So this looks like fun: IDPA

Major Sights

Major Sights

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I have always liked (loved in some cases) Service Pistols, and standing at a line firing at a target exactly so and so meters away all the time doesn't seem like that much fun, and IPSC looks cool too. However, IPSC seems (to me anyway, and I know I'm bout to piss some people off) like... more like the, flashy side of shooting sports. Reddot sights, comps, mag well..Forcing cones(?), really "interesting" holster options. It just seems, well not "practical". So thus I am drawn more to the IDPA.


I have yet to get an RPAL (next thing on the list before more guns), but have shot handguns before (not thousands of rounds mind you) and just recently got to handle a Smith and Wesson M&P 40. I loved it. I was leaning towards a Berreta 92Fs as my "primary" gun, but am now really leaning towards the M&P 9, as it comes in a Range Kit as well which is pretty much all I need to get started.

Any thoughts on that particular choice of firearm option (I see that it was the second most used gun in IDPA Tournament with Glock being the top dog, but I can't stand the appearance of a Glock)? And is there any info/tips that would be helpful for someone looking at getting into this particular discipline of shooting?

My father in law (guy who had the M&P 40), just re-applied for his Range membership, and was also looking at getting into IDPA, as he could train more for his job, so I would have somebody I know already there.
 
Do it! It is a ton of fun! You might find it cheaper to start off with the M&P 9 though...you are going to be burning through a lot of ammo with both your holster course and practice so a 9mm is a great gun to start off with. We have ODPL night at my club every Tuesday and it is pretty addictive - I usually bring my Ruger SR9 but have picked up holsters and extra mags for several of my handguns just so I can bring them out to play!
 
You could always shoot the "Production" division in IPSC (wasn't sure if you were aware this existed or not). Factory guns, no mods, nothing, same courses of fire. (Both the M&P9 and 92FS are approved for Production) Myself, I shoot a Beretta 92A1 and my buddy has a 92FS. We both love them. IIRC, the M & P has a magazine safety, which would annoy me. Not sure if this is something that bothers you. Either way, decide on a pistol that you know you have confidence in, something that's comfortable and that you can work easily. When selecting a pistol look for things like the reaches to the safety and the mag release button. As those are the 2 things you will be reaching for the most in your course of fire. Also, a good front sight/if the front sight is interchangeable is something else to look for. As in action shooting, it's what you are concentrating on.
 
Runningfool said:
Do it! It is a ton of fun! You might find it cheaper to start off with the M&P 9 though...you are going to be burning through a lot of ammo with both your holster course and practice so a 9mm is a great gun to start off with.
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Good advice.
 
Major Sights said:
Any thoughts on that particular choice of firearm option (I see that it was the second most used gun in IDPA Tournament with Glock being the top dog, but I can't stand the appearance of a Glock)? And is there any info/tips that would be helpful for someone looking at getting into this particular discipline of shooting?
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The S&W M&P 9 will do you well (Same class as the glock) and is gaining in much popularity (I prefer it over a glock personally). Just ensure you have 3-4 mags, a good strong side holster and a pair of singles, or a single dual mag, holder for your belt. (If you decide IPSC go to 6 mags, and apropriate number of singles for your belt).

Two simple rules and one peice of advice to help you on your journey.
Rule 1. Observe all safety rules all the time.
Rule 2. Have fun
Advice: Don't be afraid to ask questions or solicit advice/opinions.

That it. I shoot with Runningfool, not nearly as much however as my body is rebelling from the running and kneeling... He's having fun and that is the secret. If you are not having fun, the incentive to play is down to how competitive you are...
 
Get the M&P over the Beretta. You will likely find it far easier to master one trigger mode over the two of a DA/SA pistol.

While some models of the M&P come with a magazine disconnect, the range kit ones generally do not have one. IDPA has also ruled that magazine disconnects may be removed.
 
Thanks to everyone so far, lots of good info for me! I did not realize that IPSC had a Production division, still seems like Traditional Bow guys hanging out with the "wheelie" compound guys! ;)




tjhaile said:
Get the M&P over the Beretta. You will likely find it far easier to master one trigger mode over the two of a DA/SA pistol.

While some models of the M&P come with a magazine disconnect, the range kit ones generally do not have one. IDPA has also ruled that magazine disconnects may be removed.
Click to expand...

I would likely get both, the Beretta has been on my "must have" list ever since I was a child and got a Beretta water pistol (still have it!). This doesn't mean I should get it first though :D , also I was not aware that I could remove the mag disconnect. Thanks for that tidbit.
 
Major Sights said:
Thanks to everyone so far, lots of good info for me! I did not realize that IPSC had a Production division, still seems like Traditional Bow guys hanging out with the "wheelie" compound guys! ;)



Although i shoot in standard with a M&P 40 and a bladetech holster so everthing still looks like production. Most of the guys shoot production in our club. that with depend club to club. Both sports have their good and bad depending on your perspective. I like ipsc better because i can choose how i want to shoot the stage so i can find the quickest way. In idpa everybody has to shoot it the same. Idpa is also scenario driven. ipsc is a game. i dont like to be pretending to shoot people
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Both are games! The Range kit in 9MM is a very good choice. You certainly will be competitive with it. The .40caL is kinda the red headed child right now in IDPA. This may change with the new rule book. If you reload you can get the .40cal down to a very low recoiling round at a PF of 125. I would strongly recomend the 9MM for you. The round is less expensive to buy and easy to reload if you are into reloading.

Main thing is to enjoy yourself and be safe.

Take Care
Bob
 
I am also looking to get into IPSC Production or IDPA. I was looking at some of the gun clubs in the northern part of the GTA and dont see any that have offer IDPA. Many of them only offer IPSC...
 
Actually the way it works is that you are competing against people in your class. So it's not like you are competing to come second best to the guys with the race guns (anything goes gear); you are competing against other people in Production. At my first IPSC match the largest category was production.


Major Sights said:
Thanks to everyone so far, lots of good info for me! I did not realize that IPSC had a Production division, still seems like Traditional Bow guys hanging out with the "wheelie" compound guys! ;)




I would likely get both, the Beretta has been on my "must have" list ever since I was a child and got a Beretta water pistol (still have it!). This doesn't mean I should get it first though :D , also I was not aware that I could remove the mag disconnect. Thanks for that tidbit.
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Silveragent said:
Actually the way it works is that you are competing against people in your class. So it's not like you are competing to come second best to the guys with the race guns (anything goes gear); you are competing against other people in Production. At my first IPSC match the largest category was production.
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Actually, in IPSC, a "class" is based on your local/canadian/international classification standing (GM, M, A, B, C, D...), a "category" is based on your age or gender (Junior, Senior, Super Senior or Lady), and "division" defines your equipment (type of gun and few other things).

Small matches usually don't bother with classes and categories. At large (L3 and up) matches, categories are recognized and awarded given there is enough competitors. In Canada and US, regional and nationals matches also give awards within classes...
 
Major Sights said:
Thanks to everyone so far, lots of good info for me! I did not realize that IPSC had a Production division, still seems like Traditional Bow guys hanging out with the "wheelie" compound guys .
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Laugh2

Get your holster qualification and come out to a shoot. There is a pistol match at Guelph Rod and Gun on the 27th of October put on by Team Hoser. It's good fun and there are no "space guns" ..... Hahahahah
 
So can .40 mags be loaded with 9mm? I read that some mags for other guns can do this, and it is the legal loophole for "high-er" capacity mags. I do realize you couldn't do this for IDPA matches.
 
wjbn said:
.... i dont like to be pretending to shoot people
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Seriously???? You are aware of the roots of IPSC and why it is called 'Practical Shooting'?? And you are aware that until relatively recently IPSC used a target that was pretty much the same sillouhette as the IDPA target???

I guess you would be one of the select few who are glad we shoot at stop signs now ;) LOL

John
 
Hmmm, one more time perhaps.

So can S&W M&P 40 mags be loaded with 9mm? I read that some mags for other guns can do this, and it is the legal loophole for "high-er" capacity mags. I do realize you couldn't do this for IDPA (but I now know IPSC too) matches.
 
won't work - 9mm will not stay in .40 mags for the m&p

Major Sights said:
Hmmm, one more time perhaps.

So can S&W M&P 40 mags be loaded with 9mm? I read that some mags for other guns can do this, and it is the legal loophole for "high-er" capacity mags. I do realize you couldn't do this for IDPA (but I now know IPSC too) matches.
Click to expand...
 
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