IDPA/USPSA gun? New guy

[FUNCTIONAL]

I realize there are better forums for this but figured I'd start here.

Looking to up my pistol game and get into IDPA and some USPSA matches around me. Rules wise I think it's straight forward but I want to ask here and get opinions on my potential gun selection.

I'm looking to likely pick up a optics ready m&p 2.0 compact and slap a red dot on it to run carry optics. I don't see the compact version on the production gun list (unless I'm missing it, it looks a little confusing) so I'm assuming the carry optics division is the only one I can run with that setup?

Would I be hamstringing myself going with this pistol for any reason? Is the metal version night and day difference? I'm assuming the full size 5" won't buy me much until I have a few years experience under my belt? Size wise my hands are not large and a compact fits me just fine.

For background I have a cz p07 with rmr I can run in the meantime but I really want to get a striker fire as a main. With the 07 listed I can only run carry optics and production correct?

 

[W54/XM-388]

Have you looked at the Walther PDP Match and PDP Match metal frame?
Some folks also really love the CZ-P10 optics ready

 

[davsco]

with an optic you really don't need a long barrel for the sight radius, but the extra weight does help mitigate recoil/jump, vs some sort of compact.

i'd do a few matches with what you have (when registering they will let you know the best division for that gun etc) and use that time to scope out what everyone is using. most will let you fondle their guns and even shoot some after the match.

 

[ECK]

I always advocate running the gun you have and then check out what others are using at a match. Most guys will let you check out their gun, and may even let you shoot it. It may change your mind.

Your CZ P-07 is fine in USPSA Carry Optics division with optic, or in Production or Limited without optic. Carry Optics and Limited allow mag extensions up to a total length of 141.25mm, so basically a +5 or +6 extension and with the right mag follower and springs you should be able to get 23 rnd in the mag. Production capacity was increased to 15 rnds at the end of January.

Strong side or appendix holster (no crossdraw, SOB, or shoulder holsters), 3 mags if CO or Limited division, 4 mags if Production. Eye and ear pro, a few mag pouches, 150-200 rnds of ammo, and you’re ready to rock.

I don’t really have an opinion on the M&P 2.0, sure why not if you want one. You have to make minor PF at a minimum (125,000), and some factory ammo doesn’t make minor PF out of compact barrels. So there is some advantage with the 5” models. There is a M&P 9mm 4” or the M&P 2.0 4.25” barrel listed on the USPSA Production list. What’s barrel on the M&P 2.0 Compact?

 

[Modoc]

^^^^^^. This!

I went down this rabbit hole a few years ago. Run what you brung and ask plenty of questions. Lol! I’m still running my old slab side 1911, but converted it to 9mm/38 Super. Still a middle “D” Class shooter in Single Stack, but go to relax and keep the skills up. Plus I’m not running that match.

 

[SanPatHogger]

A guy I shoot with bought tyhe M+P metal and said he hated it. He said he didn't put a whole magazine through it. It's on consignment at the gun store he bought it at. I never handled it.

I also say run what you have. Buy more ammo and shoot the hell out of it.

 

[knuckleballz]

I showed up to shoot production with an m&p 9 gen 1 and was scoffed at.... until I was winning production each week and outshooting guys running open guns. That pissed some guys off and I got some hate. Spend your time practicing mag changes, drawing and getting a good grip, and dry firing. Thats all i did. I got tired of the egos, politics, and had my fill after 2 years. Hope you will find a good group to shoot with and have a good experience. I even ran a cheap serpa 2 retension holster because thats what I wore when I bow hunted and fished with in bear country and wanted to be proficient with.

 

[308pirate]

.Spend your time practicing mag changes, drawing and getting a good grip, and dry firing. Thats all i did.

+1

I got tired of the egos, politics, and had my fill after 2 years.

Winning is the best revenge

 

[308pirate]

Looking to up my pistol game and get into IDPA and some USPSA matches around me.

Fuck IDPA. It's bush league. Go to USPSA and don't waste your time elsewhere.

I'm looking to likely pick up a optics ready m&p 2.0 compact and slap a red dot on it to run carry optics.

You'll do fine. Polymer pistols are absolutely competitive.

I don't see the compact version on the production gun list (unless I'm missing it, it looks a little confusing) so I'm assuming the carry optics division is the only one I can run with that setup?

It is confusing but if you email USPSA NROI they will confirm the M&P 2.0 Compact is in the Production list regardless of barrel length. Regardless, handguns approved for USPSA Carry Optics MUST be in the Production approval list. See USPSA Handgun Rules Appendix D7 Special Condition 1.

Also, external magwells are absolutely not allowed in either Production or Carry Optics even if they came with the gun. You have to take it off. If you want to use a magwell you can do so in Limited division (with iron sights), in Limited Optics division (must have a slide mounted optic) or Open division (anything goes).

Would I be hamstringing myself going with this pistol for any reason?

No.

Is the metal version night and day difference?

It's a waste of money. The metal is aluminum, not steel, so there is virtually no difference in weight compared to the plastic version.

I'm assuming the full size 5" won't buy me much until I have a few years experience under my belt?

The 5" won't gain you anything at all, ever, if all you shoot is carry optics.

Size wise my hands are not large and a compact fits me just fine.

The girth/circumference of all M&P2.0 grips is the same regardless of how long they are.

With the 07 listed I can only run carry optics and production correct?

No. You can shoot it in any handgun division except single stack and revolver. However, CO and Production are where it is most competitive.

The absolute biggest mistake noobs make in USPSA is obsessing on the gear and on fast splits and forgetting the fact that the overwhelming majority of your time gains (and hence score gains) is going to come from efficient stage plans and efficient movement. The second biggest time gain will come from shooting sooner instead of faster (transitioning sooner, shooting while entering a position, shooting your way out of a position)

Compare these two side by side on the same stage and notice the difference between an efficient stage plan executed without hesitation and a choppy, clunky, poorly executed one.




If you put in the work both physically and mentally you will be amazed at what you can do with a pistol.

 

[308pirate]

Some folks also really love the CZ-P10 optics ready

Yep. Made both A and M class and shot my second GM-level classifier (97%) with an F. Carry a C every day.

 

[308pirate]

For background I have a cz p07 with rmr I can run in the meantime

Just use that for now.

Use whatever holster you have for it, even if it's IWB.

If you have only 15 round magazines for it, you'll want four on you. Three on the belt (any mag pouch will do for now) and one in your back pocket to load the pistol at make ready.

How familiar are you with administrative gun handling rules of USPSA? There are some rules that you may not be familiar with and violating them will get you disqualified before you even begin. Do not assume it's like rifle matches or your regular day at the range.

 

[Cascade Hemi]

I started shooting IDPA with a 1st gen M&P in the mid 00's. The gun won't hold you back. If I were buying a new rig today for USPSA CO, I would choose a different gun. I would not choose a different gun until I had a year or two of experience (along the line of what pirate said). I have a bunch of guns I set up for different USPSA divisions, they early ones I would do differently today.

 

[308pirate]

I started shooting IDPA with a 1st gen M&P in the mid 00's. The gun won't hold you back. If I were buying a new rig today for USPSA CO, I would choose a different gun. I would not choose a different gun until I had a year or two of experience (along the line of what pirate said). I have a bunch of guns I set up for different USPSA divisions, they early ones I would do differently today.

There are some legit GMs in my area that are killing it with plain M&Ps with a few minor Apex upgrades.

Brantley Merriam (nationals level GM) switched from a Shadow 2 to a nearly bone stock Glock 17 late last year and it is not holding him back at all.

Even a hack like me made it to M with a lightly modded P-10F, and will likely make GM with it too.

 

[Cascade Hemi]

There are some legit GMs in my area that are killing it with plain M&Ps with a few minor Apex upgrades.

Brantley Merriam (nationals level GM) switched from a Shadow 2 to a nearly bone stock Glock 17 late last year and it is not holding him back at all.

Even a hack like me made it to M with a lightly modded P-10F, and will likely make GM with it too.

I have no doubt. The gun is not the determining factor.

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

I have no doubt. The gun is not the determining factor.

But youtube tells me the gun is the only thing that matters?

I appreciate the advice from all of you. Good to know the m&p compact is on the list also. I'm going to try to refrain from purchasing before getting a match or 2 under my belt. I shoot my shield probably the best of any gun I own and the 2.0 feels great in the hand. Was hoping it shot as well for me as the shield plus.

I didn't know I could run an appendix holster though... guess I should read the rules more.

Really just want to use these matches to push myself and get better at pistol shooting. Same reason I got into matches before the prs was even a thing though and that took me down a deep rabbit hole for many years.

 

[ECK]

But youtube tells me the gun is the only thing that matters?

I appreciate the advice from all of you. Good to know the m&p compact is on the list also. I'm going to try to refrain from purchasing before getting a match or 2 under my belt. I shoot my shield probably the best of any gun I own and the 2.0 feels great in the hand. Was hoping it shot as well for me as the shield plus.

I didn't know I could run an appendix holster though... guess I should read the rules more.

Really just want to use these matches to push myself and get better at pistol shooting. Same reason I got into matches before the prs was even a thing though and that took me down a deep rabbit hole for many years.

I shot a 1911 for the first couple of years. A) it was the gun(s) I had, B) shooting a 1911 was second nature to me. But eventually the urge to move towards hi-cap and more racy guns kicked in. Fast forward 15+ yrs and old eyes caught up to me, and now I have to shoot red dot guns by default. Being that you’re new-ish to pistol comp shooting, shoot the gun you are most familiar with. There’ll be enough “new” things to learn in the beginning, so a gun you know is one less thing to worry about.

Yep, AIWB was authorized a couple years ago. The rules don’t specifically say AIWB, but they got rid of the rule that said holster and mag pouches must be behind the hipbone for a few divisions. A few people run AIWB but the vast majority (99.9%) run OWB on the strongside. For OWB you can run a dropped and offset holster (most do) but the holster must position the gun so the butt of the gun is level or above the top of belt, and the grip can only be the width of a credit card distanced from the outside of the belt in Production and Carry Optics divisions. For Limited and Limited Optics, it can be the long way of a credit card distance from the belt.

Shooting comp (any IMO) will improve your pistol shooting, gun handling, and gun safety. I don’t plink anymore since I started USPSA. Now most of my pistol range time is practicing for USPSA matches (shooting at speed, shooting on the move, reload while moving, one-handed, getting in and out of position, awkward leans…etc.). This is a rabbit hole that is only as deep as you make it. You can just go and shoot matches and have fun (majority of people), or you can chase classifications and higher finishes at major matches (I used to, but less so now).

As far as what kind of matches, try them all. You may find you like IDPA (I’m lukewarm on IDPA but I shoot a match or two every year with my EDC gun and gear) and mainly shoot USPSA the rest of the time. I may dabble in a Steel Challenge match now and then if there’s no other match to shoot at. But just like PRS, you get out of it what you put in. Dryfire and livefire practice, strategize the stage, keeping your wits about you on the clock…. One big diff from PRS, USPSA is hit factor scoring instead of 10-12 rnds in 90 secs. Your score in USPSA is your points divided by your time. It’s kind of like the tie breaker stages in PRS where it benefits you to be fast. In USPSA hit factor scoring, he who has the most A-zone hits in the least amount of time wins. So speed (and accuracy) is key.

 

[308pirate]

guess I should read the rules more.

I strongly suggest reading sections 10.3, 10.4, and 10.5 first.

 

[308pirate]

I don’t plink anymore since I started USPSA. Now most of my pistol range time is practicing for USPSA matches (shooting at speed, shooting on the move, reload while moving, one-handed, getting in and out of position, awkward leans…etc.). This is a rabbit hole that is only as deep as you make it.

QFTMFT

And to be honest, while I still do in live fire most of what you describe, about 85% of my live fire practice is three drills: doubles, practical accuracy, and the accelerator.

 

[ECK]

For background I have a cz p07 with rmr I can run in the meantime but I really want to get a striker fire as a main. With the 07 listed I can only run carry optics and production correct?

One thing to mention: When you shoot a P-07 in Production or Carry Optics divisions, the rules say DA/SA guns must start with the hammer down in DA mode. If you shoot it in Limited or Limited Optics you can start in SA mode with the hammer back but the thumb safety must be on. But if your P-07 is setup with the decocker instead of the manual safety (Omega trigger system gives you the option, right?) then you have to decock the hammer before you holster it. In this instance, striker fired guns are simpler manual of arms. I mainly shoot a Shadow 2 these days and manually decock the hammer which is no big deal if you do it a lot.

I think IPSC has a rule about the first trigger pull on a DA/SA gun must be 5 lbs or more, thereafter the subsequent SA pulls can be any weight. But a striker fired guns must have at least a 3 lb trigger pull. For this reason, DA/SA guns like the Shadow 2, SP-01 Shadow, or Tangfolio Stock 2 etc. are more popular in IPSC than striker fired guns. Fortunately in USPSA we don’t have a minimum trigger pull weight, hence striker fired guns are more common here, plus there’s Nils with his Canik, Mason Lane with his Sig 320, Vogel with his Glock, et.al. rocking striker fired guns and doing quite well.

 

[JGunns]

Saw a USPSA thread and got excited. Thought I’d come offer my advice not knowing there’d be so many others, which is awesome. Don’t get too caught up on gun selection. I made GM with a stock Glock 34 with an SRO in carry optics a couple years ago. You can be very competitive with stock guns. My friend Hunter Constantine shoots M&Ps and does very very well with them.

OP where are you located?

 

[CK1.0]

I used to shoot a lot of IDPA/USPSA and at different points was pretty good... until I started getting old and slow along with having less free time and picking up the bolt-gun habit. I still try to shoot a USPSA match or 2 every year, but I go just hoping to burn a stage or two down, I know I'm not in danger of winning anything anymore lol.

The biggest thing is time, mostly time for dry-fire, but also practice getting in and out of positions, the gun almost doesn't even matter as long as it runs without fucking up (because your time and gas back and forth to the range and matches adds up).

I have more than a few cool "game guns" I've put together over the years: full Cajun S2 w/ SRO and brass LOK grips for CO, STI 1911/2011's for SS/Limited, etc, but my favorite is probably my near-stock, beautifully boring, Glock 17 Gen3 that's literally seen tens of thousands of rounds...

Remember, it's the Indian, not the arrow.

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

Saw a USPSA thread and got excited. Thought I’d come offer my advice not knowing there’d be so many others, which is awesome. Don’t get too caught up on gun selection. I made GM with a stock Glock 34 with an SRO in carry optics a couple years ago. You can be very competitive with stock guns. My friend Hunter Constantine shoots M&Ps and does very very well with them.

OP where are you located?

Yea I gotta say I wasn't expecting the amount of great info I've gotten in here haha.

I'm just a little east of Raleigh NC. Good amount of steel challenge and uspsa matches with a few idpa sprinkled here and there.

 

[sgtkeebler]

I started shooting USPSA back in 2010 with a Glock 34 iron sights. It was a great gun especially for production class and it’s what I already had. I have seen new shooter and tell them just shoot what you have and have fun. I have a few coworkers who have started shooting and they shoot their issued/approved duty guns.

For me I currently shoot USPSA for fun and to get more range time beyond a square range. I have also met some great people and shooters who will share their knowledge and experience to help you improve as a shooter

I stopped shooting USPSA from 2013 to 2019 due to working every weekend.

I then began shooting Optics carry with Sig P320 X5 Legion with a Delta point pro. Then switched to limited with Staccato XL and recently (March 2024) to limited optics with Staccoto P with Trijicon SRO.

I prefer USPSA over IDPA mainly because of the rules and availability of matches. I am a B class shooter working towards A class.

 

[drglock]

I haven’t shot a USPSA match since 2011 but shot quite a bit from 98 till then. Shot a G17 when production class started then switched to a M&P pro for a bit but switched right back to Glock. For me I just preferred the trigger pull on the Glock. Today there are so many good options for Production/ Carry optics that you just need to find the one that fits you best and go with it and have fun.

 

[LuckyDuck]

I can only share my story and to be upfront- I'm out of practice with pistol matches. Up until COVID happened and the "great scarcity of ammo between 2020-2022, I used to love shooting pistol matches. Once a month I'd hit a local IDPA match (and get a pizza party afterwards), most of the time I'd also be able to hit a USPSA match at the same club each month (they put on one of the more preferable matches for their area/region) and just prior to when I started getting into IDPA/USPSA matches, I was having a grand time playing around with Steel Challenge matches...

I grew frustrated with the Steel Challenge matches because they allowed the same folks to register multiple times over multiple sessions to get their time in across their divisions. Totally get it and reckon that it's one of the factors that makes it popular for those that go 'all in' with the steel challenge but (only speaking for myself) I get frustrated seeing the same name registered 4x for each month and having all the slots filled (once you extrapolate that amongst all of the 'regular' participants') I still find it to be a hoot but it's just hard to get into a match these days when everyone is trying to get their participation points in as many divisions as they can for the league.


IDPA/USPSA- again I can only speak from my experience but with that said- in my experience the traveling USPSA shooters were several levels above the IDPA regulars. That said- I preferred shooting with the IDPA crowd in my neck of the woods. Mainly because I wasn't interested in getting caught up in the race guns/jerseys/traveling/etc. I primarily just wanted to shoot normal pistols (although I preferred the USPSA format of it being a game and not "this is super serious training" that some IDPA folks have) but it simply was more of a casual type of match (which again ended in a pizza party every month) which I preferred to the USPSA crowd (as much as I liked the format and stages). Up until COVID- I used to shoot an IDPA match, a USPSA match, and Steel Challenge Match every month. I started to get into a falling steel format right before COVID and then I had to take a hiatus due to the lack of ammo- then the cost of ammo, etc. I guess the routine was broken for so long that it's been a challenge getting back into the swing of things again.

I also used to dabble in GSSF matches when they were within reasonable driving distances, and they used to be rather lucrative too by participating in them but it's likely been over 4 years since I've participated in any of the pistol games.

-LD

 

[308pirate]

I preferred shooting with the IDPA crowd in my neck of the woods. Mainly because I wasn't interested in getting caught up in the race guns/jerseys/traveling/etc. I primarily just wanted to shoot normal pistols

I don't understand any of this. What are "traveling" USPSA shooters? Why did you think you needed to get caught up in race guns/jerseys/traveling? Did you not know that USPSA has divisions for normal pistols? I hope you realize that USPSA (just like IDPA) has no overall match winner and so people shooting in Production arent competing with the "race gun" guys. Do you know that something like 90% of people wearing logo jerseys paid for them? Who says you have to travel anywhere to shoot other than your local club match?

Anytime i hear someone mention "jerseys" and "race guns" as objections to USPSA I wonder what the real reason is.

 

[cas6969]

Original post was in April. It's late August now, so USPSA has no doubt changed the Divisions 3 times since then.

 

[LuckyDuck]

I don't understand any of this. What are "traveling" USPSA shooters? Why did you think you needed to get caught up in race guns/jerseys/traveling? Did you not know that USPSA has divisions for normal pistols? I hope you realize that USPSA (just like IDPA) has no overall match winner and so people shooting in Production arent competing with the "race gun" guys. Do you know that something like 90% of people wearing logo jerseys paid for them? Who says you have to travel anywhere to shoot other than your local club match?

Anytime i hear someone mention "jerseys" and "race guns" as objections to USPSA I wonder what the real reason is.

First off- I'll give you this much, your comments are accurate. I thought I gave a fair shake of things but probably got too long winded in my response. When I mentioned "traveling" USPSA shooters, I was trying to illustrate that in my neck of the woods (Area 8) a local club here puts on a great USPSA match every month and folks from all over Area 8 (VA, MD, NJ, DE, etc) travel to our club to participate every month. Not giving them any crap, just trying to point out the type of folks I regularly see 'in my backyard' and mention the traveling element to point out the type of shooter (competitive/dedicated/well invested in the sport) that we see.

Don't get me wrong- they are amazing competitors in USPSA and have made me a far better pistol shooter as well by shooting with them- it's just that we're of different mindsets is all. These are the folks that dry fire for 30 minutes daily, get up early enough to hit the road at 4am to shoot a match, have likely over $10K invested in their gear, dress in the 'garb/jerseys', and do their thing. And they do their thing just about every weekend roaming from one good USPSA club to the next all across the Area 8 states.

Not knocking it, just saying that I'm personally more of the type to 'roll out of bed' around 7am grab my Glock 35 with some oil I put on it the night before since I haven't touched it since last month and a couple boxes of whatever 40 S&W was cheapest and head out to the match 30 minutes away. I don't pretend to be any type of USPSA GM, I do it for fun and as an excuse to get outside and make expensive noise for a day. I really do like shooting USPSA (mainly because I get to shoot more than other sports) but there's a stark contrast to how I approach a match to how a good chunk of my squad approaches it.

I really do get it- that's their 'thing', but while I'm there to have fun, I do find the stage walkthroughs (I call it USPSA ballet personally) tiresome as half my squad does interpretive dance moves for 15 minutes slowly walking through the stage each time mimicking holding a gun and simulating reloads. It isn't unique to just USPSA but really any type of competition, but when you have folks with that much coin & time invested in shooting a match, you also tend to bring in a certain type of competitive ego more often than note. Again, I get it, just is contrary to what I'm trying to get out of participating in the game. USPSA is by a large margin (similar to trap shooters) "what" these folks do where I tend to be more of a generalist that likes shooting in various pistol & rifle games and am perfectly fine with being 'mid-pack' for all of them because I enjoy shooting different guns and spending a day with like minded people. It just so happens here that at least half of the squad I'm in tends to fall into the more diehard USPSA type of shooter.

That said- it's not like IDPA is perfect either and the same club hosts a monthly match that attracts the same competitive type of person as well as the 'tactical timmy's' but the majority of whatever squad I was in tended to be folks more likeminded as me and out there to have a good time. I prefer USPSA's higher round count and more freestyle approach but I'm willing to put up with the fishing vests to shoot with more likeminded people. Plus IDPA does allow some more variety in what I would typically encounter at a match such as shooting off the moving bed of a pickup truck, running a stage with blasting music, various type of props in general and shooting in the dark, etc. So between the two (and admitting I prefer the USPSA format) I tend to have a better time at the IDPA matches. Oh I think I mentioned it before but the club also has pizza at the end of the match where we can shoot the shit and grab a couple of slices.

Does that help clarify my previous points?

-LD

 

[308pirate]

First off- I'll give you this much, your comments are accurate. I thought I gave a fair shake of things but probably got too long winded in my response. When I mentioned "traveling" USPSA shooters, I was trying to illustrate that in my neck of the woods (Area 8) a local club here puts on a great USPSA match every month and folks from all over Area 8 (VA, MD, NJ, DE, etc) travel to our club to participate every month. Not giving them any crap, just trying to point out the type of folks I regularly see 'in my backyard' and mention the traveling element to point out the type of shooter (competitive/dedicated/well invested in the sport) that we see.

Don't get me wrong- they are amazing competitors in USPSA and have made me a far better pistol shooter as well by shooting with them- it's just that we're of different mindsets is all. These are the folks that dry fire for 30 minutes daily, get up early enough to hit the road at 4am to shoot a match, have likely over $10K invested in their gear, dress in the 'garb/jerseys', and do their thing. And they do their thing just about every weekend roaming from one good USPSA club to the next all across the Area 8 states.

Not knocking it, just saying that I'm personally more of the type to 'roll out of bed' around 7am grab my Glock 35 with some oil I put on it the night before since I haven't touched it since last month and a couple boxes of whatever 40 S&W was cheapest and head out to the match 30 minutes away. I don't pretend to be any type of USPSA GM, I do it for fun and as an excuse to get outside and make expensive noise for a day. I really do like shooting USPSA (mainly because I get to shoot more than other sports) but there's a stark contrast to how I approach a match to how a good chunk of my squad approaches it.

I really do get it- that's their 'thing', but while I'm there to have fun, I do find the stage walkthroughs (I call it USPSA ballet personally) tiresome as half my squad does interpretive dance moves for 15 minutes slowly walking through the stage each time mimicking holding a gun and simulating reloads. It isn't unique to just USPSA but really any type of competition, but when you have folks with that much coin & time invested in shooting a match, you also tend to bring in a certain type of competitive ego more often than note. Again, I get it, just is contrary to what I'm trying to get out of participating in the game. USPSA is by a large margin (similar to trap shooters) "what" these folks do where I tend to be more of a generalist that likes shooting in various pistol & rifle games and am perfectly fine with being 'mid-pack' for all of them because I enjoy shooting different guns and spending a day with like minded people. It just so happens here that at least half of the squad I'm in tends to fall into the more diehard USPSA type of shooter.

That said- it's not like IDPA is perfect either and the same club hosts a monthly match that attracts the same competitive type of person as well as the 'tactical timmy's' but the majority of whatever squad I was in tended to be folks more likeminded as me and out there to have a good time. I prefer USPSA's higher round count and more freestyle approach but I'm willing to put up with the fishing vests to shoot with more likeminded people. Plus IDPA does allow some more variety in what I would typically encounter at a match such as shooting off the moving bed of a pickup truck, running a stage with blasting music, various type of props in general and shooting in the dark, etc. So between the two (and admitting I prefer the USPSA format) I tend to have a better time at the IDPA matches. Oh I think I mentioned it before but the club also has pizza at the end of the match where we can shoot the shit and grab a couple of slices.

Does that help clarify my previous points?

-LD

I get all the differences. What I don't get is why how some approach the sport differently than you dampens your enjoyment. No one who is in it to be competitive cares if you're into it to just have fun. They're happy to do their thing and happy to let you do yours, at least in my experience. I'm a part of Area 5 that has some very active clubs and very good shooters as well as guys like you who are just in it for the fun. We mix together in a squad just fine.

As for the 15 minute walkthroughs, that's a club issue. USPSA rules don't state what the inspection period should be or must be, it leaves it to the ROs. In my neck of the woods you get 4 minutes. I've never seen a match that allowed 15 minutes to walk through. I think you might be overestimating.

 

[LuckyDuck]

I get all the differences. What I don't get is why how some approach the sport differently than you dampens your enjoyment. No one who is in it to be competitive cares if you're into it to just have fun. They're happy to do their thing and happy to let you do yours, at least in my experience. I'm a part of Area 5 that has some very active clubs and very good shooters as well as guys like you who are just in it for the fun. We mix together in a squad just fine.

As for the 15 minute walkthroughs, that's a club issue. USPSA rules don't state what the inspection period should be or must be, it leaves it to the ROs. In my neck of the woods you get 4 minutes. I've never seen a match that allowed 15 minutes to walk through. I think you might be overestimating.

You're likely correct with calling me out on the 15 minute walkthrough comment. It wasn't my intention to exaggerate but since you mentioned it, it probably was only 5 minutes in reality. After all folks don't get up that early to drive 3+ hours to participate in a poorly run match. So I'll yield and give you that much I was defiantly overestimating while responding this morning (not intentionally but fair enough).

As for your original comment- I get where you're coming from but when you're in a squad with more than a half a die hard USPSA folks- it's just a... I don't know, 'different' I'll say experience. The 'gun ballet' I mentioned, the emotional investment they have in the stages... things like that.

Again- I hope I've been clear, I'm by no means crapping on USPSA (or any other competitive shooting sport for that matter I just tend to have a better time with the IDPA folks in my neck of the woods. Since I primarily participate to have fun and enjoy a day out (and not willing to invest the money/time to be a serious competitor either) , shoot different guns every month, I have more fun shooting IDPA matches doing ridiculous stages and grabbing pizza afterwards.

I still participated in USPSA despite my minor gripes because I found it fun but just was trying to communicate my own personal experiences/thoughts is all. I did give up on steel challenge matches though after a few years of participating. Not that I didn't find it fun, it's just all the clubs here in this area allowed folks to sign up for multiple divisions and (like the USPSA crew I mentioned but didn't disparage) steel challenge was their 'thing' so it became tiresome for 'me' trying to sign up on practicescore finding an open squad when seeing the same names repeated 3x so they could shoot all of their divisions. I get it, not angry about it, just turned me off is all. It wasn't a complete loss though- I actually enjoy the falling steel matches more anyways.

-LD

 

[308pirate]

As for your original comment- I get where you're coming from but when you're in a squad with more than a half a die hard USPSA folks- it's just a... I don't know, 'different' I'll say experience. The 'gun ballet' I mentioned, the emotional investment they have in the stages... things like that.

I get it. I'm one of those die hards. It just doesn't stop us from busting balls and having a good time when we're not on deck to shoot.

Unless the people you've been squadded with are grumpy or assholes, how they approach the game itself should have no effect on how you approach the game and your enjoyment.

I'll give you the reverse. I still occasionally go to IDPA matches. At least 90% of the squad is people like you who don't really care when they end up and are just there to shoot, and that's OK by me. Their reasons for shooting don't affect my enjoyment in any way. Me, I go with every intention to win. But that doesn't stop me from being social and cheerful, helping paste and score, and generally not be a dick.

 

[LuckyDuck]

I get it. I'm one of those die hards. It just doesn't stop us from busting balls and having a good time when we're not on deck to shoot.

Unless the people you've been squadded with are grumpy or assholes, how they approach the game itself should have no effect on how you approach the game and your enjoyment.

I'll give you the reverse. I still occasionally go to IDPA matches. At least 90% of the squad is people like you who don't really care when they end up and are just there to shoot, and that's OK by me. Their reasons for shooting don't affect my enjoyment in any way. Me, I go with every intention to win. But that doesn't stop me from being social and cheerful, helping paste and score, and generally not be a dick.

No crap from me- you do you. I just enjoy participating in the games. My sincere wishes that you keep winning in your pursuits. At best- I've only reached the upper tier of Sharpshooter in IDPA (don't know why I haven't been able to break into Expert class but then again it's been a few years) and only landed in lower 'C' class in USPSA. But I still had my fun.

-LD

 

[Cascade Hemi]

I'm the obsessive type and hate squading with the oldster hobbyist. When I see a squad of super seniors I ask to get moved. I'd rather skip the entire match than deal with super seniors.

 

[308pirate]

I'm the obsessive type and hate squading with the oldster hobbyist. When I see a squad of super seniors I ask to get moved. I'd rather skip the entire match than deal with super seniors.

I'm 58 (senior). Barring any accidents I plan on doing same in 7 years time.

 

[Cascade Hemi]

I'm 58 (senior). Barring any accidents I plan on doing same in 7 years time.

I think you understand what I'm talking about and the difference between an older GM and the non ambulatory super senior squads that are only in it to collect DNROI jerseys.

 

[308pirate]

I think you understand what I'm talking about and the difference between an older GM and the non ambulatory super senior squads that are only in it to collect DNROI jerseys.

LOLOL...I know exactly what you mean. But I'm no GM and I don't think I'll be. Even the new classifiers have insane hit factors right out of the gate.

Them durn kids these days.......

 

[SanPatHogger]

and generally not be a dick.

I call BULLSHIT!




I shoot an IDPA outlaw match and the local USPSA match. A handfull of the guys shoot both. I like shooting both. The biggest difference to me is how you are scored. There are a couple people inn the USPSA match that wear their jerseys with their names on them. The IDPA guys wear a T shirt from the local gun shop, and it has their name on it.
2011s are very popular at both.
I don't who you are. Be friendly, help run the tablet, paste and run a timer and be a RO if you can. Have fun and enjoy being around good patriotic 2A loving Americans.
And buy more ammo.