Division for SP-01 Shadow

[Andreas]

I picked up an SP-01 Accu Shadow from CZC as my first traditional DA pistol (been shooting 1911s and S&W M&Ps up to now). Learning the DA first shot will take some doing. I'm wondering if folks typically run these pistols in Production (hammer down) or Iron Sighted Pistol (cocked & locked) when running them in Steel Challenge. I'm leaning toward Production and the associated learning curve since that's where this pistol would play in USPSA.

[MikeSLC]

I was not aware that the accu shadow was eligible for production.

[Andreas]

It will be eligible for Production in April 2013.

[motosapiens]

I've done both, but it makes more sense to me to start hammer-down. I only use steel challenge as practice and something a little different, and my main focus is uspsa, so it makes sense to train the way i plan to shoot.

FWIW, I haven't been able to detect a significant speed difference in the first shot with either method.

[MstngLX50]

Typically, around here it's a production shooter looking for extra match time, so production. At the local level, by that I mean here, it's not broken down any further than center fire iron sights. So you could do whatever you want holster, and ready condition wise.

Me personally, I can't reach the safety on my Shadows so I'd never use it cocked and locked. I have little girl hands. If you can, go for it. Try both see what you think you get the most out of.

If you get a race holster it'd give you the option of shooting ISP, and IPSC Production at a bigger match.

[Neomet]

Like most here SC is practice for me. I start both ways depending on my mood that day.

[Andreas]

Thanks for the advice, particularly asking the question of what I'm trying to accomplish with SC shooting. I'm leaning toward the hammer-down start after thinking about that and finding that my small hands will only let me disengage the safety if my grip is perfect. A slight miss, and my thumb sweeps harmlessly past the safety. That wouldn't be a good thing to have happen during a match! I was surprised that my DA first-shot times with the Shadow were nearly as fast as with my M&P.

[SoCalNoMore]

Sorry for this being a bit OT, but can I use Dawson FO sights in the SC Production class, or does FO move me in to limited?

[MstngLX50]

Yes, you can use the Dawson fiber optic sights in production.

[MikeSLC]

It will be eligible for Production in April 2013.

Good to know.

I start hammer down for the reasons you outlined.

[SoCalNoMore]

Yes, you can use the Dawson fiber optic sights in production.

TY Mstng

[Andreas]

An hour of dry fire resolved the issue with reliably disengaging the safety during the draw. It was a matter of strong-side thumb positioning when first establishing my grip. But I'll stick with the hammer-down start for now. The pistol will get a workout in a Steel Challenge match tomorrow.