and you can shoot very fast and accurately, it won't matter what division you are in. Go shoot for fun until you see your name getting near the top of the results list in whatever division. Once you are there, you can decide if you need better gear, more practice, and or more range time. A miss with an open gun is worth the same points as a miss with a production gun, and an A zone hit is worth the same too.!

You can be competitive with a box stock Beretta 92 (or insert gun of your choice here), just shoot fast, and shoot A's.
 
Thanks for the responses everyone.

It seems like the best option is to run production without the light attached. There don't appear to be any rules regarding retention in the holster, just that the trigger guard is covered etc. Even though there isn't any retention with my system minus the light I won't be running around with the gun holstered so I should be alright based on what I've learned.

As far as the holster, it's a blackhawk, not a blade tech, my bad. Definitely don't dig having a button to push while trying to draw especially after training with my armordillo concealment holster.
 
ewww backhawk, I share your dislike of them. Another option for a holster WITHOUT the light is a CR speed or DAA Racemaster. They are both quite pricey though. You can also get knock-off of them on e-bay for a 1/4 of the price. I have a real CR and an e-bay knockoff, for the money you save, the knockoff is the way to go I think. YMMV
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom