IPSC gear starter suggestions

[canthitathing]

Finally looking at doing BB course and take a stab at IPSC (just for fun, not too serious, likely only production division). I've been scanning reviews and various retail websites for belt/holster/mag holders. Just looking for a modest budget entry set up (not even above buying used if still in good shape).

Will use one or all of these 3 handguns at various times in various categories:

- Norinco 1911A1 Government .45ACP for which I have a IMI active retention holster, cheap mags and a double mag holder,

-CZ75B New Edition 9mm for which I have 2 OEM mags and have ordered more E-Lander mags, or

-Beretta 92FS 9mm with only one mag so far.

A holster and mag holders that would be adjustable to accommodate more than just one pistol would be preferred, so it appears that the lower end Fobus might be too pistol specific. Blade Tech, Comp-Tac or Ghost thunder/hybrid, ???????????

Are there any "package deals" around now that you know of? (I found lots of very dated web posts). Thanks for any suggestions from more experienced users.

 

[Trinimon]

For middle of the road holsters, have a look at Bladetech DOH and DAA PDR Pro. You'll want at least 5 mags, preferably 6 on your belt. Definitely 6 if you're shooting Classic major on big stage. If you have multi guns you want to shoot, the slightly less way to go about it is to spend a bit more on a DAA RaceMaster holster and just buy the inserts for which guns you want to shoot with. The DAA mag pouches (as well as Ghost etc) have adjustable tension to accommodate different size mags. If you go that route, verify that the model you choose supports single stack mags.

DoubleTapSports or Bladetech double competition belts work well. If you want a little stiffer, for a few $ more, there's DAA Pro, Ghost and CR Speed and a wee stiffer, there's the DAA Premium belts. Obviously there are other offerings but these seem to be the most popular.

Don't cheap out on a good holster or gear. It'll be easier to recoup most of your cost if you decide that competition shooting isn't for you and you decide to sell it off later on.

You can save a few $$ if you order a kit from DoubleAlphaAcademy directly using their kit builder option. It won't be cheap! A decent kit would prob set you back around $300-400. to begin with.

Keep an eye on the EE for used competition gear or post a WTB ad.

 

[VICIOUS]

HOLSTER; NEW rule JAN 2018. IPSC Blackhawk Serpha with the active push button NOT allowed and OTHERs like that. Go to passive retention holster Look at GHOST thunder as a type, Talk to Double tap they have in store stock.

 

[AHiltz]

I would hold off on even considering shooting the 1911 until you've been in the sport for a while. You have 8 rounds per mag instead of 10, your ammo is more expensive and it's more likely to cause issues with feeding and/or jams than your other guns will.

More people will be shooting CZ's so if you need to borrow a mag you'll have more support than if you shoot the Beretta

 

[canthitathing]

Thanks all for the comments. I'll likely focus on the CZ75B but listed the others for additional options. The active retention (push button) IMI holster is all that I have for the 1911 right now and did suspect that it would not be the best or even acceptable without modification, so the 1911 was a long shot.

My 'short list' included Blade Tech ??? holster CZ75 / 92FS ($84 each from DTS) or more likely the Ghost Thunder holster ($85 from Tenda), some single mag CZ holders ($24 each from DTS) or more likely 2 or 3 Blade Tech double mag holders that supposedly fit both CZ and 92FS mags ($49 each from Freedom Ventures or $40 each from Tenda when restocked).

 

[Walter Hornby]

If you want a holster that will hold all three you will have to go to a more expensive Holster like a CR Spreed, Double Alpha or Ghost. Bladetech is gun specific as are most of the kydex holster.

 

[aragorn1]

Most of us , including me have done this...... look at item a, b, c and d, Item d is too expensive, look at item a, maybe buy item b. Then you end up replacing item b with item c, then you want item d and end up buying it. Just buy item d, that's where you will end up and it will have cost more than buying item d in the first place. Besides if you then decide to sell, item d will be more saleable. Same applies to firearms. Just my opinion !

 

[Trinimon]

Most of us , including me have done this...... look at item a, b, c and d, Item d is too expensive, look at item a, maybe buy item b. Then you end up replacing item b with item c, then you want item d and end up buying it. Just buy item d, that's where you will end up and it will have cost more than buying item d in the first place. Besides if you then decide to sell, item d will be more saleable. Same applies to firearms. Just my opinion !

lol, story of my life! Now I just suck it up and buy D. Sold most of the other holsters, most never used because they weren't approved.

 

[magictalent]

Most of us , including me have done this...... look at item a, b, c and d, Item d is too expensive, look at item a, maybe buy item b. Then you end up replacing item b with item c, then you want item d and end up buying it. Just buy item d, that's where you will end up and it will have cost more than buying item d in the first place. Besides if you then decide to sell, item d will be more saleable. Same applies to firearms. Just my opinion !

Buy once, cry once is the best approach in IPSC

 

[NickVR]

Buy once, cry once is the best approach in IPSC

Agreed.

I started originally with Ghost 360 pouches. Found they were not for me as I had issues with the Retention. I now use the CR Speed Versa pouch and love them, only pouch I would ever consider switching would be to DAA Racer pouches.. but I am rather happy with the CR Speed ones.

I used the CR Speed belt, pretty much any 2 layer belt will do the trick (DAA, CR SPEED, DOUBLE TAP ETC.)

I purchased the Ben Stoeger BOSS Holster mount and it includes a nice Bladetech holster (with retention screws) for $99 - check it out online as it is worth the money, you'll never need another hanger (Unless you want a race holster etc.) but this one is USPSA production legal as well.

Like everyone is saying, save up and buy good gear, you'll end up upgrading soon after anyway.

 

[magictalent]

Agreed.

I started originally with Ghost 360 pouches. Found they were not for me as I had issues with the Retention. I now use the CR Speed Versa pouch and love them, only pouch I would ever consider switching would be to DAA Racer pouches.. but I am rather happy with the CR Speed ones.

I used the CR Speed belt, pretty much any 2 layer belt will do the trick (DAA, CR SPEED, DOUBLE TAP ETC.)

I purchased the Ben Stoeger BOSS Holster mount and it includes a nice Bladetech holster (with retention screws) for $99 - check it out online as it is worth the money, you'll never need another hanger (Unless you want a race holster etc.) but this one is USPSA production legal as well.

Like everyone is saying, save up and buy good gear, you'll end up upgrading soon after anyway.

I shoot multiple divisions. Open, standard, production, and classic.
I have one rig that works for them all.

I use DAA racemaster holster. It works for most guns, just need to change insert.
http://fasttoys.net/ca/DAA-Canada-Race-Master-Magnetic-Holster/

I also use DAA Deluxe Magnetic Pouch.
One set of Pouch can use for all divisions I shoot. And it fit all mags. Bullet out or bullet forward is all up to you.
http://fasttoys.net/ca/images/D/daa_deluxe_mag_pouch_c.jpg

 

[NickVR]

The reason I use the Ben Stoeger BOSS Holster mount is because it is legal for USPSA Production as well, unlike race holsters etc. that are IPSC legal.

Did not feel like purchasing 2 holsters and switching them.

 

[Ag Driver]

Some things to consider from a rookie,

I was looking at the DAA aluminum race master mag pouches. I elected for the cheaper racer master (plastic) mag pouches. Now after having bought and used the DAA racer mag pouches I can see that weight really adds up and I'm glad I went plastic. Weight is now a factor I consider. I really like how smooth these mag pouches are, and also they look great. I've had no issues with retention and they are adjustable.

The DoubleTap belt is top notch and very stiff. I was looking at DAA, but again the price point was a bit much. DoubleTap has an excellent price on their belts given their great quality. The inner feels like it may separate over time, but so far it has had no issues. Then again, it is just an inner and it works. I have faith that they will stand behind their products given my customer experience their thus far.

Get a good holster right off the bat. I have no advice, but already I am looking at a new holster after taking the BB course.

I've had a great experience walking into DoubleTap with no knowledge and they are more then happy to work with you, check out gear, trying things on and shoot the #### for a while. They also struck me a great deal buying a complete package (less my ####ty holster)

 

[canthitathing]

A detail on the pistol that I would like to clarify re "production". I just bought a used CZ75b pistol and as far as I know it is stock except for the mag release which is supposedly from a CZ SP-01 Shadow model. Is that a big deal?