Newb - help me pick gear for IDPA

[xb12s]

I am planning to start IDPA at the Arms Room in League City and possibly also PSC. I'm wondering what I want to bring or if I should just end up going with a little trial and error. Buying extra mag carriers for all of my possible choices and other accessories will become expensive, so I wanted to ask advice first.

My EDC currently is a Kahr PM9. I would probably want most of my IDPA work to mimic my daily carry routine most of the time. I'm wondering if IDPA will change my mind about what I carry. The Kahr has a long light trigger that may not be so hot for speed on follow-up shots. I shoot it plenty well at the range, but I'm not stressed out or trying to hustle around a bunch of different targets. Tell me if you think the trigger speed (long reset) is nitpicking.

Other things I could bring are:
My M&P40c. I have a 9mm conversion barrel for this also, but I'm guessing I wouldn't be in SSP category if I used the conv bbl or it wouldn't be legal at all?
Also have a G22 (40 and also a 9mm conv bbl). I would not likely carry this piece, so I wouldn't be likely to choose this one first for IDPA.
Also have a SA 5" 1911 with XS sights. I carry this on occasion, but only on days where I won't wear it more than a few hours at a time since it is heavy.
And SA XDm 9mm. This is my wife's gun. I will never carry it, but it'd be the only stock Full Size 9mm in the house. It wouldn't translate for EDC carry experience though.

I have a single mag pouch for the PM9, the plastic holster and mag pouches for the XDm and the 1911 that came with those from Springfield. I have holsters for everything except the Glock.

In the future I am thinking about leaning toward carrying the M&Pc more (I have a new holster on order for it that I hope will be more comfortable for me) or possibly a Shield or Kahr CW45.

Yeah, I know, I'm all over the map here. So, give me some advice on whether the Kahr trigger would slow me down enough to consider carrying something else, and which one of the choices above would you invest more in dual mag pouches etc. Keep in mind that I want the IDPA to mostly reflect or simulate my future carry situation.

Eventually I want to get down to mostly carrying one pistol and IDPAing with that pistol or a similar variant (i.e. carrying a Shield, M&Pc, G26, or PM9 but possibly IDPA with full size M&P, G22/17, or CW9/TP9).

Thanks

[snatchel]

Shoot with what you carry, so I'd say take the Kahr along.

The "time" doesn't really matter to me. I don't go shoot IDPA to compete against everyone else. I mainly go to improve my skill-set, and because it's fun. If you are wanting to seriously compete, i'd suggest getting in with the 1911 crowd. Those guys are good, and fast. Hard to beat them with anything other than a 1911... your Kahr's trigger isn't going to make a big enough difference otherwise.

Again, take what you shoot. I carry a G17... so that's what I shoot with. However, I recently bought an LCR.... so the next IDPA I will be running a 5 shot snubby. I will likely be whooped by EVERYONE else shooting.... but I don't care. I'm there to improve on snubby handling and marksmanship.

[Reds45ACP]

Funny, I had just the opposite issue. I picked up a pistol for IDPA to "play" with and now I am looking for a carry gun that matches more closely as I've gotten less "trigger time" and I have better follow-up with the striker triggers now.

Lesson learned I'd agree and say shoot what you carry. If you get serious about competition it may change what you carry down the road.

One thing I have learned in my short time shooting IDPA is that the sights control the rate of fire. Not the trigger.

[Piney]

See how the particular pistol fits when you have to draw and gain a sight picture quickly. See how it feels to get back on target after a shot. It may feel fine when picking it up, holding it, and shooting slowly but not in another situation. That'll just take some trigger time.

I see a number of new shooters fumble with mag changes, having to dig in their pockets for the spare mags. I'd suggest a double mag carrier as a first essential piece of equipment. No need to go overboard at first- an inexpensive plastic model. Don't get the cloth ones with the flap ! Once you decide on the pistol and it's mags, then look for holders to keep.

Another suggestion-- start with a good gun belt. Even if you may have a 1.5" belt in the closet, it may not be stiff. Most any holster/mag carrier models you choose will fit the belt.

And..... Over time, expect to have a drawer full of holsters, mag holders, etc

[Jumping Frog]

I don't think it matters which gun you shoot. Enjoy yourself and be safe.

Since you are asking for equipment opinions, there are more Glocks & M&Ps shot at IDPA than any other brands. Either of those choices will certainly have a lot of company.

I'd suggest a double mag carrier as a first essential piece of equipment. No need to go overboard at first- an inexpensive plastic model.

Even the $23 Fobus double mag pouches work great for IDPA.

[xb12s]

Does the mag pouch have to be attached to the belt, or can it be a paddle variety?

[Reds45ACP]

Does the mag pouch have to be attached to the belt, or can it be a paddle variety?

Either is okay.

[gwashorn]

I am planning to start IDPA at the Arms Room in League City and possibly also PSC. I'm wondering what I want to bring or if I should just end up going with a little trial and error. Buying extra mag carriers for all of my possible choices and other accessories will become expensive, so I wanted to ask advice first.

My EDC currently is a Kahr PM9. I would probably want most of my IDPA work to mimic my daily carry routine most of the time. I'm wondering if IDPA will change my mind about what I carry. The Kahr has a long light trigger that may not be so hot for speed on follow-up shots. I shoot it plenty well at the range, but I'm not stressed out or trying to hustle around a bunch of different targets. Tell me if you think the trigger speed (long reset) is nitpicking.

Other things I could bring are:
My M&P40c. I have a 9mm conversion barrel for this also, but I'm guessing I wouldn't be in SSP category if I used the conv bbl or it wouldn't be legal at all?
Also have a G22 (40 and also a 9mm conv bbl). I would not likely carry this piece, so I wouldn't be likely to choose this one first for IDPA.
Also have a SA 5" 1911 with XS sights. I carry this on occasion, but only on days where I won't wear it more than a few hours at a time since it is heavy.
And SA XDm 9mm. This is my wife's gun. I will never carry it, but it'd be the only stock Full Size 9mm in the house. It wouldn't translate for EDC carry experience though.

I have a single mag pouch for the PM9, the plastic holster and mag pouches for the XDm and the 1911 that came with those from Springfield. I have holsters for everything except the Glock.

In the future I am thinking about leaning toward carrying the M&Pc more (I have a new holster on order for it that I hope will be more comfortable for me) or possibly a Shield or Kahr CW45.

Yeah, I know, I'm all over the map here. So, give me some advice on whether the Kahr trigger would slow me down enough to consider carrying something else, and which one of the choices above would you invest more in dual mag pouches etc. Keep in mind that I want the IDPA to mostly reflect or simulate my future carry situation.

Eventually I want to get down to mostly carrying one pistol and IDPAing with that pistol or a similar variant (i.e. carrying a Shield, M&Pc, G26, or PM9 but possibly IDPA with full size M&P, G22/17, or CW9/TP9).

Thanks

XB12s,
First, Welcome to IDPA then and you will enjoy it I am sure. Lots going through your mind I see and that is usual. I am one of the SOs that setup and run one of the squads on Monday night at The Arms Room. Glad to hear you coming out and the PSC is great too as I run some of the squads on the monthly shoots there as well. Great people at both places. You will have fun and help from the shooters who come regularly. First and foremost is to approach this safely and understand there is a little learning curve but you will get there. It appears you obviously have and use many guns and are familiar with shooting them. Now you are adding in the pressure of competition, moving, unknown scenarios and that will be good for you.

For equipment a good holster belt and holster is essential. As noted a twin mag pouch for the belt is needed as well. fumbing for a magazine from pockets is difficult and invites opportunity for mistakes that we don't want and can make things a little less safe if not handled properly. You can start with any gun you wish until you get the feel of what you will carry as your EDC and what you want to do in competition such as IDPA. I started out with my normal carry XD9sub and worked great. I finally moved to a dedicated 1911 9mm for IDPA and now carry a different 1911 for my EDC. Fell in love with the 1911. Each persons choice and preference. For starting out, just come prepared with a holster and mag pouch for what you are shooting and three magazines. For Monday nights a 100 rounds normally does the trick unless we have one of our marathon shoots which can be more than 100 rounds. For first timers we ask you arrive at 5:30 for safety orientation and training before the match starts at 6:30. We will add NEW to your score sheet and the SO for your squad will make sure they take time with you as well as other shooters there. Ask questions, watch and have fun. Take your time, don't try to shoot fast like others. Get the feel and become comfortable with the way things work and be safe.

You can sign up ahead of time on the web site if you like or just show up and fill out a score sheet then. I run squad #2. If you have more questions and would like please contact me directly and I will be happy to go over things before you show up as well. You just need to check out the Team Train Wreck web site and for the PSC matches, check out their web site and calendar. PSC match for December is a bit different if I remember but you can find it. We have videos from both places on our Team Train Wreck web site as well to see. Looking forward to meeting you.

[xb12s]

I have two Fobus paddle style dual mag carriers on order -- one for the M&Pc and one for the Kahr. Thanks for all the responses. Supposedly the one for the single stack 9 (kahr) will also handle 1911 single stack 45 as well, so I've got 3 options ready to go (well, on order anyway). Looking forward to going slow and working my way up to speed and having some fun in the New Year.