The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: Magoo541 on June 12, 2012, 09:11:06 AM
-
So having shot my first USPSA match and closing in on finishing my degree I am looking for some recommendations for competition gear and where to get it. I hope to shoot some 3 gun at the club so some modularity of set-up would be best as well as accomodating shotgun shell carriers, rifle mags (have a HK91 clone for now) and of course handgun mags (no need for grenade pouches-yet ;D ). For those that are considering shooting competition and never have I can tell you it is the most fun you can have with your clothes on and last longer than the stuff without clothes ;D
-
choose a class...most 3 gunners shoot USPSA pistol too...the largest class in 3 gun is TacOptics, which is basically limited pistol, limited shotgun (9 rounds no porting or optics), and optics on the rifle...start with a quality belt and underbelt (velcro)...I shoot Limited with a G34 and use a kydex holster on strong hip, two double mag pouches on weak hip... the rest of the gear is modular depending on the match... I use BladeTech kydex for everything, including a couple of AR mag pouches....TecLoc to rear of pistol mags
determine how you are going to reload the shotgun... weak handed is the quickest...I'm old, and set in my ways so load from California Competition 6 round trays strong handed....one fore and one aft of holster... I use a DOH retention holster for both 3 gun and USPSA....3 Gun Gear armband, and side saddle on the Benelli (it doesn't like a lot of weight when shooting slugs), round it out with a 3 Gun Gear shoulder strap to allow for selection of a slugs or birdshot if required.... for a Kyle Lamb match add a Blackhawk shotshell pouch for the 32 round jungle runs....
what pistol do you currently shoot, and what shotgun.. with a 91 clone in .308, the heavy metal 3 gun class is .308/30-06, single stack .45, and pump 12ga...you could shoot single stack in USPSA pistol...
-
Hop on over to Brian Enos' site and check out info there. Lot of great stuff! Here and the BE site are mostly where I visit.
FWIW
Richard
-
I shot Limited Major with my XMD 45 and will probably staty with that for a while. I may be able to lay my hands on a single stack for future competition in the Heavy Class (this is the class I want to shoot-partly because I'm a big guy and partly because I like big guns ;D ). But I have thought about TacOptics in 3 gun I just don't have an AR-yet ;) but I am looking for a 3 gun friendly one (see my recomendations for Solus on the carbine forum)
Elilis,
I forgot about Brian Eno's site, I lurk there from time to time mostly for training-dry fire, drills, etc.
Thanks!
-
I don't know how much total competition shooting experience you have, but I'll give you my take based upon the old saying of "If I had it to do over again...".
If you want to shoot in USPSA, I would get a into a training class that revolves around competition shooting. The investment will help tremendously. If you can swing it, shoot Steel Challenge more than you shoot USPSA/3-Gun for the first year. I think the experience and skill you pick up from shooting Steel Challenge will pay big dividends. If none of this appeals to you, then consider the following equipment recommendations.
For the XDM 45, buy extra magazines (approx. 6) and get some good mag pouches to go with them. I would also look at changing sights if you haven't done so. You want a skinny front post with a wide rear notch. See if you can get a .22 kit for the XDM and practice with that- alot.
Best of luck!
George
-
I don't know how much total competition shooting experience you have, but I'll give you my take based upon the old saying of "If I had it to do over again...".
If you want to shoot in USPSA, I would get a into a training class that revolves around competition shooting. The investment will help tremendously. If you can swing it, shoot Steel Challenge more than you shoot USPSA/3-Gun for the first year.
Funny you should mention that, my two coworkers that have led me astray are running our local Steel Challenge in two weeks for the Match director that has other obligations and I have volunteered to help set-up (gets me out of the $10 match fee). I am shooting a benefit match this weekend with six stages of speed steel and USPSA type targets that my wife signed me up for today (that way she thinks it was her idea ;) ). I have built a couple of steel plate racks and target stands for my shooting pleasure and it is a lot more fun shooting on the clock against other people (although I didn't do too well this time around-61st out of 78).
I think the experience and skill you pick up from shooting Steel Challenge will pay big dividends. If none of this appeals to you, then consider the following equipment recommendations.
For the XDM 45, buy extra magazines (approx. 6) and get some good mag pouches to go with them. I would also look at changing sights if you haven't done so. You want a skinny front post with a wide rear notch. See if you can get a .22 kit for the XDM and practice with that- alot.
Best of luck!
George
Having stared competition shooting at 40 I'll take all the advice I can find, so thank you. As for the .22 conversion there isn't one available but I may be able to make one (machinist with my own area at work with a CNC mill and lathe) if I get a little help from my friends (design) if I need one. I did start reloading a few months back and for the price or effort it would take to obtain a conversion kit I can load quite a bit of 45, in the area of 3,000 rounds or so figuring $250-300.
I haven't looked at sights as of yet, still trying to finish my 1,000 round trigger job to figure out what I would like to change. I can't get to carried away just yet as this is also my concealed carry gun, home defense hand gun and my competition gun. Okay its my only hand gun too but I digress...
-
.....I haven't looked at sights as of yet, still trying to finish my 1,000 round trigger job to figure out what I would like to change. I can't get to carried away just yet as this is also my concealed carry gun, home defense hand gun and my competition gun. Okay its my only hand gun too but I digress...
Good idea on the 1,000 round decision....You'll find over time you will have a competition-only gun and then you'll have your carry gun. I did the same as you and others told me to get rid of the gun or go buy an STI and use that as my comp gun. Well, since money doesn't grow on trees, and I don't think you're a tree, I think you are going in the right direction trying to get as much use out of your primary carry gun. I will say don't give training short-shrift though. If you can't get to a class, get Matt Burkett's videos and/or Mike Seeklander's book and videos for training; Mike's material is excellent. And pick up Steve Anderson's book on dry fire practice.
Speaking of Mike Seeklander, I think he has an account on this forum. PM him and see what he has to say; he's GM in USPSA.
Take care,
George
-
I'll respectfully disagree with George's comment on shooting only Steel Challenge...the dynamic movement and "problem solving" of USPSA and 3 gun is what makes it challenging...by all means shoot any sport you can to work on accuracy and speed...but jump into the competition and see if you prefer one over the other.....I've never seen a new shooter at his first 3 gun match the didn't have a grin on his/her face.....of the three guns, the pistol is the hardest to master, and shooting from a relatively static position can't teach you how to negotiate a run and gun pistol stage...... good luck with your new sport...
-
Going a little further with what les said...IDPA is also fun and a bit more challenging in that you have to wear a cover garment and reload behind cover and shoot from different positions (kneeling, prone and etc.). I also love USPSA but don't shoot 3 gun.
FWIW
Richard
PS: I'm 65 and have been competing for 30 years and still love it! Won my first match after 20+ years of competing...what a rush!
-
Richard... I'm 64 and have been shooting USPSA since 1982... my original membership number was A2363....Les L747
-
Mine was 16something and am L1761. I shot originally w/Ken Hakathorne and John Sayle and IDPA w/John. Ken and John helped to start USPSA and IDPA. I've shot with a few big named shooters and well known gunsmiths. Helped to make them look good! LOL
Richard
-
I'll respectfully disagree with George's comment on shooting only Steel Challenge...the dynamic movement and "problem solving" of USPSA and 3 gun is what makes it challenging...by all means shoot any sport you can to work on accuracy and speed...but jump into the competition and see if you prefer one over the other.....I've never seen a new shooter at his first 3 gun match the didn't have a grin on his/her face.....of the three guns, the pistol is the hardest to master, and shooting from a relatively static position can't teach you how to negotiate a run and gun pistol stage...... good luck with your new sport...
Hi Les,
The points you make are quite valid. My emphasis on Steel Challenge being the first step had more to do with skill development and getting used to the games. I started with IDPA and really like it and then I moved on to USPSA, which is what I shoot most today. For my situation, I think I would have benefited more from SC and then moved on to IDPA or USPSA.
Take care,
George
-
George,
Where would one go to get some training for USPSA in the Northwest? I am a believer in training for whatever shooting occasion one might endeavor to be competent whether its self-defense, pistol competition, or breaking clays.
I have kind of narrowed down my gear thanks to your suggestions, BrianEnos forum suggestions and those of a few of my buddies that shoot USPSA. I am leaning toward a CS Speed belt with Bladetech DOH and magazine holsters for my XDM 45 to start out. I will be getting the books George suggested as well as develop a training regime that will consist of a lot of dry fire drills with some live fire once a week or so.
One of my classmates was relaying the story of her boyfriend at the age of 20 something deciding he wanted to be good at something and took up long distance running-he ran an ultra marathon last month in his 40s (crazy I know). I've decided to be good at USPSA, Master would be okay but GM would be awesome. ;D Aim high, that way if you miss you're still up there somewhere...
-
Magoo, there is a good school in Seattle...The Firearms Acadamy of... Thar is the only one I have heard about and it seems to be all good. You might be able to get some help at your local USPSA club also.
Richard
-
Firearms of Seattle has an IDPA bootcamp, 1500 rounds in 5 days :o $500 seems pretty cheap too. They say they can take your shooting from Marksmen or Sharpshooter up a level (even two) but no guarantees for Experts to Master :D.
Any thoughts on timers for both dry fire and live fire? What's inexpensive, what is too much, what would be nice, etc ?
-
George,
Where would one go to get some training for USPSA in the Northwest? I am a believer in training for whatever shooting occasion one might endeavor to be competent whether its self-defense, pistol competition, or breaking clays.
I have kind of narrowed down my gear thanks to your suggestions, BrianEnos forum suggestions and those of a few of my buddies that shoot USPSA. I am leaning toward a CS Speed belt with Bladetech DOH and magazine holsters for my XDM 45 to start out. I will be getting the books George suggested as well as develop a training regime that will consist of a lot of dry fire drills with some live fire once a week or so.
One of my classmates was relaying the story of her boyfriend at the age of 20 something deciding he wanted to be good at something and took up long distance running-he ran an ultra marathon last month in his 40s (crazy I know). I've decided to be good at USPSA, Master would be okay but GM would be awesome. ;D Aim high, that way if you miss you're still up there somewhere...
Hi Magoo,
I don't know of any trainer specific to the Pacific Northwest region. However, the good folks at the Powerfactor show (powerfactorshow.com) are from the Seattle area and they may be able to point you in the right direction.
For shot timers (an essential piece of equipment), I use CED 7000. I purchased it around $120. You can find them at several places; try Red Dot Shooting (http://www.reddotshooting.com/timers.aspx). I also use a PACT MK IV for my chrono too. For dry fire and live fire practice the CED 7000 is the better all-around choice.
Thanks!
-G