First USPSA match, what to bring?

[bigfrosty]

I'll be shooting my first USPSA match at ARPC on December 13 (if you'll be there, give me a heads up so I can say hello) in the Production class with my soon-to-be carry gun, a CZ P-07. I figured the time I spend waiting for my CHL to be approved is best spent training myself to be more proficient with my firearm in case, God forbid, I ever have to put it to use.

I've got an idea of the basics. I reused some older gear I had, some basic mag pouches and a holster, but I had to replace my old drop-leg thigh strap setup when I found out it wasn't USPSA legal. I'll be set on ammo, magazines, belt, holster, pouches, eye and ear pro, water and snacks, but what are some things I'll probably want to have with me that I may not have thought of for shooting my first match?

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[NeoBlackdog]

I always carry a basic first aid kit and some chap stick in addition to all the regular shootin' gear. Have you got a good/serviceable range bag?

 

[bababoris]

There is a Columbia cascade section USPSA group on Signal that can help answer all of your questions

Signal Messenger Group

Follow this link to join a group on Signal Messenger.

signal.group

 

[PiratePast40]

Your best training will be the handgun 1 and handgun 2 courses at ARPC. USPSA is certainly a good skill builder but it's not training. With the courses, you'll actually learn and practice the basics, and can then build your skill set from that, and polish them during matches.

Just going out shooting, without a training plan or drills in mind will, in most cases, not really lead to improvement since you don't know what skills or habits to work on.

Don't get me wrong, USPSA is indeed fun and can lead to improved skills, but only if you practice with a purpose.

 

[spookshack]

For winter matches I would add a ball cap/hat, waterproof shoes/boots and hand/feet warmers and extra batteries for ear pro and/or optics.

Last but not least, bring a positive attitude. Always ask questions if you are unsure about anything. Be safe and don't take yourself too seriously. Shooting competitions is a process. Speed will come in time and with practice. Be sure to report back and let us know how it went. Good luck!

 

[dangerranger60]

When people shoot their first match I tell them to forget the timer and just see if you can shoot it clean. Without worrying about the clock, you will learn to position yourself to set up your shots. then on your second try pick up the speed enough that you beat your last time but still shoot clean.
Somewhere around your 4th or 5th match when you are no longer having to think about what comes next, then start working on your times. Good Luck DR

 

[bigfrosty]

I always carry a basic first aid kit and some chap stick in addition to all the regular shootin' gear. Have you got a good/serviceable range bag?

I've got a black duffel bag I could use and fit a lot of things in

 

[bigfrosty]

Your best training will be the handgun 1 and handgun 2 courses at ARPC. USPSA is certainly a good skill builder but it's not training. With the courses, you'll actually learn and practice the basics, and can then build your skill set from that, and polish them during matches.

Just going out shooting, without a training plan or drills in mind will, in most cases, not really lead to improvement since you don't know what skills or habits to work on.

Don't get me wrong, USPSA is indeed fun and can lead to improved skills, but only if you practice with a purpose.

How much benefit will I get from these courses? I'm already familiar with handgun basics, reloads, clearing malfunctions. I'm also trying to keep it a bit more inexpensive and those courses cost a bit more than a $20 match fee and $50 in ammo, so are they worth it? Should also add I'm not an ARPC member

 

[spookshack]

Taken from the ARPC handgun 1 class description from their website:

"The class fee will be $125 for members and $150 for non-members. Non-members will receive a $25 Off Discount Certificate off New Member Initiation fees."

I don't know you and I have also never been through their handgun 1 or 2 classes, so no way to know if you'd benefit from taking them or not.

 

[PiratePast40]

Both are advanced classes. Yes, they do cover clearing malfunctions but they also teach you how to shoot while moving.

At one time, Keith Tyler had an excellent series of class that brought many C class shooters into the A and master ranks. Don't know if that is still available. You might want to look into something similar that is specific to USPSA. At the very least, try to find someone that can give you some one on one before you get bad habits engrained. Ask around during a match.

 

[ACxREAL]

I'll be shooting my first USPSA match at ARPC on December 13 (if you'll be there, give me a heads up so I can say hello) in the Production class with my soon-to-be carry gun, a CZ P-07. I figured the time I spend waiting for my CHL to be approved is best spent training myself to be more proficient with my firearm in case, God forbid, I ever have to put it to use.

I've got an idea of the basics. I reused some older gear I had, some basic mag pouches and a holster, but I had to replace my old drop-leg thigh strap setup when I found out it wasn't USPSA legal. I'll be set on ammo, magazines, belt, holster, pouches, eye and ear pro, water and snacks, but what are some things I'll probably want to have with me that I may not have thought of for shooting my first match?

Drop leg is fine rules changed. Don't bring too much stuff you have to carry it around. Do double triple check you have all your stuff before you leave the house. If you think you'll be shooting ARCP be sitting on the sign up at 5:59:59 because those matches fill up fast.

Bring good cheer and have fun.

 

[spookshack]

@ACxREAL ARPC ^

Good reminder to get signed up as soon as the registration goes live. Matches do indeed fill up fast….

 

[Papercidal]

Drop leg is fine rules changed. Don't bring too much stuff you have to carry it around. Do double triple check you have all your stuff before you leave the house. If you think you'll be shooting ARCP be sitting on the sign up at 5:59:59 because those matches fill up fast.

Bring good cheer and have fun.

Thigh straps are allowed but drop leg holsters are not the heel of the grip still needs to be above the belt