Going IDPA but with which M&P, Advantages between these 2

[garand4life]

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.)?

[Timothy]

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.

[ratcatcher55]

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.

[m25operator]

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.

[ellis4538]

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

[Sponsor]

[garand4life]

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?

[garand4life]

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.

[fightingquaker13]

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

[SCfromNY]

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.

[texcaliber]

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