IDPA or Similar with 629

[Crazy Scientist]

I see moon clipped guns are all the rage, and while I have a M1917 Colt, its more of a sentimental piece than something I'd like to shoot at a competetive level. A while back as a young man, I got myself a 5" 629 as a b-day present. I realize IDPA has since restricted barrel length to 4" but as I understand in some places (USPSA? sorry not good with the acronyms yet) barrel length can go to 5"

Is it doable to complete with this beast? I'd pull a true Dirty Harry and load 44 special (I'm Crazy, but not THAT crazy....yet!). I really like this gun and there is something about pulling out the biggest (yes I realize it isn't anymore) baddest revolver out and being able shoot correctly. Slow fire, I am really accurate with this thing, even with full power rounds and I have a lot of trouble with accuracy in semi-autos.

I'm already good at counting to 7 and 8 with My 1911 single stack in IDPA... 6 would fit right in.

[shooting for M]

You won't have any trouble making major!

I don't shoot revo, I just can't do another gun right now, but I don't see any problem with it, as far as being competitive, shoot it and see.

[COF]

You could shoot it in USPSA or ICORE with speedloaders or have it cut for moonclips. Moonclips will be faster. Definitely won't need the full size case. You might even think about .44 Russion cases. They're a little more expensive but if you have it cut for moonclips, you'll get your brass back anyway.

[Forrest Halley]

+1 on the Russian case idea. Enjoying shooting is the first step to being competitive. Moonclips all the way or you'll be forever hunting the brass in/on the grass/ground. Check out SL Variants or the guy thats making the aluminum speedloaders if you decide to go that route.

[jlweems]

I thought the barrel length limit in IDPA was 5" not 4".

Edited December 7, 2010 by jlweems

[robot]

I thought the barrel length limit in IDPA was 5" not 4".

IDPA's Revolver Barrel limit is now 4" or 4.2" to be exact.

5. Enhanced Service Revolver Division (ESR)

Handguns permitted for use in this division must:

A. Be any revolver of 9mm caliber (.355” or larger) or larger

bore diameter utilizing rimmed or rimless cartridges, which

may safely make a power factor of 165,000.

B. Have a barrel length of 4.2” or less (as measured from the

front of the cylinder).

C. Have a maximum unloaded weight of 50 oz.

D. Be loaded to the division capacity of six (6) rounds in the

cylinder. Seven (7) and eight (8) shot revolvers are permitted,

but may only load six (6) rounds.

Revolver may be reloaded via speedloader or full moon clip.

25

PERMITTED Modifications (Inclusive list):

1. Sights to another conventional notch and post type (see

“sights” in glossary for further information).

2. Action work to enhance trigger pull as long as safety is

maintained (smoothing the trigger face, removing the hammer

spur, use of over travel stop, conversion to DA only and

addition of ball detent are considered action work and are

permitted).

3. Grips to another style or material that is similar to factory

configuration (no weighted grips).

4. Chamfer the rear of the chambers.

5. Shortening of factory barrels.

6. Conversion from rimmed to rimless ammunition.

7. Custom finishes.

EXCLUDED Modifications (NON-Inclusive list):

1. Oversize or heavy barrels.

2. Oversize cylinder latches.

6. Stock Service Revolver Division (SSR)

Handguns permitted for use in this division must be:

A. Any revolver of .38 Caliber (.357” or larger) or larger that

utilizes ammunition with a rimmed case and is not reloaded

with a full moon clip.

B. Barrel length of 4.2” or less (as measured from the front of

the cylinder).

C. Have a maximum unloaded weight of 42 oz.

D. Be loaded to the division capacity of six (6) rounds in the

cylinder. Seven (7) and eight (8) shot revolvers are permitted,

but may only load six (6) rounds.

PERMITTED Modifications (Inclusive list):

1. Sights to another conventional notch and post type (see

“sights” in glossary for further information).

26

2. Action work to enhance trigger pull as long as safety is

maintained (smoothing the trigger face, removing the hammer

spur, use of over travel stop, conversion to DA only and

addition of ball detent are considered action work and are

permitted).

3. Grips to another style or material that is similar to factory

configuration (no weighted grips).

4. Chamfer the rear of the chambers.

5. Shortening of factory barrels.

6. Custom finishes.

EXCLUDED Modifications (NON-Inclusive list):

1. Oversize or heavy barrels.

2. Oversize cylinder latches.

[Forrest Halley]

I thought the barrel length limit in IDPA was 5" not 4".

The OP played it smart from the beginning when he specified sneak, peek, and play by the rules or similar leaving the run, gun and have some fun option open.

To the OP: Five inch barrels are welcomed in ICORE and USPSA. You will find a wealth of knowledge in these communities on making the gun perform to its full potential. IDPA, for all its merits, limits the potential of the gun and its accessories to defensive nature dominated by a one size fits all mentality. Barrel length is always a trade off longer sight radius and recoil absorbing weight for draw speed and transition speed etc. and this is especially pronounced from a strong side holster.

[jlweems]

I cold have sworn I read the rules and they said 5". Guess I misread it.

[Forrest Halley]

I cold have sworn I read the rules and they said 5". Guess I misread it.

I get the rules all mixed up between the three revo games.

[M1911]

I cold have sworn I read the rules and they said 5". Guess I misread it.

It was originally 5", but they changed it a few years back to 4".

[pskys2]

If they let you shoot IDPA with your 629 I'd use .44 Special cases with speedloaders, the length is a good fit. Might check though and make sure there is no weight restriction on it.

If you cut it for moonclips you will have your best luck with .44 Russian cases.

It's just the moonclips are more expensive for them than for a .45.

I used a 4" M29 for the 1st 5 years I shot revolver in USPSA and never felt outgunned.

I've since moved up to a 625 due to the cheaper moonclips and more selection of RN bullets.

Try a "Search" on .44 Russian and you might glean a bit more info overall.

[bobtorre]

Jefes,

enjoy:

Edited January 1, 2011 by bobtorre