Basic range belt setups, drawing and firing for both pistols and rifles...

I have a friend that does competition shooting on Sundays and he always invited me, but it was football season at the time...

Ever since I’ve been out of work and no sports going on, been looking into this and getting very curious about competing...  the only thing I’m worried about is Ammo cost 

Ahh, while I’ve seen folks using setups discussed above for USPSA competitions, you’ll mostly see folks with belt setups specific to both for each (edited). I have best a belt (edited) setup specifically for pistol matches and more defensive training. One thing about pistol matches is that most have 4-6 mags on them. For defensive training, I have 2 pistol mags with people typically having 1-3.

Yup, ammo cost is a major consideration for me. Most people think the cost is mostly in the guns. While I’ve spent a lot on gun, ammo cost is up there, especially when I shoot a lot.

For what you’ve said, I would recommend going with your friend to check out a competition. Other less expensive opportunities are the various range days or a private lesson with an instructor at a local range. I would 1000% recommend attending Foundational level shooting course, but those will run $200-$300, even for the rare opportunities locally. You’re looking at $2000+ for mainland courses, and likely closer to $4000+.

Good luck. Always good to hear people interested in getting out and training and shooting.

Ahh, while I’ve seen folks using setups discussed above for USPSA competitions, you’ll mostly see folks with belt setups specific to both. I have best setup specifically for pistol matches and more defensive training. One thing about pistol matches is that most have 4-6 mags on them. For defensive training, I have 2 pistol mags with people typically having 1-3.

Yup, ammo cost is a major consideration for me. Most people think the cost is mostly in the guns. While I’ve spent a lot on gun, ammo cost is up there, especially when I shoot a lot.

For what you’ve said, I would recommend going with your friend to check out a competition. Other less expensive opportunities are the various range days or a private lesson with an instructor at a local range. I would 1000% recommend attending Foundational level shooting course, but those will run $200-$300, even for the rare opportunities locally. You’re looking at $2000+ for mainland courses, and likely closer to $4000+.

Good luck. Always good to hear people interested in getting out and training and shooting.

Going with someone who can show you the ropes is always helpful.  Maybe if you ask nicely, they will let you try their gun and ammo.

Going with someone who can show you the ropes is always helpful.  Maybe if you ask nicely, they will let you try their gun and ammo.

Sure does, especially when it comes to shooting.  Then key is after you've had the initial exposure, jump in next time. 

All of the local USPSA/IPSC clubs that I've shot with are super helpful to newbies.  That's the thing with most in the gun culture, most are eager to share their new acquisitions. 

I put my range belt together and I'm happy on how it turned out.  Very sturdy and secure.  This is going to be my multipurpose belt for training, USPSA, PPC,  and home defense.  For USPSA, I'll clip a couple of bladetech teklock pistol mag holders in the back

Ronin Shuto Belt in Multicam - $141. 
https://www.ronintactics.com/store/p181/Sh%C5%ABto_Belt_.html
Measure waist with a tape measure.  Very stiff and high quality 1.75" molle belt.  I skipped the D ring to save on weight.  Comes with a 2" inner velcro belt which might not fit regular belt loops.

HSGI Micro Grip Belt Panel $24
https://www.highspeedgear.com/hsgi/micro-grip-95MG.html
Velcros inside of the Ronin belt.  I can throw the belt on very quickly for emergencies or easily for convenience.  It's very comfortable and surprisingly secure.

Esstac Double Pistol GAP KWYI Pouch - $30
https://www.esstac.com/product-page/double-pistol-gap-kwyi-pouch-1
Good quality and fast access to magazines.  Very firm hold on the magazines and should withstand an obstacle course.  This is for the double stack mags, but it also holds my 1911 mags reasonably secure as long as I don't do somersaults.  My regular loadout is one pouch, but I'lll add a 2nd one for pistol classes.

Esstac 5.56 Single KYWI Shorty $23
https://www.esstac.com/product-page/5-56-single-kywi-shorty-w
Also very secure even if it's the shortest pouch.  My regular loadout is two pouches with one filled for self-defense.

Coyote Tactical STOMP Gen 2  $60
http://www.coyotetacticalsolutions.com/slim-tear-off-medical-pouch-s-t-o-m-p-gen-2/
Midsize IFAK worn in the back.  Can tear it off from the velcro and it's zippered so the contents  will stay clean.  It's bearable when I sit down.  It contains:
1.  Trauma Shears $10
2.  Combat Application Tournaquet $34
3.  Hyfin Compact Vented Chest Seal (x2) $15
4.  NAR Compressed Gauze $4
5.  NAR Mini Responder ETD 4"  $5
6.  QuickClot Combat Gauze $43
7.  Nexcare Flexible Clear Tape $2
8.  Gloves
Got these from Darkangel with a 20% discount

Condor Double Pistol Mag Pouch $14
https://www.amazon.com/CONDOR-MA23-008-Double-Pistol-Multicam/dp/B0082CVLLK
Good quality for the price.  Holds my flashlight(Nitecore MH12GTS) and Gerber multitool.

Safariland QUBL QLS system $48
https://www.safariland.com/products/qubl-qls-universal-belt-loop-model_QUBL.html#q=qls&start=1
https://www.safariland.com/products/holsters-and-gear/holsters/tactical-military-holsters/hardware-and-accessories/model-6004-19-quick-locking-system-holster-fork-qls-19-23114.html#q=fork&start=1 $15
I'm waiting for delivery.  It can swap out holsters easily, adjustable for height, and passes retention tests.  I can raise it up to compete in USPSA(?) and lower it for other training.  I should be able to modify it to hold other brands of holsters.

3" S-Biner to clip in gloves
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HN6CW4/ref=pe_825000_114212990_TE_n_id

Before anyone asks, I put the clips facing up so it doesn't dig into my legs when I sit down and figured I may as well do it for all of them.

Before anyone asks, I put the clips facing up so it doesn't dig into my legs when I sit down and figured I may as well do it for all of them.

Have you tried your belt yet? Particularly drawing the mags. I see a gap at the bottom of the mail if clips. With the tension in the KYWI insert, it can cause the pouch to slide a bit, even when weaved through. At least that’s something that I noticed with my belt that has the ESSTAC pouches (not the Ronin belt tho).

Have you tried your belt yet? Particularly drawing the mags. I see a gap at the bottom of the mail if clips. With the tension in the KYWI insert, it can cause the pouch to slide a bit, even when weaved through. At least that’s something that I noticed with my belt that has the ESSTAC pouches (not the Ronin belt tho).

The molle on belts like these are under spec, .75" instead of 1" spacing so it tightens it up.  Those mag pouches are solid.

I'm debating between the Ronin or a Blue Alpha Gear.

I'm debating between the Ronin or a Blue Alpha Gear.

I got the Ronin and heard the Blue Alpha is also good too.  Look to be the same quality and around the same price so either one would be fine.  Only difference I can see is the inner belt size.  2" on ronin and 1.5" on the other.

I got the Ronin and heard the Blue Alpha is also good too.  Look to be the same quality and around the same price so either one would be fine.  Only difference I can see is the inner belt size.  2" on ronin and 1.5" on the other.

I'll measure my belt buckles for my range pants later.  That may be the deciding factor.  Ronin is $50 more.

I'm debating between the Ronin or a Blue Alpha Gear.

If you are a fan of the velcro inner/outer, check out US Grunt Gear.  They have their standard offerings, but since each order is custom made, they have a lot of flexibility.  Quality gear and I have a number of their belts and other stuff.  Depending on what you want, one of the main folks often will get on the phone with you to iron things out.  Downside is that their lead time can be long. 

If you are a fan of the velcro inner/outer, check out US Grunt Gear.  They have their standard offerings, but since each order is custom made, they have a lot of flexibility.  Quality gear and I have a number of their belts and other stuff.  Depending on what you want, one of the main folks often will get on the phone with you to iron things out.  Downside is that their lead time can be long.

No rush, the bays are closed anyways.

No rush, the bays are closed anyways.

If/when you end up coming out to shoot a pistol match, you can try out one of my USGG belts. 

If/when you end up coming out to shoot a pistol match, you can try out one of my USGG belts.

Only if can use ur gun and ammo.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Only if can use ur gun and ammo.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

That would be illegal. . . #nodai

That would be illegal. . . #nodai

Not if you're there, too.

Just sayin' ....   

Not if you're there, too.

Just sayin' ....   

Be at a range when CMO is shooting?  Live?  No way Hose-A. . .

 

Be at a range when CMO is shooting?  Live?  No way Hose-A. . .

 

No worries, I'll have tin foil hats for everyone. We will be safe.

So I've decided to get the Blue Alpha Gear belt.  Thanks to Zipps for pointing out the 2 inch inner belt for the Ronin one.  2 Inch will fit military trousers, he designed it for a snug fit.  I do only wear military type trousers to range days, but you never know when I may wear other pants, like say to classes in Vegas.  So I don't want to have to deal with belt loops not fitting the Ronin belt.  BAG is the standard 1.5 inch inner belt height.  Plus it's like $50 less.  And although  the Ronin 1 is a little more sturdy, I'm not in the military and would at most wear the belt once a month when the bays open.  And the Ronin comes with a cool Ronin tag on it.

Now to decide on color. FML, too many choices. Debating between black or gray.  All my holsters, plate carrier, mag pouches, TQ holder are all black.

Another option for the inner belt, besides buying a separate smaller one, is to get the hsgi inner grippy belt. 

Another option for the inner belt, besides buying a separate smaller one, is to get the hsgi inner grippy belt.

Ronin also sells a 1.5 inch inner belt, but that increases the price of a $200 set up to $240.  They do not allow a swap.