Since I want to shoot more competitively this year I thought I would kick things off with the indoor IDPA match on the 10th. But like the other threads I have some questions.
Aldo and
bullit are the guys who can give you definitive answers (as they run and SO the local IDPA matches). Until they get here....
First is on a cover garment. I know a vest is preferred but will anything that covers the weapon allowable?
Concealment rule states:
8.9.1. Legal concealment garments hide the holster, firearm, ammunition carriers, and loading devices from view.
8.9.2. The concealment garment test is for the competitor to stand with their arms straight out to the side, parallel to the ground. If the standing SO cannot see the previously listed equipment from the front, sides, or rear, then the concealment garment is legal.
There are a couple of limitations on what you can DO to the concealment garment:
8.9.3. Concealment garments may not be modified with plastic zip ties, wire, metal, Styrofoam, cardboard, or any similar material that would stiffen the garment or pockets. Patches may not be placed on concealment garment pockets used during a string of fire. Standard laundry starch is acceptable.
8.9.4. Weights may not be attached to concealment garments, but items may be placed in pockets. Pocket flaps may be inserted into pockets.
8.9.5 Specially made pockets for magazine stowage after a reload may not be used.
...so as long as it covers everything and passes the concealment test in 8.9.2, you are good to go.
Next has to do with divisions. My dad shoots a Glock 31C. What division does he shoot in? If I am understanding the rule book he can not shoot his compensated barrel.
Correct.
In order for him to shoot SSP he would need a standard barrel in 357sig....
Yes, but.....the rule says "Replacement of barrel with one
of factory configuration and original caliber." The factory configuration for a G31 isn't the same as factory configuration for a 31C (which has a different slide in addition to a different barrel configuration). So---I'm not sure.
I don't see this being any particular advantage (lightening the slide on a .357SIG isn't really a helpful thing to do), but I don't know how strict IDPA would get on that one. You'd think that it would be fine (because in the excluded modifications section it ONLY talks about changing caliber), and I would especially assume that on a local level it would be allowed---but you probably want Aldo to respond officially to check. (You can always send him an email from the IDPA Nebraska website.)
he could choose to run his 9mm barrel and shoot in the ESP.
I'm thinking that actually using a standard .357SIG barrel (non-compensated) in his 31C and running it in ESP is actually the best legal choice. The ESP division rules actually even specifically say:
8.2.2.1.5. Firearms originally sold as compensated models may be used in ESP with non-compensated barrels installed.
It also says, in the "allowed modifications" section:
8.2.2.2.9. Replacement of barrel with one of factory configuration in a stock or non-stock caliber.
...but again we see that "factory configuration" part. And considering that the earlier rule specifically allowed non-comped barrels in original caliber....
....I think you'd better get an official ruling from Aldo before you make any particular choices.
I think that's it for now...
Bear in mind that the Jan 10th match is a
BUG match, which makes it very different from a standard IDPA match. Match signup is online already at
http://www.idpamatchsignup.com/osm_match_signup_main.aspx but Aldo hasn't made any sort of informational announcement about it yet.
