pc1911 Posted December 15, 2003 Share Posted December 15, 2003 Greetings all - Over the next few months I will be working with a group of new USPSA shooters helping them to get ready to start shooting USPSA matches in April. I will be reccomending this forum as a resource for shooters to learn some of the basics that took all of us so long (and in most cases so much money) to figure out. I know that some of these topics have been covered before, but I was unable to find a comprehensive post that provides it all. In that vein, If you were starting from scratch and had the knowledge you have now, what equipment would be in your PRODUCTION bag? Belt, holsters, gun, mags, muffs, eyeware, shooting bag. Tell us about all of your favorite gear, and if you have the time, I'd love to hear why. Thanks for helping me keep the sport going! Paul TY45562 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin Orr Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 IMHO Para 9mm LDA 5 ea 10 rnd mags Safariland Mag Pouches - 4 ea Safariland belt & inner belt Kydex Holster - Uncle Mikes Dillion Muffs - Peltor Tactical Dillion $10 glasses Dillion Bag Glocks or CZ would also be great. I would go with the 1911 style as the "most" common Limited and Open guns are based on the 1911. I am SURE there are many guns and outfits that would do well - and good and valid reasons for each individual choice regarding the "best." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake Di Vita Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 I'm a Beretta E2 guy. Blade-Tech holster. Comp-tac single mag pouches. 6 15 round mags (easier to seat when loaded to 10). Not sure about belt. (Piece of crap leather belt...right Anderson? ) Muffs...whichever work. Same with glasses and bag. It all depends on the shooter...there is no "best" equipment out there. Most people don't like to shoot Berettas because of the DA first pull...it doesn't bug me, so I shoot one. I shot a Glock for awhile but could not get used to the feel of it while there are many many other shooters out there that could undoubtedly stomp me into the ground with a Glock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C Sims Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 (edited) "6 15 round mags (easier to seat when loaded to 10)." I thought that hi-caps were not legal in Production. Pg. 89 in the red book says, "High capacity and extra capacity (e.g. +2) magazines are specifically not allowed." Is it legal to use hi-caps and only load 10 rounds, if they are the same length as the 10 round mags? I would be afraid that would cause somebody to scream foul really loud and also takes the chance of slipping 11 rounds in the mag if I got confused while loading. I agree putting 10 in a hi-cap is alot easier. Sorry if this cause a thread drift. My fault, I was reading the IPSC section and not the US Section. It states on pg 92 that the magazine is only restricted by their being 10 rounds maximum in magazine. I take this as hi-caps are legal, if only loaded to 10 rounds. Edited December 16, 2003 by C Sims Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C Sims Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 Back to original ? Glock 34 6 mags Peltor Muffs Lots of ammo 4 kydex mag pouches Kydex holster Wilderness Tactical 1 1/2" belt Bottle of Advil (for those C & D hits) Clear and Tinted glasses Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake Di Vita Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 Sims, If the mags are of the same basic configuration and don't have added weight, they are usable. Just be sure and count the rounds as you load them...I'm sure you do that with 10 round mags anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C Sims Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 Thanks Jake, I was editing as you were posting. I guess I should have read on in the big red book before by posting originally! Its all clear now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pc1911 Posted December 16, 2003 Author Share Posted December 16, 2003 C Sims - I often shoot a widebody in L10. Because I also shoot limited, I have hicap mags. I am PARANOID^1000 about loading an accidental 11th round in one of my mags. After EVERY stage I completely unload any mags that came off my belt, they get EMPTIED, and then reloaded. I ONLY load from a box, and I ONLY load from complete rows of ten. I would hate to have to shoot against dots and comps, or worse for nothin! When I shoot Limited, all my ammo is in a big heavy plastic bag, and I just stuff em'. pc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ogiebb Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 CZ 85 combat or GLOCK 34 or Para P18(definetly for ipsc) 6 mags bladetech doh (USPSA) CR speed (IPSC) safariland belt CR speed mag pouch OAKLEY m frame (vented) Peltor tac6 or R2000 bag of nuts or M&M's for waiting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turtle Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 An inner/outer belt (I recommend CR Speed) is a good choice for two reasons. 1) you can mount whatever brand of tupperware you choose to stuff your gun and mags in, and not have to worry about constantly threading and re-threading your belt and accessories. 2) the extra belt helps get the gear away from your body a little bit, making it a little harder for you to grab shirt during the draw and reload. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eerw Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 Here is mine..and so far I like my set up G34 with Vanek trigger and Dawson Adjustable sights and FO front Kytac holster and pouches, safariland belt 6 mags ammo ammo and ammo ProEars Oakley ProM (VR28 and clear) Oakley Bronze Iridium E-Wires tool kit with mag brush, and stuff to get that #&*! sand out of my mags.. so far I have been really impressed with Charlies work on my gun and those Dawson sights.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bucky Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 After helping a few people get started in the production game (and uspsa/ipsc), they've all settled on a Beretta Elite II. (2 of which were women) They found it easier to shoot than the G34 and Sig that they tried as alternatives. Does that mean this person should run out and get an Elite II? Of course not, they should try shooting a few different guns and see what fits them best. The situations I was involved with were unique, because these people got to try out different guns on stages at real matches. I've found that the opinions I have formed shooting a gun on a range at a common firing line are sometimes different than how I feel after shooting them at a match. As for Holster, I like the Dropped and Offset Bladetech. A few extra bucks over some Kydex, but worth the extra expense, especially for women. For IPSC I'd run 3 Single mag pouches (Blade-Tech or Safariland... though the Blade-techs can do double duty in IDPA) and one inexpensive double for the back two mags such as an uncle Mikes. As for Bag, I don't have one but if I were buying new I'd go with the Shooting Connection bag. Get some tupperware pieces at your local Walmart to hold tools and extra parts. Don't worry, they'll fill up quick. Get a leatherman, lots of tools in one package. Get eye glass cleaner and the proper rags to clean glasses. Throw in a 30 gallon garbage bag. If it starts to rain, you can keep your bag dry. Also, carry some oil (I prefer Firepower FP10). Consider other suggestions offered here as well. The more into it you get, the more you'll add. What is great about this sport is many people are willing to help with ideas or to lend a tool if you do not have one on hand. Be careful, as it is easier to get carried away with this. No exxageration, but my wifes shooting bag weighs less ready to go, then mine does before I add gun, ammo and magazines! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DogmaDog Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 CZ-75B with reduced power mainspring (16#, 17#?). Excellent gun. ~$350 price is a real bargain. The only issue with the CZ for beginners is that you must manually lower the hammer on a loaded chamber by pulling the trigger while holding the hammer, in order to start with a double action shot. A CZ-75bd (decocker) might be the better choice for that reason. I widened and deepened the rear sight to about 0.150 x 0.150 using a Brownell's 1911 slide rail file and blackened the three white dots with a Sharpie marker. Much faster sight picture without loss of accuracy. Grip tape to suit personal preference. 6 x CZ factory magazines. I prefer the 15 rounders but 10 rounder's are fine. Comp Tac locking paddle kydex holster Comp Tac single mag pouches (I have 2. 2 more would be nice) A sturdy leather belt. Clear shooting glasses Foam ear plugs A gym duffel with water, ammo, etc. A decent pair of running shoes or hiking/combat boots. Cheap factory ammo in bulk (S&B for me), until you can afford a reloader. DogmaDog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Bagnato Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 I like: CZ 75 (Soft shooting & reasonably priced) CR Speed belt/mag pouches. Very stiff/rigid. 10 round mags are fine for me. The gun comes with two get 3 more. Blade tech holster Rudy project eyewear-one of the best warranties in the business. Lifetime scratch gaurantee on the lenses 2 years on the frame. Reasonably priced. The ability to change colors of lenses for the diffrent lighting conditions Dillon ears - Lifetime gaurantee-need I say more Universal Shooting Academy-get them to see Frank Garcia, let them start correctley. They wil learn the proper techniques. The will learn good drills to practice. Hopefully they will never develop the bad habits. The other benifits are if they change to Limited or Open belt and mag pouches are the same. The ony thing you'd need to change would be the holster. This rig allows for expansion. The CZ becomes a great carry gun. My advice for someone starting out. Spend the money now on good equipment and instruction. You'll save a lot down the road. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KAL Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 I have not actually shot production yet but have all the gear, But since the last match of the year is done here, I am hanging up limited to play production for 04, Hopefully it will make me learn more. I will use my G34 with the blade tech DOH holster, Blade tech pouches and CR speed belt. I have a shooters connection bag and lots of tools and goodies now ( Thanks Bucky) Matter of fact when I got my wife to give it a try I took her to the range Introduced her to Bucky and Dave O. and they went to work. Boy did they create a monster. Her gear is a Beretta Elite 2 with a Ernie Langdon trigger job, Then Dave went to work on the slide with a blow torch and a hammer Don't ask bit it needed a 320 thousands rear sight and the original was a little stubborn, At the same time the lower was stripped and gone through by Bucky, Now she is spoiled nothing but the best for her. So she gets the rig back and its all decked out just perfect and they tell her stick with us and we'll get you to smoke your husband So now I panic and find my resident tupperware specialist Nik H. And I tell him I need help. So on goes the Bomars and some slick trigger work, And I think I am ready for her. My way of saying thanks to some of my friends who helped me and my wife out in our first year of shooting. Their advice and hard work saved me many hours and dollars. Looking forward to next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southpaw dan Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 My choice for USPSA/Production & IDPA/SSP.....FWIW S&W 5906 w/Novak's (rear dots blacked out/front orange) Ky-tac holster Ky-tac mag carriers Safariland belt 5 mags Wilson range bag & muffs I love the Smith for 3 reasons. 1. All stainless---no recoil/with a solid grip & a Wilson spring kit 2. Quick trigger reset 3. 4 inch gun a little quicker from holster ( OK, pretty subjective ) To each his own. Daniel IDPA A14119 USPSA A50422 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tightloop Posted December 17, 2003 Share Posted December 17, 2003 SP Dan I agree with the shorter bbl being slightly faster out of the leather. I picked a Commander for the same reason, over a Govt Mod. It might hurt you in USPSA but not in IDPA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hey QuicksDraw! Posted December 17, 2003 Share Posted December 17, 2003 Lever Handywipes!!!! Folding chair Umbrella with clamp to attach to chair Igloo Gatoraide I like to be tacticaly comfortable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southpaw dan Posted December 17, 2003 Share Posted December 17, 2003 tightloop, Started with a Colt Commander in CDP myself. It's still my carry gun. The balance of 4-inch gun just seems quicker shot to shot also. But you're right the short sight radius at the longer ranges can be a bear. Handywipes!!!! I knew i had been forgeting something. Daniel IDPA A14119 USPSA A50422 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Anderson Posted December 17, 2003 Share Posted December 17, 2003 Jake's belt is a piece of crap...but the rest of his gear is sound. Beretta E2 Wilson Practical (leather Tactical assault) Cr speed belt 147 hp/Vit310 Dawson fiber optic front/Novak black rear LTT trigger (no speed bump lately, thank you) 3 uncle Mike's mag pouches (I'm sure there are better choices) I really thought Jake was going to change his belt... SA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake Di Vita Posted December 17, 2003 Share Posted December 17, 2003 Don't worry...it is being changed before the end of the year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MBaneACP Posted December 17, 2003 Share Posted December 17, 2003 I've been agonizing about this very issue for a few months! Basically, I wanted an USPSA Production/IDPA ESP gun. At first, I was going to take the minor hit and do an L-10/ESP gun in 9mm, but the Kimber had just enough problems to sour me on the gun. I was pretty settled on a Trojan .40 S&W (which I like a lot) when Todd Jarrett got me off on an LDA sidetrack. In short, I found the LDA's trigger is a sneaky way for me to get a surprise break each and every time. In terms of guns I like to shoot, the Trojan wins hands down. But the fact is I am faster--just as accurate--with the LDA. Go figure. I'm going to write an article about it as soon as I get a few minutes. So here's my set-up: Para 18.9 LDA in 9mm Cen-Dex Storm holster in clear plastic (not on the IDPA list, but nobody's said anything locally; I shot a Blade-Tech at the Nationals) Blade-Tech double mag pouch Wilderness competition belt Para 10-round mags Radian electronic muffs--I love 'em Shooters Connection bag big enough to sleep in I plan to get Dawson or EGW to do a tiny overhaul on the Para--clean the trigger up a little, fiber optic sight, replace all the plastic parts with steel, maybe replace the Para rear sight with a Bo-Mar. Michael B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MBaneACP Posted December 17, 2003 Share Posted December 17, 2003 PS: Ammo...124-gr Armscor ball MB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bucky Posted December 18, 2003 Share Posted December 18, 2003 Hey Keith, Don't worry, we'll convert you next As for Nik, I think he owns a large share of Glock stock. (I'm a poet and don't know-it). -- Bucky. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkmccoy Posted December 18, 2003 Share Posted December 18, 2003 I've recently decided that I need to try Production. So my opinion is based only on my years of experience with various firearms (more years than I really care to admit) and not on any experience shooting IPSC/USPSA matches in Production (several years now in Limited and Lim10, Open for 3-gun matches). I have acquired a very cute TZ75. I've always liked that design. (Started IPSC with an EAA Witness in .45, would have stayed with it if I could get high-cap mags and if the .45's would hold-up better). I think I'll go with a Dillon "Master" holster (or maybe a Yaqui slide holster) and some kydex double mag holders. I will put the holster and mag pouches on a CR belt. The TZ shoots really well when I remember that it isn't a 1911 trigger. I can't imagine that any DA only design will be better than a DA/SA design (I have fired a Para LDA and that is really close). No matter what you might say about Glocks (they do have some good points) I won't allow anything that ugly into my safe. Cheers, Kelly McCoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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