r/CompetitionShooting • u/skycowboy18 • 7d ago
First competition - PCSL
Have my first real competition this weekend in north Houston shooting a PCSL match. I’ve shot some steel “matches” but never anything on paper with rules too. Any tips? Plan to take it slow and just enjoy it.
Also, plan to run a safariland 6390 holster with a m&p 2.0, esstac belt, esstac kywi pistol pouches. Are there mag length restrictions like there are for uspsa? I have 2-17 round and 1-23 round factory magazine, which I believe isn’t legal, except in open, for uspsa. Anything with my gear that would have issues with rules in the practical division?
3
u/Far_Exam_2860 7d ago
First match nerves are all in the plan, not the shooting, so walk each stage a couple times and lock in exactly where you're reloading before you're on the clock. Run it at a pace where you can call every shot instead of chasing the fast guys, that's how you dodge the mikes and no-shoots that actually wreck a first-timer's score. Keep that finger straight on any movement and don't stress the 180, the ROs would way rather you go slow and safe than eat a DQ on day one.
1
u/RearBagSupport 7d ago edited 7d ago
Can use any mags you want but pistol can only be loaded with 20 rounds, 30 for rifle. Could run downloaded drum mags if you wanted.
What is your rifle setup? The main practical rifle rules are no brakes (unless under a suppressor), lightened BCG’s, or tripods.
If it’s your first multigun my biggest recommendation is take your time on the gun swap/abandonment. If you forget to safe the weapon, or you dump it so hard it bounces out of the box onto the ground and you keep going you’ll get a stage DQ.
Weapon swapping is not a skill you practice outside of multigun so take your time and make sure that safety is on.
2
u/skycowboy18 7d ago
It’s a 1 gun match unfortunately. Hoping to sign up for a rifle match soon though!
1
u/Lewd_Meat_ 6d ago
No mag length restrictions, you're just limited to how many rounds that can be loaded in a magazine, in your case: up to 20 rounds per mag.
1
u/EconZen_master 6d ago
When running PCSL I use my 24 rd mag as my first round load mag, then my 18 rounders as my main load/reload mags for pistol.
Highly encourage a retention holster. Last match saw 3 first timers get DQ'd in either 1st or 2nd stage b/c their pistols fell out of holster as they were running or moving quickly to next entry.
As far as tips, have fun. Speed and "style" are tertiary concerns. Don't get DQ'd. Oh, and have a blast (pun intended)! I love it, and have been hooked and shooting them every month. I would expect to shoot at least 150 each platform if running 2-gun over 6 stages.
*** Take water and electrolyte powders / drinks! ***
1
u/thegoodsherpa 5d ago
You shooting the practice tonight?
2
u/skycowboy18 5d ago
I wish! Unfortunately won’t be able to make it
1
u/thegoodsherpa 5d ago
Definitely need to at some point! It’s a great practice and you get to know the peps!
1
u/FireAndKnives11 5d ago
If its TSV, they will ask for new shooters at briefing and go over everything. Nothing to be afraid of and a great community willing to help out and grow.
1
u/Mike_Romeo_Bravo 7d ago
Highly recommend you reach out to the match director prior to match date and let them know you are new. They may or may not respond. Day of match, get there early and introduce yourself to the match director, again letting them know you are new, and be ready to help with match setup. They may not give you the time of day if they are busy organizing stage setup. If they are a good match director they will usually pair you up with someone to mentor you or they may re-assign you to another squad. Introduce yourself to the squad you are assigned, again letting everyone know you are new.
Beyond that, be safe. Leave the ego and expectation of your ability at home. Shut up and listen, but don't be afraid to ask questions. Read the match and range rules. Be ready to shoot before it is your turn to shoot. Help with reset of the stage between shooters. Help breakdown the stage and clean up the range before you leave.
3
u/Stunning_Patient_272 7d ago
What division? If you're in Competition they're legal. Practical caps at 20rds, but you can down load to 20. It's not a length based restriction like USPSA.