Competitive Shooting - Ask Me Anything

[NKD]

Anyone have experience with the GoShoot USPSA matches?
Looking to shoot my first match, but was wondering if it's any more hardcore than the other Raleigh area matches.
Their description made it sound like it might be -

This tournament is specifically designed to train you for events like USA National and world wide events with a challenge in all skills that practical shooting requires like swingers/ movers, strong/ weak hand, close speed targets, tight far targets, moving while shooting, prone/ low ports and mental challenges.

Yes it is mostly a competitive group out there. Mostly because it is run by Chris Tilley at his families outdoor range in Sanford. But it's usually a pretty small tight group.
Chris is a GREAT shooter and teacher. So while it is competitive out there, it is also very much of culture of learning and advancing.
Chris often shoots it and it is nice to be able to watch champs like this, and the people around them. He sets up challenging stuff for sure.

His family owns PDHSC in Garner as well.
I'd recommend getting a little lesson from him there if you can. And tell him your goal is to shoot his outdoor match. He'll fix you right up and likely help you to feel more comfortable at first match.

Don't forget every one of those guys/gals out there started right where you are! Most are really happy to help newer shooters, just tell them it's your first match. You can also go watch one.

 

[flip]

Thanks! Think I'm going to give it a rip in April. 👍

 

[Beef15]

Thanks! Think I'm going to give it a rip in April. 👍

It's a good match. Chris used to occasionally run a class Friday and then you'd shoot the match in his squad Saturday to apply what you learned with pointers and critiques.
If you shoot a few matches you'll notice a core of people that go to almost all of them in 100mi or so radius monthly.

 

[Wolffy]

Anyone have experience with the GoShoot USPSA matches?
Looking to shoot my first match, but was wondering if it's any more hardcore than the other Raleigh area matches.
Their description made it sound like it might be -

This tournament is specifically designed to train you for events like USA National and world wide events with a challenge in all skills that practical shooting requires like swingers/ movers, strong/ weak hand, close speed targets, tight far targets, moving while shooting, prone/ low ports and mental challenges.

The match is very technical. You can shoot it as a new shooter but it will be difficult.

 

[flip]

Think the SWGC match be a bit easier as a first time shooter?

 

[Wolffy]

Think the SWGC match be a bit easier as a first time shooter?

SWGC is a great match. You’d be hard pressed to find a better one.

 

[gloom]

Question about spacers for USPSA Production or Carry Optics with a Glock. I'm thinking about using the hanger with a Blade-Tech holster and Tek-Lok belt attachment. (The Website provides some guidance, but it isn't completely consistent from what I can tell.) So...which spacers are likely to keep me legal while providing thumb space? The 1/4", 1/2", or 3/4"? Also, is a thigh pad that beneficial?

Product links:

BSPS BOSS DOH Holster Hanger - Hanger Mount Only

BSPS BOSS DOH Holster Hanger - Hanger Mount Only

benstoegerproshop.com

Boss Holster / Hanger Spacer Kit

Boss Holster / Hanger Spacer Kit

benstoegerproshop.com

Boss Holster Hanger Aluminum Thigh Pad

Boss Holster Hanger Aluminum Thigh Pad

benstoegerproshop.com

 

[NKD]

Think the SWGC match be a bit easier as a first time shooter?

No. It will absolutely not be "easier", imo. It will be longer for sure, as it is a bigger range. It's a great match.

Any of the big USPSA matches are going to be challenging. Which is fine. You don't have to win.

 

[flip]

No. It will absolutely not be "easier", imo. It will be longer for sure, as it is a bigger range. It's a great match.

Any of the big USPSA matches are going to be challenging. Which is fine. You don't have to win.

Hell, I'm not even looking to be competitive. I'd just prefer not to have to try and shoot moving targets weak hand while hanging upside down from monkey bars for my first match. 😅

 

[gloom]

Question about spacers for USPSA Production or Carry Optics with a Glock. I'm thinking about using the hanger with a Blade-Tech holster and Tek-Lok belt attachment. (The Website provides some guidance, but it isn't completely consistent from what I can tell.) So...which spacers are likely to keep me legal while providing thumb space? The 1/4", 1/2", or 3/4"? Also, is a thigh pad that beneficial?

Update: I decided that the standard 1/2" spacers would be a safe choice.

I wrote to BSPS and the response was 1/2" or 3/4". But the older recommendation on the Website is this: "We generally recommend going with the 1/4" offset spacer option with [the Tek-Lok] mount."

In another area it reads, 'The 1/2" spacers are a pretty safe, but with the 2024 rules changes the 3/4" spacers seem to work for most firearms out there to keep you within the rules for USPSA.'
'If you go with one of the optional mounts (Tek-Lok, PLM, ELS) we would recommend choosing the 1/2" spacers to keep your holster within the rules for USPSA.'

So my guess with the old rules, 1/4" was safer with Tek-Lok. With the new rules, 1/2" is safe with Tek-Lok, and 3/4" is possibly safe with the default mount.

I'm glad they made that clear! haha

 

[NKD]

Hell, I'm not even looking to be competitive. I'd just prefer not to have to try and shoot moving targets weak hand while hanging upside down from monkey bars for my first match. 😅

Haha, it could happen!

But likely not. Tilley will do stuff like stick a little 3" plate at 25 yds right after an array of easy/fast targets to test you.
I just flail a couple shots at it and move on. So you'll be fine. Just shoot and move on. If you miss it's fine.

He'll probably do some thursday afternoon steel matches which are very fun.

 

[NKD]

Question about spacers for USPSA Production or Carry Optics with a Glock. I'm thinking about using the hanger with a Blade-Tech holster and Tek-Lok belt attachment. (The Website provides some guidance, but it isn't completely consistent from what I can tell.) So...which spacers are likely to keep me legal while providing thumb space? The 1/4", 1/2", or 3/4"? Also, is a thigh pad that beneficial?

Product links:

BSPS BOSS DOH Holster Hanger - Hanger Mount Only

BSPS BOSS DOH Holster Hanger - Hanger Mount Only

benstoegerproshop.com

Boss Holster / Hanger Spacer Kit

Boss Holster / Hanger Spacer Kit

benstoegerproshop.com

Boss Holster Hanger Aluminum Thigh Pad

Boss Holster Hanger Aluminum Thigh Pad

benstoegerproshop.com

View attachment 762641

I've had a bunch of those and always ordered the standard which always worked perfect.

 

[flip]

Update: I decided that the standard 1/2" spacers would be a safe choice.

I wrote to BSPS and the response was 1/2" or 3/4". But the older recommendation on the Website is this: "We generally recommend going with the 1/4" offset spacer option with [the Tek-Lok] mount."

In another area it reads, 'The 1/2" spacers are a pretty safe, but with the 2024 rules changes the 3/4" spacers seem to work for most firearms out there to keep you within the rules for USPSA.'
'If you go with one of the optional mounts (Tek-Lok, PLM, ELS) we would recommend choosing the 1/2" spacers to keep your holster within the rules for USPSA.'

So my guess with the old rules, 1/4" was safer with Tek-Lok. With the new rules, 1/2" is safe with Tek-Lok, and 3/4" is possibly safe with the default mount.

I'm glad they made that clear! haha

You can always pickup a couple of longer bolts and some nylon spacers from the hardware store if you wanted to try different lengths. It's pretty standard hardware.

 

[gloom]

You can always pickup a couple of longer bolts and some nylon spacers from the hardware store if you wanted to try different lengths. It's pretty standard hardware.

Yeah, that's one thing I like about that design. I'm on the slim side anyway, so I don't know how far out I'd need or want the holster to be. I do have a little muffin top developing. (Eating more chocolate as I type. heh) Mainly I want room for my thumb.

 

[gloom]

Is a Tek-Mount or QLS legal in USPSA? I was thinking it could be used to create some space while also adding modularity. I'm leaning more toward the Tek-Mount because I have a Blade-Tech holster and I like the idea of adjustable cant.

Tek-Mount (Quick Connect Mounting System)

The Tek-Mount is a two part quick connect mounting system which allows for 10 degree cant increments in 360 degrees. Learn more about the product today!

blade-tech.com