USPSA Gear

[chbix]

I am looking to get into competitive shooting. I bought a 1911 as my first gun and am wanting to use it for this purpose. I currently have a 7rnd and an 8rnd mag, but from everything I am reading I really need to look into 10 round mags.

I have ordered a holster, but am looking for some mag carriers. Everything I have found is like $20 for a single and $30+ for a double mag carrier. Since every thing I see leads me to think I need to have at least 6 mags, 1 in the gun, 4 on my belt and 1 in my back pocket just in case, that means I need to either by 4 singles or 2 doubles. I dont really want to spend that much on "gear" right now with the holidays coming.

so i was wondering if anyone knew any alternatives for mag carriers?

If not I will have to just wait till next year to get the stuff together.

Also any comments on using a 1911 in these competitions?

[mike from philly]

There is a divsion called single stack which I think your pistol will fit in.

The best advice I can give you is just bring what you have. Don't buy stuff until you get a couple matches under your belt. You're a newbie so you'll be given lots of leeway in regards to equipment, coaching, etc. except safety. We are fanatical about safety. If any of us get shot, our wives won't let us shoot again.

If money is tight, I'd prioritize your purchases in the following manner ....

1) Mags - get 2 more so you have 30 or so rounds. The longest course of fire is 32 rounds. Sorry, but you ain't going to win the next 5 matches so its ok to leave targets unshot.

2) Holster - If you don't have a holster, most RO's will let you start from low ready since you are a newbie. Just bring a gun bag to store and carry the gun it. Once you get money, then get a holster.

3) Mag Pouches - I used a Lowes cavas tie on belly tool thingie. It aint fast but it works.

[Hunterjbb]

No real need to get ten rounders right away, but you should get a couple more mags.. Normally you will need approx. 6 mags.. of any variety. You can shoot single stack with the weapons and mags you have. You can shoot l-10 if you want, you can shoot Limited if you want, however with the restricted mags you'll be at a disadvantage.. 10 rd mags cannot be shot in Single Stack.

I'd suggest Uncle Mikes stuff.. I bought two double mag pouches, they cost me $16.00 ea. Work great.

or just get one double. try this link.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/unclemik_caih.htm

Get your self a good stiff belt, the wilderness instructor belts are nice but a good stiff leather belt is ok.

There is nothing wrong with using a 1911.. there are a LOT of folks doing just that. Matter of fact the last couple of matches i shot i used a 1911.

Have fun, be safe and get out there and shoot.

Jeff

[RRPD1]

ch-

sent you an email...

[Houngan]

Bladetech makes a double mag pouch for 15 dollars. They work well, the only caveat is that you should blue-loctite the screws after you have them adjusted.

http://www.pistolgear.com/proddetail.php?prod=18BTJ&cat=14


H.

[BerKim]

+1 on the double Blade-Techs, and the Uncle Mikes are good too.

I use them both in different configurations.

I'd think 6 mags would be the minimum for you too. You may be able to bottow mags from someone at your club. Most 1911's aren't that finicky about the mags they use.

See if the club you're going to shoot at, has thier stages on line, you'll get a better idea of round count, etc. At our local matches, the 32 limit goes out the door once in a while..

Go by the club, and hook up with someone who can guide you through the equipment, etc.. Some clubs may want yuo to go through a saftey session..

[rhino465]

If you want to shoot in USPSA with your 1911 (I assume it's a .45), then your best bets are either 1911 Single Stack Division or Limited10 Division. For the former, you will need more 8 round mags. For the latter, you will need some 10 rounds mags.

If you can afford them, you can't go wrong with either Wilson or CMC Power Mags.

If you want to save a little money on 8-rd mags that are still very good quality (they work well), then check these out at CDNN for $8.99 each:

CDNN Target Sports "Super Mag" (http://www.cdnninvestments.com/1948rdstsuwb.html)

The more mags you have available the better, as you never know when one will malfunction, get dropped in mud, or whatever. You should probably have at least six that function perfectly in your gun with your ammo.

As far as mag carriers go, I agree with the Blade-Tech injection molded doubles (http://www.blade-tech.com/Injection-Molded-Double-Mag-Pouch-pr-896.html) being the best bargain on the market. They work very well and they keep them in stock.


Also, you mentioned you ordered a holster. You'll need one that is rigid enough to reholster with one hand, so if you ordered a floppy nylon job, you should probably get something that is high end nylon (like Bianchi Accumold), or better yet, Kydex. The best bargain for holsters on the market is the Blade-Tech injection molded belt holster (http://www.blade-tech.com/Injection-Molded-Belt-Holster-pr-815.html) for $15, and again they keep them in stock.