REV Division IDPA

[Canuck44]

If you intend to shoot revolver division for the fun and the experience, K Frame Smiths and other makes you may find in calibers other than or including 38 Spl or 45acp will work. If you are serious about doing well in the Division and perhaps chasing Divisional wins at larger matches then the choice falls to the L Frame Smiths and the GP-100 due to the wider arc taken by the cylinder for the larger frame guns. It makes the reload easier and in most hands, faster. When shooting revolver division reloading times separate the good shooters from the real good shooters from my experience.

While I managed to make SS in Enhanced Rev. using my GP-100 using speedloaders I have to tell you it was a painful experience and shooting a full Sanctioned match would not be, for me a "fun" experience. I used 200 gr bullets loaded to 165 PF to boot to soften the recoil and still..... The 45racp option with moon clips using 230gr bullets is a much more comfortable experience. IMHO.

The 686 and GP-100 loaded with 38spl cartridges is way more fun. I have examples of both and there is nothing to choose between the two of them. Both are great designs, built like tanks and loads of fun to shoot. Shooting a full house load of .357 Mag using slow powders in a short 4.2" barrel at a night shoot will get the gallery talking especially if you do it by surprise having shot part of the stage with 38spl loads.

To the OP watch for some decent deals on the EE. There are excellent buys around. A lightly used GP-100 at $750 is a pretty good deal these days.

Take Care

Bob

 

[CV32]

If you intend to shoot revolver division for the fun and the experience, K Frame Smiths and other makes you may find in calibers other than or including 38 Spl or 45acp will work. If you are serious about doing well in the Division and perhaps chasing Divisional wins at larger matches then the choice falls to the L Frame Smiths and the GP-100 due to the wider arc taken by the cylinder for the larger frame guns. It makes the reload easier and in most hands, faster. When shooting revolver division reloading times separate the good shooters from the real good shooters from my experience.

Speaking only from my own experience, most people seem to shoot IDPA because they enjoy it, not because they are seeking titles. Some of them shoot firearms that are functionally difficult to use, and put them at a disadvantage as compared to other potential choices, because they are personal favourites or because they like the variety. Spice of life, and all that. That said, practice and skill with any particular firearm will stand apart from those who have chosen the 'go to' brand but are unfamiliar with it or haven't put in the time and experience with that gun.

 

[rayzorloo]

welcome to the dark side for sure

only other advice is slow down and shoot all down zeros - you dont have enough ammo for make up shots
also you cannot practice your reloads enough

Also Ammo is important for a quick reload you need a round nose or tapered bullet with a strong roll crimp so there are no edges to catch on the cylinder - also cylinder chamfering is almost a must

Where abouts are you located?

Located in Ottawa and thanks for the tips

 

[rayzorloo]

So it seems the GP100 and 686 are popular. Can anyone chime in amd vouch for the Alfa Project?

 

[ampegor]

If you intend to shoot revolver division for the fun and the experience, K Frame Smiths and other makes you may find in calibers other than or including 38 Spl or 45acp will work. If you are serious about doing well in the Division and perhaps chasing Divisional wins at larger matches then the choice falls to the L Frame Smiths and the GP-100 due to the wider arc taken by the cylinder for the larger frame guns. It makes the reload easier and in most hands, faster. When shooting revolver division reloading times separate the good shooters from the real good shooters from my experience.

While I managed to make SS in Enhanced Rev. using my GP-100 using speedloaders I have to tell you it was a painful experience and shooting a full Sanctioned match would not be, for me a "fun" experience. I used 200 gr bullets loaded to 165 PF to boot to soften the recoil and still..... The 45racp option with moon clips using 230gr bullets is a much more comfortable experience. IMHO.

The 686 and GP-100 loaded with 38spl cartridges is way more fun. I have examples of both and there is nothing to choose between the two of them. Both are great designs, built like tanks and loads of fun to shoot. Shooting a full house load of .357 Mag using slow powders in a short 4.2" barrel at a night shoot will get the gallery talking especially if you do it by surprise having shot part of the stage with 38spl loads.

To the OP watch for some decent deals on the EE. There are excellent buys around. A lightly used GP-100 at $750 is a pretty good deal these days.

Take Care

Bob

Sorry Bob i have to disagree on the reloads - I shoot a k - frame because i find it faster and easier to reload than the l-frame

other than that i agree completely

someday i want a 4.2" 629 for shats and giggles

 

[rayzorloo]

Sorry Bob i have to disagree on the reloads - I shoot a k - frame because i find it faster and easier to reload than the l-frame

other than that i agree completely

someday i want a 4.2" 629 for shats and giggles

Hey, it looks like you have been shooting revolver for some time? But for a newb to revolvers like me would an L frame be better until I get enough experience?

 

[CV32]

Hey, it looks like you have been shooting revolver for some time? But for a newb to revolvers like me would an L frame be better until I get enough experience?

Although it is a bigger, heavier revolver, the S&W L frame (e.g. 686, or an equivalent, like the Ruger GP100) is easier for most people to use. Especially when reloading on the clock, mainly because of more space offered to you in the cylinder arc. Objectively speaking. (Personally I prefer the size and feel of my K frame Model 66, especially when shooting one-handed, for example). Go to your local gun shop and have a look and feel for the difference between them.

 

[TACTICAL111]

Can you get moon clips

That's the question you need to ask. I'm not an IDPA guy (IPSC) so I have no idea.
If you're allowed moon clips, use em.

Out of all the worlds best Revo shooters in USPSA & IPSC, there's not one using speedloaders. There's a reason for that.

 

[Canuck44]

That's the question you need to ask. I'm not an IDPA guy (IPSC) so I have no idea.
If you're allowed moon clips, use em.

Out of all the worlds best Revo shooters in USPSA & IPSC, there's not one using speedloaders. There's a reason for that.

The reason you see them in IDPA is because one of the revolver sub sections does not allow moon clips. The reason IPSC doesn't use them is because they don't separate their use.

Moon clips or Speedloaders are used in Enhanced Revolver sub category

Speedloaders only are used in Stock Revolver sub category

 

[TACTICAL111]

The reason you see them in IDPA is because one of the revolver sub sections does not allow moon clips. The reason IPSC doesn't use them is because they don't separate their use.

Moon clips or Speedloaders are used in Enhanced Revolver sub category

Speedloaders only are used in Stock Revolver sub category

Cheers, good to know.

 

[rayzorloo]

Off topic....but I love your signature. So true....since I am the OP, am I allowed to hijack my own post. LOL

 

[455]

If you want to have some fun shooting with a revolver you should consider ICORE.

To participate in these matches you will need a double action revolver, a holster that covers the trigger guard, ammunition and at least six moon clips or speed loaders. You will also need to verify that you are an active competition shooter.

For more information about ICORE and to review the rules of the game visit the ICORE Canada website.

http://www.icore-canada.ca/

There are currently four active clubs in Ontario, namely Sharon, Peterborough, Kingston and Smiths Falls.

Peterborough are even running some indoor matches over the winter, so if you are looking to try something new, pay them a visit.

 

[rayzorloo]

If you want to have some fun shooting with a revolver you should consider ICORE.

To participate in these matches you will need a double action revolver, a holster that covers the trigger guard, ammunition and at least six moon clips or speed loaders. You will also need to verify that you are an active competition shooter.

For more information about ICORE and to review the rules of the game visit the ICORE Canada website.

http://www.icore-canada.ca/

There are currently four active clubs in Ontario, namely Sharon, Peterborough, Kingston and Smiths Falls.

Peterborough are even running some indoor matches over the winter, so if you are looking to try something new, pay them a visit.

Hmmm Smiths Falls is close...how do you verify that you are an active competition shooter? Give my IDPA member number?

 

[TACTICAL111]

OP, talk to the ICORE guys. My IPSC Revo days ended as ICORE was getting going as I shifted to Standard Division.
ICORE is doing very well and growing fast......and it's great to see.
Revo Major made me the shooter I am today, no question.
You want to shoot Revo, ICORE is the place to be moving forward.

 

[455]

Showing your IDPA card, will work.

Chances are though if you are an active shooter folks will also recognise you as ICORE is drawing people from across other disciplines.

In addition to the four current clubs there is a high probability that a couple more clubs will affiliate next year. Between the existing clubs we are already getting plenty of shooting opportunities during the summer months and there are the indoor matches at Peterborough. This situation will only get get better.

 

[sspike]

Ive had both the match champion and the regular GP 100. I cant say that the match champion is head and shoulders better than the original, but I like it. I use a bladetech holster and safari land comp 3 loaders.
Rev is different enough to be a sport onto itself. It does put you in a different mind set when you approach a stage and no matter how slow it looks like you are going. It feels like its going full tilt as you try and work the reloads. If idpa is a sport about shooting? Rev is a sport about loading. I like shooting rev and ssp , it gets difficult sometimes deciding what gun i want to use in a match.

 

[Canuck44]

Ive had both the match champion and the regular GP 100. I cant say that the match champion is head and shoulders better than the original, but I like it. I use a bladetech holster and safari land comp 3 loaders.
Rev is different enough to be a sport onto itself. It does put you in a different mind set when you approach a stage and no matter how slow it looks like you are going. It feels like its going full tilt as you try and work the reloads. If idpa is a sport about shooting? Rev is a sport about loading. I like shooting rev and ssp , it gets difficult sometimes deciding what gun i want to use in a match.

Exactly the world I live in.

Take Care

Bob