Getting into IDPA or USPSA - Pt III Basic Equipment

Published on December 23, 2016
Duration: 6:48

This video provides essential guidance for new competitors entering IDPA or USPSA. It emphasizes that expensive gear is not required to start, with budget-friendly options like Kydex holsters and magazine pouches being perfectly adequate. The focus is on practice and participation, with gear upgrades recommended only at higher competitive levels. The importance of proper grip and recoil mitigation techniques is highlighted, regardless of ammunition type.

Quick Summary

Beginners in IDPA and USPSA can start with affordable gear like stiff belts, hard-body holsters, and magazine pouches. Brands like Ready Tactical and Blade-Tech offer budget-friendly options. Focus on practice and technique; gear upgrades are best considered at higher competitive levels where small time differences matter.

Chapters

  1. 00:31Basic Gear for Competition
  2. 00:37Holsters and Belts
  3. 01:08USPSA vs. IDPA Gear Costs
  4. 01:34Affordable Holster Options
  5. 02:23Budget-Friendly Brands
  6. 02:41Gear Intensity: IDPA vs. USPSA
  7. 02:49Firearm Requirements
  8. 02:59What Gear is NOT Needed
  9. 03:04Importance of Practice
  10. 03:25Hard Body Holsters & Mags
  11. 03:34Ammunition Considerations
  12. 04:02Why Use Competition Loads
  13. 04:33Grip Pressure and Ammo
  14. 04:45Ammunition Provider
  15. 05:14Gear is Not the Bottleneck
  16. 05:45Dry Fire and Training Tools
  17. 05:53Seeking Advice
  18. 06:32Buying a Competition Gun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum gear needed to start competing in IDPA or USPSA?

To begin IDPA or USPSA, you primarily need a stiff belt and a hard-body holster and magazine pouches. While USPSA has more specialized gear, basic Rigger's or leather belts work. Affordable options like Kydex holsters and magazine pouches from brands like Ready Tactical or Blade-Tech are perfectly suitable for beginners.

Does ammunition type significantly impact performance for new competition shooters?

For new shooters, the type of ammunition has minimal impact on performance compared to learning proper grip and recoil mitigation techniques. While competition reloads are used for accuracy and cost, managing standard 9mm loads is key. The principles of recoil control are the same across different power factors.

When should a beginner shooter consider upgrading their competition gear?

Beginner shooters should focus on practice and participation rather than expensive gear. Upgrades are generally recommended only when you reach higher competitive levels, such as Sharpshooter in IDPA or C-Class in USPSA, where tenths of a second become critical and gear optimization can provide a competitive edge.

Are expensive competition holsters and belts necessary for IDPA or USPSA?

No, expensive gear is not necessary to start. For IDPA, a $50 holster and $20 magazine pouches are sufficient. For USPSA, while gear can be more specialized, a good stiff belt and a reliable hard-body holster will get you started. Focus on skill development first.

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