Posted: 1/30/2003 2:35:56 PM EDT
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I recently picked up a Kimber Pro Tac (yes, I will be posting pics and range report, probably this weekend). The thing is a beauty, and fits my hand like a glove. Anyway, I was wondering if such a pistol, with a 4" barrel and low capacity, could be used effectivly in IDPA, IPSC, or other such events? Especially by someone just getting in to the sport. Or will having that extra 1" sight radius, and a hi-cap 1911 be the best way to start out? Any input appreciated. |
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Ya, actually I'm not that great of a shot. But have been getting better with lots of practice. Plan on doing LOTS more practicing between now and this summer. I know that I can by no means keep up with the pros. But mainly want to to it just for fun. BTW, what are the big differences between ISPC and IDPA? |
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IPSC is more action oriented---movement, crazy course designs, drills, reloads, mag can land where ever. IDPA- I have not shot it, but some general hear say is it is more Tactical oriented, basic drills, if you reload, cannot drop mag, must retain old mag. Not much for action. Just go watch, or participate, see what turns you on. I'm an IPSC shooter myself, "B"-Open, 38 Super shooter. |
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I came to the shooting sports as a real rookie. Other that a few times out with my uncle shooting a revolver, I hadn't any experience. I was introduced to IPSC 5 years ago and have worked my way up to B class Open. Several of the guys I shoot with are there for the trigger time. A lot of them use the gun that they carry every day. This gives them the experience they may need (hopefully not). You can find a local shoot for IPSC at uspsa.org or IDPA at idpa.com. Go check them out. At our local clubs if we see someone standing around that doesn't look familiar we will introduce ourselves and talk with they about our sport. |
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IPSC is really a contest. To be competitive, you usually need gear that you would not use in normal day to day carry. IDPA is based on real life type shooting, using real gun gear, such as all leather holsters, no optics, comps, ect.. Both can be fun, but I've only shot a stage of IPSC w/ a gun borowed from another shooter. Wish I had the money and time to shoot comp, but alas, working 7 days a week doesn't allow for the extra time.... |
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Shoot what you got... I have been shooting IPSC for about 5 years. "A" class limited. I have a hicap SV but I also shoot a Glock 19, and a Kimber CDP 3 incher when the mood strikes me. In fact I have shot nothing but the Kimber for about the last 6 months just because it is so fun to shoot. I use a Wilson concealment holster (forget which one it is). You will need to get at least 4 (better to have 6) 10 round mags though. In the beginning the equipment will not matter; you will have much to learn and many many thousands of rounds to put down range. There are different equipment catagories in IPSC. In "Open" about anything goes, and that is where you see the compensated, electronic dot sighted, 27 round 38 super pistols (cool but not my cup of tea). In "Limited", you can do about whatever you want, but no comps or electronic sights. Common pisols in use here are high capacity 40 S&W's by SV or STI or Para. In "Limited 10", same guns as Limited, but only 10 rounds in the mags. You see a lot of single stacks in there. Also have "Production" class which covers about any off the shelf pistol, Glocks, sigs, H&K's etc, but 1911's are specifically forbidden. Production is the only class that specifies where your equipment goes, i.e. gun and mags behind the hip, a'la' concealed carry (with 5 or 6 mags :) I have only shot one IDPA match, and despite the IPSC trashing you hear from the IDPA leadership, its the same damn thing... just less targets and they wear clothes..LOL Anyway, take what you got and go shoot. USPSA web site (see link above) will guide you to a local club. Most clubs are very friendly to the new guys and will be glad to show you the ropes. Good luck and happy shooting. I made this so long because I love to get others involved in the sport...its great. Edited to add: come to think of it, I might have to change my Board name if I keep shooting that Kimber 
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