Starting out in IPSC

What division do you want to shoot in? The two most common are Standard and Production (and you even see Revolver once in a while ;) ), and while you can use a Production gun to shoot in Standard if you want, you can't go the other way. In Standard, the most common pistol is a 1911 (Para, Norinco, etc.) in 40 S&W, and in Production, probably the two main guns are Glocks and Sig-Sauers (or the Norinco copies of the Sigs), chambered in 9mm or 40. Watch a match or two, decide what you like, and work from there.
 
look at all the divisions, decide how much money you are interested in throwing at the game and go from there. Open is obviously going to cost you the most, but you do end up with a pretty cool gun at the end.
 
I just started back in Standard Division with a new Tanfoglio Limited Custom. Gun + 6 mags cost me UNDER 2K! All it needed was a trigger job, and it shoots cheap plated bullets as well as jacketed. I highly recommend it.
 
tell us a little more about your background and stuff (even things like are you a gun owner already, do you have pistols, any pistol experience, etc), what you know about ipsc, what you like, what you'd like to do/get to, etc.. (just something so we know how to help you, with such a wide blanet question like what you asked, there are amillion possible answers ;) ).
 
I'll pick this thread up, am also looking at getting into Production (given luck with $$) with a pre-B CZ75 from Gunnar. Now be honest what's the min number of mags I can get by with? I don't mind doing reloading between stages.

Will have to check the schedule at Guelph and go watch a couple matches too. Had my restricted for 1.5 yrs and been shooting a CZ9mm since this time last yr. Lots of rifle xp hunting before that.
 
You will need a minimum of four mags because some stages are 32 rounds. Six mags would be better. Four on your belt, one in your gun and one spare mag.
 
Sorry all, i was away from the computer for a few days. Here's a little aout me:

I'm 26 and have been recreationally shooting for about 5 years. I own several rifles and 2 handguns; a Ruger P85 in 9mm and a Walther P22. I am looking at buying a new, or new-to-me, hamdgun to compete with. My employment allows me to carry and I shoot handguns n a regular basis. I'm looking for something more exciting then just shooting holes in paper. A friend, and the American Shooter tv show (where'd it go anyway???) turned me on to IPSC and PPC. Thanks for all you guys help!
 
The Ruger P85 is on the production approved list for IPSC so you can start with that pistol if you like. You will need to complete the black badge course before you can shoot a IPSC match. You will also need a belt, holster and four mags to start. I am sure someone in your area teaches the course, just ask at your local range or contact IPSC Ontario. http://www.ipsc-ont.org/
 
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if the ruger is reliable, it is certainly easier to take the course with a gun you are familiar with, plus you can start off without a large outlay of cash and then after you have shot some matches and checked out some of the other guys stuff, you might have a better idea of where you want to play.
 
No need to obsess about the kit

From my limited experience not everyone who expresses an interest in IPSC actually take the black badge course and of those that take the black badge course not everyone shoots matches. Only a very few take the black badge course shoot the matches and turn this hobby into an obsession.

At the obsession level then yep it matters what gun you shoot what holster you use. That the mags are weighted on the bottom, that the ammo is loaded to make power factor and not a speck more... ect...ect..ect... because you are competing for bragging rights with similarily obsessed shooters.

But until the sport gets to that point just bring what you have and have fun.
 
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It's fine

I had a P-85 and it went bang every time. Very reliable. Accuracy well it was not the best. Mine shot around 4 inches at 25 yards. However this level of Accuracy will have zero impact on your scores in IPSC as the gun is able to keep in the A-zone at all engagement ranges.
 
If at all possible I would really consider a different gun than the P85.

I have seen people really struggle to shoot them accurately.

They are fine plinking guns but not up to competition.

I would hate to see you invest $$$ in more mags, holster, mag pouches etc for a gun that you will grow to hate.
 
Short commings of the P-85

Short commings of the P-85 as a game gun

Dinky sights
ackward mag release
ergonomics of a brick
short sight radius
ackward safety that must be engaged to play the game
first shot heavy double action
not a fine single action pull either.


The advantages of the P-85

Reliable
You have one ++++

Now none of the above will make a lick of difference for someone starting out. Spend 60 bucks on mags, uncle mike holster and mag holster and your good to have fun.

If you get the bug then you will eventually want to upgrade to a holster that cost more than you paid more for your P-85 and gun that costs more than your first car.
 
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