Carry Optics is the most participated division in recent USPSA, accounting for 34% of USPSA activities in 2022. In comparison, this number will drop slightly if they choose to introduce the provisional division: LIMITED OPTICS, in 2023. Below are just some of the things that make getting started in carry optics easier than other standing & potential divisions.
What will cause the drop will be a multitude of things, Like wanting to use their factory magwells from Canik & SIG. Cz & Tanfoglio guys wanting to use single-action & thumb safeties. There will also be guys chasing paper classifications.
Carry optics will still stand as the best option for new shooters as more & more optics-ready guns become available. For example, Taurus has factory optics-ready revolvers. While they aren’t legal for Carry Optics, it just shows the commitment to red-dot the world movement.
What makes carry optics more new shooter friendly over the other divisions. is the ability to use off-the-shelf everything & not be at such a competitive disadvantage that you never come back. By off-the-shelf, I mean gun take your choice(Glock 17,34,19 all mos, Canik Tp9sfx & Rival, Cz Shadow2 optics ready, P-10F optics ready, P-10F Competition, Sig P320 AXG, P320F, P320 X5, P320 MAX, etc.) holsters you can show up with any name brand OWB Kydex style holster. Some top brands are GX Products, Bladetech, Black scorpion, Comp-tac & others. What not to show up with is Blackhawk, uncle mikes, or other cheaply made holsters. If your looking at buying a holster to get started, the Black scorpion is one of the best bang-for-buck options at there uspsa specific holster rolling in at around $105. However, they offer a lesser expensive one under $100 geared towards uspsa. The difference is the hangar quality.
Ammunition can be off the shelf also for carry optics. Shooting factory ammo with factory mags doesn’t disadvantage you considerably. However, you have to do more recoil & red dot management than someone shooting ammo skating by 128pf. As far as mags go, canik offers factory 20rd mags, Cz offers 19+ rd factory mags, and Sig has 21rd mags that all fit the 140mm gauge. While these aren’t maximized for the game, they will get you started & can be maximized down the road. You will need at least three mags; having three mags on your belt with 17rds each gives you 51 chances. Five mags make it a more comfortable experience. Having more mags means you can shoot more stages without reloading your mags. But you always want to start the stage with FULLY loaded mags. This also allows you to help paste the stage and move the match along faster.
Red dot opinions are like butt holes; everyone thinks theirs is the best, cleanest, freshest one available. Anything from a Vortex Viper to SIG Romeo3 MAX will get you thru the match.
As far as mag pouches & belts go, if you asked ten different people on the range what their favorite is, you might get three people to say Shooters Connection Ultimate belt & CR Speed Versa pouches. So you don’t need either of these for your first match but should have them for the second or third.
Things That Often aren’t thought about when preparing for a match
Hydration- both water & Gatorade
Food- Something like beef jerky, trail mix, Pistachios, PB&J whatever
Tools- On occasion, you have to work on something because it doesn’t have thread locker on it.
Shade/Sunscreen-Even on an overcast day, you can still get sunburnt. or use an umbrella to block the sun.
Poncho- because rain happens, we still shoot.
Gun oil-Because walking to the safe area with the dipstick from your car to try and lube your gun is the equivalent of doing the walk of shame thru the sorority house.
A good Range Bag/Cart/Big wheeled stroller can be a lifesaver.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, BRING AN OPEN MIND & PPE. DON”T FORGET THE GUN & AMMO EITHER
For Current USPSA rules for the division PLEASE SEE USPSA’s Website
