raincitywheel

You might want to try Smith and Alexander vests. I have two: black, and, olive drab. Great vests, crappy web page. They are half the price of Scottievests. If you decide to purchase, call them. Don't order off the web page. It sucks. These vets are awesome. Lightweight and they look great. I am really surprised more IDPA shooters don't wear them. I like mine so much, I even wear them when I am not carrying.

K"s are are all good guns. I'm partial to the model 19. Well balanced and the sights are large enough to see.

If you can wait 6 months, custom order a PMK from Milt Sparks. Awesome holster.

Do you reload? I don't. 38 ammo is way cheaper than 45's if you are buying factory rounds. Also, the 686 is a great gun. I shoot it in both IDPA and USPSA.

To shoot an IDPA Major Match, Doesn't the IDPA require you to be classified in the division you intend to shoot? Are you classified in ESR? If not, must they not bump you to SSR or cancel/decline your application?

Two Things: 1 - the most XD like 22lr I have found is the ISSC M22. It's a cheap POS pistol, but a good trainer for the XD. I filed the finger grooves off of mine. 2 - I was low and left for years. It's trigger control. The trigger is pinned and actually moves in an arc. For me, I found that I roll my finger a bit and actually move it in an arc. Google Massad Ayoob and revolver shooting for a better explanation. Also, you might experiment with holding the gun a little firmer.

My wife and I have been traveling the country for 18 months. I shoot IDPA and USPSA every chance I get. Based on what Ive seen.... There are a bunch of MM,SS, and unclassified, fewer Experts, and even fewer Masters across all divisions. Why are we debating this? Someone must have access to the records at Berryville. (By the way: I can personally attest that the records in Berryville are not current. I have shot classifiers in 3 different states. My home club in Renton, WA is the only one of the three to forward my classification scores to IDPA National). Brian Wingert A27841 SSR-MM ESP-MM www.raincityhome.com/RAWH/index.htm

A 2" J frame, a 2-1/2" or 3" K frame, a 4" L frame, and a 617 to plink or practice.

Most of my practice has been done at an indoor bowling alley that does NOT permit draws or fast shooting. I hope you get some good replies to your post. I'd like to see what folks recommend. There are a few things you can do. It is common in IDPA to shoot around barriers. Usually you will have 90% of your weight on one foot as you lean toward the side. You can practice this in a bowling alley. Lean toward one side and pretend to shoot from behind cover. Movement is limited, typically one step to the side or forward or backward. Try it. Start somewhat back of the normal shooting position. Take a step forward. While you are stepping forward, try shooting at the start of the step, the middle of the step, and the end of the step. They all feel a little different. This practice might even be MORE beneficial than actually walking and shooting. Repeat taking one step back. Then again from side to side. Another thing I do is use 2 medium size targets and hang them side by side. This way, I can practice transitions. It's the next best thing to shooting across lanes which is a no-no. Good luck.

I have one for a 4" XD 9mm. I like it. I got it so my wife can tell at a glance that the gun is safe. It works as advertised. The Bladetech plug fits the larger diameter 40 cal. I had to do a bunch of sanding and filing to get it to fit in the 9mm.

Hey Hop, I have a stage question. On several stages, under penalties: Extra Shot -10. Extra Hit -10. All the USPSA and IDPA matches I've shot so far have been scored best two hits on paper. You penalize yourself if you stand there all day poking multiple holes in a target (and using up time). Is the intent here to actually penalize extra shots/hits? --- Raincitywheel

Good Advice to take a back up gun. I'm shooting a major match this Saturday and hadn't considered taking a backup until takes. Good report. Thanks.

I give two thumbs up to the Blade Tech holder. It is compatible with HKS speedloaders as well as the Safarilands.

Factory ammo that makes PF is pretty scarce. The few that do are all 158 grain. Blazer makes one. So does S&B, Fiocchi, and Speer. Check this: http://raincityhome.com/factorypowerfactors.pdf

I'm in. The check is in the mail. I'm driving my family in an RV. Is there a nice RV park in Memphis??