I have seen the light!

Pond, James Pond · January 25, 2016, 11:06 AM

Did my first ever revolver IPSC match on Sunday evening.

Need I say more?

OK.... just a bit.

I ran .44Spl out of a Redhawk that I decided to run on impulse in lieu of my CZ: the rationale being that if I screw up on technique and get a DQ for example, better lose 1 match point, not 2 on a Level 2 match.

So after a mere 3 stages, I realised that I needed to work on my trigger control, my sights were off (forgotten I'd set them for a .240gr rocket load at 25yds!!), my reloads (complete with cobbled-together speedloader pouch and spent case pocket) needing no small amount of honing but above all I realise I absolutely love running a revolver in matches: what great fun!!

And... kudos to those that run them fast: the six-shot limit really makes you think hard about when and where to reload and one missed shot can really throw your planning!

I'm still going to do pistol matches, but I'm going to incorporate more wheel-gun sessions. Another is already lined up for mid Feb: Level 2!!

Kosh75287 · January 25, 2016, 12:04 PM

I've quit finishing matches knowing WHICH technique I need to work on. I always need to work on ALL of them. It's just a question of how much. Glad you enjoyed shooting the match! I don't know if I woulda chosen a Redhawk for my IDPA Revolver, but the idea IS to show up with whatever you have, and combine some serious learning with some semi-serious shooting. I don't recall the "power floor" for revolvers in IDPA, but I can imagine downloading .44 Spl. to near the lower limit, and being able to SEE your projectiles strike the target!

9x45 · January 25, 2016, 01:05 PM

Because factory .38 specials were too weak to make minor, IDPA lowered it to a 105 floor, for woosies. IPSC is still 125 for Minor and 170 for Major.

Pond, James Pond · January 25, 2016, 02:42 PM

Over here one commercial reloading company makes .38 to meet minor categories. They're loaded with 158gr bullets.

MrBorland · January 26, 2016, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9x45

Because factory .38 specials were too weak to make minor, IDPA lowered it to a 105 floor, for woosies.

When IDPA lowered the floor, many SSR shooters tweaked their loads lower but quickly found there were too many compromises. As a result, most IDPA revo shooters I know run the PF they used to run.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pond, James Pond

the six-shot limit really makes you think hard about when and where to reload and one missed shot can really throw your planning!

Good on ya'. Pond. Running a revolver in competition is fun, but, as you discovered, you've really got to do the basics well. Competitive wheelgunners live and die by the reload. A miss on steel is generally very bad juju as well.

January 25, 2016, 11:06 AM	#1
Pond, James Pond Senior Member Join Date: July 12, 2011 Location: Top of the Baltic stack Posts: 6,079	I have seen the light! Did my first ever revolver IPSC match on Sunday evening. Need I say more? OK.... just a bit. I ran .44Spl out of a Redhawk that I decided to run on impulse in lieu of my CZ: the rationale being that if I screw up on technique and get a DQ for example, better lose 1 match point, not 2 on a Level 2 match. So after a mere 3 stages, I realised that I needed to work on my trigger control, my sights were off (forgotten I'd set them for a .240gr rocket load at 25yds!!), my reloads (complete with cobbled-together speedloader pouch and spent case pocket) needing no small amount of honing but above all I realise I absolutely love running a revolver in matches: what great fun!! And... kudos to those that run them fast: the six-shot limit really makes you think hard about when and where to reload and one missed shot can really throw your planning! I'm still going to do pistol matches, but I'm going to incorporate more wheel-gun sessions. Another is already lined up for mid Feb: Level 2!! __________________ When the right to effective self-defence is denied, that right to self-defence which remains is essentially symbolic. Freedom: Please enjoy responsibly.

January 25, 2016, 12:04 PM	#2
Kosh75287 Senior Member Join Date: October 15, 2007 Posts: 820	I've quit finishing matches knowing WHICH technique I need to work on. I always need to work on ALL of them. It's just a question of how much. Glad you enjoyed shooting the match! I don't know if I woulda chosen a Redhawk for my IDPA Revolver, but the idea IS to show up with whatever you have, and combine some serious learning with some semi-serious shooting. I don't recall the "power floor" for revolvers in IDPA, but I can imagine downloading .44 Spl. to near the lower limit, and being able to SEE your projectiles strike the target! __________________ GOD BLESS JEFF COOPER, whose instructions, consultations, and publications have probably saved more lives than can ever be reliably calculated. DVC, sir. انجلو. المسلحة. جاهزة. Carpe SCOTCH!

January 25, 2016, 01:05 PM	#3
9x45 Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2000 Location: Southern California Posts: 1,089	Because factory .38 specials were too weak to make minor, IDPA lowered it to a 105 floor, for woosies. IPSC is still 125 for Minor and 170 for Major. __________________ Sometimes my Glock forgets where to look.....

January 25, 2016, 02:42 PM	#4
Pond, James Pond Senior Member Join Date: July 12, 2011 Location: Top of the Baltic stack Posts: 6,079	Over here one commercial reloading company makes .38 to meet minor categories. They're loaded with 158gr bullets. __________________ When the right to effective self-defence is denied, that right to self-defence which remains is essentially symbolic. Freedom: Please enjoy responsibly.