IDPA: SSP or CCP?

[Bobson]

I shot my first-ever IDPA match on Saturday. Awesome group of people, WAY more than I expected (think there were 47 or 48 of us). Had a blast.

I shot my Glock 19 in SSP. After the match, I realized I could have also shot it in the CCP division. Obviously this was a local match, but I’d like to get more involved (registering as an IDPA member today) and shoot sanctioned matches after I get classified.

A few questions:

1. Is there any advantage or disadvantage to registering in SSP over CCP or vice versa? Obviously there’s “less competition” in CCP because fewer people shoot it, but I mean besides that.

2. When I shoot the classifier, do I shoot it for every division I want to participate in? For example, if I want to shoot a G19 in CCP and a G34 in SSP, do I shoot the classifier with both guns?

3. How can I use my range time effectively to ensure I improve? I’m very comfortable fundamentally. The SOs told me I was super safe and they didn’t have concerns about me being a liability out there. And I actually performed fairly well, I think. Got 3rd place out of 14 Unclassified people shooting SSP, and only lost 2nd place by 4 seconds. I compared my time to the classified shooters and I scored in the bottom third of the pack of the sharpshooters (though I recognize that’s probably not the best indication of anything since we were all there to just have a good time at a local match).

Thanks for the help.

 

[Dudedog]

Here is a link to the IDPA rule book.

https://www.idpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IDPA-Rulebook-2017.pdf

Matches are loads of fun IMO.

I would think if your gun qualifies for CCP that would be the way to go as SSP people might be shooting a lighter recoiling 9mm and CCP is .45.

Removed incorrect line after checking..., should always check the rules first

 

[9mmepiphany]

1. Is there any advantage or disadvantage to registering in SSP over CCP or vice versa? Obviously there’s “less competition” in CCP because fewer people shoot it, but I mean besides that.

The largest difference is that division capacity for SSP is 10+1, while that for CCP is 8+1. There are modifications allowed in CCP, which follows ESP rules on modifications, which would disqualify your gun from SSP

2. When I shoot the classifier, do I shoot it for every division I want to participate in? For example, if I want to shoot a G19 in CCP and a G34 in SSP, do I shoot the classifier with both guns?

You can classify in multiple division simultaneously if you use a gun with the lowest common denominator. If you use a stock DA/SA pistol chambered in .45ACP, it would allow you to classify in SSP, ESP, and CDP...if the frame and slide are short enough, you could also classify in CDP (off the top of my head a Glock 30 would qualify as this gun)

 

[Jim Watson]

The MD I last shot under is very considerate, he sets out the targets to give you a break after 9 and 11 (if you don't miss) so CDP and CCP are on an even footing with ESP and SSP, and he doesn't have many 18 shot stages. (He shoots CCP.)
Not everybody is so considerate and SSP would have an advantage.

The USPSA Internet Experts will tell you not to start in Production at 10+1, too many reloads for your pea brain to schedule, they will say to shoot Limited Minor and load it up.

 

[waktasz]

That's true somewhat but only because some new shooters show up with their gun and 3 mags and that's not enough gear to successfully run a stage in Production.

To answer the original question, shoot in whatever division has the most/best competition in your area.

 

[Jim Watson]

Good point; we even have them show up with the two magazines that came with the gun.
My little club has started holding an Introduction to Competition class where such things are explained.

 

[Dudedog]

I'm not happy shooting USPSA SS minor unless I have 6 mags,
Sometimes the Texas stars aren't nice to me.

(and I can only buy new 10 rounders in CA so SS)