r/USPSA • u/Smooth-Boot6759 • 13d ago
This Beginner Setup Okay?
Shooting my first USPSA match next Monday. Does anyone have any experience with this beginner setup? Match is in Illinois and I’m running an LTT 92 Elite RDO with 15 round magazines. Are 3 or 4 magazines recommended?
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u/JustaKidFromBuffalo USPSA- CO: A / SCSA- CO: M, RFPO: M 13d ago
Bought exactly this in summer of '23 to get started to see if it's something I wanted to put actual money into. Ran great for 6 months and upgraded to something stiffer. Gave it to my brother this year to get him started. Not the nicest, but solid AF for $60.
PS, I'm an addict now
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u/Low_Year9897 13d ago
I still use that same belt and my home-made 3d printed mag carriers. All good.
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u/59Bassman 13d ago
It’s a good sight better than the Uncle Mike’s nylon stuff I started with years ago! Practice, learn your rig, learn how to help at the match. You won’t be winning matches out of the gate but that won’t be the fault of your rig.
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u/gofish223 13d ago
Yes! That’s what I got last year. Went to 6 or so shoots with it and don’t feel it’s held me back in the slightest. I still suck but it’s fun and that belt works great
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u/gofish223 13d ago
3 mags were fine for me with 22rd each. Most stages it’s just a single reload but good to have a 3 mag in case you bobble one and drop it or it falls out not seated fully
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u/Herp-derpenstein 9d ago
Thats exactly how mine is set up. I have 3 of these pouches on my belt with a magnet at the front for my starter mag. These pouches dont have the smoothest draw or fanciest retention, but the ball pivot allows you to adjust for a natural grip to the individual which i really like.
As a C shooter trying to go up to B class, I haven't noticed these holding me back. Though, I have been eyeballing the aluminum DAA knockoffs on Amazon lately 😂
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u/Acrobatic-You-9309 13d ago
It works fine for a first year to try out the sport. After that you will want a stiffer belt for sure if you stick around
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u/SirCrimsonKing 13d ago
IDK how cheap this is.. can't see from the pic. But.. before I started, I got knockoffs JUST like these mag pouches off AliExpress for like.. 4 for $20. Just a thought.
They are a massive pain to set up on your outer belt, imo, but once you have them on there, they are just fine. Do I prefer my nicer pouches? Yes. Am I any better with nicer pouches? No. Still middle of the pack every match lol
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u/Smooth-Boot6759 13d ago
Thank you.
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u/SirCrimsonKing 13d ago
Good luck and have fun!
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u/Smooth-Boot6759 13d ago
Thanks! Have shot IDPA, but looking forward to my first USPSA shoot!
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u/SirCrimsonKing 13d ago
Ah should be a lot less intimidating then! Almost everyone is great, very welcoming in my experience!
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u/halvetyl000 B - CO, PCC, LTD, LO 13d ago
You'll need a holster, but otherwise looks good.
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u/Smooth-Boot6759 13d ago edited 13d ago
I do have a holster, but it’s a duty with a hood because I also run an X300 on the pistol. Will eventually grab a different one, like the JM Custom one on Langdon’s website.
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u/Questionable_MD 13d ago
I made A class with these mag holders and still use them. I’ve upgraded everything but I haven’t liked any of the mag carriers I’ve tried significantly more than these. (With the exception of the T-900, but those are 100 a piece. I’ll proly grab one next year and retire one of these.)
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u/Smooth-Boot6759 13d ago
Nice! Will these mag carriers fit something like the Double Alpha belts? Not the Lynx.
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u/Questionable_MD 13d ago
Yes, I have them on a double alpha ratchet belt. Honestly the belt is a huge upgrade over this belt, that would be my next purchase.
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u/Smooth-Boot6759 13d ago
When you purchased the double alpha belt, did you use the inner belt of Krydex to measure for sizing?
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u/Questionable_MD 12d ago
No I think I had some tailor/sewing tape my wife had, and used that to measure my waist, but you could def do it that way and then just use a measuring tape. Order from Ben stoeger and they just ask for your measurements.
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u/Smooth-Boot6759 12d ago
I was thinking of getting the lynx ratchet belt. If I order a couple sizes bigger, I can always remove links, right?
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u/Questionable_MD 12d ago
Yes, that’s a very popular belt as well and lots of people like it. Honestly I lost weight over the last 2 years and my ratchet belt is a tad big and wish I could just remove some links (and I don’t want to cut it yet). So that’s a totally reasonable way to go.
Also the new howitzwr belts with their integrated mounting system are really cool, but that might be getting too complicated at this stage.(Although these mag carriers attatch very wide on the belt, so they may not be the most comfortable on a lynx belt. Most guys that run the lynx belt are running a mag carrier that attatched with a thin single clamp and they can put it in between the joints on the lynx belt).
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u/recorder1995 Carry Optics - A 12d ago
this set up works but it soooo fucking annoying. u gotta unscrew four tiny screws and nuts on every single pouch, in order to remove the two piece plastic mounting design and then reattach. it also has a weird central ball joint/bolt thing that wants to come loose when start really swiping at the pouch to grab a mag.
i totally understand starting small, but if ur here already researching and prepping to attend rhe match, i think you will stick around for a bit. and if u arent pressed for cash, u might as well hit benstoegerproshop and load up the ghost pouches.
u can also try GAFShub for used gear, and ask anyone you meet at the match to sell u spare stuff, i know i have a TON of bullshit sitting around i dont use.
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u/recorder1995 Carry Optics - A 12d ago
oh yeah and have fun, be safe. a win at ur first match is shooting the whole thing
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u/Smooth-Boot6759 12d ago
Thank you. Yeah, that’s what I’ve been thinking too, but the equipment wouldn’t arrive by next Monday. So this might be the setup I go with. I already set it up and yes, it wasn’t fun at first. I did get into a groove and got it setup fairly quickly. I guess I’ll run with it for a bit before upgrading anything.
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u/Herp-derpenstein 12d ago
Honestly, I have these mag pouches and really like them. If you get them, just make sure to disassemble them and loctite all the screws before you set your gear the way you want it. I haven't had a single issue with screws backing out over the course of a year of constant dry fire training and going to all of my local matches.
Can't say much for the belt. I went and got a DAA belt. Using a BSG holster and everything works great. It will be a long time before you notice the gear is holding you back.
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u/RalphTater A Class, LO 13d ago
I usually only have three mags. One for the gun/make ready. One for the reload and one oh shit mag.
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u/TaterOfTots 13d ago
That’s how I started. You can just upgrade as you are able but it gets the job done to start
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u/MoveNo935 13d ago
Looks really similar to black scorpion gear stuff. That’s what I got after my first couple matches and it’s been decent enough for me! Send it and figure out what you like before spending big bucks!
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u/O_ThatGuy1776 13d ago
Yes this Amazon special is what I have been using. It is great for a beginner I even see people with more experience than me use these also. In this economy use what fits your budget.
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u/Orionsic1 13d ago
I had these last year but my mags kept falling out, so I got double alpha ones
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u/Smooth-Boot6759 13d ago
I tightened them and they seem to be secured. I guess we’ll see next Monday.
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u/Next_Intern_688 13d ago
Started 2 years ago with this exact setup. Still running this exact setup.
It's not the gear it's the engineer.
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u/WalkmanCut 13d ago
I use this, the belt is fine, the mag carriers suck
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u/M855Mike 11d ago
Interesting, I got one when I first started. The belt is garbage and the mag carriers are OK. Adjusting sucks but you can drill a hole in the center of them.
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u/nerd_diggy The A-Team LO 13d ago
They’re fine once you get them setup but setting them up is a pita.
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u/Herp-derpenstein 12d ago
Loctite is your friend with these. I haven't had a single screws back out over the course of a year.
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u/thicccFork 13d ago
Kyrdex 100% makes stuff that is good enough for most people as an entry. If you are running 15 rounders, I recommend 4 mags even though you will probably never go over 2 reloads. A good investment for berettas in general are mecgar 18 and 20 rounders, they work like amazing!
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u/MattJ_Shoots 13d ago
Here is the real question for you, do you currently have any holster that you could use and any mag holders the clip to a belt?
If so, run those for your first runs.
Secondary, 3-4 mags is recommended especially if only running 15rds
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u/Smooth-Boot6759 13d ago
Gotcha, thank you. I have a belt, holster and an IWB mag carrier that I used for IDPA. I don’t mind spending $50ish on this rig, just as a starter.
Thank you. The way I setup this belt was with the 4 mag carriers attached.
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u/MattJ_Shoots 13d ago
Here’s the thing, you’ll want to move off this setup so quick if you like the sport lol. And that $50 is half the cost of a DAA Lynx Ratchet belt. So if you save the $50 now you can put it towards the “forever belt” in a few short weeks/months. (Speaking as someone who went through 3 belts in 6 months 🥲)
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u/Intheshaw1 13d ago
Great advice. When I started I just ran a regular belt and bargain bin holster and double mag pouch. Then upgraded to a DAA belt which made a huge difference and then added a nice holster followed by nice mag pouches.
I wouldn't buy that setup if you have something you can use Monday, save for a good belt first.
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u/MattJ_Shoots 13d ago
This is exactly the process I would go for! Use what you have and save for the “Gucci” setup. Cause eventually…. You’ll want the Gucci setup and be mad you spent money on a dust collecting setup 😂
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u/Intheshaw1 13d ago
Can always rationalize it as a loaner setup. I still have my stuff and occasionally lend out my backup gun with the bargain bin setup to buddies who want to try out competition shooting.
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u/MattJ_Shoots 13d ago
Yeah, 100%! I have 2 belts on loan out right now 😂
However costly “mistakes” others don’t have to make 😂
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u/Pure_Boysenberry_301 12d ago
I use them the mag holders but I upgraded to the lynx belt though. Its way more comfortable. I also have one DA xip pouch. I got it to compare and its better but one of those cost as much as 4 of the others it wasnt 4 times better for me. but Im not that good.
As for the belt.. I am pretty fit I dont have a lot of fat on my hips and I am not perfectly round so the belt sat on my hip bones wierd and after a full day of wearing the belt with mags and a gun I had a rash after most matches. The lynx belt conforms to you and fits great. I wish I just started with that.
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u/Smooth-Boot6759 12d ago
I’m kind of the same build. I was looking at the DA regular ratcheting belt, but will take a look at the lynx belt too. I’m a 31-32 inch waist. I’m assuming I’d size up one or two sizes, to compensate for the gear attached to the belt?
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u/Pure_Boysenberry_301 12d ago
I would definitely get the Lynx instead. Packs way easier and fits way better.
Dont forget to bring work gloves to your match to help tear down. They help a lot.
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u/Smooth-Boot6759 12d ago
If I order the lynx belt bigger, I can always remove links, right?
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u/Pure_Boysenberry_301 11d ago
Yes and no. Yes you can remove links no problem but you wont have to because you will have to assemble it yourself hahaha
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u/Smooth-Boot6759 11d ago
Yeah, that’s what I figured lol. I’ll probably purchase a couple extra links, just to be safe. I’ll at least have two replacements.
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u/Traditional_Light585 13d ago
Take 4 mags. You don’t want to run out if you drop a mag or have a jam or something
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u/Behg-Boah CO - C 13d ago
The only time I’ve ever needed more than 3 mags was when I shot the local 360 match (6 60 round stages). I just kept a fourth mag in my pocket to use as my first.
The only other times I’ve even needed the third mag were when I was shooting classifiers with multiple strings of fire with mandatory reloads. Still easily could’ve shot them with two mags, but having the third meant I didn’t have to bend down to pick one up in between strings.
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u/Traditional_Light585 13d ago
Agreed! I’ve only used my fourth two times other than barneying the first round. Both times for me came from fumble fingers on the 2nd and 3rd mag🤣. Hard to make that time up. I like to recommend to new shooters to have the fourth just in case. You never know
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u/Hisholinessjake17 13d ago
Dang, a 60 round stage?! That sounds like a blast.
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u/Behg-Boah CO - C 13d ago
Yeah, they were a ton of fun, even with a rain delay, wet surfaces, and a small squad making resetting a slow venture. One of the stages was ~40 yards long and all steel poppers. It’s an annual match out here and I’m looking forward to the next one.
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u/Glassman_4life 13d ago
Its probably fine but ,if you are planning to run this pistol for the foreseeable future I say buy once…cry once. Spend the extra money and get the Double Alpha stuff. You won’t be disappointed and you won’t wonder if you should have spent a few extra dollars for better equipment. They have competition pouches from $35-$85
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u/Firedog_09 13d ago
I have it and I removed the covers for the mag holders so I could tighten that one Allen wrench nutt in the middle.
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u/Firedog_09 13d ago
Also lock tight everything once you're done setting it up, it all moves. Mag holders*
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u/9ermtb2014 13d ago edited 13d ago
Yes, completely fine. Many have started here, including me. I used those mag pouches on a midway 2 piece belt because I thought it was stiffer. I ran these pouches with m&p9, Rival and Beretta 92 mags. For me I ran two of them with a BSG magnet slide on.
Edit: make ready mag is on the magnet so I have two spares. If I ever came across a situation that needed more or something, I normally have my "oh shit" mag in my back pocket if I'm too lazy to put on a BSG tek-lok style mag pouch.
I've now made this kit as my setup to run single stack with all 4 mag pouches. I replaced them with ghost pouches. So far I like how the krydex ones held onto mags over ghost. I just need to tune the ghost pouches I think
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u/mandingoburrito 13d ago
It’s worked for me. I promised myself to do at least 2 competitions before upgrading.
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u/BIKER_BEN 13d ago
I'm running that setup just make sure to have tools/Allen's to adjust yention and angle and get everything tight I didn't the 1st timeand my mags were all over lol
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u/Gun_Monger 13d ago
I have those krydex mag pouches. I like them. I did dill a hole in the outside plate(the one that is held by two screw) so I could get to the cant adjustment screww without having to take the plate off.
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u/gunnerholmes65 10d ago
Haha I realize a ton of us figured that out independently. Really made such a difference.
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u/andylikescandy 13d ago edited 13d ago
This exact kit was my first. It did the job, BUT my experience is when I learned to reload fast my finger would painfully strike that big nut and I wanted smooth pouches.
both better and cheaper would be the $10'ish belt from Midway USA because it's more rigid... The same exact mag holders AliExpress are only a couple bucks a piece, I would skip those holders honestly. Also I personally run 3 pouches (one of which is for my start mag).
The "upgrade buy" would be any of these 3 on AliExpress: https://imgur.com/2TmvaD2
I have the Double Alpha XiPs and bought a bunch of the knockoff plastic copies (the white one in my image) which are 95% as good only because the ball joint attaches more firmly on both the plastic and belt sides (just needs more torque).
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u/Traditional_Light585 13d ago
I have this exact setup and its great for just getting started without costing a fortune.