divisions:
Open
Ltd
Ltd-10
Revolver
Production
Single-Stack
(everyone shoots the same courses, but you are only SCORED against others in the SAME division)
misc:
police
camo
eye/ear protection
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The most complete information on rules/equipment is at uspsa.org (click on Match Rules and ignore any "Drafts" or "Proposed" ... you are primarily interested in Handgun Rulebook and, if shooting in the Production division, the Production Handgun List).
Additionally, you might browse the Brian Enos forum. Information on other clubs in
Minnesota can be found at mnuspsa.org.
More often than not, beginners will be most comfortable in Production or Single-Stack. For both of these divisions, holsters and mag-holders should be of the daily carry variety ... actual carry leather
is quite acceptable (i.e. Bob Mernickle, Rafter S,
and Wilson Combat). Uncle Mike's Kydex (not nylon) works quite
well for $15/pc. If a new pistol is needed, a relatively inexpensive choice for 1911 is from S&W (without an accessory-rail) ... and for Production,
S&W M&P, Springfield XD, Glock 17 & 34 (9mm) or 22 & 35 (.40sw will score Minor in Production), CZ 75, EAA Witness, or Sig P226. But, so long as it meets all other requirements, whichever
pistol you already have will likely do fine (simply do a search, or ask, on the Brian Enos forum if you're
not sure).
If you insist on a new belt, for synthetic holsters, the Safariland velcro over/under belt is very popular ... and for very good reason (try
Shooter's Connection and give Chuck a call, he's a good guy, has fair prices, and is very helpful).
Also, our own Ron Westberg has an online store, at unholstered.com, which has the Rescomp velcro over/under belt, and more.
Otherwise, an actual carry belt from Bob Mernickle, or the like, would be well worth the money.
If you arrive at a match with a loaded pistol, you must unload it prior to the start of the match. MN state law specifies that you may disarm in or around
your motor vehicle in any parking lot. However, so long as your pistol is properly holstered in an appropriate holster designed for your pistol, you may
walk around to find a certified RO (range officer, if they are not familiar with USPSA, find someone else ... not all RO's are USPSA/IPSC/NROI RO's) and ask him/her
to escort you to an appropriate range where he/she may give you the "unload and show clear" command so that you may disarm. If you desire to re-arm
after the match ... just prior to leaving the property ... you may ask an RO to, again escort you to an appropriate range where he/she may give you the "load and
make ready" command so that you may re-arm.
A range-bag may be any type of bag you like ... for carrying your ammunition, spare mags, sunscreen, bug-spray, or whatever else in. Your gun may very well be carried in
your range-bag as well, however, your gun should be enclosed within it's own gun-rug. Bringing a loaded gun into the
Safe Area is a DQ'able offense. It's always best to make sure you always store your gun, unloaded.
We do not require membership in USPSA or OGC (Oakdale Gun Club) to shoot at our USPSA matches. However, most who stick with it, regret not joining
USPSA sooner ... to begin building their classification sooner. And joining USPSA helps to support the entire operation ... without which, these types of
matches might no longer be available. IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation) is an international organization. USPSA (United
States Practical Shooting Association) is the U.S. division of IPSC. You can't join IPSC, directly ... but by joining USPSA, you essentially are a member
of both.
We are very casual. These matches are competitions. However, roughly 90% of those who attend, do so only for fun ... or to improve their own proficiency.
And even the other 10% will be very willing to answer your questions and/or otherwise help you along. It's this way, even at the Nationals.
I've heard it said, many times, it's like being able to golf the U.S. Open with Jack Nicklaus ... and he's nice to you ... maybe even giving you a few pointers.
But unlike a drive that scoots 90° from where you intended, should you fire a pistol 90° from where you should, you could maim, or kill someone.
So while we do have fun, we do have a very serious side as well. So long as you start very slow, keep your muzzle pointed downrange or in its
holster, keep your finger outside the trigger-guard 'til you're on-target and ready to fire, and otherwise don't do anything generally unsafe, you will likely have some of
the best fun you've ever had. Scores are on the uspsa.org website here
and will generally be updated within a week of the match.
Please review the orientation handout. Any and all cancellations or other notifications for pretty much anything
dealing with guns in Minnesota, and small parts of Wisconsin, Iowa, and North & South Dakota will be sent via email so long as
has your email address.
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