New Shooter Info

New Shooter's Page

Become familiar with Club, Match and Range Rules and Procedures

(The following text is with the permission and courtesy of the “North Texas Shooters”)

Overview

USPSA shooting differs from many other shooting sports, in its blend of action, speed, and accuracy. Unlike sports such as bull’s-eye or silhouette shooting, an USPSA competitor shoots a course of fire [called a stage], engaging a wide variety of targets against time. Each stage requires many shots, frequently taken while moving, and it is not uncommon to shoot 30 rounds or more on a given stage in 30 seconds or less.

Shooters compete with a variety of handguns, 9mm or larger. There are various Divisions, depending upon the configuration of the firearm used, and minimum power level of the ammunition used. Stages include a wide variety of targets that may include multiple targets in an array, targets that react when hit, targets that move, targets that are partially obscured, penalty targets, steel plates, etc. A course of fire may require the shooter to move, shoot through small ports or barrels, around barricades, etc., and perform rapid reloads. Many stages involve shooting from seated, prone, or kneeling positions, two-handed grip [freestyle], strong-hand only, or weak-hand only shooting. Most well designed stages allow for individual shooter creativity; there are usually many ways to shoot a course of fire, allowing the competitors to best balance their performance.

While competitors of varied skill categories and classifications shoot together, scores are ultimately sorted out by firearm divisions, power factor, and shooter skill level. This allows shooters of all abilities to share experiences, shooting styles, and strategy.

USPSA Shooters come in all sizes, shapes, ages, sexes, backgrounds and abilities. The common bond is enjoyment of the game and some friendly competition. Careless, irresponsible, or unsportsmanlike conduct is never tolerated, and militia type clothing is discouraged by USPSA. We're all here to have a safe enjoyable time competing in a safe, challenging sport. We're out there to have fun -- wherever we are in the final scores is a secondary issue [or maybe not even that important]. The three priorities are: Be Safe, Be Courteous, and Have Fun.

Safety

The one common, uncompromising constant throughout all USPSA competition is safety. All activity is carefully controlled and all stages are run by one or more Range Officers [RO's], who are responsible for the safe handling and operation of the stage. All USPSA competition follows strict rules for handling of firearms and ammunition: where firearms may be handled, where ammunition may be handled, when a firearm may be loaded, where any firearm may be drawn or pointed. Safety rules are universally adhered to, and there is no tolerance whatsoever for violation of any safety rule; the competitor is immediately disqualified from the day's competition. USPSA has an enviable safety record that any sport would be proud of. A range briefing for new shooters is provided, as well as extra help and coaching for the first time USPSA competitor. Be Safe ~ Have Fun!

Start simple and don't rush to buy special equipment until you've shot USPSA for a bit and know what YOU want. Most competitors are happy to share and let others try out equipment. At a minimum, you need:

Handgun: pistol or revolver 9mm/38 caliber or above;

Magazines: enough magazines to accommodate a 32 round course of fire (plus misses ~ recommend 5 or more.

Holster: a standard belt/slide holster that covers the trigger guard (no shoulder holsters or tactical holsters strapped to the leg).

Ammunition: enough for the entire match (around 125), plus misses and extra shots. Normally 200 rounds is sufficient.

Hearing and eye protection: Mandatory ~ Some favor ear plugs while others prefer the muff styles.

Clothes: Something comfortable and suitable for the weather. A ball cap is highly recommended, both for shade and protection from flying brass. Military style clothing is discouraged in IPSC shooting.

USPSA matches take a lot of work to set up and operate. Help is always appreciated; if you can, arrive a little early and offer to help setup, or stay a little afterward and help break down. During the matches, after the range is declared safe by the RO, help pick up brass, tape targets, reset steel targets, etc. Just a little effort by everyone makes it go much smoother and everyone has a better time. [Shooters that neglect to help out are frowned on.]

Limited Division

Limited is the most popular division. Most Limited competitors shoot wide-body 1911's (STI, SV, Para-Ordnance, Caspian), a Glock, or one of various CZ/TZ 75 variants in .40S&W caliber. Allowable changes include (sights, grips, slide stops, magazine releases, mainspring housings, mag-well, etc.). High-capacity magazines are used extensively (magazine length limited to 140mm, and 170mm for single-stack guns). Optical sights, porting, and recoil compensators are NOT permitted.

Production Division

Production handguns with double/safe-action triggers. Most competitors use a double-action auto in 9mm or .40 S&W caliber. Glocks are popular, as are Berettas, CZ's, SIG's, Springfield's, Para-Ordnance LDA's, and others. Competitors may change the sights (of notch and post type), add skate tape to grip, and tune the internal parts of the gun, but most externally-visible changes are not legal. Magazines are limited to 10 rounds, holsters/mag pouches must be "non-race-type" and worn behind the hip.

Limited 10 Division

Single-action autoloaders in .40S&W and .45ACP rule the roost here. Equipment rules are identical to Limited Division, but magazine capacity is constrained at 10 rounds.

Open Division

Open is the top-fuel drag racing division within USPSA. Competitors can make just about any modification imaginable. High capacity magazines (max 170mm length), optical sights, and recoil compensators are practically required. The most popular cartridge is .38 Super.

Revolver Division

Intended for stock revolvers, Revolver Division is dominated by the Smith & Wesson 625. Competitors may only fire six rounds between reloads, and modifications are limited. Optical sights, porting, and recoil compensators are NOT permitted. Competitors may change grips, enlarge the cylinder release, change sights, chamfer cylinders, and tune the action (trigger job).  

Single Stack 1911

Catering to the desires of traditional 1911 fans, USPSA introduced a provisional "1911 Single Stack" division in 2006. Single-stack Government model pistols (such as those made by Kimber, Springfield Armory, and others) are the only guns allowed. Competitors must use a single-stack 1911 pistol, use standard-capacity magazines (8 rds for "Major" calibers, 10 rds for "Minor"). Holsters must be worn behind the hips, and must be a practical "non-race-type" such as those intended for daily wear.