Newbe question on Glock 21c

[Gyrogearhead]

Hi, I'm new to the pistol shooting sport, having obtained my TX CHL only this past March. I've been practicing at the local range off and on and hearing about IDPA at PSC here in the Bay Area. I would really like to become active in IDPA but I have a pretty basic problem in that the gun I bought to get my CHL is a Glock 21c and the ported barrel is not legal in IDPA. My question is would it be legal to use a non-ported spare barrel for matches or would the ports in the slide make it a "lightened" slide gun and therefore also illegal on that basis. ($135 for a new un-ported barrel is do-able at this time but $600 for a whole new gun will have to wait awhile longer as I spent all my mad money on a reloading set up.)

The other question: is it really practical to use two different barrels in a Glock on a regular basis? Or do I just need to "bite the bullet" and buy a new gun for IDPA use real soon now?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

[Gyrogearhead]

Thanks for the advice, George. If I'm understanding what you are saying then an IDPA "illegal" gun doesn't necessarily mean you can't shoot it in a match but simply that you can't officially qualify with it. In other words, you can shoot the match and get advice and critism on your performance but your score won't be recorded for the record.

If that's the case then I'm home free for the time being! At this stage I just want to be able to shoot the course, have some fun and try to improve any skills I may have.

Anybody else have $0.02 worth to add to this? (The above may be way off the mark; I've been known to read what I wish were true into other folks opinions before.)

Always interested in learning more.

[jbirds1210]

We would love to have you come out.

I will let Charles or Marc speak with authority on what you are allowed to shoot. I am sending a link to this thread to them now. Take care.

Jason

[Jeremae]

It has been my experience that the monthly Club matches like PSC IDPA's are lenient on equipment requirements. For example we do not require first time shooters to use a concealment garment. We want everyone to come out and have a safe and fun time using their guns.

The only time I have ever seen or conducted equipment checks was at sanctioned matches like the Texas State Championship and TTS regional matchs.

Like jbirds says Charles or Marc will give the Official Word.

[Sailor]

I hope you guys don't mind me weighing in on this one.

IDPA official Rule Book..
Page 18
Appendix One-Equipment
A. Firearms
1. Non-IDPA-Legal Modifications for ALL Divisions:
A. Compensators of any type including hybrid or ported barrels.

Based on the IDPA rules quoted above it is my opinion that if you exchange the ported barrel in your Glock 21C for a non-ported barrel you are legal. Since the ported barrel mentioned above is gone and since the holes in the slide are FACTORY and therefore cannot be considered "slide lightening" you now comply.

I see NO reason to get NAZI over non functional FACTORY ports in any slide, especially since you will have modified your pistol to COMPLY with IDPA rules so you can join us in enjoying this great sport w/o more expense.

Cody Ray

[Gyrogearhead]

Thanks, guys, for all the advice. It looks like I'll be able to "unofficially" use the 21c as is unless Marc or Charles say otherwise; that is, until such time as I need to get classified for the record. Then maybe a barrel change will make the 21c legal. That would be an ideal solution and I'm anxiously awaiting word from Charles or Marc for the oficial opinion.

In the meantime, has anyone had any experience in using multiple barrels in a Glock over the long haul? I'm wondering if a new barrel needs a break in period and then if having broken it in with a few hundred rounds will it will affect the performance of the original barrel if and when I change back to the ported barrel for target shooting?

From an engineering standpoint I can see where the two barrels might seat ever so slightly differently in the slide each time they were exchanged. This may or may not affect the mechanical difference between the aim-point / impact-point to a large degree each time. Seems to me it must affect the accuracy but it might be so little in a well made gun that an ordinary shooter couldn't tell the difference. I don't have a clue here! Just wondering.

[jbirds1210]

The tolerances on a Glock are so loose that I bet there will be little or no difference. I look forward to shooting with you at PSC.

[Sailor]

Thanks, guys, for all the advice. It looks like I'll be able to "unofficially" use the 21c as is unless Marc or Charles say otherwise; that is, until such time as I need to get classified for the record. Then maybe a barrel change will make the 21c legal. That would be an ideal solution and I'm anxiously awaiting word from Charles or Marc for the oficial opinion.

Well Gyrogearhead....you can shoot your converted 21c with CCIDPA anytime.

Cody

The EDIT: Red and bold for emphasis.

[jbirds1210]

Thanks, guys, for all the advice. It looks like I'll be able to "unofficially" use the 21c as is unless Marc or Charles say otherwise; that is, until such time as I need to get classified for the record. Then maybe a barrel change will make the 21c legal. That would be an ideal solution and I'm anxiously awaiting word from Charles or Marc for the oficial opinion.

I will borrow some words from Emily Dickinson:

“Saying nothing...sometimes says the most.�

I look forward to shooting with you.

Jason

[0_down]

It looks like I'll be able to "unofficially" use the 21c as is

Depends upon the match & MD. A ported barrel can be a safety issue if the match includes shots from retention. You could easily end up with a face full of hot gases & damage your eyes.

Otherwise I agree with Sailor - change barrels & come play...


John Piper
A15315
IDPA CSOI

[Gyrogearhead]

Think I get the picture now. I sure do appreciate all the advice and info; it really helps a lot to hear from folks with experience. I've gotten an inexpensive plastic holster (face it, it's just plain cheap) and a double mag carrier so I can shoot with you guys long enough to figure out what I really need in that respect.

Unfortunately wife and I will be in San Antone for the Thanksgiving holidays so I'll miss Saturdays IDPA shoot at PSA but I'll be there in December. In the meantime I'll be practicing my quick draw a little to see if I can figure out how to get this holster to let go of the gun when I want to use it. Wife said if I put the belt down around the middle of my butt instead of up under my armpits things would work out better. I think she's right.