I attended an IDPA match yesterday. I usually shoot a full size pistol in SSP. But I decided to use my EDC in CCP and see how I could do. I'm lucky if I get to attend 2 matches of any type a year so I'm definitely not a seasoned competitor. In fact, I didn't shoot one at all in 2019. I do get to the range on a semi-regular basis though.
So my EDC is a 4" XDs. And I usually carry it OWB with the +2 (9 Rd) mag and a +1 (8rd) mag as a spare. I shoot it pretty good.
We'll the problem started at the first mag change on the first stage. It didn't drop free as I'm used to with my full size XDm. It caught me by surprise. I fumbled through and finished the stage. I headed to the safe table and tried to figure it out. They all dropped free. The next stage was the same but I was expecting it and pulled the empty out. It took extra time but became the norm and all was well.
So I did figure it out. Since the grip of the pistol is short, a 7 round mag fits flush, the extended mags would get caught on the palm of my hand. This was preventing it from dropping free. So now I know.
And the second issue. On the last stage, there were some targets of distance that really required some accuracy to score well. (Single head shots at 10 yards. The previous few stages had been fairly close and quick.) On my second target, I was really focusing on my front sight that something seemed really unusual. Then it hit me. The fiber optic had disappeared. It cost me a second or so to adjust and I finished the course of fire.
So I started thinking about it. I'm not really sure when I lost it. Again, not a huge issue but enough to throw me off for a short time.
So I guess my point is have you really ran your carry gun? I've carried this XDs for quite a few years. I've even taken a class or two with Coach and BBI using it. But those classes really didn't involve multiple mag changes where this issue could have showed up. The time for you to find out ANY issue with your EDC isn't when your life or a loved ones life may depend on it. Take your gear, find a match and go and try it out. It's fun, you meet new people. And the people there will be happy a newbie it there and will help you with anything they can. You'll figure out what works and what doesn't. You probably won't win the match. I finished 4th in my class, out of 6. 29th out of 44 overall. But I learned a lot.
So I replaced the fiber optic light tube on my pistol after the match. I think a new set of sights will be in my future. And maybe a pistol that doesn't have extend mags with sleeves.
So my EDC is a 4" XDs. And I usually carry it OWB with the +2 (9 Rd) mag and a +1 (8rd) mag as a spare. I shoot it pretty good.
We'll the problem started at the first mag change on the first stage. It didn't drop free as I'm used to with my full size XDm. It caught me by surprise. I fumbled through and finished the stage. I headed to the safe table and tried to figure it out. They all dropped free. The next stage was the same but I was expecting it and pulled the empty out. It took extra time but became the norm and all was well.
So I did figure it out. Since the grip of the pistol is short, a 7 round mag fits flush, the extended mags would get caught on the palm of my hand. This was preventing it from dropping free. So now I know.
And the second issue. On the last stage, there were some targets of distance that really required some accuracy to score well. (Single head shots at 10 yards. The previous few stages had been fairly close and quick.) On my second target, I was really focusing on my front sight that something seemed really unusual. Then it hit me. The fiber optic had disappeared. It cost me a second or so to adjust and I finished the course of fire.
So I started thinking about it. I'm not really sure when I lost it. Again, not a huge issue but enough to throw me off for a short time.
So I guess my point is have you really ran your carry gun? I've carried this XDs for quite a few years. I've even taken a class or two with Coach and BBI using it. But those classes really didn't involve multiple mag changes where this issue could have showed up. The time for you to find out ANY issue with your EDC isn't when your life or a loved ones life may depend on it. Take your gear, find a match and go and try it out. It's fun, you meet new people. And the people there will be happy a newbie it there and will help you with anything they can. You'll figure out what works and what doesn't. You probably won't win the match. I finished 4th in my class, out of 6. 29th out of 44 overall. But I learned a lot.
So I replaced the fiber optic light tube on my pistol after the match. I think a new set of sights will be in my future. And maybe a pistol that doesn't have extend mags with sleeves.