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    GETTING STARTED

    YouTube Video

     
    This video is from Ruger's YouTube channel. This is an intro to USPSA video. The video covers some of the basic information about our sport. They cover some of our rules, division, scoring and concepts. You can also go to YouTube and type in USPSA, USPSA Area Match or USPSA Nationals or a combination of those. You may not get the same commentary, although you will get to see what kind of stages, guns, competitors and equipment is used in our sport.
     
     
     
    United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA)
     
    Welcome to the world of Action Pistol Shooting. USPSA is compromised of various levels of competitors and competitions. Getting started in our sport is simple. You must have a good understanding of firearm safety. Most of our clubs have a new competitor orientation or safety check. The orientation or safety check makes sure that your equipment is in proper and safe working order. This is also to make sure that your equipment is properly setup according to the division you plan to shoot in. Its a good idea to call ahead and make contact with the local club match director before you arrive. The match director will give you further information on what to bring, what time to arrive and what you should do when you arrive at the match.
        
            All USPSA ranges are considered COLD ranges, meaning that no loaded firearm can be handled anywhere on the range unless under the direct supervision of a range officer. If you are arriving to the range with a loaded firearm contact the match director or range master immediately and inform them that you have a loaded weapon that needs to be cleared. Failure to do so can result in you being disqualified from our matches and possibly asked to leave the range. Our sports primary concern is SAFETY.
     
                What you will need to get started. The list can be very simple to start with. Your best bet is to go to a few matches and talk with fellow competitors. Most of our competitors are very informing and friendly. Its this shared enjoyment of our sport which has not only drawn me into it, its kept me here ever since. It wont be hard to find someone to give you more information on what you will need to compete in our sport. Just let them know that you are new to our sport and you will get a lot of information.
     
    Some of the basic equipment to start:
      • Hearing Protection
      • Eye Protection (Shooting Glasses with a ballistic rating- not sunglasses or eye glasses)
      • Pants or shorts with at least 3 belt loops
      • Footwear- This is an action sport, something with an aggressive tread pattern (work boots, cross traing sneakers, cleets)
      • Holster- must be able to securely hold the handgun with the trigger gaurd covered. Running, jumping, bending down and many other physical movements are possibely required in our sport. The holster must be able to retain the firearm during these types of activities.
      • Magazines- You will need at least 4 magazines that hold at least 10 rounds each. If your shooting a revolver you will need at least 6 speed loaders or moon clips. Depending on the stage you could be required to shoot up to 32 rounds. Always plan for make up shots. A stage that requires 32 HITS doesnt neccesarily mean that it will be shot with only 32 rounds. Even a seasoned veteran in our sport has make up shots.
      • Magazine Pouches- You have to have magazine pouches to hold your magazines. Your magazine pouches will always be placed on your belt. Placement of the pouches will be determined by what division you are shooting in.
      • Belt- Its important to have a stiff walled belt that can support all of your magazine pouches and your holster. Try out whatever belt you plan on using before you get to the range. Make sure the belt is able to securely hold loaded magazines and your handgun. If the belt is not rigid enough to hold a magazine pouch in place with loaded magazines, then it may not be suitable on the range either.
      • Firearm- No single shot or .22 Caliber handguns. The hangun must be a centerfire using a 9mm or larger caliber.
     
    This equipment listed is a general makeup of what is needed to compete in our sport. There are a host of other items you may need at the range. You will be going to a shooting club, so plan accordingly. Most of our clubs shoot year round and outdoors. Local club matches are usually a 1 day event lasting anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. The length of time varies depending on several factors. How many competitors show up, when their set up for the match is done, when will the match be torn down, how many volunteers are helping with building/tearing down stages. Once again, contact your local match director and they can give you a better idea of how long you will be at the range. They should also be able to tell you whether or not the range has any food or beverages for sale there.
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