New to IDPA ?? « Thread Started on Dec 14, 2008, 9:42am »
I am NEW to IDPA, and would like to shoot a Smith 686p 3”, my question is the gear; if you are using a similar weapon what are you using for gear? What works and what doesn’t?
Joined: Nov 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 882 Location: Nashville Tn.
Re: New to IDPA ?? « Reply #2 on Dec 14, 2008, 11:50am »
Jeff,
Welcome to the forum.
I've got a Ruger GP100, which is similar to an N frame Smith such as your 686, but mine is a four inch. I currently use a Tagua full belt holster, but I don't like the forward cant. With my arthritis, a straight drop is better. In SSP I shoot either a Sig 228 or a BHP. For those, I've been using Don Hume J.I.T. Slide holsters and find them to be fine, so I'll probably get one for the GP100. A lot of folks recommend the Blade Tech, but they're just a little expensive. Maybe when and if this old man gets fast enough for it to make a difference Also, for the GP100, I've been using HKS speedloaders, but will probably go over to a Safariland Comp 2 or Comp 3. A buddy is going to let me try his out. The Safariland style, there are others that are similar, shoots the bullets into the cylinder with a spring. The HKS style drops them in. The Safariland is much faster. Some folks also recommend chamfering the cylinders to give the bullets a smoother drop.
Hope that helps.
Mike
« Last Edit: Dec 14, 2008, 11:54am by drboomboom »
Re: New to IDPA ?? « Reply #3 on Mar 28, 2009, 2:35pm »
A 3" 686 is a fine weapon both for carry and IDPA. As to equipment it is minimal. If you have a CCW and carry your gun I would suggest you simply use your carry hoister. If you do not carry then buying any of a large number of strong side belt scabbards would be fine. If you want to go cheap then a Fobus might work at a very reasonable price. The real problem equipment wise are the speed loaders and holders. Safari land Comp 3s are what i use. They are fast and hold the ammo very well. As to holders I don't know what to suggest. The ones I use are no longer available. I was able to find some open leather ones at a gun show and have them as a back up. Alternately yo could try to get some of the flap ones and cut the flap off. Someone is missing a small business opportunity by not offering good Kydex speed loader holders, not a huge market, but captive. As to ammo, you will need 125 power factor and that is .38+p territory. or matches I use Berry's plated round nose, over 4.6 gr of TiteGroup with wsps. For practice and local matches I substitute 158 gr lrn from Missouri Bullet of Tenn. Valley Bullets, both excellent and cheap.
Don't feel you have to have a 4" barrel, I have been beaten by guys with 3 and even 2.5" barrels on their guns.
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Also, for the GP100, I've been using HKS speedloaders, but will probably go over to a Safariland Comp 2 or Comp 3. A buddy is going to let me try his out. The Safariland style, there are others that are similar, shoots the bullets into the cylinder with a spring. The HKS style drops them in. The Safariland is much faster. Some folks also recommend chamfering the cylinders to give the bullets a smoother drop. ![[avatar]](http://artfiles.art.com/images/-/Gene-Wilder---Willy-Wonka-the-Chocolate-Factory-Photograph-C12145534.jpeg)
