Getting into IDPA or USPSA - Am I Ready? The Basics of getting into competition shooting

A primer for those curious about USPSA and IDPA - understand the gear requirements, the skill requirements, and what you can expect from a USPSA Production Master and IDPA Safety Officer.

[@afrosheenix]

One thing I've learned, still new to the sport, is the mental aspect is actually more important than the physical aspect. Sometimes you walk the stage, figure it out, plan your reloads during a specific transition... Then you hear that beep and your mind goes blank, as the pressure becomes real from the timer. I think beginners should start their kit with a shot timer, get accustomed to being "on the clock" with a random 5 second timer. This can help with dry fire drills at home also, with the mic set to max sensitivity.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

When you start training for practical shooting - I agree - putting yourself under time pressure and forcing you to perform cold are great things. Memorization and visualization are hugely important to the game - 100%. You're only able to do what you can see yourself doing typically.

[@downzero8664]

A guy I shoot competitions with explained this phenomenon very well. He compares the timer to the flash they use in Men In Black. You have everything completely planned out in your head, the timer goes off, and you completely forget your plan lol.

[@Merica73]

Thank you for your instruction. I'm nervous as hell about getting into competitve shooting but I want to do it so bad.

[@JimMiller-zl4ho]

Did you end up going to a match ?

[@robpetry84]

Nice video. I've been shooting my whole life, but just shot my first IDPA match yesterday. I was not trying to go fast at all, just focusing on accuracy and safety. It was a lot of fun, I'll definitely continue going to matches. Great video, subscribed.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

awesome! Glad you got out there. You might check out a USPSA match now too and see what you think.

[@douglascole8926]

shot my first match last weekend wish I'd watched this before going. great video Sir

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Hope it went well for you and you show up at your next one soon!

[@mikedavid429]

Simple and informative not arrogant, nice tips thanks still shoot cz?

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

yes - I'm up to a Shadow 2 these days in Production division.

[@alecubudulecu]

Thanks for the tips. Wife and I starting to compete and this was excellent info

[@gr8maker46]

This is great! Thanks for the clear and quick explanation! 🇺🇸🤘

[@tadbarker7082]

Exactly the video I was looking for. Thanks 👍

[@bandnkelly]

Excellent tips...I wouldn't have thought about reloads and pointing in an unsafe direction. I have my boss hanger holster and 5 ghost 360's on the way. Once get my Orange with short disconnect I can start practicing 👍🏻

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Nice! You have all the hardware just gotta spend time on the software!

[@Flyingsaucer79]

I can eat a plate of pie in ten yards does that count =P The p-01 omega brought me to your page,Great videos, keep up the awesome work.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Sir you have an amazing screen name. Thank you for the kind words!

[@Flyingsaucer79]

TheHumbleMarksman Haha! Thanks man!

[@Sidewinder_expeditions]

I've always wondered if it was frowned upon to pick up your "show clear" round from the dirt? 9mm is crazy expensive these days!!!

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

nah it's not a problem. Lots like to do it and just as many leave it down there

[@williamdolan2673]

Pick up my own round? Shoot. These days I swoop in like a seagull on a french fry to nick *other* shooters' unclear rounds.

[@RedHotSerrano]

Clear the round and show clear. Once I holster I pick it up and put in a separate pocket in my Range bag for later use. Especially when after it rains

[@2manyhobbies971]

Great video. Thanks for the tips. I’ve got several Cowboy Action matches done and want to start IDPA this year. Holstering a loaded gun with only a trigger safety makes me a little nervous. Your ideas should help. Thanks again.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Right on! I would check out both IDPA and USPSA before making big gear purchases. Generally the gear can cross over but I would defer big purchases until you have a good bearing on your "forever home"

[@Baldcurious]

Excellent intro into competitive shooting. Very thought out.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

+Bald&curious thanks! Made those to share with folks I try to bring out to the matches

[@cuddzilla]

Great information! THANK YOU!

[@JoshBenware]

Great vid! I got chewed out for having a mag in the gun when I arrived, lol

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Yeah when I do safety briefs the first thing I do is ask if I need to unload anybody

[@shuumai]

Wait. When do you handle and load the magazines?

[@SuperBadbri]

I really want to compete..your sound isn't that load and clear.. but thanks for the info..

[@TheGentlemanGunner]

Proud of you David…

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Eww you watched this again

[@TheGentlemanGunner]

@@TheHumbleMarksman bro… it’s one of your top viewed videos that isn’t a review 😂

[@g-radm3827]

Nice video! May i know what is the holster-make/brand you’re using?

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

I think it was a Bladetech

[@stevailo]

I’m not well versed with American measurement system, so I couldn’t fully understand the “accuracy standard” you set at the beginning of the video. Would a 10inch-ish, group at 25 yards be a good starting point to try IPSC? Thanks a lot for the great video and info!

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

ISPC generally has harder shooting but a 10” group could probably get it done for IPSC - though difficult targets will be pretty darn difficult

[@stevailo]

@@TheHumbleMarksman since we have a pretty “heavy” lockdown I think I’ll start by April/May next year, so I’ll train my accuracy even more in the meanwhile, thanks! Also the the 10” group is usually on 50 rounds, leaving out 4 or 5 flyers.

[@NHlocal]

I'm very interested in USPSA competition. I would very much like to use my EDC rig which is AIWB. Any thoughts, suggestions, recommendations??? Any information, tips and or help you can share will be a huge help. Thanks and be safe! Randy

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

with an AIWB rig in USPSA you're shooting limited division. Pretty much anything goes with respect to modifications other than dots and comps. If you have a dot and a comp - you're in Open. If you're shooting a 9mm - you are shooting minor. If you have an extended base plate those are worth using- but they cannot be longer than 140mm - which is typically 20 rounds of 40 or 22-23 rounds of 9mm. If you're in Open it's a 170mm magazine - which is like 26-29 rounds of 9mm. If you've not found your local club - uspsa.org has a find clubs, or even practiscore.com has that feature as well. Get in touch with the match director or look on the website if there is one. If you plan on showing up 45 minutes before it starts you can get signed up, signed in , and ready for a new shooters meeting. As far as the actual shooting is concerned - don't point the gun at yourself or anyone else and keep it pointed down range while you're moving. Being good at it is a different thing entirely and it's a skill you have a hard time building without doing it and training in that context. If you have more specific questions ask away.

[@NHlocal]

@@TheHumbleMarksman Thank you for such a quick response and all the information and feedback I really appreciate it. I'm really encouraged by what you shared because it's all pretty much right in agreement with the direction I am likely going to go. I very likely will be going with limited division shooting minor. I'll be using my EDC gear which is an AIWB holster, a bone stock G19 with stock 15 round mags. My holster carries a spare mag and I have dual mag carrier to put on my belt which would give me 60 rounds if I need that many..... I just might at my first match. ;~P I found at least 2 ranges that are well within driving distance. The only problem is I checked their calendars and it looks like they don't have any more USPSA matches until spring. That's not really a problem because I would like to improve a bit before shooting in a match. Another bonus is one of the ranges will allow those who help setup the day before shoot for free. :~) I do have one specific question, can you recommend an inexpensive trigger mod for my G19 that will give it a "cleaner" break??? It's a gen 4. Thanks again for all your time and help, I very much appreciate it! Be safe! Randy

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

As far as the trigger is concerned - it's not going to make a helluva lot of difference - lowering the pull weight will lessen the impact of bad trigger pulls to a point if you can learn how to use the correct amount of force to pull the trigger. If you're hitting a 3 pound trigger with the same 8 pounds you're throwing at the stock trigger, it's not going to do much - if you're hitting it with like 4 pounds then you can expect less movement from the muzzle - if that makes sense - so if you do go lighter you have to update your software as well. That said - there are two kits generally recommended that are pretty inexpensive but pretty good. If you like more of a linear/rolling break where there isn't a super defined wall - the Taran Tactical grandmaster connector/spring kit. The other is the Ghost Angel 3.0 kit. Both have their fans and a lot of marketing surrounding them. Shane Coley uses the TTI kit, a bunch of buddies use the angel 3.0 kit. I personally shoot a stock trigger - though that may change eventually - it's not hurt me much but I learned how to shoot double action which makes glocks pretty easy by comparison. If you don't have a couple 21 round magpul magazines or ETS mags to shoot limited with - you might snag a couple. Of if you're committed you can get the TTI Firepower +5/6 base pads for some 17 magazines you already have. TTI make the best base plates that I've encountered so far. I know it's not how you probably carry it - but having an extra 6 rounds is a pretty big edge over 15+1. Make sure all of the magazines on your belt are downloaded by 1 round - if you perform a speed reload with the slide forward sometimes a totally full mag will fail to seat and fall out - ask me how I know. Plus up your first magazine in the gun - how I do it is magazine I intend to start with is loaded to capacity, first reload mag is loaded to capacity, third mag is downloaded by 1. Step to the line. load my first reload magazine into the gun, chamber a round, put the magazine back on my belt. Grab the magazine I intend to start with and seat it with authority. I shoot carry optics now and we have the same mag lengths as limited - I get 23+1 with TTI base pads on a 17 magazine. I have shot to 24 a few times now on accident - so it's nice to have - I would say at least 20 rounds. My belt is - start with 23+1 with a TTI - reload to a 21 round magazine (with dawson base plate), 3rd magazine is just for emergencies - it's an OEM 17 round with 16 rounds in it. I have only needed the emergency mag once so far in about 9 matches - I lost count of the rounds in my second magazine and wasn't confident entering the last position there was enough there.

[@NHlocal]

@@TheHumbleMarksman Wow, thank you again for all the information, recommendations, suggestions, and tips. I've watched several videos of "regular people" going through USPSA matches and it looks like a whole lot of fun. And to be honest it also looks very intimidating. I will definitely be working on dryfire practice and try to work some drills to gain some confidence with my accuracy. My goal is when I finally do get to my first match is to only have to "worry" about making sure I shoot all the targets and don't get disqualified. I really do appreciate your help and encouragement, thank you! :~) Be safe! Randy

[@fin_jan]

My club won't let me AIWB, just like they don't allow lasers. So my compromise is an OWB paddle holster, with my 3.3" EDC pistol. Worst of both worlds!

[@GaveMeGrace1]

Thank you

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Thanks for watching - best of luck getting your feet wet.

[@chrisnanney1095]

Holster looks tight to your body. Are you now using a drop offset holster, or still using the same rig?

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Now I use a boss. I didn’t when I shot this

[@TSniper79]

where did you get your holster setup?

[@wemcal]

Thanks for the information... what happens when you’re DQ, Do you leave the premises, can’t enter x number of events, is there a waiting time for the next event??

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

your score for the day doesn't count and you cannot shoot anymore for the day. In a typical match where there is a classifier stage your classifier wouldn't be uploaded for score. There's not a formal process for banning someone from matches - but it's not unheard of if someone is consistently unsafe that they get banned from that particular club. The only person I know of to have membership removed from USPSA was epileptic and started seizing with a gun in his hand on the clock.

[@Narx9]

Should i buy an optics ready gun for USPSA? or regular?

[@jubjub905]

Do you want to shoot an optics based division? Really comes down to what you want to do.

[@usuckatshooting]

Wish i found this video when you posted it lol

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

I wish I would remake it - it's embarassing!

[@usuckatshooting]

@@TheHumbleMarksman haha, it's all good. I've looked back on some of the Instagram stuff I posted a while back and it's also embarrassing. Had to start somewhere.

[@Capt_McNuggetDMZ]

Any recommendations for holster for shadow 2? Was leaning toward daa pdr 2 pro

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Personally I use Harry's Holsters Contender holster. If you don't have one you could get the turbo drop and turbo prop with it and that's a pretty slick set up - single layer with meaningful retention that won't slow you down. You can use my code "TheHumbleMarksman" to save 10%.

[@kevinlewis8642]

Found you from Glocked 17. Sub'd!!

[@minnesotanice369]

btw the ezd 9 40 sights suck balls and don't fit on cz 75 sp01 also if you shoot NATO rds you want your 16# spring in or you'll get stove pipes I shot 1000rds today

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Sorry to hear the Cajun sights didn’t work. Yeah you have to tune your spring to the load. The light springs are for target loads. The gun comes set up for NATO. Most people don’t shoot NATO for plinking hence my recommendation for lighter springs.

[@minnesotanice369]

TheHumbleMarksman yea I didn't id have an issue with 14# its all good

[@102Montana]

Too much echo in your room...but nice vid!

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

I use a mic now so it’s not an issue anymore but you are certainly right

[@minnesotanice369]

how do you defend against a hit man lol

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Don’t piss people off to the point they would call in one!

[@nicolassullens4634]

The damaged engine taxonomically wait because biology hisologically fear an a dry signature. empty, early athlete

[@bicycle551]

Good topic. Watched 20 seconds and had to leave. Buy a mic and clip to your shirt. Too bad as I need the info. If the idea is to communicate, then be effective.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

I will be sure to get you a refund 🤣 this is on my list to re-make as I have a mic now.

[@BAW310]

steve d give me a break Steve... turn up your volume. #ungrateful

[@elir9990]

Love your videos, I pass these on to other brothers that are starting out in competition. Your doing us a great service in the competition world.....Thank You !!!!!

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Thanks man - I'm going to update these in a bit - tighten them up and raise the production value.

[@keithr5638]

Perfect video, especially for someone like me that's just learning and wants to compete eventually (when ready).

[@r.c.schriver8222]

Thank you for a great video! I have not competed yet and would like to find a match near Pittsburgh, PA. Im not sure where to find that information .

[@starshiplazyboy475]

It's frustratingly difficult sometimes. I found a lot of good information on the Practiscore web site about matches etc in my area.

[@gregggibson3109]

Thanks for taking the time to put this video together David. I’m re-entering the competition arena this month and a newbee will be accompanying me, so, great info for him, which I’ll share this morning.

[@sol908as]

Thank you for this, basic, but great fundamentals for things you are told, but may be afraid to ask after the intro at the range!! -John

[@alekseichudinov5785]

Lean like Clint Eastwood when reholstering :D

[@mikepaz8385]

Thank you for the video. Been thinking about doing this for a while.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

It’s a great hobby

[@jcmac185]

When and where does one load magazines?

[@thomtibbetts3029]

i got a lot to learn. great video.

[@elir9990]

Oh and yes, I’ve purchased a Shadow 2, Thanks to you.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Enjoy it - they are amazing!

[@paulpickering2603]

I see you subscribed to the KZbin gun video paradigm of loud, annoying, crappy music to begin your videos (wink). At least you didn't go with rap or hip-hop; I'm grateful for all small mercies. Seriously, I think you have one of the best, commonsense gun channels on this site.

[@paulpickering2603]

Whenever I hear rap, I think of Bruce Willis' line from The Last Boy Scout: Bad Guy: "Just once, Joseph, I want to hear you scream." Willis: "Play some rap music."

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

This one is horrible! I am going to re-make it eventually. I was learning how to edit and didn't have much of a sense of what was going on with editing. I'm also a significantly better competitor / shooter than I was when I filmed this.

[@hypocrnsnk]

On a DA/SA pistol the hammer has to be down so first shot is DA?

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Depends on division - production or carry optics - yes

[@ohmyglobohmyglob]

So, I can't handle magazines or ammo in the safety area got it. But after I shoot my first round, where do I reload magazines? Do I walk back into my car, sit inside to reload mags?

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

I updated these videos - there are two new videos uploaded in the last month that are better made

[@ohmyglobohmyglob]

@@TheHumbleMarksman thxs man! I been watching your videos trying to get ready for my first match so I won't look like such a fuck stick. I'll probably go spectate on one just to get the feel. Your videos have been a great help, thank you!

[@falconlb45]

Hey, can you remake this video? Your current audio and video quality are much improved.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Yeah - it’s on the list

[@jeremyjohnsen9693]

Your speaking volume is really low

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Watch my new videos on this - they were remade

[@phantomtroubleshooter2793]

Excellent Video, Great Tips, Thanks

[@benedmundson6887]

looking to join ipsc and trying to decide which gun to get for my first production class and so far the only gun that I can reach the slide release and mag release with my sausage thumb is surprisingly a glock 34 just wondering if it is better to have a pistol that i can work properly or is it ok to get something that I might have to shift my grip or use my support hand or trigger finger to get the mag to drop does it make a huge difference?

[@1936Dany]

Very informative video, thank you for sharing!

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

hope it helps - hope you shoot your first match successfully.

[@trailertrashtactics]

What a great video. Subbed

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

thanks! welcome aboard!

[@HueMindBeing]

👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿❤️❤️❤️❤️ MANY THANKS… this was very timely and very helpful!

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

I remade these videos - watch the new ones

[@MrZippy052]

Why is the Intro Music loud enough to wake the dead when I need to turn it up for the video?

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Because I used crappy software and used to really suck at editing. Now I use better software and just plain suck at editing.

[@GaveMeGrace1]

And you’re getting it done for the good of others- thank you

[@blaynemacpherson8519]

Very good video learned lots of what to practise.

[@jlag1953]

Is an ambitious safety required for IDPA?

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

an ambi safety is a good idea for a single action only gun - specifically because if you bump the safety transitioning from strong hand to weak hand you would have no way to turn it off without using your strong hand. It's not required but a good idea. As far as a double action gun - I would get the flush safeties and never use them.

[@jlag1953]

Thanks much. Yes, I would be using a 1911, so I want to make sure I configure the gun properly. I appreciate your video series. Great stuff.

[@brianonthego]

Very cool video David. I should have watched this long ago.

[@WTS-03]

If you don’t mind, I’ve googled so much and watched so many videos to the point I’m confused. Im wanting to get into competition. For a beginner which do you prefer? I’m wanting to use a stock gun without optics. Thanks

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

For a total beginner - IDPA or steel challenge. Do not think that IDPA is the resting place - if you like practical shooting then USPSA is the ultimate form of it. IDPA doesn’t require a ton of gear and the shooting is so easy that less costly guns can keep up

[@bshadrick]

I have my first shoot and Universal academy this weekend....pcc. Thanks for the tips! Bill

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

You are going to love it

[@dt7037]

Really appreciate your thorough and informative info for new shooters! Equipment question since USPSA and IDPA are different, but I’m interested in both at some point, are you able to adapt your belt rig/equipment to both or do you need to have 2 different sets of equipment? On a budget and trying to keep cost manageable any advice would be appreciated?

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

You can do it but IDPA Gear isn’t super awesome for USPSA. I would spend as little as possible to get functional then buy specialized gear when the money makes sense

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

On the cheap - a REdhill Tactical IDPA holster - then a couple Safariland 773.

[@dt7037]

Thank you so much for the prompt reply I will look into your recommendations

[@dt7037]

One more question in regards to setting up a belt rig for both IDPA & USPSA. Would you say it’s more cost effective to set up for IDPA compliance and just add more pouches for USPSA than to set up for USPSA and try to adjust to comply for IDPA? Again this is for the new beginner shooter in the sport. Thanks

[@spectrumman3457]

Can't hear u

[@julianmercier]

It has been difficult for me to find anyone shooting production division. Most folks seem to be in the "spend as much money as humanly possible" division. That's not cool. It drives people away.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Yeah the most approachable division now is single stack or you could fill up the mags and shoot Limited - CO has replaced production as the Everyman division

[@julianmercier]

@@TheHumbleMarksman None of my many pistols have optics. Iron sights only. Don't care about carry optics. It sure has gone off the rails since the old days. Sad.

[@TheDroc1990]

I just subscribed thank you. Maybe now I'll try my first match now.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

best of luck with it. It's a lot of fun!

[@aslanbosnakoglu8240]

do we have to shoot shadow 2 in production?

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

have to - no - but that's the most popular gun in the division - most non-SAO guns will be allowed in Production.

[@AlpineBishop]

Cool to see Hoppers brother is doing this!

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

I know right?

[@GhostTactical]

Nice video. Keep up the good work!

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

+Ghost Tactical cheers!

[@gx12]

You should redo this as a series of world class firearms videos.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

I am going to

[@gx12]

Excellent. 🤙

[@MattsHair]

Hi! Just getting into the sport, does all of this still hold up 5 years later? Thank you for all the info

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

The game hasn’t changed a ton - the only big change is carry optics is now the default division in both games. In USPSA carry optics and open have become more popular - all the iron sighted divisions are less popular. USPSA and IDPA both recently relaxed their gear rules for how to wear gear on your belt.

[@magdumpmoravec3557]

When you reload can you have your muzzle pointed over the birm like that

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Yes

[@magdumpmoravec3557]

@@TheHumbleMarksman good to know. Have my first match Sunday. They decided to do one last one since it'll be in the 40s here in wisco

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

@@magdumpmoravec3557 some clubs don’t allow reloads with muzzles over the berm but most do - they should tell you if it’s not allowed - USPSA and IDPA don’t have rules against it

[@magdumpmoravec3557]

Thanks again for your help brother

[@fin_jan]

Good list of fundamentals!

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Cheers - thanks for watching!

[@isararitthaworn6270]

Great video. I'm hoping to do my first comp soon!

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Best of luck - just remember nobody is concerned how well you shoot- so much as you don’t point it at yourself or anybody else!

[@isararitthaworn6270]

@@TheHumbleMarksman Safety is my number one goal for this haha. I'll message you the video of it whenever I do it!

[@mekkler]

Um....Weapon?

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

CZ SP01 shadow

[@mekkler]

In that context, it is a piece of sporting equipment. Please think about that for a while.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Using it for something is not necessarily transformative- I get what you are saying but don’t agree it changes the nature of what it is- simply what it is being used as.

[@jamesb6505]

Too many rules. Theirs no rule on the street.

[@stevenllewellyn8906]

Good video. You shouldn’t crowd cover in a real life scenario either. Also, why are you riding the hammer forward on a live round? Do you not have a de-cocker on that shadow 2?

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

IDPA is a game, I don't pretend to think it ports over to actual gun fighting - but giving cover a wide berth is certainly faster / safer. Shadows do not have decocker models. I just got back from the range where I lowered the hammer onto a live round approximately 36 times (12 mags of 18, 3 6 shot strings per) - using math and the law of averages, since this was a typical weekly practice - approx 50 weeks a year and lets round down to 2 years on the platform - that's approx 3,600 lowered hammers onto live rounds. Exactly once have I seen someone slip on the hammer during load and make ready, he was DQ'd and the bullet impacted the berm since load and make ready is in a safe direction - always. Most production shooters at this point shoot some stripe of double/single without a decocker

[@LivingLife128]

in uspsa you can handle unloaded mags in the safe area. now if they are loaded you are going home. you can even have them on your belt loaded as long as you don't handle them

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Gunman1628 that's true, I know some guys have dummy mags to practice reloads in the safe area. It's also the one thing I see middling shooters get DQd for. Personally that juice isn't worth the squeeze, but you are correct. Especially if it's a 100$+ match fee

[@LivingLife128]

yep that's why its important to read the rule book. i have heard of people getting D/Q for having one foot out of the safe area . Merry Christmas and Happy new year to you and your family.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Gunman1628 I guess it depends on the potency of your range lawyers. Locally we have some pretty strong ones. I got reprimanded for standing within the 180 plane of the safe area after having moved my bag off the table and to the side to make space.