Posted: 6/30/2024 6:53:39 PM EDT
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I observed a match a few years ago and never signed up for one until now. I'll be shooting limited optics because that's where my most practiced pistol fits in. I know I could take the magwell off and go carry optics, but I really like the magwell. And again, that's what I've practiced with the most. Im bringing what I've got, not buying anything I don't already own. M&P 2.0 compact with Floyd's magwell, apex trigger, 508t, and a TLR-1. "competition style" belt with HSGI tacos and t-Rex Ragnarok holster. I've got plenty of ammo, eyes and ears, all the things I would always take to the range. Except my steel targets and that sort of stuff. What am I missing? Anyone else going to be at the JCSSA match south of Fort Worth this weekend? Anyone else that's never competed want to pop their cherry with me? Attached File |
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Well, my advice would be to lose the light. You won't need it and there is the old adage of "If it CAN get in the way it WILL get in the way". But if you're used to it being there and feel naked without it, that's up to you. I'd also recommend getting out of the habit of leaving a magazine in your firearm. You will be told when to load and that will only occur at the firing line when you are beginning a stage. When shooting a stage is the ONLY time you can have a firearm with a magazine in it. Lastly read over the USPSA rules before you go. They will be difficult to understand until you see how a match is run but by the same token when you do shoot a match you'll have a better understanding of what they mean in the stage description. Also, don't go into the match with the "I'm The Greatest" mind set. |I don't know you so that's just a general piece of advice that may not apply. I've seen so many come in thinking they were going to take the world by storm and then go home with their tails tucked between their legs. One short story that's always stuck with me: There was a new shooter at an IDPA qualifier match who apparently was a former Marine (or maybe just an imaginary Marine). This guy even had his little group of fanboys with him. I heard one of them ask him, "Are you going to shoot EXPERT today, Joe?" whereupon he answered, "Well I did in the Marines so I'm sure as hell gonna be disappointed if I don't do better than that here!". He barely shot Marksman and we never saw him again. You will have a great time if you keep an open mind and just enjoy it for what it is. For me USPSA and IDPA were the most enjoyable times I ever spend behind a trigger. |
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You won't be competitive your first match. Don't worry about your time. Be safe and help reset the stages. Tell the Safety Officer this is your first match and they will drop you to the bottom of the order so you can watch the rest of the squad shoot the stage first. Watch and learn. Ask if you have any questions at all. |
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Update: the match went really well. I shot C class on the qualifier stage. I absolutely bungled the last stage, but found out as I was making clear that the RO messed up the timer and I had to reshoot. Second run was very good. One of the older guys gave me some hand chalk at the last stage too. Holy crap that makes a huge difference. 10/10 Will do again. |