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I went to an IDPA match with Brian last weekend and observed the proceedings. I liked what I saw, so I'm thinking about participating the next time that I go with Brian (probably in July). I've read the IDPA rulebook, and I'm concerned that my holster might not be allowed. I have a Defender Pro bellyband holster. It has a thumb break and a magazine holder, but it does not attach to my belt. Would I be allowed to use the holster at IDPA events? I'm not interested in competition shooting. I want to use my chosen concealment method and get the expose and practice that an IDPA event would give me. I want to train for "real life" scenarios, which I think IDPA does quite well.

Am I going to have to buy a gun belt and holster to do that? The rulebook is silent on bellyband holsters, but it's quite specific about belts and IWB and OWB holsters.

I believe you will need a belt and a belt mounted holster. From what I have seen everybody is pretty much from around the 3-4 o'clock position no cross draw nothing that will cause the barrel to cross any part of your body.

Thanks for answering.

I wear the gun in the 3 o'clock position - the same position that I would wear a "belted" holster. Would that make a difference?

The Match Director will make the final ruling on it, but I kinda doubt they will allow a bellyband type holster.

You could get a cheap kydex Inside the Waist Band holster that attaches to a belt and be good to go -and it would allow you to shoot the matches with almost the same effect as your bellyband rig.

Plato wrote:The Match Director will make the final ruling on it, but I kinda doubt they will allow a bellyband type holster.

As noted in posts above, IDPA rules state that the holster must attach to the belt.

Having said that, as an MD I would question whether a competitor using a belly band
could reholster a loaded gun without "covering/sweeping" a part of his body.

Using any holster in competition that does not remain open at the top while empty is not a good idea.

Many SO's see a competitor reach to the holster with the weak hand to assist holstering
and this hand is swept with the muzzle.
Also seen is the muzzle pointed into the body while holstering.

These actions are in violation of this basic rule: "Never point a gun at something you are not prepared to destroy."

TxD wrote: As noted in posts above, IDPA rules state that the holster must attach to the belt.

Having said that, as an MD I would question whether a competitor using a belly band
could reholster a loaded gun without "covering/sweeping" a part of his body.

Using any holster in competition that does not remain open at the top while empty is not a good idea.

Many SO's see a competitor reach to the holster with the weak hand to assist holstering
and this hand is swept with the muzzle.
Also seen is the muzzle pointed into the body while holstering.

These actions are in violation of this basic rule: "Never point a gun at something you are not prepared to destroy."

I'm in agreement with TxD I would have serious heartburn with anyone wanting to use a holster that requires both hands to reholster. There are some reasonably priced holsters on the market that will fill the bill. Shooting in IDPA matches is like eating peanuts you can't shoot just one! The holster will see more than one use.

Thanks for the input. Guess I'll be shopping for another holster now.

baldeagle wrote:Thanks for the input. Guess I'll be shopping for another holster now.

http://www.shado.com/Leather-Holsters/S ... lster.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
this is my regular carry holster. I would work well for IDPA and give you carry options
I use a Fobus paddle holster for IDPA
Around $25

TxD, as always, is spot on. In the IDPA rules, Appendix 1, C.2.B. specifically states that holsters "must be worn on a standard belt of no more than 1 3/4" width that must pass through the belt loops of the shooter's pants."

Something I didn't highlight--but probably should have--in my post in another Topic about the new July 6 Rule Addendum issued by the IDPA, concerns holsters with retention devices:

IDPA Rule Addendum wrote:If there are retention devices on the holster they must be used. You may not temporarily disable the retention devices for the purpose of shooting a match. Holsters may be permanently modified.

Doesn't matter much to folks who use something like a Blackhawk Serpa, but any holster with a thumb-break, for example, must employ the break. Sounds like you can take a razor blade and slice off the thumb-break if you want, but if it's there it has to be secured at all times until drawing the gun.

This is the holster I use.
http://www.donhume.com/index.php?main_p ... bfgfvm3u77" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Cheap and works for both my Glock 21 and Taurus PT-145.