New to USPSA production class, tips please.

[Philo_Beddoe]

I just started doing USPSA procution division at the local club with my CZ-75.

I am using a bianchi nylon duty belt, bladetech dropped offset holster, and a

bladetech Millennium DMP Double Stack mag pouch.

Is this good gear to start with?

Also I have been thinking about buying Matt Buerkett's practical shooting volume 1-3 handgun techniques to get some tips. Is this a good instructional?

I do have basic formal training on handguns via a local school, but I want to get better at sport shooting.

thanks

 

[LiveLife]

I use Fobus tilted holsters and mag holders on regular pants belt. Get a very grippy and comfortable pair of shoes. Use whatever you are comfortable with.

If you can help with the staging setup, do volunteer. That way, you can do a "walk through" of the stages and get a mental course of fire picture.

Do an imaginary gun draw and fire the required double taps and see where you need to do magazine reload. At our dedicated action pistol range, you can actually shoot the previous month's stages for practice until the new stages are set up - this will help because you can shoot the stages without rushing for time. And always, smooth is fast. Go for accuracy/consistency/efficiency in movement before you push for time. You will get faster over time. You can also setup a mock up at home and practice your course of fire.

I recommend one more magazine than is required for the stage because things always go wrong and having another full magazine is a plus.

Check out some USPSA youtube videos and learn from the masters.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=508844

 

[David E]

4 magazines for Production in minimum. National/World Champ Dave Sevigny uses five. He uses gear from www.kytac.com (as do I)

BTW, the CZ must start the stage with the hammer down.

The key to Production is to hit the "A" zone. Scoring minor, you lose points fast for peripheral hits.

 

[Dave Bone]

Suit up with 5 mags. You will need them all. Ask me how I know this

Oh, and don't get too caught up in trying to "win, place or show". Enjoy yourself and have a great time!

 

[chbrow10]

Whatever gear you have that is division legal (see the rulebook and addendum from the USPSA website). You should read the rule book, especially chapters 5, 8, and 10 and the Appendix D. I recommend that you not focus on the gear aspect so much. When your gear begins to hold you back, then consider replacing it. Speaking for myself, there is much more opportunity for improvement within my brain than within my gear.

Frequently visit the Brian Enos forums (aka "The Benosphere"). There are entire forums devoted to beginners. It is a forum dedicated to competition shooters of all shooting sports, but most content that I have seen seems to be oriented to USPSA. Several members of the USPSA leadership frequently post there.

The Burkett videos are good for the begineer to intermediate shooter. Once you have the fundamentals down, I highly recommend the book "Practical Shooting: Beyond Fundamentals" by Brian Enos. Before I read that book, I thought shooting was 100% about technique (hold the gun this way, this finger here, this finger there, etc.). That book made me understand that USPSA shooting is really a mix of technique and mental awareness. It is hard to explain, you'll have to read the book. I've read it three times, there is that much to it. It is kinda like the "7 habits" book for practical shooting.

I'd recommend getting gear that is division legal but doesn't break the bank. Use the money you've saved to buy ammo or reloading equipment so that you can practice. The Burkett DVDs have some good practice drills, and there are other book with some good drills. If you don't already reload, you should think about it. Most USPSA folks do, even for 9mm.

Make sure you go to the matches with an open mind, and listen and watch. Ask questions when you don't understand something.

Like I tell my kids that compete: Be safe, have fun, put holes in targets. In that order.

 

[VegasOPM]

As an FYI- I don't that the the Bladetech DOH is technically legal. No big deal at club matches, but it will be a pain if you take it to a big match. Don't worry about the gear right now- shoot at least 10 matches before you make any big changes.

The Burkett videos are worthwhile, as is the Brian Enos book and the books by Steve Anderson. In terms of dry practice- practice your reloads over and over again. Also practice finding and tracking the front sight. Production is all about shooting "A's" and nailing reloads- usually on the move. I tell all new Production shooters NOT to worry about speed at all. Focus on the basics of getting "A's" and speed will come.

When you shoot the match, introduce yourself to the folks on your squad and ask tons of questions. Everyone will have advice for you, but take it all with a grain of salt until you see who is really good- then pay closer attention to their advice. Keep in mind though that the top shooters are not always good teachers and that their hints may be above your capability yet.

 

[71Commander]

The DOH is legal for Production.

I would recommend no less than 5 mags. With only 3 mags, you couldn't finish a field course (32 rounds).

 

[1SOW]

Yes

You should have pouches for 4 mags. If you don't, it's legal to put one or two in your pockets if need be-useful for the one you'll 'top off' with at the start.

Start with what you have. Listen to and watch the shooters, you'll know who they are very soon. Ask questions. No one will belittle you for questions. They might if you don't ask.

Front sight, front sight, front sight. Don't TRY to be fast. TRY to be smooth. Smooth is fast.

Practice "SAFETY" First and second, then dry fire a lot. Practice mag changes and recognizing the best places in the stage to change mags (WHILE MOVING).

Brian Enos +++

Enjoy yourself at all times, it's a great sport.