USPSA Advice.

[SilverTauron]

Well folks, the time has come for me to leave the shallow end of the pool which is fixed range shooting.

I'm looking at attending a USPSA match next month, and it is my first time at the rodeo. What tips can you guys offer a new guy so that I don't look like a total fool the first time out?

The weapon I intend to use is an EAA Witness carried Condition 1; will there be any procedural issues with this platform?

Thanks in advance for the helpful replies.

ST.

[DodgeThis]

Be accurate at first even if you're slow. Speed will build up as you master the skill. Always remember the 180 degree rule. Contribute to your squad in score keeping, putting up targets and picking up magazines for your team. Most of all be safe and enjoy shooting!

[joelogic]

Someone that knows the rules better will be along shortly but I think DA/SA guns must start hammer down.

Tell your squad mates you are a new shooter.
Ask to go last.
Set ego to receive.
Take it slow and easy.
Try and hit all A's, if your pistol skills are solid.
Stay safe.
Observe all safety rules.

[Sofatactical]

hammer down. whatever condition that is called.

[lwlaml]

Isn't that Production only?

Originally Posted by Sofatactical

hammer down. whatever condition that is called.

[gun fu]

Originally Posted by SilverTauron

Well folks, the time has come for me to leave the shallow end of the pool which is fixed range shooting.

I'm looking at attending a USPSA match next month, and it is my first time at the rodeo. What tips can you guys offer a new guy so that I don't look like a total fool the first time out?

The weapon I intend to use is an EAA Witness carried Condition 1; will there be any procedural issues with this platform?

Thanks in advance for the helpful replies.

ST.

Welcome!

Depending on your location, have a look at our USPSA club "new shooter info" link on our site.

We hold a match once a month (In fact just had one sunday)

It will offer some insight to your first try at the sport.

www.prg-ipsc.com

Direct link to page: http://www.prg-ipsc.com/?page_id=61

Send an email if you have any questions.

info@prg-ipsc.com

Thanks!

[HighLander51]

Originally Posted by SilverTauron

The weapon I intend to use is an EAA Witness carried Condition 1; will there be any procedural issues with this platform?

ST.

USPSA matches are cold, you can handle ammo anywhere, but only handle your gun at the Make Ready command, or at the safe area. All DA/SA weapons start hammer down. You will need a good belt (Wilderness Tactical), good holster (BladeTech) and at least 6 magazines. Electric ears are good also. Tell the match director you are new when you sign up. Declare unclassified Production Division. Go to USPSA.com and BrianEnos.com for more information. Know the USPSA Range commands, dont' break the 180, and don't point your gun at me. Shoot fast, have fun.

[D.carden]

I'm not 100% on this..... IIRC the Witness is similar to the CZ 75 series (I have an SP-01). If it has a manual safety, it can be used in Production by manual decocking the hammer or Limited/L10 cocked and locked..!!!
Either way, jump in with both feet, you wont regret it..!!!!

[HighLander51]

So it's like the Tangfolio?, yes, then it could be hammer back in Limited or L10, but a new guy is better off to start in Production, assuming it's a 9mm.

Also keep your finger off the trigger while moving and loading/reloading/unloading.

[kmca]

Originally Posted by HighLander51

USPSA matches are cold, you can handle ammo anywhere (except in the safe areas), but only handle your gun at the Make Ready command, or at the safe area. All DA/SA weapons start hammer down. You will need a good belt (Wilderness Tactical), good holster (BladeTech) and at least 6 magazines. Electric ears are good also. Tell the match director you are new when you sign up. Declare unclassified Production Division. Go to USPSA.com and BrianEnos.com for more information. Know the USPSA Range commands, dont' break the 180, and don't point your gun at me. Shoot fast, have fun.

I did a little correction

[speedrrracer]

Originally Posted by SilverTauron

Well folks, the time has come for me to leave the shallow end of the pool which is fixed range shooting.

I'm looking at attending a USPSA match next month, and it is my first time at the rodeo. What tips can you guys offer a new guy so that I don't look like a total fool the first time out?

The weapon I intend to use is an EAA Witness carried Condition 1; will there be any procedural issues with this platform?

Thanks in advance for the helpful replies.

ST.

Right on, ST! If you're going to shoot USPSA at a range in San Diego, feel free to pm me and I'll be happy to introduce you around. At Pala, we have a squad just for newer shooters, and there's always a couple of experienced shooters on that squad just to answer questions and such.

DodgeThis, joelogic & Highlander51 covered most things pretty well. Some ranges are faster / better organized, and some are more social, so be prepared to spend a good chunk of the day out in the sun, just in case.

Some clubs will let you compete with your carry setup, most won't, so call ahead if that's how you want to compete -- it's an insurance thing.

[huck]

Originally Posted by SilverTauron

Well folks, the time has come for me to leave the shallow end of the pool which is fixed range shooting.

I'm looking at attending a USPSA match next month, and it is my first time at the rodeo. What tips can you guys offer a new guy so that I don't look like a total fool the first time out?

The weapon I intend to use is an EAA Witness carried Condition 1; will there be any procedural issues with this platform?

Thanks in advance for the helpful replies.

ST.

Where do you live? Where are you planning to shoot? Most of the places I know require some training first.

[HighLander51]

Yea, it really depends on where you live for what the local clubs allow. Some require a full day of training, some let you show up and shoot. Best to check USPSA.com for your nearest clubs and contact the match directors. If you really want to 'shoot what you carry' then check your local IDPA clubs.

[prc77]

Originally Posted by HighLander51

So it's like the Tangfolio?, yes, then it could be hammer back in Limited or L10, but a new guy is better off to start in Production, assuming it's a 9mm.

Also keep your finger off the trigger while moving and loading/reloading/unloading.

10mm

[HighLander51]

Originally Posted by prc77

10mm

Why would you shoot a 10mm, especially factory ammo, in the game?

[PM720]

Originally Posted by HighLander51

Why would you shoot a 10mm, especially factory ammo, in the game?

Major major?

Scott

[zfields]

Originally Posted by HighLander51

Why would you shoot a 10mm, especially factory ammo, in the game?

To parody southpark

"F*** YOU POPPERS, F*** YOU PLATES"

[HighLander51]

[QUOTE=zfields;11283446]To parody southpark

"F*** YOU POPPERS, F*** YOU PLATES"

Steel is calibrated to a 125 floor, you don't need a 200 grain bullet going 1,100 fps.... Some clubs won't even let you shoot a 10mm.

[zfields]

It was a joke, calm down.

Sent from my HTC Droid Incredible 2 using Tapatalk 2

[PM720]

So 220PF is overkill? Just think, you could hit the Star in the middle and knock all the plates off at one time!!

Scott

[LAKings22]

Any scheduled matches near LA area coming up? I really want to check it out and see if its something I would want to do and get an idea of what everyone is using.

[D.carden]

Shot a match with full-on .357mag when i first started.... That'll blow the tape off the targets... Get alpha's all day long..!!!

[Sofatactical]

Originally Posted by LAKings22

Any scheduled matches near LA area coming up? I really want to check it out and see if its something I would want to do and get an idea of what everyone is using.

Norco Running gun every sat.

http://nrg.jvdynamics.com/nrg/calendar/

[LAKings22]

Originally Posted by Sofatactical

Norco Running gun every sat.

http://nrg.jvdynamics.com/nrg/calendar/

Its about 60 miles away which isn't so bad. I have to make it out one of these Saturdays and check it out.

Do these matches include all skill levels competing against each other, or is it split up.

[RugerNo1]

Advice? Aside from the above advice about safety and gear, go out and shoot the next match that is closest to you.

After that, you will be researching and looking up shooting films every evening trying to figure out how to get better.

[D.carden]

Originally Posted by RugerNo1

After that, you will be researching and looking up shooting films every evening trying to figure out how to get better.

And you're life will never be the same.......!!!! Another range widow in the making.... Enjoy !!!!

[randomBytes]

Originally Posted by SilverTauron

I'm looking at attending a USPSA match next month, and it is my first time at the rodeo. What tips can you guys offer a new guy so that I don't look like a total fool the first time out?

Firstly, do NOT worry about looking like a newb.
USPSA has a great safety record, and no one will complain if a new guy walks before he runs. Even if you walk the course you'll have a lot of fun.

Some (many?) clubs have a new shooter checkout process, where someone gives you an intro and checks that you won't be a danger to yourself or anyone else. It really sucks to be DQ'd on 1st stage after a long drive ;-)

Richmond hotshots have a good intro program - there used to be a pdf you could download but I can't find it now.

The weapon I intend to use is an EAA Witness carried Condition 1; will there be any procedural issues with this platform?

USPSA runs on a cold range, so the only time you'll be condition 1 will after the make ready command.
Check the rulebook for appropriate ready condition for your pistol.
SA's like 1911 - cocked & locked is fine
DA/SA's typically have to be decocked such that the first shot is DA.

Pay attention to the RO, watch your muzzle - and have fun!
Also, when moving it is best if your trigger finger is very clearly out of the trigger guard.
If you are right handed - it is much easier to break the 180 when reloading while moving from right to left, opposite for south paws.

[randomBytes]

Originally Posted by PM720

So 220PF is overkill? Just think, you could hit the Star in the middle and knock all the plates off at one time!!

Scott

Which would be range equipment failure, and you get to re-shoot the stage.

[HighLander51]

Originally Posted by D.carden

And you're life will never be the same.......!!!! Another range widow in the making.... Enjoy !!!!

You got that right! It's not "Are you shooting today?" It's where are you shooting today, and when do you think you will be home? Followed by are you shooting tomorrow also???

It's like I tell the newbies, if you don't like it, you will save a shift load of $$$ and have a happy wife, but that's not the usual outcome. It's more like you want to shoot every Saturday and Sunday until you enter the 12 step program, gets you back to once a month..........

[HighLander51]

Originally Posted by D.carden

Shot a match with full-on .357mag when i first started.... That'll blow the tape off the targets... Get alpha's all day long..!!!

Yea, I ran my first ICORE, the 10th, with a 6" S&W625 and made a 230 floor at the chono...

[HighLander51]

Originally Posted by LAKings22

Any scheduled matches near LA area coming up? I really want to check it out and see if its something I would want to do and get an idea of what everyone is using.

South West Pistol League at Gopher Flats is closer.

[LAKings22]

Originally Posted by HighLander51

South West Pistol League at Gopher Flats is closer.

Looks like its in slymar, which is much closer to me. I'm going to check it out for sure.

[TempleKnight]

ST, make sure you come back and tell us how much you enjoyed your first match. If you were in Norcal, I would like you shoot with us at SacValley. I love the energy first-time competition shooters bring.

My advice is to try to avoid buying a bunch of new stuff for a while. I have boxes of holsters and two gun safes because no one warned me.

[ninjastar310]

Take enough time to place a well aimed shot and do everything else fast. Practice dry firing to help with muscle memory and have someone record you so you can see what you need to improve on.

[flyonwall]

Gopher Flats is a great shoot and there is one next weekend. Shot Pala a few months and was super fun too! Show up, tell the match director it is your first time and you will find a line of people willing to squad with you and show you around. I shoot Gopher monthly so feel free to PM for any details.

[flyonwall]

http://www.gopherflats.net/practical-pistol-uspsa/