Feedback Gear Question Beginner / First time USPSA Match Preparation

[Maaartin]

Hi all,

I’m planning to start doing USPSA matches in SoCal in a couple of weeks.

I got a proper belt, some mag pouches, a OWB kydex holster (T-Rex Ragnarok), and will be shooting a Springfield Echelon (4.5 in).

Planning to wear comfortable jeans or chino and trail running shoes (good grip in dirt).

Any general advice on gear, set-up, clothes to wear, other items to bring with that most people don’t think of?

(ammo and PPE aside)

Thanks!

 

[Gawernator]

hydrate, food water sunscreen

Anytime I compete I really start hydrating 48-72 hours in advance.

 

[Funjeff]

Sunscreen and a have fun attitude. Don't get caught up in being fast. Be safe and smooth first.

 

[FriedChickies]

Sunblock, water, and wear shorts if it’s gonna be hot. You don’t want to be in jeans for four/five hours if it’s like 85

Look up some beginner tip videos on YT and basic mistakes people do that get them D/Q’d.

You’re going to see experienced competitors shoot fast. I would recommend against emulating them, even though you may feel pressured to.

 

[Gawernator]

Sunblock, water, and wear shorts if it’s gonna be hot. You don’t want to be in jeans for four/five hours if it’s like 85

Look up some beginner tip videos on YT and basic mistakes people do that get them D/Q’d.

You’re going to see experienced competitors shoot fast. I would recommend against emulating them, even though you may feel pressured to.

*me wearing military camo uniform for 8 hours outside in 90-100 degrees* ... no shorts allowed lol

Wow off topic but I don't think I've ever shot a gun wearing shorts before

 

[Brandon Breeze]

Depending on weather for sure.

Shot my first match in 100*+ heat last weekend and man it was a challenge. Drank a gallon of water and 3 gatorades.

A folding cart does wonders for transporting your gear. Add umbrella if your range doesn't have adequate shade

Cooler to keep drinks cold if it's hot

Small fan with mister if it's hot

Hat with shade for your neck. I wound up buying an add on hat hood thing from amazon

Cooling sleeves, or moisture wicking hoodie shirt

More ammo than you think you will need.

Something to wipe your optic if using optics.

Positive attitude, have fun, be safe (no particular order)

 

[Sevonic]

People have already dropped their suggestions, here's what I brought/wore to my last match (which was my second one that I learned after the first time!)

Gun/Gear Stuff

• My handgun (with an optic)
• Competition belt
• 3x Mag Pouches (my front one had a magnet on it too)
• QVO Holster
• 8 Magazines (4 of which I would use on my active belt at a time and then I'd rotate through the rest of my mags through the day)
• A 30 Cal Ammo Can with spare 9mm

Clothes/Misc Gear Stuff

• Folding cart (this will help massively with carrying your stuff around)
• Cooler with ice for my water (it was HOT at my last match and this helped massively)
• Comfortable cargo pants (helped store my keys/phone and other stuff out of the way from where I wore my belt)
• A light moisture/sweat wicking long sleeve shirt to protect my arms from getting burnt
• A wide brimmed hat to protect my neck from getting burnt

 

[siretgistang]

• A wide brimmed hat to protect my neck from getting burnt

Will suggest a “sun hoodie”.

 

[ikeo1]

Will suggest a “sun hoodie”.

Hope to have one out soonish

 

[cobian1984]

All of the above, and also ask questions of the more experienced shooters in your squad. I’ve recently shot my first couple of USPSA matches, with shooters from U all the way up to GM, and everyone I’ve squadded with has been super chill and more than willing to offer insight and advice. Literally nobody is going to judge you or care how fast or slow you run through the stages. Main priority is to be safe. Also not a bad idea to ask someone to take video of you on at least a couple of the stages so you can review deficiencies and see what to work on for the next time out. Good luck and be safe!

 

[Maaartin]

Thanks everyone for the good advice!

My mindset follows the old adage of “slow is smooth - smooth is fast” (motorcycle riders know this one).

As early as my first track days, I would tape my speedometer so I wouldn’t be concerned with looking at my speed (for any reason; fear or ego), and I would actually focus on riding.

All that to say, I don’t plan on worrying about time for a first USPSA match, probably even the first ten... I’m more interested in following good practices and being at least on target.


For gear, good ideas about the long sleeve UV shirt etc.
For carrying gear, I don’t have a foldable cart. Would a big backpack be okay for first time?
I already bought belt, pouches and holster. I am trying to limit the spendings for this very first match.


Also it looks like matches at Linea De Fuego in Pala are booked within the first 5min of opening online… I am on waitlist and likely will not make it to this Sunday (6.28). Hope I can make the next one!

 

[Blade]

Thanks everyone for the good advice!

My mindset follows the old adage of “slow is smooth - smooth is fast” (motorcycle riders know this one).

As early as my first track days, I would tape my speedometer so I wouldn’t be concerned with looking at my speed (for any reason; fear or ego), and I would actually focus on riding.

All that to say, I don’t plan on worrying about time for a first USPSA match, probably even the first ten... I’m more interested in following good practices and being at least on target.


For gear, good ideas about the long sleeve UV shirt etc.
For carrying gear, I don’t have a foldable cart. Would a big backpack be okay for first time?
I already bought belt, pouches and holster. I am trying to limit the spendings for this very first match.


Also it looks like matches at Linea De Fuego in Pala are booked within the first 5min of opening online… I am on waitlist and likely will not make it to this Sunday (6.28). Hope I can make the next one!

Come to my local match this Sunday in the beautiful high desert. That’s if you wanna hop on the 15 bright and early

 

[V6Raptor]

Will suggest a “sun hoodie”.

More like a requirement lol unless you like burning.

 

[FriedChickies]

Thanks everyone for the good advice!

My mindset follows the old adage of “slow is smooth - smooth is fast” (motorcycle riders know this one).

As early as my first track days, I would tape my speedometer so I wouldn’t be concerned with looking at my speed (for any reason; fear or ego), and I would actually focus on riding.

All that to say, I don’t plan on worrying about time for a first USPSA match, probably even the first ten... I’m more interested in following good practices and being at least on target.


For gear, good ideas about the long sleeve UV shirt etc.
For carrying gear, I don’t have a foldable cart. Would a big backpack be okay for first time?
I already bought belt, pouches and holster. I am trying to limit the spendings for this very first match.


Also it looks like matches at Linea De Fuego in Pala are booked within the first 5min of opening online… I am on waitlist and likely will not make it to this Sunday (6.28). Hope I can make the next one!

LdF sells out in minutes, just like SWPL

If you’re not on the PractiScore page the moment registration opens, you’re likely not shooting that weekend unfortunately

 

[Maaartin]

Come to my local match this Sunday in the beautiful high desert. That’s if you wanna hop on the 15 bright and early

Sadly too far of a drive for me, it would be a 5-6h round trip

 

[Maaartin]

LdF sells out in minutes, just like SWPL

If you’re not on the PractiScore page the moment registration opens, you’re likely not shooting that weekend unfortunately

Yes I noticed, and I have not made it to any LdF matches because I can't ever log in at 12:00 sharp!

Iron Sights in Oceanside has been amazing with their Thursday night indoor matches and I was able to do 2 steel matches and 1 USPSA style match there. Great place and people!
The price for matches is much more reasonable too, you'd do 3 matches at Iron Sights for the price of one at LdF.

I also did one steel match at Escondido Fish & Game Association, nice spot outdoors. Looking forward to go again.

Thanks everyone for your advice, it definitely helped me coming prepared.

I will add one small advice for people reading this and just starting matches:
- The Walker "headphones" ear protection at the range for 30-45min is okay, but the pressure on the branches of the eye pro into your temples from the ear cups becomes annoying during an hours long match.
- Walker "headphones" also don't work too well with boonie hats, which I prefer to wear when outdoor. Even baseball style caps probably cause issues with headphones style ear pro.

> Conclusion: for outdoor matches I believe the earbud style ear pro may be better (I don't have first-hand experience with earbud ear pro yet, so take it with a grain of salt)

 

[RustVendor]

Yes I noticed, and I have not made it to any LdF matches because I can't ever log in at 12:00 sharp!

Iron Sights in Oceanside has been amazing with their Thursday night indoor matches and I was able to do 2 steel matches and 1 USPSA style match there. Great place and people!
The price for matches is much more reasonable too, you'd do 3 matches at Iron Sights for the price of one at LdF.

I also did one steel match at Escondido Fish & Game Association, nice spot outdoors. Looking forward to go again.

Thanks everyone for your advice, it definitely helped me coming prepared.

I will add one small advice for people reading this and just starting matches:
- The Walker "headphones" ear protection at the range for 30-45min is okay, but the pressure on the branches of the eye pro into your temples from the ear cups becomes annoying during an hours long match.
- Walker "headphones" also don't work too well with boonie hats, which I prefer to wear when outdoor. Even baseball style caps probably cause issues with headphones style ear pro.

> Conclusion: for outdoor matches I believe the earbud style ear pro may be better (I don't have first-hand experience with earbud ear pro yet, so take it with a grain of salt)

You gotta just buy upgraded gel cups for the over ears. I can't use any ear bud ones, they don't stay in.

 

[poppedcolla]

Will suggest a “sun hoodie”.

I wish I had this before I went out for my first match... I still have the worst farmer's tan. Correction: shooter's tan where just my forearms are 5 shades darker than anywhere else.

 

[shaunb93291]

Hi all,

I’m planning to start doing USPSA matches in SoCal in a couple of weeks.

I got a proper belt, some mag pouches, a OWB kydex holster (T-Rex Ragnarok), and will be shooting a Springfield Echelon (4.5 in).

Planning to wear comfortable jeans or chino and trail running shoes (good grip in dirt).

Any general advice on gear, set-up, clothes to wear, other items to bring with that most people don’t think of?

(ammo and PPE aside)

Thanks!

Sounds like you thought of everything. Off to a good start. Ask a lot of questions and watch the experienced shooters. And the one piece of advice I found to be the most helpful, walk the stages multiple times and don’t change it at the last minute. Stick to YOUR plan and you won’t forget targets. (Ask me how I know )

 

[mountain_yokai]

Yeah, the sun hood is a great thing to have...I keep forgetting to get one. You don't need to be fast your first time out...speed kills. Not slow by any means but deliberate with a plan based on walking the stage beforehand... hydrate. Water, Gatorade, etc.