What do I need for IDPA?

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JayCarver

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I have been thinking about getting into IDPA at my local range as it seems to be getting quite popular.

I have a M&P45 that I shoot alot and would like to use that as I am used to it.

What holsters are good for IDPA(I like leather but I'm not sre they would be good for this) and how many mags should I have, only have to now.

Thanks
 
Bladetech, safariland and comptac are definitely decent holsters. Most any kydex holster will get you started though. Holsters can't have a drop or offset to them, so if you buy one that is, be sure its removable. ie, the bladetech DOH holster

Don't see too many people using leather holsters...

3 mags are needed and two single or one double mag pouch. Again, most guys are using a kydex mag pouch of some kind.
 
Leather or plastic holsters are both fine. Plastic is much more popular though.

Try to find something without any retention devices such as thumb-break, or finger-operated releases. They are unnecessary, and will only slow you down.

You will also need a total of 3 magazines, and two mag-holders for your belt.
 
Can you use "in the waistband" holsters? I've got a Comptac Minotaur that I use for CCW while in the States. I'd be nice to get some extra practice with it during IDPA matches.
 
The main requirement of holsters is that they must be strong-side carry. No cross-draw or small of back mounting.

And ideally your holster should not be canted at all. That means your gun barrel should be pointed straight at the ground when you're walking around.

And the holster should be tight enough that you can turn it upside down without the gun falling out.
 
I would recommend you go Kydex, either Blade Tech or Comp Tac. These are the two most popular brands. Fobus holsters are generally regarded as junk and just don't last. Uncke Mikes aren't much better than Fobus. All IWB holsters are legal for IDPA. Most use OWB holsters. Check out the rule book for holsters designs that are legal. DOH are not if you are a male.

A good 1 3/4" wide belt is a must. I see a lot of folks using riggers belts in IDPA similar to this one:

http://www.thewilderness.com/storepinnacle/index.php?p=product&id=2309&parent=142

I wear mine all the time now. If you go this route get the belt with the polymer buckle. Makes for going through airport security much easier. Don't ask!

Two single or one double mag pouch is all you need for a mag carrier. You can use your pockets if you want but the mag holders are faster. I wish I had gone two singles as you can space them better on your belt better.

You can get by with three mags but four works better for topping up your gun at the start of each stage. Only three mags are allowed to be used on a stage in IDPA so you can get by with only three.

For a cover garment any shirt long enough to cover the bottom of the holster when your arms are extended horizontal to the ground works. You can also buy a vest if you are so inclined.

There is a good article posted on the IDPA Canada website regarding IDPA equipment. It might be worth a read.

Take Care

Bob
 
Pistol, three mags, belt, holster, and pockets. Four mags and two mag pouches are nice to have.

If you're on a budget, I suggest using the stiffest belt you already have, Fobus holster from Fleabay, and homemade mag 'pouches' rigged from rare earth magnets. This will get you rolling and experience will quickly teach you what gear to upgrade in what order.

If you're not on a budget, then shell out for a decent holster belt, holster, and mag pouches. If you don't like something you buy, put it up on the EE for a small loss. "Buy once cry once" only works if you know exactly what gear you will ultimately want, and there is a lot of gear out there that is great for you and not so great for me.
 
alpining said:
Pistol, three mags, belt, holster, and pockets. Four mags and two mag pouches are nice to have.

If you're on a budget, I suggest using the stiffest belt you already have, Fobus holster from Fleabay, and homemade mag 'pouches' rigged from rare earth magnets. This will get you rolling and experience will quickly teach you what gear to upgrade in what order.

If you're not on a budget, then shell out for a decent holster belt, holster, and mag pouches. If you don't like something you buy, put it up on the EE for a small loss. "Buy once cry once" only works if you know exactly what gear you will ultimately want, and there is a lot of gear out there that is great for you and not so great for me.
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Sorry alpining but you've given some bad advice here.

IDPA has specific rules about how much of the mags must be covered in the pouches. So magnetic pouches are specifically out of the question.

Plus the basic info already given that Fobus is simply not worth the money. I've seen that opinion of them in various places.

JayCarver, if you like leather this is a primo event to use some. Either buy a basic pancake holster from some source or make your own if you are someone that enjoys DIY stuff. I want to do some gun related leather stuff and picked my own holster and heavy belt for IDPA as my place to start. The picture below is the holster I made up but without the belt loops cut in yet. And the mag pouches were done from some Kydex plastic I had laying around formed around a wooden plug using a heat gun to soften the plastic. The belt wasn't done at that point and I don't have a picture of it. So if you like the idea of "rolling your own" then go for it. Or find a similar holster online and buy one. They fit great and I'm more than happy with my own.

I've got a Bladetech for my other gun that I use in IDPA on occasion and my skills are such that I can't see any difference from using the close fitting leather holster with the CZ to the plastic holster with the Beretta.

IMG_1475-1.jpg
 
BCRider said:
Sorry alpining but you've given some bad advice here.
IDPA has specific rules about how much of the mags must be covered in the pouches. So magnetic pouches are specifically out of the question.
Plus the basic info already given that Fobus is simply not worth the money. I've seen that opinion of them in various places.
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I won't disagree with you in terms of competing, but just to get started in weekly practice sessions like we have at my club, those rules are relaxed. Your club may vary. If the OP tries it out and decides that he wants to enter comps, then of course he'll need to meet the regs.

I will disagree with you that Fobus is a total waste. It is by far the cheapest way to get into holster-based shooting (to see if you like it before shelling out for quality accessories). It also taught me that I didn't want that style of holster at all. And it's always useful to have a spare paddle holster kicking around for when buddy comes to the range. No, they are not 'nice', but they work (usually).

Nice job on the DIY kit! There are a few guys who use leather at my club, it doesn't seem to slow them down at all :D
 
alpining said:
I won't disagree with you in terms of competing, but just to get started in weekly practice sessions like we have at my club, those rules are relaxed. Your club may vary. If the OP tries it out and decides that he wants to enter comps, then of course he'll need to meet the regs.

I will disagree with you that Fobus is a total waste. It is by far the cheapest way to get into holster-based shooting (to see if you like it before shelling out for quality accessories). It also taught me that I didn't want that style of holster at all. And it's always useful to have a spare paddle holster kicking around for when buddy comes to the range. No, they are not 'nice', but they work (usually).

Nice job on the DIY kit! There are a few guys who use leather at my club, it doesn't seem to slow them down at all :D
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My bad. I thought you were intending that a magnetic mount would be useable in the actual competitions. For a simple first few times out yeah, these are all options.

Or for the mags nothing says that they can't simply be put in the back pocket and drawn from there. We've had first timers do that at our practice nights. It's not that fast of course but it's a workable solution until they get a decent belt setup.


The holster is a tougher call. I know I have not read aanything good about the Fobus other than their price. So it's a judgment call if they are worth even the low cost given that it's likely that the shooter will simply end up getting a better holster.

After all with a handgun a holster is a handy thing to have at times even if they don't compete in a holster mandatory sport. For example at Speed Steel events even if the rules don't allow for a holster draw a holster is the best option for a place to park the cleared gun between stages. So finding and paying a little more for something suitable seems like a wise move.

Getting back to the OP and others interested in getting into IDPA. The rule book has a section on holsters and mag pouches that very nicely illustrates what is permitted and what is not. If you select a holster that fits within the rules it will also serve you well as a "parking place" for your pistol during other events where a holster is the best option for moving around with your gun from stage to stage.

Here's a link to the rule book. You'll want to look at page 29 for the holster and mag pouch info;

http://www.idpa.com/documents/idparulebook2005.pdf
 
BCRider said:
My bad. I thought you were intending that a magnetic mount would be useable in the actual competitions. For a simple first few times out yeah, these are all options.

The holster is a tougher call. I know I have not read aanything good about the Fobus other than their price. So it's a judgment call if they are worth even the low cost given that it's likely that the shooter will simply end up getting a better holster.
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Nah, it was at least partly my fault for not specifying 'outside of comps' for the mag pouches.

For the holster quality question, I've just found over the years that it's most often the case that I get the wrong piece of kit if I buy premium right away (without having sufficient experience with that type of gear). If you're new to holsters, for example, it's tough to know right off the bat if you're ultimately going to want a belt loop, paddle, duty style, pancake, IWB, zero cant, leather, kydex, etc. For those who really don't have a clear idea about what they want, I usually advise getting something cheap but serviceable because it most likely won't be what they ultimately want (not just with holsters). Unless they're not concerned about budget, in which case I encourage buying premium right away because it ultimately drives down the price of nice used equipment when they resell!:D

Good call on referring all to the rule book.
 
Holster wear and break-in

I don't think anyone has mentioned holster material and wear to the finish on your pistol. Personally, I like the look of honest holster wear on my pistols. But then again, I don't have any $1000-plus pieces in my collection.

I think it's the case that quality kydex is the best material around for minimizing wear. I'm no expert, so someone else, please jump in. It's definitely better than injection-molded plastic, that much I'm sure of.


There is also the case of break-in. Leather generally undergoes a bit of break-in, if I'm not mistaken. Also, I've been assured by Joe at Laroche Leathers that a lining will serve to trap dirt inside the holster, thereby increasing wear on your pistol. He prefers to use high-quality unlined leather in his holsters. Seems like sound logic to me.
 
Ok, thanks for all the replies guys.

I picked up a belt holster, mag pouch and belt from Comp tec, so now all I need is two more mags. I can't find any FDE M&P 45 mags to go with my gun but Wolverine has black in stock.

Has any one seen the FDE/Brown mags for the M&P 45 anywhere?

Thanks again for all the replies.
 
I notice the Jay has bought Comp Tec . Quality company with quality products. Good choice. Welcome to IDPA. Not aware they may brown mags. Go with the Black they look cool.;)

Take Care

Bob
 
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