

Posted: 9/19/2014 8:06:30 PM EST
Title edited to reflect what this thread has turned into: a general USPSA discussion open to videos, pictures, questions, and overall complaining/bragging.
![]() |
|
Quoted:
I'm jumping into the USPSA world tomorrow morning bright and early. I've never done any organized shooting events before, so this will be a learning experience. Does GD have any nuggets of wisdom to a new guy? ![]() View Quote Just don't nervously anticipate everything that can go wrong and ways for you to embarrass yourself. Don't think about those things at all. ![]() |
|
Lord loves a working man.
See a doctor and get rid of it. Don't trust whitey. |
|
Ask lots of questions. Go slow. Dont try to match the pros speed. Dont take a trip to dairy queen
The most important think is safety. If u are unsure a out something,ask |
|
Quoted:
Just don't nervously anticipate everything that can go wrong and ways for you to embarrass yourself. Don't think about those things at all. ![]() View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
I'm jumping into the USPSA world tomorrow morning bright and early. I've never done any organized shooting events before, so this will be a learning experience. Does GD have any nuggets of wisdom to a new guy? ![]() Just don't nervously anticipate everything that can go wrong and ways for you to embarrass yourself. Don't think about those things at all. ![]() I've already accepted the fact that I WILL embarrass myself. I'm not afraid to be bad at something new. Just gives me something to work on. ![]() |
|
|
|
|
Tell them you're new and have them put you at the bottom of the squad.
|
|
Tell them you're a newb and look for someone to walk you through the scenarios and explain what they're trying to plan.
Range safety is no shit. You're about to learn the IPSC draw. If you don't already know how to do it, tell them and they'll get someone to show you how to draw so that you don't get DQ'd. If you get DQ's: oops. Remember what you did wrong and move on. Almost all of the people are there to have fun. They're generally glad to work with an inexperienced shooter. By inexperienced, I mean inexperienced in their game. You'll find a few people who will be happy to show you how it's done. Most important: Have fun. |
|
Have a good breakfast and a full belly.
It cuts down on the adrenaline rush a little. |
|
First time out dont rush, be safe and you'll have a fun day.
If you can make every shot count. You wont end up last. |
|
I have been doing it for 2 years now. Some things I have learned.
1. Take your time. No need to go full throttle. Be safe. If you get a DQ, don't let it get you down, use it as a learning experience. 2. Make sure you attend the new shooters meeting. Listen to what they say. 3. Ask questions. When In doubt ask away. There are no stupid questions when you are at a match. 4. Use your Mk 1 eyeball. Watch others. 5. Listen to the written stage briefing and the RO. 6. HAVE FUN! Range commands. 1. Make ready 2. Are you ready? Stand by. :beep: 3. If you are finished, unload and show clear. If clear, hammer down and holster. RANGE IS CLEAR. (in the case of a revolver, it's -"If clear, cylinder close and holster" If you hear the Range Officer yell STOP! Stop. Keep your muzzle down range and listen to his commands. More than likely you will be in a squad that has all types of shooters. Open, Limited, Production, etc. Depending on your class, watch how they break a stage down. Open guys break it different than Production and they do it different that Single Stack. Most of all, have fun. It's a bug that you will get and you will want more. I started out in Production, next year I'm trying 8 shot revolver. Good luck and have a great match. |
|
Quoted:
Tell them you're a newb and look for someone to walk you through the scenarios and explain what they're trying to plan. Range safety is no shit. You're about to learn the IPSC draw. If you don't already know how to do it, tell them and they'll get someone to show you how to draw so that you don't get DQ'd. If you get DQ's: oops. Remember what you did wrong and move on. Almost all of the people are there to have fun. They're generally glad to work with an inexperienced shooter. By inexperienced, I mean inexperienced in their game. You'll find a few people who will be happy to show you how it's done. Most important: Have fun. View Quote How is an IPSC draw different than a "regular" draw? Normally I just pull straight up and push out. Is that kosher? |
|
Quoted:
I have been doing it for 2 years now. Some things I have learned. 1. Take your time. No need to go full throttle. Be safe. If you get a DQ, don't let it get you down, use it as a learning experience. 2. Make sure you attend the new shooters meeting. 3. Ask questions. When In doubt ask away. There are no stupid questions when you are at a match. 4. Use your Mk 1 eyeball. Watch others. 5. HAVE FUN! More than likely you will be in a squad that has all types of shooters. Open, Limited, Production, etc. Depending on your class, watch how they break a stage down. Open guys break it different than Production and they do it different that Single Stack. Most of all, have fun. It's a bug that you will get and you will want more. I started out in Production, next year I'm trying 8 shot revolver. Good luck and have a great match. View Quote Thanks, I'm starting off in Production as well. I talked to the guy in charge of everything on the phone today and he said that they will follow me around and help me out being a new shooter. He made it sound like they're all more than willing to teach how it's done. |
|
Quoted:
How is an IPSC draw different than a "regular" draw? Normally I just pull straight up and push out. Is that kosher? View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
Tell them you're a newb and look for someone to walk you through the scenarios and explain what they're trying to plan. Range safety is no shit. You're about to learn the IPSC draw. If you don't already know how to do it, tell them and they'll get someone to show you how to draw so that you don't get DQ'd. If you get DQ's: oops. Remember what you did wrong and move on. Almost all of the people are there to have fun. They're generally glad to work with an inexperienced shooter. By inexperienced, I mean inexperienced in their game. You'll find a few people who will be happy to show you how it's done. Most important: Have fun. How is an IPSC draw different than a "regular" draw? Normally I just pull straight up and push out. Is that kosher? Your muzzle is not allowed to cross any part of an imaginary line line running across your shoulders, at least not when I shot it. To prevent this from happening, you step forward, draw, and step back. It sounds more complicated than it is. In reality, they'll show you how to do it and after a couple of practices, you'll be fine. The rule exists to prevent the shooter from crossing the crowd with his muzzle when he draws. |
|
|
Quoted:
Thanks, I'm starting off in Production as well. I talked to the guy in charge of everything on the phone today and he said that they will follow me around and help me out being a new shooter. He made it sound like they're all more than willing to teach how it's done. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
I have been doing it for 2 years now. Some things I have learned. 1. Take your time. No need to go full throttle. Be safe. If you get a DQ, don't let it get you down, use it as a learning experience. 2. Make sure you attend the new shooters meeting. 3. Ask questions. When In doubt ask away. There are no stupid questions when you are at a match. 4. Use your Mk 1 eyeball. Watch others. 5. HAVE FUN! More than likely you will be in a squad that has all types of shooters. Open, Limited, Production, etc. Depending on your class, watch how they break a stage down. Open guys break it different than Production and they do it different that Single Stack. Most of all, have fun. It's a bug that you will get and you will want more. I started out in Production, next year I'm trying 8 shot revolver. Good luck and have a great match. Thanks, I'm starting off in Production as well. I talked to the guy in charge of everything on the phone today and he said that they will follow me around and help me out being a new shooter. He made it sound like they're all more than willing to teach how it's done. Awesome, welcome to Production. ![]() |
|
You'll need at least 5 mags for production.
4 on the belt/carriers. Holster. Watch some USPSA vids on youtube to get familiar with commands. USPSA is an addiction; I caught the bug in June this year and I have over 10 matches in and have been classified as a "B" in production. Remember time is the enemy of your hit points. Each shot in the A zone is 5 points; each cardboard target will typically require 2 hits (10 points total). If you miss a target with one shot it's minus 10 points. If you forget to shoot at a target it's minus 10 points. When the points are totaled after a stage, the score is divided by time; that gives you the "Hit Factor" Hit factor is what is important in the game. |
|
|
You are not going to win.
You are going to go too fast at first. Take a breath, slow down and have fun. You first event is for fun and to get exposure to the sport. Have fun. |
|
View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Lord loves a working man. See a doctor and get rid of it. Don't trust whitey. Wrong thread? ![]() Nope Ok, I need an explanation then. ![]() You asked for advice from GD ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
|
Quoted:
You are not going to win. You are going to go too fast at first. Take a breath, slow down and have fun. You first event is for fun and to get exposure to the sport. Have fun. View Quote I'm expecting to have the fastest time and most misses. ![]() Not really, but I do have a habit of shooting faster than I should and not focusing on my front sight. I'm hoping that will come with experience. |
|
Quoted:
I'm expecting to have the fastest time and most misses. ![]() Not really, but I do have a habit of shooting faster than I should and not focusing on my front sight. I'm hoping that will come with experience. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
You are not going to win. You are going to go too fast at first. Take a breath, slow down and have fun. You first event is for fun and to get exposure to the sport. Have fun. I'm expecting to have the fastest time and most misses. ![]() Not really, but I do have a habit of shooting faster than I should and not focusing on my front sight. I'm hoping that will come with experience. You're about to get a reality check if you think you're going to be fast as a new shooter at a USPSA event. |
|
Quoted:
You're about to get a reality check if you think you're going to be fast as a new shooter at a USPSA event. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
You are not going to win. You are going to go too fast at first. Take a breath, slow down and have fun. You first event is for fun and to get exposure to the sport. Have fun. I'm expecting to have the fastest time and most misses. ![]() Not really, but I do have a habit of shooting faster than I should and not focusing on my front sight. I'm hoping that will come with experience. You're about to get a reality check if you think you're going to be fast as a new shooter at a USPSA event. That was a joke. ![]() |
|
Quoted:
I have 4--1 in the gun and 3 on my belt. The website said that I would just need 4. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
You'll need at least 5 mags for production. 4 on the belt/carriers. Holster. I have 4--1 in the gun and 3 on my belt. The website said that I would just need 4. 4 will get you by in production for the first time. 5 total is good for most occasions. 6 is great (this leaves an extra for big round count stages or in the event you have a malf or drop a mag) |
|
Did you join Brian Enos yet?
Becarefull they dont have a sense of humor. It's all zen ![]() |
|
|
|
Just remember, you can't miss fast enough to win. Slow is good.
|
|
Quoted:
Your muzzle is not allowed to cross any part of an imaginary line line running across your shoulders, at least not when I shot it. To prevent this from happening, you step forward, draw, and step back. It sounds more complicated than it is. In reality, they'll show you how to do it and after a couple of practices, you'll be fine. The rule exists to prevent the shooter from crossing the crowd with his muzzle when he draws. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Tell them you're a newb and look for someone to walk you through the scenarios and explain what they're trying to plan. Range safety is no shit. You're about to learn the IPSC draw. If you don't already know how to do it, tell them and they'll get someone to show you how to draw so that you don't get DQ'd. If you get DQ's: oops. Remember what you did wrong and move on. Almost all of the people are there to have fun. They're generally glad to work with an inexperienced shooter. By inexperienced, I mean inexperienced in their game. You'll find a few people who will be happy to show you how it's done. Most important: Have fun. How is an IPSC draw different than a "regular" draw? Normally I just pull straight up and push out. Is that kosher? Your muzzle is not allowed to cross any part of an imaginary line line running across your shoulders, at least not when I shot it. To prevent this from happening, you step forward, draw, and step back. It sounds more complicated than it is. In reality, they'll show you how to do it and after a couple of practices, you'll be fine. The rule exists to prevent the shooter from crossing the crowd with his muzzle when he draws. I have no idea about the draw you are talking about. We just draw and fire. The faster the better. Not breaking the 180 rule goes without saying. |
|
I'll second the advice about going last. Your first match or two, just try to take it all in. Go slow, watch the experienced guys and ask questions if you think you have an issue. You'll be up to speed in no time.
|
|
First things first, THINK SAFETY! From there, take your time to walk through the courses and then watch how others shoot a course. Once its your turn, take your time and focus on accuracy vs. speed. For new USPSA shooters, no matter pistol skill level, I always stress the importance of focusing on accuracy and taking your time to go through the course. Once you go through a few matches, you will then know what you need to work on, and speed is the last thing you will need to work on.
If you cant shoot double alphas on pretty much the entire course, therse no reason to try to increase your speed. Theres nothing worse then watching a guy go real fast and shooting Charlies and Mikes for the entire course. If the goal of competitive pistol shooting is improving your gun handling, then take the time to focus on accuracy and follow-up with speed. Oh and dryfire, dryfire, dryfire. Get a shot timer with a "par timer" and practice your draws, transitions, reloads, etc. There are a ton of books on refining your practical pistol skills. All of these resources can be found at brianenos.com |
|
Quoted: Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Have fun! View Quote I've always hated this trite, often-parroted remark. Fast is fast, slow is slow, smooth is smooth. Fuck slow, you need to be accurate and fast. Smoothness is a byproduct of competence through practice. *OP* disregard this mini-rant, as it is not intended for you. Just be safe and have fun your first time out.
|
|
Quoted:
I've always hated this trite, often-parroted remark. Fast is fast, slow is slow, smooth is smooth. Fuck slow, you need to be accurate and fast. Smoothness is a byproduct of competence through practice. *OP* disregard this mini-rant, as it is not intended for you. Just be safe and have fun your first time out. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Have fun! I've always hated this trite, often-parroted remark. Fast is fast, slow is slow, smooth is smooth. Fuck slow, you need to be accurate and fast. Smoothness is a byproduct of competence through practice. *OP* disregard this mini-rant, as it is not intended for you. Just be safe and have fun your first time out. I agree with this mini-rant |
|
Quoted: I've already accepted the fact that I WILL embarrass myself. I'm not afraid to be bad at something new. Just gives me something to work on. ![]() View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: I'm jumping into the USPSA world tomorrow morning bright and early. I've never done any organized shooting events before, so this will be a learning experience. Does GD have any nuggets of wisdom to a new guy? ![]() Just don't nervously anticipate everything that can go wrong and ways for you to embarrass yourself. Don't think about those things at all. ![]() I've already accepted the fact that I WILL embarrass myself. I'm not afraid to be bad at something new. Just gives me something to work on. ![]() Tell the ROs in the squad that it's your first time. Ask for help/advice when you need it. USPSA people are nice and helpful.
|
|
Quoted:
First things first, THINK SAFETY! From there, take your time to walk through the courses and then watch how others shoot a course. Once its your turn, take your time and focus on accuracy vs. speed. For new USPSA shooters, no matter pistol skill level, I always stress the importance of focusing on accuracy and taking your time to go through the course. Once you go through a few matches, you will then know what you need to work on, and speed is the last thing you will need to work on. If you cant shoot double alphas on pretty much the entire course, therse no reason to try to increase your speed. Theres nothing worse then watching a guy go real fast and shooting Charlies and Mikes for the entire course. If the goal of competitive pistol shooting is improving your gun handling, then take the time to focus on accuracy and follow-up with speed. Oh and dryfire, dryfire, dryfire. Get a shot timer with a "par timer" and practice your draws, transitions, reloads, etc. There are a ton of books on refining your practical pistol skills. All of these resources can be found at brianenos.com View Quote That makes a lot of sense. Thanks! |
|
Quoted:
Tell the ROs in the squad that it's your first time. Ask for help/advice when you need it. USPSA people are nice and helpful. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I'm jumping into the USPSA world tomorrow morning bright and early. I've never done any organized shooting events before, so this will be a learning experience. Does GD have any nuggets of wisdom to a new guy? ![]() Just don't nervously anticipate everything that can go wrong and ways for you to embarrass yourself. Don't think about those things at all. ![]() I've already accepted the fact that I WILL embarrass myself. I'm not afraid to be bad at something new. Just gives me something to work on. ![]() Tell the ROs in the squad that it's your first time. Ask for help/advice when you need it. USPSA people are nice and helpful. I definitely will, and I'm sure they will be watching me like a hawk with it being my first time out regardless. |
|
Quoted:
looking to get into these events too. Good luck! View Quote THeres no better time then the present. All you need is a holster, mag holders, pistol chambered in 9mm or larger, 4 mags, and ears/eyes. From there, just show up with 250 rds, and do your best. You will find the majority of all shooters are very helpful and will answer any questions you have. Whenver I see a new guy, I remember how it was when I was new, and do my best to offere any help I can. So get out there and have some fun. But I will warn you, its an extremely addictive hobby. After shooting a Glock for the season, I just recently bought a $4k limited pistol and another $1k of magazines. I spend about $4k on ammo a year (all reloads) and spend a decent amount in travelling around. All to shoot paper and steel. ![]() And I will say this, with a Glock 35, I was damn competitive, so don't think you need a high dollar pistol to win. I have many top 5 finishes in limited class running a modified G35. |
|
Tell the Match Director and Range Safety Officer that you are new a shooter.
Ask if you can be teamed with an experienced shooter in the same class. Have your partner shoot first, and watch your parnter does while shooting each stage. Assuming they don't DQ or STP in some other way, do what they do at half their speed. Buy your partner lunch. Have fun. |
|
Quoted:
Your muzzle is not allowed to cross any part of an imaginary line line running across your shoulders, at least not when I shot it. To prevent this from happening, you step forward, draw, and step back. It sounds more complicated than it is. In reality, they'll show you how to do it and after a couple of practices, you'll be fine. The rule exists to prevent the shooter from crossing the crowd with his muzzle when he draws. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Tell them you're a newb and look for someone to walk you through the scenarios and explain what they're trying to plan. Range safety is no shit. You're about to learn the IPSC draw. If you don't already know how to do it, tell them and they'll get someone to show you how to draw so that you don't get DQ'd. If you get DQ's: oops. Remember what you did wrong and move on. Almost all of the people are there to have fun. They're generally glad to work with an inexperienced shooter. By inexperienced, I mean inexperienced in their game. You'll find a few people who will be happy to show you how it's done. Most important: Have fun. How is an IPSC draw different than a "regular" draw? Normally I just pull straight up and push out. Is that kosher? Your muzzle is not allowed to cross any part of an imaginary line line running across your shoulders, at least not when I shot it. To prevent this from happening, you step forward, draw, and step back. It sounds more complicated than it is. In reality, they'll show you how to do it and after a couple of practices, you'll be fine. The rule exists to prevent the shooter from crossing the crowd with his muzzle when he draws. WAT ![]() ![]() |
|
No one like a noob who shoots fast and misses trying to hang. Everyone likes a noob who shoots slow, safe, and makes hits. Seriously, go slow and gain respect. |
|
www.brianenos.com It is THE FORUM for all things practical pistol. You need to join it, read it, embrace it, and try to absorb as much knowledge as possible. Its truly an amazing reference for practical shooters. |
|
Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Tell them you're a newb and look for someone to walk you through the scenarios and explain what they're trying to plan. Range safety is no shit. You're about to learn the IPSC draw. If you don't already know how to do it, tell them and they'll get someone to show you how to draw so that you don't get DQ'd. If you get DQ's: oops. Remember what you did wrong and move on. Almost all of the people are there to have fun. They're generally glad to work with an inexperienced shooter. By inexperienced, I mean inexperienced in their game. You'll find a few people who will be happy to show you how it's done. Most important: Have fun. How is an IPSC draw different than a "regular" draw? Normally I just pull straight up and push out. Is that kosher? Your muzzle is not allowed to cross any part of an imaginary line line running across your shoulders, at least not when I shot it. To prevent this from happening, you step forward, draw, and step back. It sounds more complicated than it is. In reality, they'll show you how to do it and after a couple of practices, you'll be fine. The rule exists to prevent the shooter from crossing the crowd with his muzzle when he draws. WAT ![]() ![]() yeahhhhh....... I'm gonna need you to ignore all that stuff. |
|
Once you do get going into USPSA; staying slow will get you to the bottom of the pack very fast.
At some point you have to roll the dice and push yourself. Buy time every chance you get. Basically you have to decide what can be a charlie hit if you can achieve it fast enough. Before a match get a good nights rest. Above all relax. You will grow as a competitor and go through highs and lows. Just remember to always learn or have a goal. My recent goals were to become more consistent. However I seemed to have slowed down a bit (not good). |
|
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2023 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.