SA Loaded for Competition

[jak77]

Hello,

I've been lurking here for a little bit now trying to pick on some things about competition shooting. As of now, I havent done any sort of IDPA/USPSA shooting. Im looking to get into it and have been purchasing some of the things Im going to need. I have an SA Loaded 1911, comptac OWB holster, three mag pouches, and a sturdy belt so far. I also reload for .45acp, so Im working on developing a good load for my pistol.

My question to you more knowledgeable folks is, what would you change or modify on an SA Loaded first. I dont want to shoot in Open, but more of the production classes or CDP in IDPA. Ive been reading on here a bit, and it seems like one of the first things I should do is replace the sights. Right now, my Loaded wears the standard Trijicon night sights that came from the factory. What Im trying to do is figure out how I should go about replacing them. Since this is my only pistol at the moment, I want it to serve as both a comp and HD gun. So what Im looking for in a sight set is a thinner front sight blade with a tritium insert, and plain black rear. I just dont know what company/maker to go with, or who offers this kind of combo, or how thin the front should be and how wide the rear should be. So your help is appreciated!

Much thanks.

[59Bassman]

For now, change nothing. Spend no money on that gun.

Go shoot. You do not need different sights to start shooting. The sights won't affect your performance one bit for a good long time. What you need more than anything else is to take your gear to an event and shoot.

Right now your gun is perfect for USPSA Single Stack or IDPA CDP. If you were to buy some 10 round magazines, you could shoot it in USPSA Limited 10, but I believe that for now you should just go with what you have. Most folks get started with the pistol they have, an inexpensive holster, and the magazines stuck in their pockets. That's really all you need.

Shoot some matches, and see what you like. Maybe you find out that most of the shooters in your area are playing in the USPSA Production (or IDPA SSP) divisions. You may decide you want to do that - and then you're a bit ahead of the game with not spending too much on your current gun. Or if you really love Single Stack, there will be other folks there who are more than happy to show off their guns to you, and you can see what different sights look like.

I will tell you that I'm just getting back into it. I've been shooting Single Stack with my old Kimber for a few months. When I got back to USPSA, my ultimate goal was to be a Single Stack competitor only. I wanted to justify getting a Les Baer and being a .45ACP specialist. 4 months later I'm setting up a 9mm for Production and think I'm going to be shooting that for a while. You won't know until you start shooting.

If you really feel like you need to spend money, spend money on Brian Enos' book first (available through the store on this sight). Next, make sure you have plenty of good magazines. I'd put money in reloading components next. Then I might start thinking about changes to the gun, but only after a bunch of matches.

And one last thing - last weekend I got my backside handed to me by another Single Stack shooter. He was shooting a stock Springfield Loaded - with the stock sights. The gun is just a small part of the equation.

[dsb45acp]

I think you're good to go for USPSA Single Stack and L-10 if you have some 10 round mags. Seems like you're set up for IDPA CDP too. I would spend some money on Steve Andersons dry fire book, a good timer, and make your own dry fire area (look into Micha's range diary here for some ideas). Since you reload, make up some dummy ammo (no powder or primers) and practice, practice, practice! Soon enough, you'll discover what works for you and after a while you will alter your gun and gear accordingly. If you have the time and disposable income, look into some coaching. Welcome to the sport and forums, and I hope to see you at the range someday!

[Calmwater]

A friend just purchased a Springfield Armory loaded with factory night sights. I have messed with his gun a little, and as long as they run reliably with your ammo, there is nothing on that gun that will hold you back.

[njl]

I'm not well versed in all the IDPA/USPSA rules, so I don't know that you can do this, but I suspect so. You could replace the main spring housing and mainspring to get a slightly reduced trigger pull weight. Other than that, just lots of practice. Nothing wrong with night sights on a competition/defense gun...as long as your gun shoots to point of aim.

[jak77]

Ok thanks for the input gents, looks like Ill be keeping my Loaded as is for and just get out there. I did put a Smith and Alexander magwell on there, will this limit which divisions in USPSA I can shoot? I know in CDP for IDPA I should be fine.

Also, would taking some sort of class before I join competitions help? Or should I just get out there and give it a go? The only reason I am asking is that I dont want to develop bad habits on my own that I will have to unlearn down the line.

Finally, anyone have any good loads that they like with Bullseye? I using that to push a 200gr LSWC. Currently Im loading around 5.0 grains, Im thinking of dropping it to 4.8 or so.

[Poppa Bear]

You cannot shoot Production because it is a single stack gun. Production and Revolver (for obvious reasons) would be the only two divisions you could not shoot in. You would not be very competitive in Limited or Open even though you would be legal.