Holster features advantages for IDPA

[oboe]

Questions from a neophyte re IDPA legal-holsters advantages and disadvantages:

1. High ride, low ride or between those?

2. Straight up, FBI [muzzle back] and muzzle forward?

3. Front cut out to the extent legal - how much advantage?

4. Thumb break, other retention, open?

5. Preferred open-front concealment garment?

[RickB]

Most holstered starts are "hands at sides", so lower-riding holsters could be a bit faster. The rules dictate how low is "low".
I like straight drop, and muzzle-forward cant is not allowed. The holster can't be worn far enough forward on the belt to really get an advantage from a muzzle-forward cant, as it puts the butt too far to the rear.
Cutting-down the front is probably as valuable as riding the holster as low as possible; theoretically an advantage, but don't know how much it really speeds the draw.
I'd never use any sort of retention device, other than a tension screw, on a competition holster (or belt-mounted carry holster, for that matter).
I like an oversized Hawaiian shirt as concealment garment.

[oboe]

Rick, what do you feel is the advantage of straight draw over FBI? Just what is the intended purpose of the FBI cant? Comfort? Concealability? Ease or speed of draw?

[MrBorland]

1. High ride, low ride or between those?

As low as legally allowable, which isn't very low

2. Straight up, FBI [muzzle back] and muzzle forward?

Muzzle forward isn't IDPA legal. Mine's straight up.

3. Front cut out to the extent legal - how much advantage?

Not much advantage in the front cutout, IME. I cut down the sides and back as far as is legal, though, since, in stock configuration, the upper rear was interfering with getting a good grip.

4. Thumb break, other retention, open?

No retention other than the tension screws in the kydex. Keep in mind that if the holster has retention straps, they have to be used, so it's not a matter of simply choosing to not use them if it has them. You'll need a holster without them instead.

5. Preferred open-front concealment garment?

Open front 5.11 vest. There are good ones in addition to 5.11, but the 5.11s are pretty stiff, so the material is less likely to whip around and get caught up in your draw when you sweep it back.

[RickB]

Rick, what do you feel is the advantage of straight draw over FBI? Just what is the intended purpose of the FBI cant? Comfort? Concealability? Ease or speed of draw?

The FBI cant is great for concealment, and comfort when seated, but it creates some problems with the draw. I would never carry using my IDPA holster, and I rarely ever use my carry holsters for IDPA since they're much better for carrying than drawing. If you are competing with your actual carry gear, then just use the holster that you have, but if you are selecting gear for IDPA competition, get stuff that's legal but which gives you every advantage.

[oboe]

Rick, thanks for that explanation. Would it be that bad to carry with your IDPA straight draw holster?

[RickB]

If looking like there's a canned ham on my hip isn't bad, then I guess I could wear my IDPA holster for carry. My IDPA holster was chosen for a fast draw, and no consideration for concealment.

[oboe]

Rick, I really do appreciate your sense of humor! So that's what I'm up against - slower draw or canned ham! The reason I'm pursuing the subject is because of the reason for my interest in IDPA - becoming more familiar and skilled with my pistol so that I'll be better able to use it for personal defense when the time comes. If comfort were the primary issue, I'd carry cross draw, but that's not going to help if I become familiar with IDPA protocol. I want to train the same way I carry, so I'm looking for the optimum choice.

[sirsloop]

I gotta work on the part after I draw still... although I did qualify SSP/MM

[jimbob86]

Here's a thought:

How about you just wear your regular street clothes and carry rig that you carry in every day? I might help you someday.....

If you want to game, that's fine ..... but there is no substitute for practicing with your carry rig..... such practice is NOT the real thing, but it can't hurt.

[oboe]

That's a good idea . . . unless I'm stuck on cross draw. I know that cross draw is not IPDA legal - but is it really bad?

[MrBorland]

oboe -

My $0.02:

I wouldn't worry about using your carry rig, so use it if you like. When you look at it, the draws are really a small part of the final time, especially when you're starting out. Consistent & smooth reloads, efficient movement and transitions, and limiting mistakes and "points down" contribute most to a good time.

For example, a not-so-unrealistic score for an IDPA novice might include a PE, HNT, FTN and 60 points down, adding 43 seconds to their raw time. Getting their 6 draws down from 3 seconds to 1.3 only gets 10 of those seconds back, and that's assuming PDs from a botched draw & rushed shots don't end up adding time.

What matters on the draw is getting a good and consistent grip, a good index, then making "down zero" hits - especially that first one. Certainly work on your draw through dry fire exercises, focusing on being smooth and efficient, establishing a good index, and seeing a good initial sight picture, but don't obsess on those über-fast draws you see on-line until you need to - and that's likely down the road a ways.

[Don P]

Holster features advantages for IDPA

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Questions from a neophyte re IDPA legal-holsters advantages and disadvantages:

1. High ride, low ride or between those?

2. Straight up, FBI [muzzle back] and muzzle forward?

3. Front cut out to the extent legal - how much advantage?

4. Thumb break, other retention, open?

5. Preferred open-front concealment garment?

First off there is nothing wrong with trying to get an advantage, BUT your skills will have to be your advantage. I get the impression that you are looking for ways to circumvent the rules to gain advantage. As the rule book states, this would be considered a FAILURE TO DO RIGHT.
My personal opinion is to shoot the matches using what you will use in your daily carry. THIS is just MY opinion.

You should go to this site and read the rule book. www.IDPA.com The web site will explain what this discipline of shooting is trying to accomplish.
If you truly want to use fancy fast equipment shoot USPSA where your pocket book is the limit as to what you can use within reason

[oboe]

Don, with all due respect - allow some respect to me as well. I have asked the very same questions on the IDPA forum itself and have received only kindness, respect and advice.

My post states clearly that I am am a neophyte, and there is absolutely nothing at all in my post even to suggest a motivation to avoid the rules. I have read the rules, am reading them again, and ask for advice as a person who never even seen an event in IDPA, let alone participated. Let us avoid unwarranted accusations of improper personal motivation.

[Don P]

Fair enough, I miss interpreted your OP my apologies. Here in FLA I was using a nylon holster from Bagmaster. August match and on the last 2 stages I had sweat dripping off the slide of my 1911. Holster was soaked as well as the gun. I now am using a Blade Tech holster as well as Blade Tech magazine pouches. I would prefer to use my leather holster like I use for CCW BUT, the sweating part will do the same as with the nylon holster.
As far as cant, your personal choice as to what feels comfortable to you.
It will be hard to find a low riding holster for the belt and be legal for use.
Most of the holsters suitable for concealed carry will be suitable for IDPA.
Retention your personal choice.
Conceal garment I use a old button up shirt with some gun related patches sewn on it. Again personal choice.
I have seen people use their T- shirt for cover garment and those special vests (tactical).
www.blade-tech.com I like these for the tec lock system they use. The equipment will fit belts from3/4" to 2" with a simple easy adjustment.

[oboe]

Thank you, Don. Apology accepted.

As a south Floridan myself, I will give a lot of consideration to the sweat factor. I didn't realize that a decent leather holster would have that problem.

[Don P]

I guess it all depends on how much YOU sweat. My self I sweat heavy and with the holster being tucked in tight to the body at some point the holster will have to start absorbing moisture. Most of the shooters that I shoot with are using the kydex (plastic) holsters whether they are IDAP or USPSA.
Where abouts are you planning on shooting? Here is a list of the matches in the state and you can sign up for the monthly reminders,
First Coast IDPA - Jacksonville - 1st Saturday http://www.firstcoastidpa.com/

Florida Keys IDPA - Key Largo - 1st Saturday - http://www.keysshooters.com/

Central Florida Rifle and Pistol Club - Orlando - 1st Sunday - http://cfl-idpa.info/

Tropical Sport Shooting Assn. - Ft. Lauderdale-Miami 2nd and 4th Saturdays - http://tssaidpa.us

Hansen IDPA - Ft Myers - 2nd Saturday - http://www.swfps.com/idpa.htm

Flagler IDPA - Bunnell - 2nd Saturdays - http://www.flagleridpa.com/

Florida West Coast Defensive Pistol Club - Pinallas Park - 2nd Sunday - http://www.wacactionshooting.com/

Volusia County Gun And Hunt Club - Deland - 2nd Sunday - http://www.volusiacountygunandhuntclub.com/

Hernando Sportsman Club - Brooksville - 3rd Saturday - http://www.hernandosportsmansclub.com/

Lakeland Defensive Pistol Club - Ft. Meade - 3rd Saturday - [email protected]

Titusville Rifle And Pistol Club - Titusville - 3rd Sunday -http://www.titusvillegun.com/

N. W. Florida Defensive Shooters Inc. - Cantonment - 3rd Sunday http://nwfloridadps.topcities.com/

Ocala Sportsmans Assn. - Ocala 3rd Sunday Mar-Nov, 2nd Sunday Dec-Feb
http://www.osarange.com/

Defensive Shooters Fellowship Of West Broward, Inc -Tamarac - 4th Saturday - [email protected]

The Gun Shop IDPA - Leesburg - 4th Sunday - http://www.floridafirearmsinstructio...nshopidpa.html

Port Malabar Rifle And Pistol Club - Palm Bay - 4th Sunday -http://www.pmrpc.com/home.htm

[oboe]

Thanks for the list. Living in Palm Beach County, I'll start with matches close by.