IPSC guns...

Outcold

Outcold

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Hey there,

I am looking for some help on which firearm to get for IPSC. I have been shopping around and have been told numerous different things about which firearm to get. First off I was told that I should be looking into getting a .45 instead of a 9mm or .40 firearm. I don't know if this is true?

Second I was told that I should be looking at a 1911 instead of something lighter weight like a Glock or Sig. I've always been looking at trying to use a Glock? But hearing what I heard I am not sure that I should be buying one for it, even a Glock 21 (.45).

Could someone please help me explain if I should indeed be getting a 1911 or if I would be able to successfully use something like a Glock or Sig?
 
As a noob to the sport here is what I have found. Experts can correct me if I am wrong. Flame suit on. ;)

Your first step is figuring out what division you want to compete/play in.

There are different divisions which have different rules on equipment, and this will determine the type of gun, and how much customization you can do, which in turn equates to how much money you are gonna put into it.

Typically the easiest division to get into and be able to actually score well in is production division. There are 2 benefits here for a newb. 1 is that there is very little modification if any allowed to the gun. Compare this with open class, which is basically a race for who has the most money and fanciest rig, and you can understand why it is easy to start in if you want to just buy a gun and shoot. The second reason Production is popular is that there is no different scoring for what is called Power Factor, so someone with a 9mm can score well, and not be penalized for using a lighter recoiling gun.

Power Factor essentially boils down to 2 different scoring options, major, and minor. This equates to something called Power Factor(how much energy your loads carry), which basically boils down to major scoring you more points. An off the shelf 9mm will always be minor, so that is why you were probably told to go with a 40 or 45. That said shooting a 9mm is typically easier to do, and most rookies(like myself) shoot a 9mm faster and more accurately. The only division I believe where Power Factor doesn't apply is Production like I said earlier.
 
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Go to IPSC match and see what guys are using then talk to some of them.
Make some friends and try different guns then you will know what is for you.
 
So as far as gun choice goes;

A 1911 is popular in Standard and open, but these are typically not off the shelf guns most of the time, unless buying one specifically built for the purpose made by such companies as STI. They are double stack magazine frames, with all kinds of different upgrades, depending on the class. Open class will allow for optics installed on the gun as well. These 2 divisions are where you will spend alot of money on equipment, as there is very little restrictions on the modifications done to guns, compared to production of classic.

For production there is a giant list of guns that are considered acceptable and any of them can get the job done. Right now the big craze is the CZ Shadow which is pretty much cheating in a production gun, as it is a tricked out CZ 75 with mods, but it is legal so most guys take advantage. That said any of the major brands have basic handgun models that fit the bill, and again modifications are very limited so essentially you run the same gun you walk out of the store with, and 9mm isn't a limiting factor, so cheap ammo means lots of practice.

Here is a list of divisions and the basic rules for guns, mind you this is the US.

http://www.ipsc.org/rules/divlistP.php

Here is the production list of handguns.

http://www.ipsc.org/rules/proddiv.php
 
Get a decent single stack 1911 and shoot in the newly adopted Classic Division; it's the way IPSC was meant to be played!
 
Aqualung said:
Get a decent single stack 1911 and shoot in the newly adopted Classic Division; it's the way IPSC was meant to be played!
Click to expand...

Basically what it boils down to........Simplicity!

The only reason I would say Glock 17 or CZ Shadow for Production instead is that it is likely cheaper, and 9mm will be, so more practice time. Also most new to handguns will find it much easier to shoot a 9mm quickly.

Some basic gear like a belt holster, and mag pouches and your playing the game.

Doen the road you will figure out more as you go.
 
you don't need a 45, that's prob the worst caliber. more recoil and it ammo aint cheap. 1911, sig or glock. boils down to what division you want to play in. Classic you have to shoot a 1911, the question then is 9mm or 40, you get 2 more rounds to work with in a 9mm but you get less points if you miss the a zone. theres a whole other thread about just that. production is scored minor only so most people go with 9mm, glock or sig depends on personal pref. something to consider is that a 40 cal 1911 will be a good choice for classic and standard, since there is no round difference in standard between major and minor shooting a 9mm production gun in standard isn't a wise idea
 
Go with a Glock 17 or CZ Shadow and start in production...mags are cheap...basic holsters and mag pouches are cheap...9mm boxes of 50 can be had a reasonable cost.

First you will need to take a Black Badge course and then you will be playing IPSC.

After that you can deside if you want to be competative or just have fun.

As far as Open goes, it changes little at a time, unlike production where entirley new guns come out every 6 months and if you want to be competative you will need the latest variant to win. CZ75 shadow being an example.
 
Buy a sweet $10k open gun and gear and be done with it. You'll save time and $$ and not be screwing around with other divisions. LoL


j/k

Seriously though, I would recommend going to a match and checking out people's gear. If you are able, shoot some different types of guns and see what you like. Then figure out what you can afford.

Some people have to scrape up enough to buy a used glock whereas some people would have no problem dropping $7k on a new custom build Limcat Dragoncat. Oh and don't forget if you're going to shoot a cool new open blaster you will have to drop another $2k on reloading gear and components to make it run.
 
i got to agree with ipsik on part of this.

I just got a stock shadow and already looking at what i can do to be production legal. so far it's just springs, grip tape, SS guide rod and aluminum grips.
 
Thanks for everyone comments, this helped me out alot! I am going to do some more research and go to some IPSC matches and see which kind I am most interested in.
 
Outcold said:
First off I was told that I should be looking into getting a .45 instead of a 9mm or .40 firearm. I don't know if this is true?
Click to expand...

.45 is awsome for many things. punching holes in paper would not be high on that list. sure big holes are very cool and a .45 will impress your friends, but it is significantly more expensive to shoot than either 9 or 40.

so, at your weekly practice you can shoot 100 rounds of .45 for almost the same price as 200 rounds of 40 or 300 rounds of 9.

As far as 1911s go, its a personal thing. The best advice (that i never listened to) is to go to every gun store in your area and see how as many guns as possible feel in your hands. If you can, make it out to your local range and try as many handguns as possible. most shooters will be happy to let you shoot their gun.

NEVER listen to any shooters who make comments such as "you NEED this or that pistol to shoot ipsc" "a ______ is the best gun for EVERYONE"

THe best gun for you is whater feels best in your hands.
 
1000 .45ACP bullets will cost around 210 dollars.
Powder - $25
Bullets - $160 (Zero)
Cases - Free
Primers - $32

.40 SW will run at $160
Where bullets can be get for $110

9mm will be $120

So it is not such a huge difference when shooting 1000 rounds, but if someone shoots 10,000 a year of .45ACP, cost will run at 2,100
10,000 of .40SW will cost 500 less, which means almost 5,000 more bullets to shoot.

I have to mention that getting good deal on .45ACP brass is hard and is not easy available, so if someone needs to buy brass for around 80-100/1,000 cost will go up by that much.

9mm is best option for Production and maybe for Open
.40SW is a first choice for Standard

And some crazy guys like me shoot .45ACP in Classic
 
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