Finally Going To Try Some Competition

I thought I included a warning about buying new guns etc when I was talking about it
I'm pretty sure I did say it could be addictive..

Dudedog said:

I thought I included a warning about buying new guns etc when I was talking about it
I'm pretty sure I did say it could be addictive..

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Yes, this is *ALL* your fault!!!

DoubleHelix,
I did warn you

Good Ol' Boy said:

Some videos here https://m.youtube.com/results?search_query=greater+richmond+blasters

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I watched the March 2018 vid. When we talk about breaking the 180, a good place to do it is engaging the targets on the side berm at 1:14 That is where you want to be careful especially if you are for whatever reason moving up range. Also in the same stage, me personally I would start the texas star with a fresh magazine. The shooter in the vid takes 1 shot then has to do a reload. It seems like he realizes his mistake and does well after reloading. He also does a good thing starting at the top because that star will start spinning like crazy if it gets too unbalanced. The same would go if you have an activator that presents a swinger or other moving target you don't want to do a reload immediately after hitting the activator.

Another thing try not to go into slide lock, count your shots if possible and reload with one in the chamber. Sometimes you cannot do this and it might be difficult in the heat of the moment. Back to the texas star, Texas Stars are usually not an easy thing to practice because most of us don't have access to one to practice on. Don't be intimidated by them just shoot at it.

Definitely going to give it some time first though.

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No neat to wait, If you have the basic level of equipment you're ready to go.
(I am assuming you are familiar with safe gun handling)

As Larry the cable guy would say
"Get er done!"

There's a first time for everything and it's always easier after the first time

Oppss

Hope you have a great time, loads of fun IMO.

USPSA rule 5.2.6
https://uspsa.org/viewer/Feb_2014_Handgun_Rules.pdf

Pretty sure the first 2 matches I shot were with a Serpa. They’re very suboptimal. You’ll want to upgrade to something else. But they’re not uncommon among new-to-competition shooters.

Pay attention to what others in the division you’re interested in are using.

If you disable the finger release part so you can draw without having to press with your trigger finger they will probably be ok with it. But I'd ask ahead if you can.

Well, up to the MD, or maybe host range management.

Some places just don't consider them safe.
They can be defanged with a wedge under the latch.

I never saw an AD with a SERPA or one of the several similar.
I did see a cop who had selected a SERPA for off duty carry give himself a wedgie when he omitted to unlatch.

From what I have read and understand, the biggest thing against the SERPA holster is if you end up on the ground during a scuffle you can get dirt/rocks jammed under the release mechanism. There is a video out on Youtube where they could not get the pistol out of the holster due to being dirty, see below. I know this has nothing to do with USPSA and the reference rule above, but I haven't seen where they are unsafe vs may just leave you with an unusable gun in a serious moment. I do own a SERPA holster for my Glock 19, but do not use it anymore.

The hazard of the SERPA in competition is hitting the button with the trigger finger crooked instead of straight. The crooked, tensed trigger finger just pops right into the trigger guard as the gun comes up. Too crooked and tensed, and we have a leg shot. It isn't common, but it isn't unknown, either.
SERPA fans say, you just have to train to do it right. OK. But not everybody does.

If you use the serpa, go slow and be cognizant of the danger. Some guns, like striker fired guns or DA guns are usually fine. The danger is a 1911 or other SA guns with light, 1 stage triggers

Go slow, get hits and have a great time. Maybe take a notebook or hand off a video camera to someone so you can have some debrief points for yourself on what you learned. Every match is a huge learning experience for me

Sort of off thread but

The danger is a 1911 or other SA guns with light, 1 stage triggers

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???
Shouldn't go bang until you take the safety off.....
I would think a striker fired gun with no safety would be more of a risk.

Not that I would but I could pull the trigger on a 1911 when I first started the draw, thumb safety should prevent a discharge.
I actually check mine with the gun pointed down range every now and then to make sure it works, however expecting it to work to prevent an accident would not be wise At All!

When I draw my 1911 the safety does not come off until the gun is almost in firing position, pointed down range at the first target, gun comes up, final part safety down.

Good Ol Boy
Waiting for the update after you shoot it, on how you liked your first match, hope you have a great time

Dudedog said:

When I draw my 1911 the safety does not come off until the gun is almost in firing position, pointed down range at the first target, gun comes up, final part safety down.

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Of course, but you are both safety conscience and able to control your impulses. That may or may not be the case with a new comer to the game. Some of them see those who have been at it a while and start to imagine that they have the same skill set, speed and so forth and try to duplicate all that. I had a guy, his first match SCSA, really go at it with me trying to make a case that his 1911 grip safety counted same as a thumb safety and shouldn't have to use the thumb safety at all. I had to call in the MD to settle it with this gentleman rule book schmull book. At the next stage another RO on my squad DQed the shooter for a 180 violation. I actually could have and prolly should have DQed him for holstering a loaded firearm without the external safety applied but I wasn't 100% sure he didn't apply it. I told him in my nicest kindest tone of voice to make sure the safety is on, that is when the grip safety thing started.

Look. When I first started I was shooting production. But I had myself totally convinced that I belonged in single stack. Had plans to by this and that then winter hit and with that the winter competition slowdown. When spring arrived I found myself shooting revolver. Didn't see it coming. And that is what I shoot, a revolver, no single stack. And I do have a complete 1). production gun and complete gear set and 2). a 1911, 8 magazines and a suitable holster and mag pouches. But I shoot revolver. To say it another way get out and shoot a couple of matches find out where your interests lie. It shouldn't take long then you can make purchase decisions that make sense and will make the sport much more enjoyable.

Good Ol' Boy said:

Honestly if someone has a suggestion on a non Serpa holster designed more for competition but not an all out race holster I'd be all ears.

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Well, first let's discuss the term "race holster." In USPSA, that means something along the lines of a DAA Race Master - something that literally grabs the trigger guard, covers the trigger assembly, and does nothing else. Most of the gun is exposed, including the muzzle, the front sight, etc. It doesn't cover or protect the gun in any way, just holds it in place on your belt until you disable any locking mechanisms and draw it - about 1/4 of a inch of movement gets it totally released. Almost anything made of kydex is not going to be called a "race holster" in USPSA. Race holsters aren't even allowed in some divisions.

What you want is some kind of kydex gun bucket with no retention devices other than friction with a little bit of stand-off from the belt (and definitely OWB). It should have wide enough loops to fit a dedicated competition velcro belt. There are lots of workable options. One of the more common choices would be something like the blade-tech classic OWB holster.

Go to the first match with your existing gear. There is a very high likelihood they'll let you use the Serpa as long as they get a decent safety "vibe" from you. Just be intentional and mindful on the draw. Pay attention to what other competitors are using. Ask questions about their gear - most people love to talk about their gear, especially people who have dumped real money into it! You'll leave with a much better idea of what kind of rig to assemble, assuming you enjoy the match enough to be "bitten" by the bug.

www.redhilltactical.com/

Use the code NoSerpa for a discount

As a new participant to competitive shooting (2 IDPA matches and 1 USPSA match), this is all great information and guidance. Most of it I've heard and seen from the "seasoned" shooters in the association I've joined. It can be information overload but starts to have real meaning once you start competing and developing your routine that works and is safe as you shoot your stages.

LOL.......my expectations are reasonable as I'm not very efficient at this point in time. Yes, I've had my Procedure Errors, Line Faults and "good target" hits but that's part of the learning curve; but on the positive no finger faults, dropped pistol or breaking the 180 DQ's. Everything seems pretty mechanical now; hopefully the fluidity comes with developing sound/safe fundamentals and time.

My association seems to be pretty active hosting 6 to 12 events each month. I've developed new friendships, enjoy working the challenges every stage presents but most of all the competitions have been fun. My goal is pretty simple, to see my faults per event drop and improvement in speed and accuracy. At this point I'm "all in" and really look forward to the future competitions.