Intro to USPSA: Beginner's Guide

So you want to shoot USPSA. That’s great! While there are a lot of competing sources online that try to explain how beginners should prepare for USPSA, we really couldn’t find much ourselves so we decided to create the best comprehensive introductory guide to new shooters who wish to put their skills to the test and compete in USPSA matches.

What is USPSA?

In case you’re not familiar with what USPSA is, no problem! We’ve got the lowdown for you right here: USPSA stands for the United States Practical Shooting Association and its parent organization is called the International Practical Shooting Confederation (otherwise known as IPSC). At each match, shooters will go through multiple stages that challenge their ability to shoot on the move, reload quickly, hit targets accurately, avoid penalties, and safely complete each stage as quickly and as accurately as possible.

It’s a high speed sport that's very welcoming, fun, and will fast track you to handgun or PCC (pistol caliber carbine) mastery if you put in the work. At the end of the day, USPSA is about speed. Other competitive shooting organizations may require a different strategy but more on that later. If you’d like to really go the extra mile from the get-go, check out the USPSA rulebook here.

How to sign up: Practiscore

Photo Source: Practiscore

First things first, how do you get into a match? That’s everyone’s first roadblock, “I want to go, but I don’t even know where to find these events.” Well, check out practiscore.com. This website is critical to your entry of the competitive shooting world. Sign up for an account so that you can be able to register for matches local to you. 

The site has great filters that helps you find events and matches that are both near and far. (Simply click on the “Matches” tab) Once you have an account, your dashboard will show what upcoming matches you have signed up for along with your past matches so you can track the progress of your performance and quickly see your growth.

These events are often run by private clubs and smaller organizations and will have match directors. That’s typically who will approve your registration to your event and the person that organizes the squads at the match.

What is a squad?

Squads are groups that will roll through the various stages together throughout the duration of the match. There’s typically around 10 to 12 people per squad and each shooter will take their turn running through the stage. So there’s definitely an element of “pressure” as people will be watching your every move, especially if you’re new or a visible beginner. You can take advantage of the squads to shoot with people far better than you or if you want to take it easy and just have a good time with your buddies that you normally shoot with you can do that too.

What to prepare

Photo Source: 80 Percent Arms

USPSA is a bit more lax on what gear you can run. If you want to run your warbelt, duty belt, or even do IWB concealment, you can do it all! Otherwise, you’ll often see “race style” belt setups where people have more simplistic velcro belts with universal quick draw holsters, aggressive magazine pouches, and some are even magnetic. So your holster is shooter’s choice. As long as it's worn on the waist, just about any modern holster solution will do. Magazines - you can carry as many as you want. 

There may be limits based on what kind of pistol or gun you plan on running (division wise). Generally speaking, the more rounds you can carry in a single mag the less you’ll have to reload. We typically see people running three to four magazines at the most per stage. Round counts for each stage depends on how the match director designs each stage so plan accordingly, read the info provided beforehand on Practiscore, and always have at least 200 rounds. Extended base pads are extremely helpful.

Don’t forget the basics - Make sure you have proper eye and ear protection. If you’re shooting indoors, you might need to double up on some foamies underneath your headset. Just make sure you're able to hear your Safety Officer’s commands. Matches are never short so you may want to bring a stool, plenty of water (maybe even Liquid IV), or snacks to keep yourself in tip top shape throughout the competition. 

USPSA Classes

In the USPSA organization, the classification is based on a competitive scoring method which is called “Hit Factor.” Hit Factor is determined and awarded to members based on a series of percentages which are calculated based on their performance. To become classified, you have to first become a USPSA member in order to receive a member ID#. Then you must compete in at least four events which will generate your classification under your profile. There are a total of 6 classifications in USPSA and they are as follows:

Photo Source: USPSA.org

Essentially, this is your “rank” or rating in comparison to other competitive shooters around the country. Kind of hard to grasp at first but if you think about it like any other competitive sport such as online chess, or even some competitive video games, it starts to make more sense.

What is Hit Factor?

Hit Factor is the score you are awarded based on your performance. After you run through each stage you'll see a score of anywhere between a 1 to a 8 (could be lower or higher). Your "hit factor" score is decided based on the time it took you to complete the stage, combined with how accurately you hit each target. If you miss a target or commit any procedural errors that will lower your score. 

Do you remember in high school or college when some teachers or professors would grade on a weighted bell curve based on the class performance? That meant that the student with the best score became the one who had an 'A+' or '100%' score. USPSA is the same in that regard. At the end of the match, everyone's score (regardless of squad) will be compared against each other to determine how everyone placed. 

But during the match, you can get a pretty good idea of what your Hit Factor is like just based on going against other shooters in your squad. Once you get home from your match you can check the Practiscore website to see how your performance stacked up against everyone else who attended. This will also help you understand what separates you from those who place higher than you. 

USPSA Divisions

Divisions are something you have to pay more attention to immediately as a beginner, especially if it’s your first time because you need to choose what kind of pistol you'll be competing with and communicate that correctly to the match organizers for the event you plan on attending. These are the most common/relevant USPSA Divisions you can select from:

Open — This is the division where there are no holds barred and pretty much anything goes. Compensators, high capacity magazines, barrels can be ported, and optics are allowed here. You’ll see 2011’s, Infinity’s, CZ’s, and other popular race guns in the Open division.

Carry Optics — As this division’s name suggests, it allows for the use of optics and virtually any modification to your pistol other than muzzle devices. That means no compensators, no ported barrels and there is a maximum weight of 59 oz. with an empty mag inserted (don't worry about the weight of your gun unless you're attending a sanctioned match). Additionally, your holster has to be suitable for everyday use. “Race gun” type holsters are prohibited for this division. Aftermarket external magwells are also not allowed.

Production — Production is the most popular for new gun owners and new competitive shooters alike. If you’re using a “production gun” that means you are using a completely stock gun with essentially no external modifications made to it. But surprisingly internal modifications are allowed as well as aftermarket slides and barrels.

While internal magwell dimensions can be increased, aftermarket external flaring is prohibited (something likely not checked or cared about smaller, local matches, but definitely will be checked at a sanctioned match). So you can actually use a wide variety of handguns in this division if you’re not quite ready to commit to a red dot sight. 

Pistol Caliber Carbine — Also known as “PCC’s,” the pistol caliber carbine is essentially any carbine platform that fires pistol caliber cartridges. The most common example would be the AR-9. You’ll see a lot of people running ultra-light setups, lasers, and very long Glock magazines in this division. If you're interested in this division, consider building your own race PCC from the ground up starting with our 80 percent AR9 lower receiver!

What is Power Factor in USPSA?

Power factor is intended to keep the playing field as equal as possible by categorizing shooters based on their ammo’s performance. That performance is measured by a round’s weight and velocity which also provides the relative understanding of how much recoil.

To calculate power factor or figure out where you land, the technical method is to use this formula:
[Bullet Weight (Grains) x Velocity (Feet Per Second)] / 1,000 = Power Factor

Example: Say you’re using 9mm 115 GR bullets that travel at 1100 Feet Per Second.

We’d then multiple 115 by 1100, and then divide by 1000. The result is 126.5.

Major Power Factor — 165 or greater (.40cal, .45 ACP)

Minor Power Factor —125 to 164 (9mm, .380, .38 Special)

An observation we've made is that some competitors are running Infinity’s that cost at least $4-5K, shooting .40cal or .45ACP. They then get to stack points from a heavier weighted score being a “Major Power” while their very nice pistol shoots softer than most 9mm handguns. Interestingly enough, the GST-9 MOD1 can be built to shoot .40cal. So if you want to build a race pistol to give you an edge in that way it’s certainly possible. Heck, we might even try it ourselves.

Competition Rules

If you want to be extra sure beforehand of any rules or procedures for USPSA matches, we highly suggest perusing thru the official USPSA rulebook. This is a document that regularly gets updated and once you become more competitive, you might find yourself citing it when arguing with other competitors. By and large, most people will attend their first USPSA match without having read the rulebook and that is normal. People tend to give a lot of grace and are friendly to newbies because we want more people to join us in this fun sport. It also helps bring awareness and common sense to what another aspect of gun ownership can look like.

But we wouldn’t make a habit out of not knowing what’s in the rulebook. By your 3rd or 4th match you should be decently familiar with the entire procedure of a match, what the rules are, how scoring works, and read thru the rulebook at least one full time.

Prior to any match beginning, the main Safety Officers or Match Director will give a debriefing on giving you a run down of your stage beforehand. They’ll tell you your starting point and finishing point (if any), what order to shoot targets in if necessary, what limitations or rule sets have been created per stage, etc. So you’ll have to remember all of these quickly and practice image training on the fly if you’re not emailed the “course of fire” beforehand. Regional matches don’t share the course of fire until right before it’s about to happen so it can definitely be a challenge for some to be able to follow instructions, develop a strategy, and execute it perfectly on the fly.

General Etiquette

Photo Source: 80 Percent Arms

As a beginner, we recommend you to show up as early as possible so you can get a lay of the land. Have plenty of time to sign in, pay your fee(s) if any, meet some people, and get an early look at the stages or course of fire if possible. Don’t worry about helping setup since you don’t really know where anything is or goes. However, be sure after each person runs thru a stage to go and help tape up the holes on targets. (Tape is provided) This helps matches run quicker, smoothly, and it’s greatly appreciated. When the match is over, stay back and help tear down as well.

This isn’t golf, you don’t have to be dead silent while another person is running thru their turn at a stage. But try to be courteous and not be a huge distraction for others. Find the safety area early on so you know where to safely check your gear without getting in trouble. If it’s not in an obvious location, ask anyone and they should be happy to let you know where to find it.

Things to look out for

Photo Source: 80 Percent Arms

Starting positions are important. Whether it’s marked by spray paint or tape, they can be pretty strict on movement in a stage. While you can freely choose how you plan to attack a stage, if you see any boxes created out of wood, tape, or PVC pipes make sure you only shoot while you’re shooting within these confines. When you’re not engaging targets it is ok to step out of these areas, it’s not hot lava. The most important things to note would be the safety rules. Do not touch your firearm until you are told to “make ready.”

Be careful when clearing your gun at the end of each stage to avoid any negligent discharges. Do not break the imaginary 180 degree line with where you are pointing your muzzle. Make sure that as you go through a stage and move in between obstacles that you always keep your gun pointed down range.

In USPSA, you may encounter a wide variety of target types. There are cardboard targets, steel targets, sometimes there will be poppers, there are often hostages (or no-shoots) that block off your cardboard targets — it'll be up to you to navigate these challenging targets as quickly and as accurately as possible. At the lower level matches most targets tend to be static but every now and then you may run into some moving targets that get activated via a rope, stomper, or when a steel target falls.

Note that paper targets always get two hits. Steel targets only require one. 

Target clusters. Pay attention during the stage briefings and or study the course of fire as much as possible if it is available to you. You will see which cluster of targets to engage first from what position and this can usually be identified by P1, P2, or P3. Target clusters can also be identified by T1, T2, T3 or however many there are in your stages. 

Things that would disqualify you

Don’t overgas yourself and go so fast that you might even trip and fall. Tripping or falling is permissible in USPSA but if you drop your gun you're basically done. You’ll find several items that can cause a DQ in the official rulebook but Match Directors will intentionally design stages that help competitors avoid committing those offenses. Usually you’ll receive at least a warning or two for certain errors but there are some things that are absolutely no-go regardless of the size of the match. Unsportsmanlike conduct - don’t be a dick! Prohibited substances; don’t do them at or before a match.

For many, shooting competitions are the first opportunity that one may get to practice shooting and moving around obstacles. Sometimes there may be doors you have to open or barrels to push over in order to reveal more targets within a stage. We've seen beginners get disqualified during these stages because they accidentally flag themselves. If for any reason you commit a disqualifiable offense, you'll hear a Safety Officer say "STOP, STOP." In which you should immediately stop, clear your gun, and holster it.

If this does happen to you, don't be too bummed. The Safety Officers are just doing their jobs to make sure that everyone has a good and safe time so everyone can leave the event unscathed. Everyone messes up at some point, but it's important to reduce that possibility as much as possible. 

Some advice on how to score points efficiently

Allow us to save you some time and help you gain experience exponentially faster — in some competition organizations (such as IDPA), for beginners your accuracy is going to matter more than your speed because the further away your shots hit away from the center of the target you end up losing points. 

Once you do an IDPA match, you’ll see that the top scorers have a high amount of points but that the total spent on completing all the stages in a match is not necessarily indicative of your performance’s ranking against other competitors. Some may have a higher time (meaning they shot slower) but they were more accurate, and thus scored more points and placed higher in the match results compared to a shooter who shot faster and less accurately. USPSA is different.

I once intentionally shot slower and went for accuracy at a USPSA match. I had more “Alphas” than any other competitor at that match including the Masters who were present, yet I still only placed 15 out of 32 shooters, middle of the pack. Why was that? Well in USPSA, your accuracy is not the most valued factor. There are other factors that affect the weighted score for sure, but your speed and time has the biggest impact. So in USPSA, you can give up some accuracy and as long as you’re hitting “Alphas” and “Charlies” you can expect to place higher at the end of the match if you push yourself to go a little faster.

That said, this strategy only works if you don’t commit any procedurals, don’t hit any hostage targets (no-shoots), don’t miss any targets, or incur any other time/point penalties. One strategy that everyone employs at a certain point is to shoot three rounds at cardboard targets. There a multiple good reasons for doing this. In USPSA, the best two hits on target are counted and the lesser scoring hits are disregarded. By doing so, you don't spend much more time in engaging a target with a higher chance of having at least 2/3 shots land on a target's A-zone. It also give you more reps in firing your gun. Enough said, good luck have fun!

Build your MOD1 and Compete in USPSA with us!

You're all set! Take your time, go slow in the beginning - be open to receiving criticism from others and have fun!

The GST-9 is uniquely positioned for use in competitions. We’ve put this to the test in USPSA and IDPA matches in Texas and it’s been a great time. Whether you want to build your MOD1 out practice competing from concealment, run with a sporty race belt, or practice with your SHTF duty/warbelt you can do it all with the GST-9.