XD Talk

gt3073b · 06-07-2010, 09:36 PM

Last weekend, I watched my first USPSA competition and it looks like a great sport. I'd like to try my hand at it at the end of the month so I need to get some basic gear sorted out. The first suggestion I got was to get 2 more mags and holders for them. Since I shoot left handed, I'm waiting for the SA lefty holster to arrive from SA customer service. Hopefully that will be adequate to at least get me started and see if this sport is for me.

Today, I took a suggestion from some of the guys at the range and stood in front of the bed practicing mag changes. The bed saved me from picking mags off the floor. Great idea, but it pointed out another issue. My belt is only suitable for holding my pants in the proper location. The mag holder was all over the place.

As a complete noob, should I invest in a CR Speed or Double Alpha type belt and another SA double mag holder? Will the SA holster and mag pouch work on that belt so that I can spread the cost out a bit? Will the combination be secure, or will stuff still flop all over the place?

I'm having a tough time sorting this all out because there isn't much info about mag holders for the XD-45, and even less about left-handed XD-45 holsters for the middle ground between concealed carry and full race holsters ($$$).

Thanks,
Bryan.

PS: I'm not worried about fast. I just don't want everything flopping around, and I don't want to spend a fortune.

The Norm Man · 06-07-2010, 10:44 PM

I would hold off on the CR setups until you have played the game a little longer.

The SA Mag holders do have big belt loops, but shouldn't be sliding around too bad. You can always pick up some mag holders from Blade tech, comp tac, or even Blackhawk. Blackhawk makes cheap double mag pouches that work fine. Mag holders that clip into your belt rather than having loops work a lot better.

Here's a link:

BLACKHAWK! Double Mag Case Double Stack Carbon Fiber Finish - BLACKHAWK!

A nice thick leather belt will work best for holding all of the gear up. You don't need a special gunbelt, however you will probably end up owning one if you really get into action shooting. Any thick leather belt will work.

I would suggest pick up a thick belt (That should cure your sliding mag pouch problem) first and go shoot some matches before deciding what equipment to buy next.

Hope that helps.

The Norm Man · 06-07-2010, 10:54 PM

Another Reference for You:

Competition Series Products :: Blade-Tech Industries

jfdavis58 · 06-07-2010, 11:58 PM

I would suggest that you not buy anything at all until you have actually shot a match. They will let you load your pockets full of magazine so take the time and really look around to see what works. IPSC/USPSA has so many divisions and rules to match each that you first need to zero on one particular area and then specialize.

If you simply must buy something get a good belt and trousers/pants that can stand the heavy wear matches can produce--jeans work but they are hot and very restrictive (typically). Fatigue styles are frowned upon but a good loose fitting pair of heavy duty cargo pants makes a good first start.

Gearing-up on what you think might work is a recipe for collecting a big box of useless trash.

gt3073b · 06-08-2010, 07:31 AM

Thank you very much. This is the kind of practical advice I couldn't find anywhere else.

Bryan.

de03x7 · 06-08-2010, 12:26 PM

I am also just getting started. I fixed my issue of the SA mag holder moving by putting my belt thru one loop on the holder then a belt loop on my pants then the other loop on the holder. This at least keeps it close to the same spot. I am trying a 4 mag nylon holder for a steel match this weekend.

hayes01 · 06-08-2010, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by de03x7

I am also just getting started. I fixed my issue of the SA mag holder moving by putting my belt thru one loop on the holder then a belt loop on my pants then the other loop on the holder. This at least keeps it close to the same spot. I am trying a 4 mag nylon holder for a steel match this weekend.

my problem with the XD mag holder in the vertical movement. It moves in and out from my body. I bought a Galco mag pouch and it is fantastic, I would recommend it to anyone.

**jonny4523** · 06-09-2010, 10:02 AM

I would probably hold off on buying anything right now. Take your time during your first few matches, and don't worry about speed. We had a new shooter on my squad this past weekend that came with his dad. Even though he had never shot competition before, he had the idea in his head that he wanted to be the fastest shooter there. He ended up to the point that he was rushing himself so fast, that he was having trouble hitting steel at 15 yards.

If you really get in to it, you'll end up spending money on some of the nicer stuff like the CR speed belt. Use what you have for now and save the money you know you'll spend later.

The Knight Of Light · 06-16-2010, 09:06 PM

After you do all the stuff these guys talk about you will most likely choose what most of us use.

The CR Speed Belt and a Blade-Tech DOH.

The CR Speed mag pouches are pretty darned good and the standard that all other competition mag pouches are measured by.

This is the gear I use and I have one of those boxes full of crap that I tried and just didn't like. One day I might sell it off.

For IDPA the simpler the better. A double mag pouch and whatever belt holster you want to use.