Photo Credit: Leigh Williams Ingram A fun aspect of owning firearms is actually getting to shoot the weapon as part of your training. After spending some time lane shooting at your local range, you’ll likely find yourself seeking ways to take your skills to the next level. A great outlet for this is competitive shooting. The sport is available to anyone and is a great opportunity to put your skills to the test while introducing some practical movement to your shooting. The best part is that you’ll improve your proficiency with your firearm and will have a great time doing it.As a first-time competitor, you may wonder if you’re good enough to compete, or if you need to train to reach some advanced level before signing up. These thoughts are quite normal, and social media doesn’t always help, as it tends to show a lot of high-level shooting. Rest assured, everyone starts somewhere, even if you can’t always find those “starts” on social media. Although I am an advanced competitive shooter now, I worked hard over a number of years to get there. I finished dead last for my first few matches and I don’t want to hide this from you. Thinking it would be helpful to other new shooters, I chose early on to share much of my journey on my socials. It wasn't always pretty, but if it can help you, then it was worth it.The hardest step is simply signing up for a match and going. There are a lot of unknowns and questions that can make the whole process even scarier. So here’s a guide on exactly how to shoot your first competition match - how to prepare, what to expect, and answers to common questions from beginners!What Is USPSA?The United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) is the largest practical shooting organization in the United States. Its three levels of matches and various divisions allow almost anyone to have fun competing, no matter how new to shooting they are. Competing in USPSA is one of the best ways to improve handgun shooting and a great way to find like-minded individuals. Image Credit: USPSA.org USPSA differs from traditional target shooting by challenging competitors to shooting quickly, accurately, and safely, all while moving through a shooting stage with both paper and steel targets, barriers, and even targets you’re actually not allowed to hit (unless you want a points penalty). No two stages are the same, and you may be static while shooting some targets, shooting others while moving, reloading between targets, and even shooting from some odd angles or balance beams. (Yes, there was a small balance beam at my first match; it was quite an introduction to the sport.)At the end of the day, USPSA is about balancing speed, accuracy, and strategy.At a local match, also known as a level 1 match typically hosted at local ranges, you can expect to shoot between five to eight stages, or “courses or fire”. You’ll have time to walk through each stage before shooting with your squad (shooting group) and this allows you to figure out the order in which you want to shoot the various targets. We call this developing a stage plan. Once it’s your turn to shoot, the Range Officer (RO) will give you a series of commands, start the timer, and then it’s your time to shine!Despite the occasional advanced nature and hyper-competitive atmosphere around the sport, you’ll find most local USPSA matches and competitors to be welcoming and excited to have new shooters joining in. Experienced competitors are usually happy to answer any questions you may have, share their stage plan, and help new competitors feel comfortable. Remember, everyone had a first match at some point, no matter their current skill level.Understanding the BasicsDivisionsOne of the things that makes USPSA unique is that no matter what firearm you have, there is likely a division for it! From basic, out-of-the-box firearms to fancy custom builds, there should be a division that works for you. Here is a breakdown of the USPSA divisions:Production: You can think of this division as the "out-of-the-box" division - buy it at the store and take it to the competition. While internal modifications to the firearm are allowed, no external modifications, such as a magwell (a flared opening to enable faster magazine insertion) or compensator (a device on the muzzle to help tame recoil), are permitted. Texture and stippling can be added to the grip, and slides can have serrations and weight-reducing lightening cuts. No optics are allowed in this division, and magazines can only be loaded to 15 rounds (even if they hold more). You’ll find striker-fired pistols (like the Sig P320 and Glocks, etc.) and also double-action/single-action pistols (DA/SA is when the first trigger pull cocks and fires the pistol, and the second trigger pull only fires it.) No single-action-only firearms (which require manual cocking for the first shot) are allowed here and the chambering is 9mm. Also, the scoring method here is minor power factor only. I’ll explain more about this later in the article.Carry Optics: Think of this as the optics version of Production. The same Production modification rules apply, but you must have a slide-mounted optic. The other key difference is that you can have larger magazines that hold more rounds (closer to 21–23 rounds). However, these must not be longer than 141.25 mm in length. Just like Production, Carry Optics is also minor scoring only (again, I’ll cover more of this down below.) Sig P320 X5 Legion 9mm Full Size set up for Carry Optics Limited Optics: This division is where we start getting into some of the more modified and custom firearms. Single-action-only firearms (like Staccatos) are allowed here, and additional modifications can be made. Magwells are also allowed, and optics are required. 9mm is the standard for this division. Minor scoring only.Limited: This is the same as Limited Optics, but optics are not allowed. You must use iron sights. You can shoot larger calibers, like .40 S&W, to earn more points, known as major scoring.Limited 10: This division is the same as Limited, but you can only load your magazines to 10 rounds. This changes the dynamic a bit by creating additional stage planning challenges. Walther PDP Match Full Size set up for Limited or Limited 10 Open: Think of this division as the "anything goes" division. Firearms are highly customized, and there are few modification rules. A lot of competitors in this division will have large compensators and magwells, frame-mounted optics, and slide rackers. You can shoot 9mm in this division, but many choose to shoot 9 Major (higher-powered 9mm) or .38 Super to qualify for major scoring.Single Stack: This division is reserved for 1911-type firearms with no optics - iron sights only. 9mm is limited to 10 rounds in the magazine, and .40 S&W/.45 ACP, which qualify for major scoring, are limited to 8 rounds in the magazine.Revolver: While not as common, you can still shoot a revolver in USPSA. .38 Special and 9mm are limited to 8 rounds before reloading, and .357 Magnum/.44 caliber revolvers, which qualify for major scoring, are limited to 6 rounds before reloading.Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC): This is what it sounds like - a rifle chambered in a pistol caliber. Red dot optics are allowed, and larger magazines and various modifications can be made. 9mm is the standard, and scoring is minor.How Scoring WorksWhile scoring can seem confusing at first, it can be broken down fairly easily. Hit Factor (HF) is a measure of how many points you score per second on a shooting stage. This is calculated by taking the total number of points you earned on a stage (after any point penalties) and dividing it by the total amount of time it took you to shoot the stage. For example, let's say you earned 50 points on a stage that took you 10 seconds to shoot. Your HF would be 5.0 for that stage. The higher your HF, the better you performed.Earlier, I mentioned minor and major scoring methods. These scoring distinctions are used to level the playing field for those shooting calibers that generally have more recoil. It is measured by something called Power Factor, which is the bullet's weight in grains multiplied by the velocity in feet per second. This product is then divided by 1,000 to get your Power Factor number. A Power Factor between 125 and 164 is minor, and anything 165 or higher is major. Major Power Factor in qualifying divisions earns more points per target, but the trade off is that it requires more recoil management on the part of the shooter.Targets have specific scoring zones, known as Alpha (A zone), Charlie (C zone), and Delta (D zone). Certain targets can also be classified as no-shoots. Points are awarded per hit or miss, and most targets are "two per paper," meaning the best two hits will be scored regardless of how many hits are on the target. If a hit is missing (known as a "mike"), a penalty will be given. Here is the points breakdown:Alpha: 5 pointsCharlie: 3 points (or 4 points for major)Delta: 1 point (or 2 points for major)No-shoot or miss: -10 points Image credit: Amazon.com Classifications (and why you shouldn’t worry about them yet)The USPSA classification system is a national ranking system that measures your performance against a standardized database. Classifications are based on how your scores compare to top shooters on specific, standardized courses known as "classifiers." You remain unclassified ("U") until you have shot four classifier stages. After that, your classification is determined by the best six of your most recent eight classifier scores.Your personal Hit Factor on a classifier is divided by the High Hit Factor benchmark for that classifier to get a percentage, which translates to your classification. Classifications are as follows:Grand Master (GM): 95–100%Master (M): 85–94.9%A Class: 75–84.9%B Class: 60–74.9%C Class: 40–59.9%D Class: 2–39.9%Classifications are a good way to measure your progress relative to shooters of similar capability, at least as demonstrated in competition. If, like me, you are a competitive person, then it can also be fun to track your progression up the ranks. I find that the classifications drive me to always improve and push myself. However, you shouldn't worry about classifications while you are just starting out. They can take your focus away from what matters, which is learning a new sport and having fun. Even as you progress, it's important not to worry too much about your classification. Your overall match performance also matters, and your classification or a single score on a classifier is not always representative of your overall skill, especially when you are just starting out.Safety Rules and Range CommandsEvery match will have safety rules and standard range commands. While not an exhaustive list, here are some of the highlights:Cold range: Your firearm cannot be loaded at any time unless the RO has told you to make ready and load your firearm for the stage. Having a loaded firearm before being instructed to load will lead to disqualification (DQ).Safe table: Aside from when you are shooting the stage, you can only handle your firearm at the designated safe table - there will be one clearly marked at every match you attend. If you don’t see it, please be sure to ask someone. The safe table is where you can work on your firearm and put it on or take it off while it is a part of your holster rig. Absolutely no ammunition is allowed at the safe table.180° rule: When shooting the stage, the firearm must stay within a 180° arc directly in front of you. Imagine that there is a pane of glass directly to either side of you, extending to the edges of the range. - The firearm must not break that pane. Breaking the 180° will lead to a DQ.Negligent discharges and other safety guidelines: A negligent discharge, often declared when the RO sees a shot fired that is not aimed at a target, will also lead to a DQ. General safety violations, such as having your finger on the trigger when you're not actively shooting, can also lead to a DQ.The following list of range commands will familiarize you with what to listen for at a match:“Make Ready”: This is the only time you can load your firearm. When you are the shooter on the stage and are told to make ready, you can take a couple of dry-fire draws, check your sights, and load your firearm. Once the firearm is holstered and you are still and ready to go, the RO will begin the starting commands.“Are You Ready?”: The RO will say this when they believe you are ready to shoot the stage. This typically occurs when you are standing still with your hands in the required start position and your firearm holstered (unless the stage directions dictate otherwise). If you are not ready, simply say so, and you will be given time to finish getting ready. If you are, a simple "yes," nod, or even no response will indicate that you are ready to shoot.“Standby”: The start beep will sound between 1 and 4 seconds after this command. Waiting for start timer after the “standby” command Photo Credit: Leigh Williams Ingram “If You Are Finished, Unload and Show Clear”: When you are done shooting, the RO will confirm with this command. If you're not done shooting, you may continue safely. If you are finished, you will unload your firearm and show the RO your empty chamber.“If Clear, Hammer Down, Holster”: You will point your firearm downrange and press the trigger (even though the firearm is empty). You will then holster your firearm before proceeding to check your targets.“Range Is Clear”: This means the stage is now safe because the shooter is finished, and all firearms are unloaded and holstered.Preparing for Your First MatchThere are a few steps you’ll need to take to prepare for your first match. An optional but helpful first step is to watch a local match first. This allows you to understand the pace of USPSA and see what to expect. You can probably find match dates on your local range’s calendar or find the dates on PractiScore (explained in the next paragraph).The next step is to register for a local match. To do this, you’ll need to create an account on PractiScore. This is where you’ll be able to register for almost all matches, even those that aren’t USPSA. In PractiScore, you can search for matches in your area and complete the registration. PractiScore’s Match Finder feature If you get hooked (most of us do) and think you’ll continue your competing journey, you may also want to consider becoming a USPSA member. When you become a USPSA member, you’ll receive a member number and can be ranked against other USPSA competitors, receive classifications, and be eligible to compete in Level 2 and 3 matches. Memberships range from $65- $1,000 depending on if you get a yearly, three or five year, or lifetime membership. A membership is not required for local Level 1 matches, so you may not need a number to compete at your first match. However, I’d highly recommend joining the USPSA if you continue competing and want to compete at higher-level matches.Next, you’ll want to be sure you have all the necessary gear in order to compete. You may see competitors with wagons and range carts filled with tons of specialized-looking gear and equipment. You’ll also likely see fancy firearms and holsters. While some of this extra gear can be useful and fancy firearms are nice and fun, you truly only need a few items to get started:Firearm - any working firearm you’re comfortable shootingSafe, kydex-style holsterMagazines - I recommend having at least 3Shooting Belt to which you’ll attach your holster and any magazine pouch(s)Eye and ear protectionAmmoMagazine pouches - these are not necessary but are nice to have. You can always carry your spare magazine in your pockets (which I’ve done in a match before) but having the pouches is definitely a plus…and that’s it! As you grow in the sport, you may find you want to upgrade your gear or get a different firearm, but all the gear in the world won’t make you a better shooter. Start and train with what you have, and get more gear as you discover what works and doesn’t work for you. Watch this space for a future article where we’ll take a deep dive into competition gear.Skills to Practice Before Match DayEven if you’re a skilled shooter, I’d recommend making time for match-specific training ahead of your first match. Training the skills you’ll need in a match will help reduce the chances of DQ-ing and help you feel a little more confident beforehand. Please be sure to practice safe firearm handling, as flagging someone or having your finger on the trigger when you’re not shooting can lead to a DQ.As far as skills go, here are some of the basics I’d recommend practicing before your first match:Drawing from a holsterReloading (I’m talking about dropping and loading magazines into your firearm, not loading your own ammo at home)Moving with your firearm in multiple directions while maintaining a safe muzzle direction.The above are basic skills to ensure proper and safe firearm handling at your first match. If you’re already confident in these areas, then you can work on the following competition-specific skills that will benefit you on match day:Shooting while movingTable-top starts (drawing from a table)Turn and draws (always remember the 180°)Strong hand and weak hand shootingMastery of these skills is certainly not necessary for your first match, but if you’re comfortable shooting and have a more advanced skill level, you will likely find these to be fun to practice and they’ll yield tangible benefits on match day. Image Credit: Single Stack Photography What to Expect on Match DayMatch day can definitely be a little overwhelming and confusing, especially if you don’t know anyone there (like me at my first match!). The biggest thing I’d recommend is to go into it knowing you won’t be the best shooter there. Be ok with that! I finished dead last at my first match (my first few actually) and even with how competitive I am, I knew the world of shooting sports would be completely different from anything I had experienced before. Setting a realistic expectation with regard to placement helped me to feel less nervous at my first match. Going in with a learning mindset instead of a competitive mindset will help make your first match enjoyable. Adjust your expectations to align with what you can learn from the experience. Be ok asking other competitors for help and guidance and be proud that you’re stepping out of your comfort zone and starting something new.Here’s a breakdown of what your first match will likely look like from start to finish:Arrival and checking inMost competitors arrive around 30-60 minutes (I’d recommend 60) before the match starts. This gives them time to see some of the stages and create stage plans, get their gear ready, and get checked in without rushing.Once the check-in table/area is open, you can pay your match fee. The Match Director will also probably confirm your name, division, and USPSA number (if you have one).This will also be the time for you to get your gear on and ready. I usually get my belt on, then head over to the safe table to get my firearm ready and holstered. I always make sure to only bring my firearm to the safe table to ensure I am completely safe. Remember, handling ammo at the safe table can get you DQ'd, so I always leave my mags and ammo behind to make sure I don’t run the risk of handling ammo.Safety briefingBefore the official match begins, a safety briefing will be given. These can vary by range, but most of the time the brief will address basic safety rules or anything specific or unique about the range/match that requires the shooters’ attention.Some matches will offer a new shooter briefing, too. If this is your first match, they will go over safety components and answer some frequently asked questions to make sure you are best prepared.SquaddingWhen you registered for the match, you should have also been able to join a squad. These are the people you will shoot the match with. After the safety briefing, the squads will be called out and you will head to your designated start stage. Sometimes, the squads have to get moved around due to shooters dropping out or having last-minute sign-ups, so be sure to listen in case your squad gets changed.Stage WalkthroughsBefore each stage, your squad will be given 3 to 5 minutes to walk the stage. This is the time to make a stage plan (if you haven’t already done so) or review the stage plan you’ve already created. Since so many people will be walking the stage at once, I recommend getting to the match early to make your stage plans, then just review them during the walkthrough. Stage Walkthrough/Planning Shooting the stage(s)Sometimes, it can be confusing to know where in the shooting lineup you are, especially with larger squads. You can listen for the RO to call out current and upcoming shooters so that you’ll have an idea of when it’s your turn to shoot. After each shooter, you’ll usually hear the RO say “X is the shooter, Y is on deck, Z is in the hole.” If you hear that you’re “in the hole,” that means you’re 3rd in line (relative to the designated shooter) and that you should start getting ready. If you’re “on deck”, you’re up next after the current shooter.Once you’re the shooter, you’ll be told to “make ready.” This is when you can load your firearm and take a final, static look at the stage from the start position. You can also get in a few dry practice draws. This is where you’ll hear the range commands that we covered earlier. Once you’re ready to start and your firearm is loaded and holstered, the RO will say “Are you ready?” If you say yes or nothing, then the RO will then say “Standby.” 1-4 seconds later you will hear a beep or buzz to start you. If you are not ready, be sure you say you respond to the “Are you ready?” command saying, “No.” The RO will step back to allow you to finish getting ready.Once you have finished shooting the stage, the RO will say, “If you’re finished, show clear.” This is when you will unload your firearm and show the RO it is unloaded. Then the RO will say “If clear, hammer down, holster.” This is when you will close your slide, press your trigger (hammer down), and holster your empty firearm. Resetting and helping paste targetsAs the match progresses, everyone will need to help ensure the stage is prepared, reset, and ready for every shooter. Unless you are “on deck,” are the next designated shooter, or you just finished shooting, you are expected to be downrange helping paste (cover bullet holes in the cardboard) and reset the stage. Target colored stickers or masking tape will be available to paste holes made by previous shooters, and paint will be available to paint any steel targets.This may sound harsh, but you DO NOT want to be the person who doesn’t ever help paste or reset. This is an active participation sport, and oftentimes those who run the match are volunteers. The easiest way to help is to paste and reset the stage. This frees up the ROs and the Match Director to maintain focus on running the match.Match resultsAfter your last stage you can take your gear off and head to the safe table to put your firearm away. This is when you’ll also be able to help with match cleanup - it is expected that you are an active participant here. Match results are posted after everyone is done shooting, and they are usually posted online on the same day as the match. They’ll be available on PractiScore.Post MatchAfter your match, take some time to reflect and review. Take a look at your scores but don’t compare yourself to the top shooters. Rather, look at your personal performance and see where you did well and where you can improve. Maybe, you shot really fast but didn’t have the best hits, or maybe you were very accurate but your slower times decreased your score. Analyze your data and use it to help you train and improve where you need to.If you were able to get video, you can also review your footage and see where you can improve. Maybe you can work on your footwork, or maybe your grip was off. Video is a great tool, and most competitors are happy to video for you and will likely ask you to video for them as well.If you enjoyed the match, regardless of your scores, sign up for another one ASAP. Consistency in training and competing will help you improve and continue to develop as a shooter.ConclusionNow that you’ve read about how to approach your first USPSA match, it’s time to go register and shoot one! Head over to PractiScore and find a local match, even if you don’t think you’re “good enough” yet. You won’t know what you need to work on until you just shoot a match. At my first match, I hadn’t shot in years, and I wasn’t a naturally gifted shooter either (I missed a lot when I would shoot recreationally). The biggest challenge is putting your pride aside and simply starting something new. You’re not supposed to be good on day one. It is a process that can only be refined through experience and practice. Fortunately, experience and practice are fun!Remember, every experienced competitor was a beginner once. Everyone had a first match, and everyone had to start somewhere. You don’t need to be “good” or the best to start. Sign up, train, and go shoot your first match!Frequently Asked QuestionsCan I use my carry gun?Of course! You can use your carry firearm and shoot from appendix in the production and carry optics divisions, assuming you can safely draw from appendix without breaking the 180°.Will I slow everyone down?No - just because you might shoot slower doesn’t mean you will slow your squad down. As long as you help paste and reset stages, everything will run smoothly. Competitors enjoy having new shooters and want them to feel comfortable and supported.What if I miss?That’s ok! I probably can’t even count how many times I missed targets at my first few matches. It’s ok to miss as long as you can learn from it.What if I forget the course?I’ve been shooting USPSA for years and competed in multiple stage and national matches, and I still forget my stage plans sometimes. It’s human nature. If that happens, breathe, slow down, and do your best to finish shooting and see targets you haven’t gone to yet.