ICORE Rig choices

[PhantomF4E]

I shot in my first ICORE match a couple of weeks ago. I was only one of 5 shooters who shot "classic/stock". I shot my M67. Then swicthed to a M-19.

I swicthed only because I never like to beat up my guns. I fired a total of 160 rds, mostly Win 130 gr. FMJ.

My question is will my K-frames take the strain of competition. Should I get a L-Frame or Ruger GP 100 or even a .357 N-frame. To keep cost down I prefer to stay w/ .38 Spl. in "classic/ stock" division. Thanks

[LeMat]

If I shot ICORE (we don't have that here, but I would love to try it!), I would certainly reload using cast bullets. Keep them a little on the soft side and I can't imagine that your M19 wouldn't give you years of service.

I used to shoot a lot of IDPA, USPSA and CAS and although I didn't shoot mousefart loads, I did keep them down enough just to save a little wear and tear on my guns.

Since you'll be sticking with 38 Special, I really see no need to go with a Ruger (and everyone here knows what an absolutely freakish Ruger fan I am).

Personally, I'd rather see those older guns out on the range getting used instead of sitting in the gun safe.

[Murphy2000]

PhantomF4E,

If you're just shooting standard pressure .38 Specials in your Model 19? I see no problem at all continuing to use it.

Now, I hope I'm not about to 'step in it' so to speak. But if you're interested in ICORE just for the competition, I'd take a strong look at the L frame. Mind you, I am clueless as to what guns are allowed in ICORE competition. If your pocket book is deep enough and you can afford to go 'high dolla', then by all means do.

Back to the classic/stock division you were talking about. If they allow the L frame it is the one I would pick. Less muzzle rize = faster shot recovery times. A slightly smaller cylinder to work with during reloads would also be another benefit. Just my thoughts, but a K frame's cylinder charge holes will be closer to gether and less problem to work with. It's never easy trying to help someone else pick a gun unless you can be there to see how well they handle it. Sort'a like if you've got big mitt's, handling an N frame is easy. If you have smallish hands, that same N frame might be more of a hinderance than a help.

Just my 2 cents and good luck with your decision.


Murphy

[Airedale]

Your K frames will do fine.
Minimum power factor in ICORE is 120 (bullet weight x velocity divided by 1000).
That means a 158 gr. bullet only needs to run about 760 fps to make power factor. (I know that's cutting it too close-simply an example).
Go for it and have fun!
Dave

[PhantomF4E]

Thanks guys, this is a local ICORE match, they do not chrono. So will be sticking w/ 130-132 gr. FMJ's. Here in Kalifornia it is very difficult to find a pre-lock K,L frame and if there is, they want an arm and a leg. Anyways, lovely wifey said no more guns unless you sell one. Rats! and dbl Rats!