M&P9 Mag Needed for IDPA

**CivilianArsenal** · March 24th, 2013, 12:11 PM

Hey Guys,

I would really like to get into IDPA, a match is coming up in two weeks. Problems is, I only have two mags and Ive been told you should have 3 or 4, but can def work it with 3. As you all know, there no where to be purchased at this time. I am not asking for charity, I was just hoping somebody had an extra one they would let go for a good cause.

Additionally, if you IDPA guys know a way I can just use the two, that would be appreciated too. Let me know and thanks for the help.

**BUSHfire** · March 24th, 2013, 09:05 PM

where are you competing? I have only ever shot IDPA 4-5 times and I can only ever remember going for my 3 mag once on one station. People are usually really nice and you have a common gun, go to the match and I am sure someone will let you borrow one if its even necessary. One guy shoots at a time, you can even share one!
good luck

**CivilianArsenal** · March 24th, 2013, 10:49 PM

Factoryville Sportsman Club. Ive never been to an IDPA match but im going to bite the bullet and do the next one. Ive heard nothing but good things about IDPA. I just want to have the proper gear, and if I can def do it with two mags thats fine with me. Just thought Id throw a flag up and see if anyone wanted to get rid of one. I know there like platinum now. When all this craziness dies down, ill be sure to stack em deep.

**Ritter** · March 25th, 2013, 10:25 AM

Since you are shooting an M&P 9, your mags will be loaded with 10 rounds, except the first mag which has 11. So, with just 2 mags, you'll have 21 rounds. It is rare for an IDPA stage to require more than 14-16 rounds. I'm not saying there aren't any, just very rare.

So, as long as you don't take more than 5 or so "makeup" shots, you'll be fine. By "makeup", I mean that usually you just need 2 rounds in a target (or possibly more if the stage requires it), but maybe you feel/see a shot missed, so you take an extra shot on the target.

In the 3-4 years that I have been shooting IDPA, the only times I've ever went to the 3rd mag is during a classifier (good to have 5-6 mags for classifiers) and for a reshoot of a stage that had to be reset because a moving target didn't move and I didn't take time to reload.

So, yes it is good peace of mind to have 3 mags, but definitely not required. Don't let having only 2 mags stop you from going out and having some fun. Take your time and get your hits. Speed will come with practice.

**Pizza Bob** · March 25th, 2013, 11:35 AM

IDPA stages are limited to a maximum of 18 rounds. However, that does not mean you won't need a third mag. Not just for make-up shots, but because some COF's will designate a mandatory reload (reload with retention).

Borrowing a mag from someone may be a very real option. If you don't know someone personally, you may want to contact the MD and see if they know someone willing to lend or share a mag.

IDPA is great fun. Just shot at a monster match, at Easton, yesterday - Twelve 18-round stages for a total of 216 rounds. Took us 7 hours to complete the match. This was certainly the exception, not the rule. Most IDPA matches will run between 4 and 8 stages with varying round counts.

Here is a great resource...

http://www.nepaidpascores.net/

Have fun, but above all be safe.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

**CivilianArsenal** · March 25th, 2013, 05:25 PM

Thanks guys, sounds like two mags will be ok, im glad to hear this. I think I am a decent shot so hopefully not many follow up shots or anything like that. I am still def going to go and enjoy it. That sounds like a monster match, was there prize money or anything?