"approved" guns

[infidel91]

As I've read on the FRIDPA board on yahoo, the official rule book is not always followed to the letter. So, what are the chances of getting a "pass" for my .380 and competing in stock service pistol? Sneer at the .380 if you want, but it's the one of my two handguns that's concealable, and I'd like to practice with the gun I'm likely to carry. That seems to be what IDPA is about anyway: real-world shooting, which is why I'm confused as to why SSP is limited to 9x19 and above in the first place.

Posting here because I don't know to whom exactly I should direct this question.

Regards,
Jason L.

[Hoser]

Jason, despite what you have read about FR IDPA breaking all the rules and running amok..., the FR IDPA board has made a decision to allow match directors and their staff some latitude with course/stage design. Thats it. Mainly the number of threat to non-threat targets and steel. That and IDPA does not have any allowance for rifles and shotguns. The side matches and their rules governing them, is all our local doing.

All other rules are followed and enforced as close as humanly possible. Things will slip through the cracks, bad calls will be made, and mistakes will happen. We are trying to keep all that to a minimum as anyone would hope a professionaly run organization would try to.

The problem with using sub 9x19 has to deal with steel and other reactive targets. They are calibrated to fall with factory 9x19 ammo. A 380 aka 9x18 aka 9mm Kurtz, might not take down steel. Plates, yes. A 22 can and will do that. Poppers *might* not go down unless you hit them high. A low hit or two and you are screwed.

If you want to shoot your 380 in "Outlaw" division, feel free. Just know that steel targets might prove interesting and frustrating.

[infidel91]

Hmm . . .
That's a damned good answer. Thanks, Tom.

[Hoser]

At least I did something right today. Even if it was bad-ish news.