Gear Suggestions
IDPA Legal
IDPA legal gear is probably the cheapest way to start competition shooting and is very easy. Simply put, you need to have the gear attached to a belt that goes through at least three belt loops (no inner/outer belts like USPSA) and only ladies can use drop-holsters.
- Belt: You will need a good sturdy belt. I like the 5.11 D-Ring belt: https://a.co/d/07L0yNW8
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Holster: You need a Kydex holster that is molded to fit your
firearm. Some manufacturers I like are:
- Comp-Tac: The international drop holster from Comp-Tac is probably the most common IDPA holster: https://www.comp-tac.com/collections/international-holsters . It comes with all of the attachments you need to connect it to a belt for IDPA use.
- RHT, Red Hill Tactical: You can choose outer and inner colors or order a premade holster from their listings. You want to choose the “Competition” holster option after choosing your firearm manufacturer: https://redhilltactical.com/product-category/holsters/ . You will also need to purchase a hanger that will attach to your belt. I’d recommend the “Blade-Tech paddle mount”.
- Ben Stoeger Pro Shop: Blade-Tech is a good option if you don’t mind black: https://benstoegerproshop.com/blade-tech-classic-owb-holster-for-idpa-ipsc-uspsa/
- Superstitious Concealment: Great color options. Very fast manufacturing and shipping, usually within 2-5 days: https://superstitionconcealment.com/
- Magazine Holders: You need at least two magazine holders for any of the sports. You can purchase mag holders that match your holsters from most of the holster manufacturers listed above.
ELS: NOT IDPA Legal
If you are new to competition shooting and do not plan to shoot IDPA, I HIGHLY recommend an ELS belt. The ELS belt system will allow you to easily switch between firearms without having to buy a whole new belt. You would simply need to purchase a new holster and maybe new mag holders and you can easily switch between firearms by changing the holster/mag holder boxes. Below is the ELS build out I have used for over 20 years:
ELS Competition Belt 1.75:
- Safari Land: https://safariland.com/products/model-032-els-competition-belt-1-75-inch-45-mm-32188
- Ben Stoeger Pro Shop: https://benstoegerproshop.com/safariland-els-1-75-competition-belt-model-032/
ELS Boxes: I’d recommend buying 4-6 boxes. If you plan to shoot 3-gun, get 10 and just put them all the way around the front part of your belt.
- Safari Land: https://safariland.com/products/equipment-locking-system-kit-32184
- Ben Stoeger Pro Shop: https://benstoegerproshop.com/safariland-els-receiver-plates-set-of-two/
Holsters: There are two main holster designs used in USPSA: Kydex and race holsters. Most shooters start with Kydex and some switch to race holsters after more experience but some, like me, stick to Kydex. The following manufacturers make one or both:
- Superstitious Concealment: Only Kydex. Great color options. Very fast manufacturing and shipping, usually within 2-5 days: https://superstitionconcealment.com/
- Safari Land: Kydex and Race: https://safariland.com/collections/competition
- Ben Stoeger Pro Shop: Kydex and Race. I like the holster with the BOSS Drop offset: https://benstoegerproshop.com/boss-dropped-offset-doh-holster-by-ben-stoeger-pro-shop/
Mag holders: If you decide to use the ELS System, get your magazine holders from Ben Stoeger Pro Shop because you can buy them with the ELS forks: https://benstoegerproshop.com/safariland-773-competition-magazine-pouch-w-els-fork-receiver/ .
Lynx Belt by Double Alpha
The Lynx belt has become very popular with USPSA shooters because of its flexibility. The outer belt itself is made from one inch plastic pieces with Velcro backing. The belt can easily be rolled up for storage. Sometimes the outer belt can be rolled up smaller than the Velcro inner belt! I do recommend the ratcheting system to go with the Lynx as it is easier to put on.
The DAA site can help you build the Lynx system: https://www.doublealpha.biz/us/daa-lynx-belt
Other Great Things
Other than things to hold your firearm and magazines, I highly recommend the following products to help make your shooting experience safer and more comfortable.
Ammo: Orr Tactical
Orr Tactical is the only ammo I use. They are a local, family-owned ammunition manufacturer and great supporters of the shooting sports. I’ve put thousands of rounds of Orr Tactical ammo through my competition guns and trust it to run when I need it.
They offer a variety of calibers and loads, including options for competition shooters. When that timer goes BEEP, I have enough things to worry about—I don’t want my ammo to be one of them!
Glasses: Hunters HD Gold
Hunters HD Gold is the only company I trust with my vision. They make Gold, Ruby, and Blue glasses as well as custom colors. They are a full optic shop so they can make your prescription glasses too!
Brian Conley and crew can keep your eyes safe and let you see better than you thought possible.
Hearing Protection: EAR Inc.
If you are looking for in-ear hearing protection, you cannot go wrong with EAR Inc. They have hearing protection from solid molds to electronic hearing protection with multiple settings.
I prefer the Phantoms. They are around $1,600, so once you get your gear established, get some good hearing protection. Protect your ears while you can still hear!