USPSA gear

[pacmule]

Looking to get into some competitive shooting in the next month or so. I have a 1911 that I am pretty sure is a legal single stack gun. My only holster is a Galco concealable. I want to get a kydex holster and some mag holders. Have seen Uncle Mikes, Blade Tech, thought maybe I could get advice from those that have competed before on what is good or not. Do not want to spend a ton of money but will need those items and possibly a fiber optic front sight.
Thanks, Pacmule

[NiteQwill]

Comp-tac, Bladetech.

Which division are you planning to compete in?

[pacmule]

Single stack, is that comp-tac holster with blade tech mag holders or just use either of those brands?

[balmo]

I am running Single Stack at the moment. I'd say fiber optic sight is almost a requirement running USPSA. I'm running Dawson front and 10-8 Performance rear sights. I also have and Ed Brown oversize mag release.

As far as holsters, go with the Bladetech. I added washers and a longer screw to extend my holster about half an inch way from my belt. CR Speed mag pouch w/ 1911 adapters really stick out from your belt which is nice.

I have CR Speed belt, but I think DAA belt is much more stiff, so you can check those out.

[balmo]

Oh and so far, I have been doing fine with 5 mags on the belt and one on the gun at start, 8 rounders only though!

[pacmule]

Balmo, which blade tech holster do you have?

[JBoutfishn]

I use this for USPSA Single Stack. http://shop.blade-tech.com/index.php...45jhe3etr6sun6 And then I bought another double magazine pouch. I generally use 5 mags in competition.

[Gringo Bandito]

Take a good look at the holster and mounting hardware in the link. It is a great product and used by tons of people in USPSA.

http://www.benstoegerproshop.com/BSPS-BOSS-Dropped-Offset-DOH-Holster-p/bsps-holster.htm

Also, the CR speed mag holders are very commonly used as well. They can be used for single stack all the way up to STI double stack mags.

http://www.shootersconnectionstore.com/CR-Speed-Versa-Mag-Pouch-P197.aspx

[balmo]

Balmo, which blade tech holster do you have?

I use this.

Drop offset is not allowed in Single Stack, so I took the drop offset piece and attached the holster directly to the Tek Lock with shims to extend the holster outward a little.

[TopMCITWS]

Have found Blade Tech holsters to be ideal along with either their competition belt or one from Double Alpha.

Like Balmo, I also use a Dawson Fiber Optic (red) and a 10-8 performance low mount rear site (.140 gap). For some, the use of an extended magazine release is ideal; however, you need to ensure that your grip does not inadvertently release your magazine while shooting. Two members of the group, which I shoot with, have extended mag releases -- for one, it is the next best thing since sliced bread. But for the other, the technique he uses for gripping his 1911 had the palm of his left hand compressing the mag release and the mag would frequently drop. If possible, check with some other shooters who might have a release similar to what you are looking for and see if they will let you try it.

Good luck with your shooting

[Lead Waster]

If you want good but cheap, Bladetech makes a model called "Revolution" which is plastic, but not kydex. Not bad actually, and less than $30. I'd suggest that until you NEED a better holster. For most of my gear I have bladetech kydex with the DOH (drop, offset) but for single stack it can't be "dropped", the front strap must be above the belt I believe.

For mag holders, I started with some double nylon pouces and cut the flaps off them. The nylon holds the mags well and are surprisingly fast, but take up space and can slide, so I bought some $16 single Blackhawk single mag holders. They hold the mags tight, but you can pull them out easy. I ahve the double stacked ones, they sell single stack ones BUT to save money, look at the double nylon ones first.

That stuff you can figure out as you go along. For a belt, I started with a $15 nylon "riggers belt", but hated having to thread it through belt loops and holster/holders. So I picked up a cheap $10 "voodoo tactical" 2 1/4" wide duty belt at the local surplus shop. That works OK, but most holster/holders aren't that wide.

FOr a splurge, get the Double Alpha or CR Speed belt. You can go cheaper on the holster and pouches until you figure out what you like, but get a good belt and you'll use that forever in matches. Consider also the BLackhawk belt, with the multiple holes in it, that one is very popular for multi-gun competitions because you can attach stuff all over it and move it around,etc. Very modular.

[Lead Waster]

Oh, I use 6 mag pouches so when the buzzer goes off, I have 5 on the belt and one in the gun. I just like a place on the belt (waaaay in the back) to hold my "barney" mag. (ie the magazine you use to load the first round, then take it out and insert a fresh full magazine, named after "Barney Fife" who was only allowed to carry one bullet by the Sherriff)

[pacmule]

So right now I am leaning towards getting the Blade Tech shooters pack, plus one more Revolution DMP. I think that's what is in the shooters pack. I think I can get that for around $100, then I need to figure out what dovetail I have and get a Dawson ,100 fiber optic front sight. I am hoping to just run threaded on my 1 1/4 " leather belt for now, will see

[cindynles]

So right now I am leaning towards getting the Blade Tech shooters pack, plus one more Revolution DMP. I think that's what is in the shooters pack. I think I can get that for around $100, then I need to figure out what dovetail I have and get a Dawson ,100 fiber optic front sight. I am hoping to just run threaded on my 1 1/4 " leather belt for now, will see

If you call Dawson and tell them what gun you have they will make sure you get the correct front site.

[pacmule]

Cindynles, it's an old G.I. type .45 that put together. I milled the slide and installed Bo-mar rear and dovetailed front sight. Just don't remember which cutter I used, will probably have to drive it out and measure it