The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: garand4life on February 27, 2010, 03:38:25 PM
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I have two FS M&Ps, my 40 and my 45. I know that there is no right answer but for you seasoned IDPA shooters is there any advantage/disadvantage between the 2 within the guidelines of IDPA. I figure I would be shooting in Stock Service Pistol. Any thoughts from you IDPAers and to add to the thread what, realistically, should I have to shoot a match (required number of mags, etc.)?
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I've yet to shoot a match but the basics are:
Concealed carry pistol.
Holster from the "approved list".
3 magazines, mag holders are optional
flashlight
concealing garment of your choice.
Ear and eye protection.
Since your going to be shooting a bunch of ammo, I'd go with whats cheapest and available. Both guns are going to hold enough in the mags to shoot a stage.
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I would say shoot the one you carry the most if your doing it for fun.
Shoot the one your most accurate with if your shooting for the best possible score.
Bring as many magazines as you can. You can only carry 3 but have a couple extras is always helpful.
Bring a range bag of some kind to move from stage to stage with your stuff. I use my old bug out bag.
Bring something to drink, a good attitude and have fun!
Good luck.
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My 2 cents, since IDPA is limited to 10 rd mags, go with the .45, less recoil, bigger holes, especially if your M&P will shoot semi wadcutters. 185 grn is my preference and shoot very accurately. Bigger holes can save you on target, especially semi wadcutters as they print a perfect .45 hole, if you at the edge of a scoring zone, a .40 may be a B where a .45 will be an A hit. Gamey yes, but you own it, why not shoot it.
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I have been shooting IDPA since its beginning almost so I've seen a lot. I would go with the .45 downloaded (since you don't have to make major in SSP) because of the bigger hole. 4 mags would be better and 2 single or one double mag pouch. You can move the singles around a little, just in case. More mags can be carried in pockets but not on the belt. I have small milspec tool bags that I got at local gun shows for $9-10 to carry extra mags and ammo, a towel and water JIC (and any other small items I think I might need. Keep other stuff in your main range bag JIC including a back-up blaster. If time permits shoot your .40 in a reshoot and compare.
JMOFWIW
Richard
PS: Oh yes, be safe and enjoy
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I have been shooting IDPA since its beginning almost so I've seen a lot. I would go with the .45 downloaded (since you don't have to make major in SSP) because of the bigger hole. 4 mags would be better and 2 single or one double mag pouch. You can move the singles around a little, just in case. More mags can be carried in pockets but not on the belt. I have small milspec tool bags that I got at local gun shows for $9-10 to carry extra mags and ammo, a towel and water JIC (and any other small items I think I might need. Keep other stuff in your main range bag JIC including a back-up blaster. If time permits shoot your .40 in a reshoot and compare.
JMOFWIW
Richard
PS: Oh yes, be safe and enjoy
Where do you usually go for your matches? Are they typically up near Youngstown?
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Does anyone have a recommendation on where to get a single mag pouch for the M&P45? I can find them for 9/40 no problem but can't seem to find ones that work for 45 double stack.
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This may sound like an odd suggestion, and ignore it if you don't own one and/or its not allowed (I have yet to shoot IDPA). When I go to an out door range where I can move between targets, I usually just wear my filson upland game bag. It has two large shotgun shell pockets, full mags on the left, empties on the right. The rear game pouch holds a couple of water bottles and a box or two of ammo. No need for a range bag and everything is within reach. It doesn't simulate pulling a mag out of a belt holder, but if the object is to just grab the thing quickly, its right there, and without buying more gear.
FQ13
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If ammo price is not an issue I would shoot the .45.
You can get an inexpensive nylon twin mag holder that is generic and will easily take your mags. (About $10) I cut the top of so they are open and easy to grab.
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I have two FS M&Ps, my 40 and my 45. I know that there is no right answer but for you seasoned IDPA shooters is there any advantage/disadvantage between the 2 within the guidelines of IDPA. I figure I would be shooting in Stock Service Pistol. Any thoughts from you IDPAers and to add to the thread what, realistically, should I have to shoot a match (required number of mags, etc.)?
I would go with the M&P45 myself because:
-40 vs. 45 ammo cost in most areas is equal. So why not have the bigger bang for your buck.
-Magazines. The gun is going to be loaded with 10+1 why not go with the one which was made to take 10rounds.
-bigger scoring hole on target. Simple enough, a trigger jerk of the 40 and placed in the same location as a 45 may drop you .5 instead of 1.5 seconds.
-I like the longer sighting radius of the 45.
-If you have a match coordinator whom likes to add steel to the stage, the 45 is still my first pick.
-I also like the cool factor of the 45. Yes I know that is very much an opinion but it is still reasonable to me.
I have shot a few matches and have used my G19, G35, 1911PD and M&P45. This is another opinion, if you carry your 40 all the time but rarely the 45. Than my previous points go out the window. If you have a favorite EDC system and you can use it to compete in IDPA than that is the way to go. Just remember to pratice a little with your hand-held lighting system. Just in case.
hope it helps,
tex
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I'd go with the 45 for the reason noted by everybody else. The advantage of the 45 is that you can also use it in CDP if you download it to 8 rounds.
If ammo price is not an issue I would shoot the .45.
You can get an inexpensive nylon twin mag holder that is generic and will easily take your mags. (About $10) I cut the top of so they are open and easy to grab.
Just make sure that they stay in when upside down.
Part of the Magazine carrier rule:
Magazine carrier must:
A. Be designed for concealed carry and suitable for all day
continuous wear.
B. Be worn on a standard belt of no more than 1 ¾” width that
must pass through the belt loops on the shooter’s pants.
C. Hold the magazine with enough tension to allow it to be
turned upside down and retain a fully loaded magazine.D. Cover 2” of the magazine as measured from the top of the
cartridge rim down the back flat of the magazine tube.
E. Cover the entire front face of the portion of the magazine
inside the carrier. The front face is defined as the side of the
tube away from the shooter’s body.
F. Hold the magazine within 10 degrees of vertical (80-100° to
the ground) position on the belt, no substantial forward or rear
cant.
G. Be worn in a belt location that will position the front edge of
the carrier behind the centerline of the body.
Ammunition Carrier Notes:
3. In lieu of the use of ammunition carriers, spare magazines
(2), speedloaders (3) and moon clips(3) used in a CoF may be
carried in the contestant’s pockets and used for any IDPA legal
reload.
4. The shooter may carry no more than two spare magazines on
the belt.
The rest are in the range bag. I have a few extras in case I have a problem with one.
This may sound like an odd suggestion, and ignore it if you don't own one and/or its not allowed (I have yet to shoot IDPA). When I go to an out door range where I can move between targets, I usually just wear my filson upland game bag. It has two large shotgun shell pockets, full mags on the left, empties on the right. The rear game pouch holds a couple of water bottles and a box or two of ammo. No need for a range bag and everything is within reach. It doesn't simulate pulling a mag out of a belt holder, but if the object is to just grab the thing quickly, its right there, and without buying more gear.
FQ13
The rule on concealment garments:
All equipment should be so placed that, when wearing an open
concealment garment with your arms extended at your sides and
parallel to the ground, it can NOT been seen from the front, rear or
sides. Your concealment garment should be practical for your
environment and loose enough to allow easy movement.
Competition only garments are prohibited. Competition only
garments are defined as: vented or mesh vests that allow the
firearm, holster, spare ammo or ammo carriers to be visible when
standing normally, chest pockets, specially-made pockets or any
material inserted in pockets or around pockets to keep the pocket
open for stowage of partial magazines after a reload. Garments
that are considered “competition only” will incur an FTDR.
See “Proper Magazine Retention” in the Glossary for further
details.
I usually wear either a SigTac vest, open faced shirt, or jacket depending on the weather. I also have a range bag with the extra "stuff," including 1 1/2 to twice the number of rounds required. I never shoot a match without requiring a few extra rounds for misses.
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If you do NOT reload, my advice would be to stick with the .40 just because .40 ammo seems cheaper and more readily available in my area.
Errrrppp...whooppss...to back up a whole bunch. There are 3 semi-auto divisions in IPDA:
Stock Service Pistol
Enhanced Service Pistol
Custom Defensive Pistol
Now, the CDP division is meant strictly for .45 A.C.P. guns loaded to a max of 8 + 1
Yes, theoretically you could shoot your .45 M&P in all three semi-auto divisions.
The ESP and SSP divisions are kinda set up to just be the 9mm and .40 S&W divisions. There the capacity limit is 10+1 .
As far as mag holders go, anything kydex by Uncle Mikes should work for either the .40 or the .45 mags. There is a little rubber bushing/spacer between the two halves of the mag pouch. As you tighten a screw, the two halves get closer together and that little rubber bushing gets squished out. It is the friction that like traps the mags or pinches the mags tightly in the mag pouch....You don't want them so loose they come all flopping out and fall on the ground.
Anywhooo...that's about all I got...for now....welcome to the addiction! ;D
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I just wanted to mention this. Yesterday I tried to take the 45 out it's micro companion, my new 9 compact, to the range. There was at least 2-3 feet on each side of the poorly plowed 2 lane, now a 1 lane, road. I ended up just parking on the forest road and walking a few yards out toward the pistol range in the 2+ feet of snow just so I could feel the how this 45 shoots. I LOVE IT! The muzzle reaction is milder than any 45 I've ever shot.
I do carry the 45 and will probably carry it as much or more than my full size 40 or my compact 9. I am really thinking this will be my choice. I just need some more magazines for it and they aren't easy to find from reputable sources without paying $40+. I have a friend who reloads so I can more than likely buy the components and have him show me how to reload and in the future get my own simple reloading press. May need guidance there when the time comes from you guys. I may just rotate between the 40 and 45 depending on availability and ammo.
Just a note. I found that when the muzzle came back to rest the sights were right where I left them on the target, this is something I have never had happen on any of my other guns except, i think, my Taurus 1911. I use the same grip on each one, as size allows, but wouldn't that be an attribute of the ergos of the M&P?
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I just wanted to mention this. Yesterday I tried to take the 45 out it's micro companion, my new 9 compact, to the range. There was at least 2-3 feet on each side of the poorly plowed 2 lane, now a 1 lane, road. I ended up just parking on the forest road and walking a few yards out toward the pistol range in the 2+ feet of snow just so I could feel the how this 45 shoots. I LOVE IT! The muzzle reaction is milder than any 45 I've ever shot.
I do carry the 45 and will probably carry it as much or more than my full size 40 or my compact 9. I am really thinking this will be my choice. I just need some more magazines for it and they aren't easy to find from reputable sources without paying $40+. I have a friend who reloads so I can more than likely buy the components and have him show me how to reload and in the future get my own simple reloading press. May need guidance there when the time comes from you guys. I may just rotate between the 40 and 45 depending on availability and ammo.
Just a note. I found that when the muzzle came back to rest the sights were right where I left them on the target, this is something I have never had happen on any of my other guns except, i think, my Taurus 1911. I use the same grip on each one, as size allows, but wouldn't that be an attribute of the ergos of the M&P?
good choice and good luck. Keep us informed on your match results.
tex
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I vote for the .45 and you can get mag here for $19.95 ea. http://www.botachtactical.com/smwempma.html (http://www.botachtactical.com/smwempma.html)
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and don't forget to put "stimulus" in the coupon code for an additional 10% of that will make them like $18 ea. that about half off retail! I bought 5 last month and they worked great! ;D