Newbie Getting into USPSA-IPSC

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cbmax

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I competed in my first match over the past weekend.

I shot my Sig 229 in .40 Caliber in the production class. Borrowed a belt, mag pouches and a holster (that didn't quite fit my gun) from a fellow club member. After the match, one of the range officers gave me some friendly advice. He suggested maybe switching to 9mm in the production class as making "major" is not an issue. He also mentioned that a 9mm may offer a smaller frame which would be better for my grip as I have smaller hands. Lastly I thought he mentioned magazine capacity is an advantage in the 9mm. I am not sure I got this right as I thought mag capacity was limited to 10rounds in production class (which is where I plan to start off)

So what do you think? I don't want invest in a bunch of gear centered around a gun that may not be the best choice. For that matter I also don't want to go out a get another handgun unnecessarily either.

If I decided to go 9mm, was thinking about the Springfield XD9 Tactical version.

I own a bunch of other handguns, but probably nothing very suitable other than the sig 229.

Can anyone help me make better sense of this.
 
Small world, eh?

I was just checking this out this past weekend. I'll probably just use my glock and shoot production for now.

What was firmly recommended was shoot what you have for a few months before you decide on buying a bunch of equipment or a new gun. The group I was with tended toward 45 caliber single stack 1911s with extended 10 round magazines.

Anyway it was a quite nice bunch of folks and they said they'd loan me accessories to shoot with if they had something I needed.

IDPA seems somewhat more rule centric than USPA from what I gathered.

Enjoy!
 
Well, I think you should stick to your 229 for now. Pick up a cheap (Uncle Mikes) plastic holster for it, 4 or 5 mag pouches and a solid leather belt. $50 or so and you should be ready to go as far as gear.

9mm is softer recoiling and faster to shoot, unless you handload 40. 9mm is cheaper to buy than 40. 9mm is the way to go in production for sure unless you handload, but sticking with what you have will let you get your feet wet and learn some about the game without trying to learn a new gun too. It will also let you save some money while you look at all the guns out there that you might want to use in Production class. Quite frankly, you aren't going to be competitive for a while anyway so there isn't a pressing need for a new gun right this moment. Most competitors will be more than happy to let you look their gun over and see what you think of it, most will probably let you run a couple mags through it too.

Top of my list for production guns is the G17, XD, CZ-75/85, P-01, and SP-01. A friend let me shoot his XD Tactical in 40 the other day, it has Dawson sights and a Canyon Creek action job. Frankly, it blew me away. REALLY nice gun and I didn't have anything nice to say about the XD until I shot it.
 
HSMITH,

I do reload actually.

Guess I should have mentioned that while I am new to IPSC, I am not a new shooter. I have been shooting Bullseye at my local club for a few years.

The .40 reloads I shot last weekend were 180 grain JHP over 5.2 grains of Unique. I hate the Unique as it is very finnicky in my Dillon 550B, but I am almost done with it.

I'll will take your advice on the Uncle Mike's holster and mag pouches. I already have the black leather belt.

Now that I have told you I reload, does that change your opinion on gun/caliber? Also what about the mag capacity issue in production?

Thanks for your help!
 
The 180 loaded to about 750 FPS is a very soft load. In addition to that it takes the steel down a bit better than the 9mm. I have use a 40 loaded to the above velocity for about 3 years now and am very happy with it.

Welcome aboard the USPSA train:)

Gary
 
Shoot what you have, when you decide it's worth the $$$$$$ step up. I shot a 1911 with 8 rounders for some time, now I'm good for the single stack class. As long as your having fun don't worry about the gun or accesories.

FWIW,
Tony
 
Stick with your Sig for now. I suggest experimenting with a softer shooting reload. You might need to use a lighter recoil spring for reliable functioning. I highly recommend the XD series pistols. I own three. The .40 tactical for Limited 10, the 9mm tactical for production. I carry the 9mm service model when we hike and camp. Glocks and CZ's are fantastic as well, the XD's just fit me. Production class drew me back to USPSA shooting after many years absence. I find I shoot the 9mm more often. God bless Wally World ammo:) You are limited to 10 rounds in the mag. for production + 1 in the tube. The main thing to remember is the scoring difference in production. Whether you shoot a major caliber (like the 40 S&W) or minor (like the 9mm) in production class, your scored minor. Only shoot fast enough to get ALL A's:eek: Have fun!
 
Production does have a limit of 10 rounds in a magazine after the start. (I take that to mean that you could load 11 in your first mag, rack 1 round and start with 10 in that magazine and 1 in the chamber.)

Production only scores minor, so there is no advantage to shooting major caliber for score.

Good advice here about shooting what you have before spending lots of money. A good solid belt is a necessity, unless you like dropping your gun, your pants, or both. Make sure it's suitable as a holster platform. Be sure your holster covers your trigger guard (not usually an issue with most auto holsters).

Shoot accurately, shoot safely, and have a good time. You will learn a lot shooting with the equipment you have. I'd heard much whining about how the first shot in a regular DA auto (DA/SA) can't be shot accurately, then watched a C/D level shooter rapidly draw and drill a popper at about 20-25 yards with his first DA shot. (It requires PRACTICE! Imagine that?:) ) You'll have the temptation to go fast. Remember: SMOOTH is FAST. The quickest guys don't "look" fast, they just do everything the shortest, most efficient way.

Good luck and good shooting.
Roy
USPSA Life Member
NROI Level I
 
And you could use the same gun & equipment to shoot IDPA in the stock service pistol class, except that the IDPA holster rules are somewhat different.

The important thing is to go out and shoot a half dozen matches to get an idea of how things go, and then you can make some better decisions about equipment, should you decide to change.

If you're police/security/military/CCW permit holder, I'd think it best to use your carry gun and carry gear, to get the maximum training benefit out of the experience. If your main interest is in competition, then you'll probably evolve in another direction . . .
 
Thanks for all the great advice.

Can somebody give me exact brand and model #'s for the holster and mag puches they would recommend starting off with as a beginner. I checked Midway Shooting Supplies and there are lots to choose from. Too many choices actually.

HSMITH recommended Uncle Mike's. I am assuming the Kydex holster.

Please tell me exactly which holster and mag pouches (singles or doubles).

Plan to use a regular 'ol black leather belt from Wal
Mart.

Thanks for all the help!!

PS. Will be ussing Sig 229 .40 Cal.
 
OK, I recommended the UM plastic holster, they really aren't kydex but a lot of people think they are. Basically yes that is the holster. It isn't a great holster by any means, but it is a secure holster and only costs about $15. It is also quite fast.

The leather belt, make sure it is wide and heavy. It needs to support the holster and the mag pouches to keep them from flopping around.

I would look at cheap double mag carriers, Fobus and Uncle Mikes would be OK. Again these are cheap but completely serviceable. I would pick doubles because you are going to want at least 4 mags on the belt to start a field course and doubles stack up the mags without having them completely behind you.

I would look to download your 40 to about 140 PF, it should function fine in stock trim at 140, and there will be a LOT less recoil. A 40 at 140 feels as soft or softer than 9mm factory 115's that most of the Production shooters will be using. Look for a fast powder to do this with, they lower felt recoil further.

You have a good gun, make sure the mags are up to par and head out. Cheap gear will get you started and give you time to look at all the alternatives you have. From only shooting once and having the interest you do I think you are hooked and will sink DEEP into USPSA shooting. Good luck!!
 
Keep the sig for a while, I know a few people who are very capable on that platform. If you like the sport you will gravitate to your next class and gun on your own.

Buy an 8 lb keg of clays and 180 grain bullets. Load just enough to cycle the gun reliably usaually about 3 - 3.5 grains. I don't like to give load advise over the internet so do your homework and ask questions @ your next match. This recoils less than a 9mm.

You also might want to call blade tech for a holster. They are little more expensive, but worth it in fit. Buy more mags than you think you need because loading and/or cleaning mags while everyone is doing the walk through sucks.

flip
 
+1 on all the good advice..

stick with the SIG if you shoot it well...load down the .40...very soft and makes nice holes in the target...get yourself 4 or 5 magpouches and a good a holster...

USPSA has a 10rnd limit for production...and a 125 power factor..

then go have fun..USPSA/IPSC and IDPA are great fun...love the problem solving you have to do in IPSC matches with production..a great challenge..
 
The Blade Tech DOH holster is a great holster...very fast...have had great results with holsters from Kytac and CompTac also...
 
If there is any chance you will shoot IDPA get a holster that is IDPA approved for your gun. That way you won't get caught having to fork out for another holster.

Take Care
 
I use a Blade Tech DOH too for my limited gun, very fast and secure. I stopped looking for a new holster once I used it for a couple weeks.
 
I see that the Blade Tech DOH is not IDPA approved.

However, in my neck of the woods, matches seem to be USPSA-IPSC.

So now I am stuck one again. :banghead:

If I want to consider the Blade Tech product, do I get the DOH or stick with holster that is IDPA approved on the off chance that there is IDPA match somewhere remotely in the area? I think the other Blade Tech holster is called the Stinger. I also think you can also buy the dropped and offset attachment separately for the Stinger????

Didn't see anything on the IPSC website that suggested I could NOT use the Blade Tech DOH.

Help I want to order today!

CB
 
The DOH is NOT IDPA approved. I would buy an Uncle Mikes for your Sig. It will work fine to start and you won't have $60 out for a holster that you don't use if you decide to switch guns. I use seperate holsters for USPSA and IDPA.

If you do find an IDPA match you should be able to use the UM holster for at least one match, it isn't on the approved list anymore either. You can use a Leather pancake or an IWB that you might already have for IDPA too. If you are going to shoot some USPSA matches first I really wouldn't worry about an IDPA holster right now.
 
If you shoot primarily USPSA get the Blade-Tech now. It is perfectly legal for USPSA. Pick up a IDPA holster later, at your convenience. Your going to be pleased with the Blade-Tech!
 
Get the DOH...and then for IDPA..take the DOH hanger off the holster and reattach the belt loop to the holster...

I actually got a DOH..and took the hanger off..use it both for USPSA and IPSC
 
I'm actually just starting out in USPSA as well. The only suggestion I would give is to look at Ebay for some used police belts. I picked up a used Safariland police belt that has an inner velcro belt to keep it stable. It works great in keeping my holster and mags in place and the belt doesn't move when running through the course. I picked it up for $25. Was well worth the cost.
 
If you stick with uspsa, you will probably end up putting different sights and a trigger job on your gun. Make sure the holster you buy works with aftermarket sights (usually the fiber optic sights cause problems with some holsters).
I have never tried comp-tac so I dont know if they will work with aftermarket sights. I know the Uncle Mikes has problems with the Dawson front sights. Fobus is ok for just starting out, but in my are opinion are too flimsy. Blade Tech have a huge opening for the front sight.
Also if you want to try IDPA, call first and tell them about your equipment. Usually they are ok with whatever you bring as long as it is not a big match. I was going to try IDPA earlier this year. They said I didn't even need a cover garment. Just come out and enjoy. I also told them I was horrible which would explain why they were so leanient on the rules.
Bottom line....go to a match and ask. People are more than helpfull in these sports. They are trying to get new people involved, not isolate them.
Sorry about the long post
Flip
 
Everyone,

Ended up buying a Blade Tech DOH holster direct from Blade Tech along with two of their less expensive plastic injection molded double mag pouches. Total with shipping was just under $100.

For the time being I am just going to use a 1 1/2 inch wide black leather belt I bought at Wal-Mart.

I am sticking with the Sig 229 .40 cal. for now. Already have 5 magazines.

I have 3 pistol purchase permits in my possession that are good until this September. I am sure I will be adding to my gun collection. Can't let them go to waste you know:D

Next match is 5/6. Let's hope the holster arrives in time. I mentioned the IPSC match to Balde-Tech and they said they will try to expedite production.

Thanks to everyone for all the great advice.

CB
 
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