Tactical and USPSA don't mix???

[slow1911s]

I've read here, and other places, that some people shy away from USPSA (or IDPA while we're at it) because they have a concern that it may contaminate what defensive shooting skills they've acquired through many hours of training, not to mention the money.

I don't get it. I don't.

Responses like this lead me to believe that those who are adverse to USPSA and similar games believe that when they show up, they go through some sort of sinister conversion. A transformation that makes people dump empty or partially full magazines on the ground as if the shooter has no choice in the matter. That there is some fog on the range that makes using props like cover a capital offense. That doing a 200 deg threat scan will turn their G17 w/ light into a cigarette lighter or that your 511 vest will turn into a pink tutu.

I've never heard people say these things, but by action alone that is what I conclude.

Then there are the comments about the way way we engage in a British Parliament style shouting match on every stage. Making it sound as if a match takes 4 hours, 3:58 of it is spent arguing. Where does this happen? Where? I've been at this for 7 years and I've never seen it. Are there arguments occasionally? Sure. Why? Because people are competitive, that's my only conclusion. Some make that mens rea out to be a condition on par with leprosy.

Again - I don't get it.

Here's your USPSA Mythbuster

•Can I use my carry gear? Sure. As long as the holster retains the pistol and covers the trigger guard.
•Can I use my carry gun? Sure. As long as it is chambed for 9x19 or .38 Special or larger.
•Can I wear a cover garment? Yes.
•Can I use props like cover? If you want to.
•Do I have to do speed reloads? You don't have to.
•Can I use tactical sequence or order? If you want to, sure.
•Can I shoot a target more than twice? Knock yourself out.
•Can I do a threat scan? If it makes sense for you, sure. As long as your muzzle stays down range.
•Can I shoot from a kneeling position? I don't know, can you?
•Can I shoot with only one hand? This might get a bit sticky. USPSA is entirely about safe gun handing. I imagine if you can complete your manual of arms and keep the muzzle down range and not sweep yourself you can. It probably depends.

Show up to a match. Tell the RO what you're going to be doing. 90% of our stages are freestyle. If you don't care about the score, then do whatever you want as long you follow the range commands and safety rules.

There is no reason you can't practice most and maybe all of what you've learned at your local USPSA match. No reason.