Practical Shooting After Dark EP 67

Published on September 19, 2019
Duration: 31:12

This episode of Practical Shooting After Dark discusses the benefits and drawbacks of USPSA life memberships, highlights an exceptionally well-run Iowa Section match, and delves into the technical advantages of shooting .40 S&W or hot 9mm loads in Limited division for improving grip and recoil control, especially for Production shooters. The panel also advises against excessive trigger work on CZ Shadow 2s, recommending spring and grip changes instead for reliability and a crisp reset.

Quick Summary

USPSA life memberships offer the advantage of avoiding annual dues and ensuring continuous membership for leadership roles. Shooting .40 S&W or hot 9mm in competition significantly enhances grip consistency and recoil control, making standard 9mm firearms feel easier to manage. For CZ Shadow 2s, focus on spring and grip changes over aggressive trigger polishing for optimal reliability.

Chapters

  1. 00:09Welcome & Intro
  2. 00:51USPSA Life Membership Discussion
  3. 03:50Critique of USPSA Magazine Content
  4. 05:35Calculating Life Membership Value
  5. 12:04Praise for Iowa Section Match
  6. 14:42Match Culture & Staff Importance
  7. 18:26Grip Training with Limited Division
  8. 20:29Recoil Control & Grip Refinement
  9. 23:16Impact of Hot Ammo on 9mm Feel
  10. 24:46CZ Shadow 2 Maintenance & Trigger Work
  11. 26:06Recommended CZ Shadow 2 Mods
  12. 29:10Risks of Overly Light Triggers
  13. 30:50Podcast Outro & Listener Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main benefits of a USPSA life membership?

The primary benefits of a USPSA life membership are avoiding annual dues and ensuring continuous membership status, which can be important for holding leadership positions within the organization. It also prevents accidental membership lapses due to missed payments.

How does shooting .40 S&W or hot 9mm improve shooting skills?

Shooting .40 S&W or hot 9mm loads in competition like USPSA's Limited division forces a much more rigorous and consistent grip. This refinement in grip technique directly translates to better recoil control and makes standard 9mm firearms feel significantly softer and easier to manage.

What are the recommended modifications for a CZ Shadow 2?

For CZ Shadow 2 pistols, experts recommend focusing on reliability and a crisp reset by changing the recoil spring, hammer spring, and grips. Extensive trigger polishing is generally discouraged as it can lead to a spongy feel and potential reliability issues.

Why is grip consistency so important in competitive shooting?

Grip consistency is paramount because any leniency in how you hold the firearm is immediately apparent under recoil, especially with hotter calibers. A solid, consistent grip prevents the gun from moving erratically, allows for better sight tracking, and avoids compensatory movements with the firing hand.

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