[robocop10mm]

The list of S&W's is pretty extensive. I had to look carefully to see it there. It's OK Matt, I've got your six.

[Doc Neeley]

Go to a shoot, watch, and ask questions (or order an info pack from USPSA's website). It will un-confuse you. Most shooters are very welcoming to new people.

[robocop10mm]

I have shot IPSC since 1999. I have count them to be a very open and inviting group of people in all that time I have only come across 2-3 people I would not invite to my house for dinner.

[JAB]

LeprechaunGunLover shoot your smith or your sig for IPSC and have fun you will need a good holster that covers the trigger and will hold the firearm so it will not fall out and about 5 mags and 4 mag holders plus a stiff belt

[ccginc]

Realize this is over a month old but just recently discovered the forum and thought I'd offer a suggestion.

I would use either the Sig or the S&W in production division. I'd suggest you go with whichever one you're more comfortable with and already have equipment for. You'll need a minimum of 4-5 magazines, 3 mag pouches would get you by but I'd suggest 4 and a secure holster.

I've been shooting USPSA matches since 1991.

[njsportsman]

I know this post is a couple of years old but, instead of starting another post I figured I'd jump on this one. I have the same basic questions on what gun to use. My choices are Glock 19, Sig P250 compact in .40 S&W and lastly Para Ordnance P13. I shoot all adequately but, I need to know what to look for in a competition gun. I can’t afford a $3000 gun and probably never will and I am sure there are better guns than what I have for a more reasonable price but, for now I just want to out there and get started weather I compete or get slaughtered which is probably the more likely since I have never shot competitive. Ok now after I choose one of the guns I have listed above what is next. I am completely green so I am starting from the ground. As a beginner what would be your first move and so on. Thanks

[danf_fl]

njsportsman, see if there is a competition in your area. If so, go to it and watch the first match.
Bring your safety gear (ears and eye protection), and volunteer to help. The next time, you will have a better idea what the game is about.

But watching the first will teach you a lot without putting you in the "hot seat" and having to learn on the fly.

[bongsao1]

Good info, I want to try IPSC some day as well.

[utf59]

njsportsman,

You might also check with ranges in your area. Some ranges offer cheap or free clinics on competition. They are great for learning a little about the game and the rules, and they'll let you "get your feet wet" without having to do a whole match.

Of the guns you listed, my first choice would be the one I shoot best with. To win at IPSC/USPSA, you have to be accurate enough, as fast as you can. So hitting the target is important, but hitting it again and then hitting the next one and the next is vital.

If your abilities with each are the same, I'd probably go with the G19 because it's a 9mm. If you shoot in the Production division, you won't get scoring bonuses for heavier rounds anyway, and 9mm is cheaper to shoot.

[crispy500]

Originally Posted by robocop10mm

IShoot as fast as you can, as slow as you must.

Fast is fine, but accurate is final.

While true that scoring is a combination of accuracy and speed, speed is more important.

I've gotten all Alphas before and finished near the bottom.

Sped up and got Alphas, Charlies and Deltas and greatly improved my score.

Just don't get Mikes and No Shoots...