IPSC hopeful, need advice

You'll need a well tuned 1911 in .38 Super and thousands of rounds of practice with it.

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Why can't you use a Ruger in IPSC?

 

As long as you like the feel of the 1911, then go for it.

If you don't then you can try out something like a CZ75, or some people run Glocks.

The 1911 is the most popular. I would try out your Ruger just for kicks. Don't go off other people's opinions too much. If you are really good with the Ruger, or S&W or the SIG, then use them. As long as the range rules permit it, try it out.

 

1911s are popular in races for the same reason the Jeeps are popular in rock crawling. They're what works and because of that, that is what the aftermarket gives the most support to.

Because of your initial post, I assumed that you wanted to shoot IPSC pistol in the Production division. It's a very competitive class in most areas. I've never competed personally, but I've watched a few matches.

You comment that it might take you a few hundred rounds to get acquainted. There are guys that shoot at these things that fire several thousands of rounds per month. Again, in order to even be competitive, you have to do the same thing that everyone else does, only do it better.

Both the Ruger and Sig are approved for production class, the Smith isn't.

Any other class than the production class would require a 1911 to remain competitive.

 

I just checked the list of approved guns for production class and the 659 IS approved. The design is a bit dated though (I know the 1911 is A LOT older but calling it a dated design would be heresy).

The second generation Smith's had several shorcomings. I would be inclined to use the Sig even though, in production class, you will be scored minor (like a 9mm). You clould use the Sig in Limited or Limited-10 also.

You will be scored against other unclassified shooters so you have every opportunity to shine. Just remember to listen to the instructions, keep your finger out of the trigger guard when reloading or moving and shoot accurately. Speed will come with time.

You can't miss fast enough to win.

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

Fast is fine, but accurate is final.

 

I must have overlooked the Smith in the list of approved guns.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

New To IPSC

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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...