Source
r/CompetitionShooting•
vanmstone

Changing divisions in IPSC/USPSA

I’ve been shooting competitively for a couple years, currently B class in IPSC Production. I’m thinking about switching to either Classic (SS) or Production Optics (CO).

My choice is largely influenced by sticking with 9mm ammo, as I already have a good progressive reloading setup.

Does it make more sense to switch to Classic or Production Optics? Should I wait till I make A class in Production? What influenced your decision to switch?

Posted Jul 14, 2019, 1:16 AM UTC

512
SRSix•

I went from Production to PCC because I like going as fast as Open shooters for a fraction of the cost.

2
vanmstoneOP•

I already have a PCC setup (CX4 Storm), but most of the local matches in my area don’t allow PCC in regular pistol matches.

2
SRSix•

Second choice would be Open, then.

But if you're sticking with 9mm minor, CO (or 'Welfare Open' as it's known in my area) would be a close third.

1
vanmstoneOP•

Haha, welfare open is a good label. Appreciate the input. You think minor in classic isn’t competitive?

2
SRSix•

Aside from a few specific matches, Single Stack isn't a very popular division where I'm located.

A big reason why I stopped shooting Production was that capacity limited divisions just aren't my thing. I'm in a free state with no magazine limits, so it just felt wrong to run around with a belt full of half-empty mags, especially on longer field courses.

I'd run my course of fire, focus on fundamentals, nail a bunch of reloads, then watch an Open shooter double my hit factor with their red dot and 170mm happy sticks.

3
BrianPurkissUSPSA, Run & Gun•

I’m shooting Carry Optics. It’s fun.

I’d recommend giving it a try before buying if you can since it is an investment. Maybe a buddy from your club would allow you to shoot one at a match or just plinking.

1
PeteToddProd | L10 | CRO•

Why do you want to switch? To try something new? More local heat? Less local heat? Bored?

1
vanmstoneOP•

Mostly just getting a little tired of my Shadow, wondering if I could do better with a nice 1911 trigger or a red dot.

I’ve also heard guys saying that’s it’s easier to move up in the smaller divisions.

1
StubbProduction GM•

Everybody in Classic has a nice 1911 trigger, and everyone in CO has a dot.

I shot a Shadow 1 for years, then switched to a Shadow 2 when they came out. I recently picked up a G34 Gen 5 MOS to shake up my training, and it's been really good for me. I plan to dabble in CO next year—will be real easy with the MOS plate.

1
NickBlastaOpen GM•

I like classic but it's really not very different from production when you get down to it. Having a dot changes everything, and if your interest is shooting faster I would do PO. You'll also eventually have more competition based on how CO is taking off as a large division in USPSA.

1
vanmstoneOP•

Good advice. Do you think it’s possible to shoot the same gun in production and PO (by switching the sights back and forth) without having zeroing issues?

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NickBlastaOpen GM•

If the irons are on a plate like the Walther the zero is very repeatable, if you drift out the rear and use a dovetail mount for your dot obviously you would have to rezero each time.

1