Which USPSA Divison?

[appaws]

Ok, here is my question. At my first match a few weeks ago, I used my box-stock XD-45 and I signed up for production. One of the other competitors started talking to me about Limited-10, and said that I probably should be in L-10 instead of production, where the major power factor thing would help my scores. I am very unsure about this, because won't I be going up against a bunch of modified and improved guns and competition rigs?

So, I have examined the rulebook closely and I am still very unsure. Am I giving up too much being in production against a bunch of 9mm and .40 shooters? Or am I giving up more shooting a stock gun in L-10 where people have done more work on them? What are your thoughts?

 

[David E]

It's your choice.

In Production, everyone scores "minor," regardless of caliber (and kick) so your hard kicking .45 will compete head to head with the soft kicking 9mm's. That was the point being made to you.

Were it me, (and I am a triple ranked GM) and I wanted to be competitive and I didn't reload, I'd shoot a .45 XD in Limited Ten and kick ass. (like I've done with my XD in .40 for the same reasons)

If you reloaded, then you could always download the .45 to extremely mild recoil levels, so you wouldn't give up a thing to the 9mm's. (except that you'd hit the next higher scoring line more often)

I'd suggest getting a trigger job by Rich at Canyon Creek, along with a fiber optic front. I'd also have him turn the rear sight around and serrate it for a super sight picture.

.

 

[Sunray]

What shooting game? Both IPSC and IDPA are just that. Shooting games.
"...I am very unsure about this..." You have fun? Shoot the matches because it's great fun and don't worry about placing. The more matches you shoot, the better you'll get with whatever pistol you use. Look at your ammo first. Has to be bullseye match quality ammo.
Get into a bullseye league too. It's a basic trigger control, sight picture and breathing thing. Lots of fun too.
Dry fire practice will help in both.

 

[71Commander]

(except that you'd hit the next higher scoring line more often)

Or break the perf on penalty targets.

appaws. I would shoot L10. You're not going to be at a disadvantage.

BTW. There's a match in Lansing tomorrow and a special classifier at Detroit Sportsman Congress in two weeks if you need a classification.

 

[Jim Watson]

When you have gotten some experience and a classification, then worry about the fit of gun to Division. The gun is the same, the magazine capacity is the same, the target is the same. The only difference is a check mark on the scorecard and a different formula in the scoring program.
I would shoot the Division with the larger turnout so I could monitor my standings and see if I were catching up with the other guys as I practiced.

(Strangely enough, I have done some work with .45 Minor in IDPA ESP and the bigger hole does pick up a few points, but it has never been the difference on an edge hit on a Non-Threat for me.)

 

[Riss]

L-10 can be the place to be. Locally here, most often, there are 30 or more in Limited and sometimes as few as 10 people in L-10. Gaming is not necessary. It's about getting better at shooting. Shoot against yourself and aim to get squadded with the top guns. You will find that you will start shooting better being with them. Start slow, and make your hits count. You cannot go fast enough to make up for a miss.

 

[VegasOPM]

L-10 would be my suggestion for many of the reasons already stated.

 

[Ankeny]

No matter which division you shoot, a trigger job by Rich is really good advice. If the gun is a carry gun and a game gun, Rich can do a "duty" trigger job.

FWIW, I would shoot L10 if that is the flavor of the day at your club, or I would down load and go production if there is a boat load of production shooters. If I were shooting factory ammo, L10 all the way...and I would be sure to make a smart remark about powder puff wussy loads at "Load and Make Ready".

 

[appaws]

BTW. There's a match in Lansing tomorrow and a special classifier at Detroit Sportsman Congress in two weeks if you need a classification.

I shot the match today at Capitol City Rifle Club in Lansing. I went with production again. I did the 4 classifier stages at Dorr a couple weeks ago, but I flubbed one and got a 0%, so they won't count that one. But with the one I did today, that will be 4, most assuredly well in the "D" range!

You have fun? Shoot the matches because it's great fun and don't worry about placing.

I know. It's tons of fun, I love it! But, for any red-blooded American male, it is kinda hard not to think about placing!

 

[Jim Watson]

I agree. That is why it is called "competition." When somebody says "I only compete with myself." he has lost some credibility with me. I always check my placement versus shooters of equal or slightly better performance.

 

[David E]

Or break the perf on penalty targets.

Shhhhhhhh !