What do I need for PPC and IDPA w/ my new PCR?

[enkidu]

After vacillating between a PCR and ordering a 75SA (they only had a 75B for me to hold), I decided for certain on a PCR as it fit in my hand like glove.  I know some people don't like them, but I really like the rubber grips.  10 days and I can pick it up.

A local gun club (Chabot, about 20 minutes from my house in the SFBay area) has regular PPC (2nd Sunday) and IDPA (3rd Saturday) competitions.  If I act quickly, I think I can get all the gear I need to get some practice in before I have some real fun next month.  So, do I need more than 4 mags?  What kind of holster do you recommend?  I like the Rafter's gun leather holsters, but it isn't on the IDPA approved list.  Anybody here shoot there?  How many mag pouches should I come with?

Thanks!

Enkidu EOT

[Chuck-Edwards]

Enkidu - For IDPA, four mags is fine.  All you need is a mag pouch - single or double - and a holster, plus ear and eye protection.

The only IDPA-legal holster for your PCR that I can think of is the Don Hume JIT Slide.  (The problem is that most holster makers have molds for the full size guns, but not the short ones.)  It's a good holster, but new (for CZs) to Don Hume's inventory, so you'll probably have to order it direct www.donhume.com.  If they have it in stock, you should get it pretty soon.  If not, well, don't hold your breath...8-)

I can't address the PPC issue, since I haven't shot that for 15 years, and that was with round guns.

Regards,

Chuck

[Walt-Sherrill]

Try a Fobus holster for your PCR.  While the PCR is smaller in length than the full-size 75B, it will probably work alright in the Fobus Beretta 92/CZ-75 holster.  That'll get you started very inexpesively.

(I like the "paddle" version of the holster, along with the "paddle" dual mag holder.)

[enkidu]

Thanks guys,

I'll stick with the 4 magazines I expect to have.  I have hearing protection (peltor ultimate 10) and eye protection (wiley-x higher ground).

I've found the following holster makers who are listed in the IDPA appendix A list of approved holsters who have the CZ-75 or CZ-75 compact on their list.  I'll probably also go to a bunch of local shops after I take delivery of the gun if I haven't decided by then.

Don Hume
Fobus
Bianchi International

I'll keep this thread posted with my finds and what I decide on.

[SteveYC]

   Let me know how the Chabot thing works for you. Chabot is about 20 minutes from my house, but I was planning on joining a defensive pistol league down at Target Masters.

   In case you ever get curious how much better the Hakan grips are, let me know and I'll let you shoot my PCR a bit.

   Steve (in Fremont)

[Walt-Sherrill]

Wow.  I spent my earliest years in the SF Bay Area, and remember going to summer camp at "Camp Chabot" when I was 9 or 10.... many years ago.

While the IDPA Little Green Book (Rule Book) makes a fetish out of "approved" holsters, I've never heard of a brand name holster that wasn't designed for IPSC, and which covered the trigger area, being disqualified at an IDPA match.  

If you use only the Big-Name approved holsters, you'll tie up a lot of BIG-dollars in the process.  I'd recommend you be a little more frugal up front, and get a good Kydex holster.  ($30 range).  Then, as you shoot and come to better understand what you like and need, then spring for a more expensive version.

[enkidu]

Thanks for the good advice.  My local shop has some Fobus holsters for $25 or so and they also have some Bianchi Nylon's for about $5 more.  I guess I'll try my gun out in those and get one if any fit.  What's the mechanical/fit difference between a paddle and a belt holster?

[Walt-Sherrill]

Re: difference between paddle and belt holsters.

No difference in fit. The only difference is how they "mount on you."  I find the Paddles easier to put on and take off, which is handy, particulary if you shoot more than one gun at a range outing.

The Fobus for the Beretta 92 is the also the holster for the CZ-75B.  The Uncle Mikes in nylon are NOT for competition and will get in your way.  (They're cheap and protect the gun in the gun bag, but NOBODY uses them in matches.)

The new Galcos and Uncle Mikes are about the same price and may be better holsters for the money.

[enkidu]

I meant to ask about the cost of "big name" makers.  What do you mean by BIG dollars?  Kramer and Mitch Rosen are definitely out of my price range, But Rafter's Gunleather (www.raftersgunleather.com/ they were mentioned by some posts around here) seems to have pretty reasonable prices ($41 for cowhide, $65 for sharkskin).

9 more days...

[Walt-Sherrill]

Big dollars: $150 +

Wild Bill has built several holsters for me -- you'll find others -- custom fit to the guns -- for well under $100.  Very comfortable and very durable.  Check out his "Specials" at the link, below.

I don't think I've ever seen an exotic leather holster (sharkskin, etc.) for under $100, unless its a belt slide.

  www.wildbillsconcealment.com

[enkidu]

Thanks for all of the great information.  My plan is to:

1. Get an economical (<$30) kydex or nylon holster + mag pouch at my local shop after I get the piece.
2. Familiarize myself with the gun and holster at home and at the range (I go to Jackson Arms for those in the SF Bay Area).
3. Go and have fun at Chabot next month!

I'll post a follow up to this forum as things progress.

[Brian]

I started IDPA using a Don Hume JIT Slide and it works great. I also use a High Noon "Topless" model, but the JIT is faster and easier to reholster. A JIT costs all of $21.00 and Don Hume stocks them for the CZ.
Good luck in IDPA, I've been going to matches for about three months now and it's a lot of fun AND very instructional. Great folks too.
Two weeks ago I went to a "Combat Match", a bit different than IDPA, no cover restrictions and you can drop mags as you will, most of the time. Pretty neat, I'm going to do more.

[enkidu]

Brian:

What gun are you competing with?  What magazine holster do you use?  I'm going to call Don Hume and see if I can get a J.I.T. Slide.  Sounds like a really good deal.  I hope they have one in stock.

[Brian]

Well, I've been using my CZ75B, in ESP. I have a High Noon dbl mag holder and a Fobus dbl too. Lately I've been using the Hign Noon holder, but the Fobus one works just fine and it's cheaper as well. If you get a Hume JIT Slide, it'll be one that's made for the .40 CZ, but it fits the CZ 75B just fine, no problem. Should be in stock, unless you decide you want embossing etc.
I also have a Hume mag holder for my .45 mags, it's really nice. I'd post a pic, but I can't seem to do that on this board, I have some pics of my stuff over on The Firing Line though, check 'em out.
Oh, over there I'm "Prodigalshooter"

[enkidu]

Brian:

Thanks for the info.  I called Don Hume and ordered a JIT slide.  The lady was very nice and said it would be about 10 days til delivery.  I'll update this forum when I get the stuff.