Competition gear

[ellis4538]

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

[GeorgeCook]

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

[Magoo541]

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.     Aim high, that way if you miss you're still up there somewhere...

[ellis4538]

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

[Magoo541]

Firearms of Seattle has an IDPA bootcamp, 1500 rounds in 5 days    $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  .

Any thoughts on timers for both dry fire and live fire?  What's inexpensive, what is too much, what would be nice, etc ?

[Sponsor]

[GeorgeCook]

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.     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