I receive numerous questions about what the best gear would be to compete in IDPA. While this is a very complex question there is a very simple answer.

Use what works best for you.

What does this mean now?

You might be classified as Marksman, eager to advance in your ranks to become Sharpshooter. Lots of dry fire at home and lots of range time. But you are stuck there because you have constantly problems with your gear. Those might be just small issues that keep you away from the bump to the next level. At the next match you already know, before you even fired the first shot, that you will have problems here as wells. This keeps your mind occupied and you cannot focus on the match. You become really good in clearing malfunctions but this is not our goal.

Another scenario:

You might be a Master class shooter competing at a National Championship Match.

What is the worst thing that can happen? - Equipment failure. You practiced hard for the last 6 Months and came all the way to the Match location. You are ready to dominate and have never felt better before. You got travel cost, hotel, rental car, match fee and a small equipment related problem cost you the Win.

Those things are avoidable with good quality gear. Just because something is expensive and looks “cool” does not make it good. The fewer bells and whistles, the less can go wrong.

Look for something dependable that is simple and easy to maintain (without consulting your local gunsmith on a weekly bases to work on it). Look for good customer service and spare parts availability. There is nothing wrong with being Confident that your gear is ready to dominate.

Think about it:

The more time you have to spend with repairs and maintenance, the less time you have to practice.

You want something dependable, which doesn’t break down during your most important Match.

It should never cross your mind "I hope I make it thru the match without having that problem again". If this should be the case you have already lost!

This will make the game, IDPA, USPSA,... fun!