Jaybird1980
Grandmaster
I agree with most of your thoughts except the one in red.
yes, even the “production” division is getting racier in the gear used, but 95% of it comes down to the shooter. I still run a G34 for production and a G35 for limited. A few years back my G34 wasn’t running and I won the IN state production title with a G19. I couldn’t do that today, because I’m out of practice, not because of the gun.
shoot both a few times. Then decide what fits you best. (Though only one let’s you shoot more than one w.o joining)
-rvb
ETA several at our club Uspsa match shoot their carry guns in their carry rigs. Some even register in open so they can keep lights on the guns. ... I don’t even know if you can mount a light in a gun in IDPA, many years ago at least there was no division where that was allowed.
I definitely believe that it's not the gun that is holding back 95% of shooters, and the other 5% are gonna kill it no matter what they shoot. Nils Jonasson is out there kicking ass with a Canik!
As far as the new shooter part, I think uspsa is a bit easier, because there is less you have to try to remember during your run. Like RVB said you don't need the fancy gear. I shot the first 3 years with a bladetech holster and mag carriers on my regular belt. I switched to a competition belt, but it didn't make me shoot any better, just easier to put on and off. The most important thing for a new person is to just get started.