IDPA & USPSA Crossover Gun

[SpikeSpaceCowboy]

Hey guys, I'm looking to get into doing competition stuff, and I was hoping that I already have is something that I can use for both. If necessary, buy one that will work with both. I'm not going high dollar crazy, but something that would be a contender in both of these Leagues.

Currently own, g19 &17; PPQm2; xmacro

I appreciate any info you can give me.

[Jim Watson]

Glock 17 and PPQ are IDPA SSP and USPSA Production. If with red dot sight, CO.

I think the G19 would get you into IDPA CCP but would still be USPSA Production.

If the Xmacro is one of that family with "compensator" it would be IDPA ESP but would be in over its head as USPSA Open.


I like the PPQ but Glocks are far more common and better supported.

[RickB]

Any over-the-counter 1911 chambered in .45 is appropriate for Single Stack and Custom Defensive Pistol. The same gun could be used in Limited 10 and Enhanced Service Pistol, if you like, though you'd be stuck with 8rd mags in ESP, which is not ideal.

[Jim Watson]

Those are not well attended divisions these days. I have entered them because i already have the gun but I would not buy one now.

[SpikeSpaceCowboy]

Thanks man. So in ssp and production, everything is just stock right? no comps, grips, optics(obviously), special triggers.

[Jim Watson]

You may change grips (not grip “modules”) or apply grip tape.
You can work the factory trigger.
You can install different iron sights in the factory cuts.

My SSP/Prod is a S&W M&P with just those mods.
Same things on your G17 would work as well.
I think the trigger of the PPQ is good as is and I would only put on fiber optic sights, maybe tape.

[SpikeSpaceCowboy]

Alright man that's great, thanks for the info

[stephen426]

I feel you will be fine with your Glock 19/17 or Walther PPQ for IDPA and USPSA. If you are not using an optic, you would be in the SSP (Stock Service Pistol) category for IDPA and Production Division for USPSA. If you have an optic, it would be the Carry Optic division for both IDPA and USPSA. I tried SSP for IDPA, but the longer distance shots are much harder with just iron sights. I switched to Carry Optic for IDPA and USPSA.

For IDPA, I have been shooting my Springfield Armory Prodigy with a Trijicon SRO. In IDPA, I am limited to 10 rounds per mag in Carry Optics, so the extra mag capacity doesnt matter.

In USPSA, you'd be able to load to mag capacity. In USPSA, my Prodigy would fall under Limited Optics. This opens up a whole can of worms as a LOT more things are permitted including mag wells, thumb rests, speed holsters, slide rackers, no maximum weight limit, etc. My Prodigy has a Nighthawk Customs drop in trigger group and shoots really well, but it isn't a race gun by any stretch of the imagination. For USPSA, I have been shooting my Springfield Armory Echelon with a Holosun 508T. It is pretty much like the SSP division in IDPA, but with an optic on it. You are allowed to modify "minor" internal and external parts. I have a Tyrant Tactical trigger on my Echelon. So far, I have been very happy with the Echelon and it shoots very flat.

Here is a link to IDPA's Rule Book

Here is the link to USPSA's Rule Book

There is a LOT to digest in the rules, but I think the best way to learn is to observe a couple of matches first. My experience is that most competitors are very willing to share their knowledge and experience.

In terms of gear, get a good belt and holster. For IDPA, your holster cannot protrude more than 3 inches from your body so no crazy race holsters. I prefer a OWB kydex holster with adjustable tension screws. Make sure it is secure as dropping the gun will likely get you disqualified. It is best to have at least 4 mags, but make sure to get the standard sized mags for IDPA to avoid issues "fitting in the box". USPSA has a max magazine length (in Carry Optics) of 141.25 mm.

Good luck and have fun! Let us know how you do.