Competitive Shooting - Ask Me Anything

What ammo (brand / grain) do you think the majority of USPSA shooters use who shoot 9mm? And why?
The majority of 9mm Minor shooters shoot 147gr ammo that they load themselves.

Most of those shoot coated bullets, because they're cheap and they're better than plated and cheaper.

Around here, Blue Bullets are probably the most popular.
 
Regarding the Barney mag. So I'm shooting SS. I have 4 8 round mags and one 7 rounder. I have 4 mag pouches. The way I understand it is I should keep the 7 rounder in my back pocket (or wherever), get in the box, grab the 7 round mag, rack one and then swap to an 8. Correct?
 
Regarding the Barney mag. So I'm shooting SS. I have 4 8 round mags and one 7 rounder. I have 4 mag pouches. The way I understand it is I should keep the 7 rounder in my back pocket (or wherever), get in the box, grab the 7 round mag, rack one and then swap to an 8. Correct?
Yep. That way you'll have 9 in the gun at the buzzer.
 
@FlatFender what's your dryfire routine. Kinda wondering what and many dryfires y'all get in and how often
I've been fighting some carpal tunnel issues for the past few months, in addition to a ridiculiously busy personal life right now, but I've been striving for 3 sessions a week between 15-30 minutes.

@Ben B and @Travis B could tell you a lot more about effective dryfire routines than I could, currently.
 
On second thought, here it is for the sake of the thread -

Here's my plan for what it's worth! Some will probably rightly tell you that it's too simplistic, but it's a good place to start. I did this verbatim about 90% of the time for a little over a year, 4-5 days a week, and it brought me from marksman to master. It's around 10 minutes, so it didn't get in the way of time with my family. I used an app called "Dry Fire Timer" to set up everything. Everything was done from a simulated 10 yards.

  1. 10 un-timed shots on a blank wall, watching the sights to make sure they don't move at all.
  2. Draw and aim at the target. (12 times. Every group of three was .1 second faster)
  3. Draw, 2 rounds each at 3 targets. (15 times, every group of five was .1 second faster)
  4. Starting aimed at a target. On the buzzer, reload from mag holster and aim back at the target. (15 times, every group of five was .1 second faster)

You can add strings like strong or weak-hand only, add movement to drill #3, or distance. More more/better info, go to Ben Stoeger's dry fire book.

In addition I started to live fire once a month the day before a match (just bill drills for 150 rounds or so.) Keep in mind that not every dry fire session will feel like a success...the key is repetition. Don't worry about a particular day not going well, just hang up the holster and do it again the next day. The key is that you did it. If you try to hit that day extra hard, you'll burn yourself out. Good luck man!
 
@FlatFender what's your dryfire routine. Kinda wondering what and many dryfires y'all get in and how often

The first step is working up a schedule that you can commit to fulfilling. If you document that you’ll dryfire 6x weekly and only do 4x due to work/family, then you’re already treating your sessions as a failure. I started with 6x weekly and now I’ve cut that back to 4x. Before a major it typically ramps back up to 6x.

After you have a schedule that works for you and your life, decide what needs the most improvement. This info comes from watching your match videos and, if possible, comparing it against better shooters to see where you’re losing the most time and points vs. them. For most folks, it’s standing when you should be moving- after you break the final shot in an array, while shooting targets that can be shot on the move, etc.

Now that you have a schedule you can feasibly hit week after week and a list of opportunities for improvement, identify drills that will help improve these areas. Stoeger and Anderson are my sources for a lot of drills, but over the past year I’ve worked more and more in setting up a mini stage that challenges my weaknesses and breaking down each process an improving that during a session.

If you’re just starting out and looking for a place to begin dry firing, work on Steve Anderson’s first 12 drills from his first book. And do them standing and while moving. Most importantly, take this time to be present in the moment and focus 100% on improvement.

I promise you will be blown away with your improvement if you follow this simple process.


Word of caution if you spent 75% or more of your time in dry fire vs. live fire- don’t cheat yourself by letting your grip get lazy. This happened to me and it’s taking me a while to retrain my grip so the gap shrinks between dry fire drill times and live fire drill times.

Good luck!
 
Question: I only have easy access to a “static” range at SSI. What drills, routines, etc. would you recommend that are conducive to a static range that would prep/carryover to future aspirations of practical shooting competition?


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Is a threaded barrel legal in idpa?
Reading thru the "equipment section" starting on page 25,
Allowed replacement barrels
SSP. K. Replacement of barrel with one of factory configuration that uses the original cartridge.

ESP. T. Heavy or cone style barrels on firearms with barrel lengths of 4.25” or less.
 
Range time vs matches,, what's a good break down?
@FlatFender
Not @FlatFender, and there is probably better advice-but for me it’s usually 1 short practice session (150 rounds) a few days before before each monthly match. Usually bill drills @10 yards or something like it, as I can’t practice trigger/recoil control in dry fire. 15-20 yards for a few rounds to start never hurts either. It’s worked well for me.
 
Not @FlatFender, and there is probably better advice-but for me it’s usually 1 short practice session (150 rounds) a few days before before each monthly match. Usually bill drills @10 yards or something like it, as I can’t practice trigger/recoil control in dry fire. 15-20 yards for a few rounds to start never hurts either. It’s worked well for me.

Please ignore my ignorance but what are "Bill Drills"
 
Please ignore my ignorance but what are "Bill Drills"
They really 'drill' into you proper recoil and trigger control, and they don't take long at all. I have 150 rounds loaded into mags and finish up the whole session in about 30 minutes. Usually start with 10-15 slow shots at 20 yards, and then bill drills or the short idpa classifier to finish. Sometimes I'll have three targets set up, and hit 2 rounds on each for transitions, just like dry fire. It's not a really intricate practice, and could be better, but it has helped me.
 
Range time vs matches,, what's a good break down?
@FlatFender
In my experience, as you become better experienced in shooting matches where you learn how to make decent stage plans, etc, your practice time should be a lot higher than match time. You really don’t learn how to shoot better in matches- that only comes from structured practice sessions.

It’s common for me to consciously skip local matches if I have an identified weakness that will likely be challenged in an upcoming major match. 200 rounds in practice on a specific area is 100x more beneficial than 200 rounds in a match.
 
In my experience, as you become better experienced in shooting matches where you learn how to make decent stage plans, etc, your practice time should be a lot higher than match time. You really don’t learn how to shoot better in matches- that only comes from structured practice sessions.

It’s common for me to consciously skip local matches if I have an identified weakness that will likely be challenged in an upcoming major match. 200 rounds in practice on a specific area is 100x more beneficial than 200 rounds in a match.

Be honest. You see my name on the list and see that you have NO CHANCE.......
 
Please ignore my ignorance but what are "Bill Drills"
Classic drill to test grip and recoil control mostly, burns a ton of rounds quickly, but it can be fun.
Standard is hands at sides, target at 7 yds, draw and fire six. All Alphas or Down Zero in under 2 seconds is "sporty" at that distance, I haven't gotten there.
At longer distances it gets interesting, usually at some distance you find your splits and draw times suddenly get long.
 
200 rounds in practice on a specific area is 100x more beneficial than 200 rounds in a match.

I have been considering cutting back on matches for this reason, and the time they consume, only problem is getting use of the pistol pit at my range is no given.

The proper ratio comes down to your priorities, practice isn't very social, but you're gonna have a hard time ascending the score sheet without it.
 
Hello, new here.

I would like to try a USPSA match. I have never shot competitively so please bear with me.

General info.
I would like to shoot from concealment as that is how I carry daily.
I am reading the rules currently.
I have watched Amy Jane's vid on competition and stayed on track as best I could.
I would like to start at PBR in Mooresville because it's the closest to me in Hickory.

My pistol (not sure what matters)
G-19
Stippled frame
Slide mounted red dot
Agency magwell
Weapon mounted light
Compensator
KKM barrel
Internals are stock with the exception of the recoil spring.

Can't think of anything else. Is there a place for me? Do I need make changes?

Thanks very much in advance for your guidance.
David
 
Hello, new here.

I would like to try a USPSA match. I have never shot competitively so please bear with me.

General info.
I would like to shoot from concealment as that is how I carry daily.
I am reading the rules currently.
I have watched Amy Jane's vid on competition and stayed on track as best I could.
I would like to start at PBR in Mooresville because it's the closest to me in Hickory.

My pistol (not sure what matters)
G-19
Stippled frame
Slide mounted red dot
Agency magwell
Weapon mounted light
Compensator
KKM barrel
Internals are stock with the exception of the recoil spring.

Can't think of anything else. Is there a place for me? Do I need make changes?

Thanks very much in advance for your guidance.
David
You would be shooting in Open Class. You won't be competitive, but will still be fun. I'm not sure if you can shoot from concealment.
 
Hello, new here.

I would like to try a USPSA match. I have never shot competitively so please bear with me.

General info.
I would like to shoot from concealment as that is how I carry daily.
I am reading the rules currently.
I have watched Amy Jane's vid on competition and stayed on track as best I could.
I would like to start at PBR in Mooresville because it's the closest to me in Hickory.

My pistol (not sure what matters)
G-19
Stippled frame
Slide mounted red dot
Agency magwell
Weapon mounted light
Compensator
KKM barrel
Internals are stock with the exception of the recoil spring.

Can't think of anything else. Is there a place for me? Do I need make changes?

Thanks very much in advance for your guidance.
David
BLUF- sign up to shoot in Open and then decide if you want to be competitive in USPSA, or if you want to practice with your carry gear in USPSA. You will not get to choose both.

———

To shoot from concealment, you’ll need to shoot in Limited or Open division. Your current pistol requires you to shoot open. You won’t be competitive with that setup in Open, but you’ll get to use your exact equipment setup.

If you want to be fairly competitive and still shoot from concealment, you could go to Limited. Lose the comp and red dot for Limited.

If you want to keep the red dot and be competitive, you’ll have to make quite a few changes to be legal for Carry Optics. You’ll need an OWB holster, and you’ll have to ditch the mag well and comp.




*edited to add* when I refer to concealment, I’m referring to appendix carry. If your concealed carry is still behind the front of your hip bone, then you could make minor adjustments and shoot in Carry Optics.
 
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Shooting from concealment, dont sweep yourself on the draw or anyone else. If you do , you day is done.

I highly recommend against that for your first few matches.
Get a feel for the rules and layout before going concealed at starts.
 
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Hello, new here.

I would like to try a USPSA match. I have never shot competitively so please bear with me.

General info.
I would like to shoot from concealment as that is how I carry daily.
I am reading the rules currently.
I have watched Amy Jane's vid on competition and stayed on track as best I could.
I would like to start at PBR in Mooresville because it's the closest to me in Hickory.

My pistol (not sure what matters)
G-19
Stippled frame
Slide mounted red dot
Agency magwell
Weapon mounted light
Compensator
KKM barrel
Internals are stock with the exception of the recoil spring.

Can't think of anything else. Is there a place for me? Do I need make changes?

Thanks very much in advance for your guidance.
David

You should also consider trying a local match like PHA Tactical match. You can shoot your gun just like you want. Plenty of people using glocks with optics.
It is fairly close to you and a really fun match. The divisions and requirements are much more relaxed than USPSA when it comes to guns and holsters and what have you.

https://www.carolinafirearmsforum.c...atch-6-16-briefing-at-0945.28007/#post-483919
 
If I get a Glock G35 (40S&W) can I use it in the factory/non-modified (I don't know the correct titles) if I run a 9mm conversion barrel?
If so I'm in the market for a G35 Gen4 MOS.
 
If I get a Glock G35 (40S&W) can I use it in the factory/non-modified (I don't know the correct titles) if I run a 9mm conversion barrel?
If so I'm in the market for a G35 Gen4 MOS.

What game are you looking at? USPSA, IDPA, 3 gun, or outlaw matches (non sanctioned, usually a local club put together)?
 
I don't know yet. What's the differences, advantages between USPSA & IDPA?
3 gun would be a blast, I understand it's and expensive hobby.
I probably should come and watch some, I haven't been involved with ranges because I've had the blessing of having my own for a long time.
I see the competition as a great way to improve, have fun and camaraderie.
 
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I don't know yet. What's the differences, advantages between USPSA & IDPA?
3 gun would be a blast, I understand it's and expensive hobby.
I probably should come and watch some, I haven't been involved with ranges because I've had the blessing of having my own for a long time.
I see the competition as a great way to improve, have fun and camaraderie.

IDPA seems to be more serious. A lot of people see it as real world practice instead of a game. You have to have a cover garment so that you’re concealed, more restrictions on the guns, fewer mags, etc. I haven’t shot a USPSA match yet but I’d like to. It seems people are more accepting that it’s a game. No cover garments, higher round count, etc. Personally, I see them both as games AND real world practice. There’s definitely people like that in both camps but my experience with IDPA is that there are more attitudes of “it’s not a game” and that’s a bit of a turnoff. I mean seriously, you’re wearing a vest and OWB holster in 90 degree weather and we both know you don’t dress that way on the street.

Either way, find a match and go. I kept using the same excuse of not getting to shoot enough to really compete and just needing to go watch. Finally I just decided to go and try and screw where I actually placed. My first match was with a gun I’d never shot after returning it to stock and putting new sights on it. I did fairly terrible but I wasn’t last and I had a blast. I’ve been to 2 more since and will be going to my 4th next month (hopefully my 5th also). I’m not going to win. I’m going to make dumb mistakes. I’m going to have a ton of fun. I’ve been to the IDPA matches by Foothills in Wilkesboro, Watauga in Boone, and Mecklenburg in Charlotte. I had a crappy RO in Charlotte but am willing to try them again. The other 2 were great. I’m really hoping to get out to Rowan’s next match in Salisbury but still remains to be seen.

Basically, to make a long post even longer, find a match and go try it out. Take whatever pistol you want as long as you have 3-4 mags, eyes/ears, and a couple hundred rounds of ammo (you won’t use it all). Oh and make sure to take a longer shirt, vest, whatever if you do IDPA. If you come in dead last, I’ll still guarantee you’re going to have a good time and really see where you need to improve.


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If I get a Glock G35 (40S&W) can I use it in the factory/non-modified (I don't know the correct titles) if I run a 9mm conversion barrel?
If so I'm in the market for a G35 Gen4 MOS.
No go for Production (USPSA), no idea about Stock Service Pistol (IDPA), but would guess not.
Ok for Limited (USPSA), but 40 (Major PF) barrel is in theory more competitive.

I don't know yet. What's the differences, advantages between USPSA & IDPA?
3 gun would be a blast, I understand it's and expensive hobby.
I probably should come and watch some, I haven't been involved with ranges because I've had the blessing of having my own for a long time.
I see the competition as a great way to improve, have fun and camaraderie.

USPSA will typically have more shooting, there's a lot minutiae in the equipment rules for some divisions, but once you're on a stage other than classifier/standards stages there is very little restriction other than safety. The scoring may seem slightly complicated, but there's no sense getting wrapped up in it out of the gate, with time as you improve and it matters more to you it's not so difficult to understand. Get as many points as you can in as little time as you can, dominate, easy ;). I haven't shot any IDPA matches so I can't comment other than those dedicated to that game seem to really enjoy it.

Don't spectate, sign up and shoot, it will answer a whole lot more questions than observing.
 
Would like to start long range shooting but figured a good step in the right direction is building a .22LR trainer to make sure I really enjoy it first and learn everything.

Just started this book while I wait and decide between a T1x and a 455 Tacticool: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/151865472X/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Next question is where the heck do I get started? Besides putting in obvious range time to practice, tweak, learn, etc - just find a match and go give it a shot? Have most gear...muffs, eyewear, etc - need a good rear bag and probably a mat but other than that should be alright.
 
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@JimP42


Check out the DPRC rimfire precision match. It is exactly what you are looking for.
 
Thanks sir, will check that out.

Hopefully JimP will respond as he's the match director I believe.

Also, I think @Gemini26 is involved with some other matches of this nature, so maybe she'll respond, too.
 
That would be great I'm a huge noob when it comes to anything long range but I'd love to learn and meet some folks!
 
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That would be great I'm a huge noob when it comes to anything long range but I'd love to learn and meet some folks!
Second Sunday every month - the match page has all the details. The matches are tee time format - you pick an available start time from 10AM to about 2PM and shoot your 50, 100, and 150 yard targets and are done in about an hour. There is one this Sunday but it is considerably more challenging than a normal match. Probably a little tough to start out on. Plan on the August and September matches and you might want to try the October Challenge match if you are gung-ho about it by then :) You can hang out and talk, and check out all the nice rifles and scopes too.

It sounds like you are on the right track. Rifle, scope with your 50/100/150 yard dope with whatever ammo you choose, a bipod and rear bag, and enough mags for 25+ rounds and you will have the equipment side covered. Practice as much as you can of course. On scopes, beyond being reasonably good optics so you can see, the main thing is mechanical reliability and repeatability, especially dialing the turrets back and forth over and over. Google "rifle scope box test" if you don't already know what that means. Ammo will vary - take the time to try several different options up to whatever limit you are willing to spend, and see what works best in your rifle, because they will vary gun to gun, even the "exact same" model. You might get lucky, but generally, at least within one ammo mfr, you get what you pay for - the higher priced ammo is more consistent.

If you want to shoot from awkward and annoying positions (since you mentioned a shooting mat), sign up for tactical division. Everything else is from the benches. In tactical you can use whatever kinds of bags you want, a pack, sticks, and all the other cool stuff people drag around DMM/PRS style matches :)

Oh, and if you get a CZ455, do yourself a favor and get a Yodave trigger kit for it. Cheaper than a magazine and well worth it (no, not a paid shill, it's just a no-brainer to improve the already decent factory trigger).

Front Line Defense does precision rimfire matches also, out to 300 yards, although I always have a conflict :-( No benches for those matches!
 
Thanks so much. I'm sure I'll have more questions but for now this is awesome

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Jim puts on a fun match. Made it out to a couple this year and going to try to make this weekend but still not sure. Definitely fun to stretch the .22 out and as he mentioned the Frontline Defense PRL matches are fun too.

If you were looking for longer centerfire PRS style matches or info on them I could help out too. Been shooting them for 15 years.
 
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