My co-worker is an RO for USPSA in my area and that's where I was planning to start. Although I wish there was an IDPA club a little closer (I'm in Rochester, MN), because I think it just makes sense to train for real life since I carry every day. Per HCH's comments, if caliber conversion isn't legal for production (even if it was a production SA barrel?), then I guess I'd have to shoot Limited or Limited-10. I know I'd probably be in way over my head if I wanted to be competitive, but as a noob, I'm just wanting to learn the course and pace of the sport. I have an XD-40 tactical, but that gets pricey to shoot .40 all the time. I figured I could test the match shooting waters with my 4" XD and 9mm conversion barrel, since I don't have a 5" XD in 9mm.
On the ammo topic, why is a PF of 148 a disadvantage? Is it purely recoil? I suppose 148 is nowhere near major PF, so it wouldn't really be a help, huh?