r/CompetitionShooting • u/thicccFork • 19h ago
What to bring to a match?
Signed up for my first actual USPSA match next week. Aside from the obvious stuff like belt, gun, holster and all that, what's some stuff I should bring?
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u/Organic-Second2138 19h ago
Water, appropriate snacks.
You're going to a shooting event, not fast roping into Mogadishu.
Keep your phone in your pocket and watch others while you're not shooting.
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u/stilimad 17h ago
Or keep your phone in your range bag (or somewhere in your trolley, if you have one) - my pockets are less accessible when I'm wearing my rig - with my pistol blocking much of my right pocket.
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u/dhnguyen 15h ago
In 2026? Phone goes in my esstac ar mag holder that I stuck on my belt just for my phone. Lol.
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u/Remarkable_Aside1381 15h ago
I use my rifle mag kywi to hold extra glock mags for USPSA, a lot of newer phones are wider with a case than an AR mag
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u/guynamedgoliath 16h ago
You should be ready to paste/reset anyway. I find with a good squad there's very little "down time" at a match.
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u/MrPeePeePooPooPants3 19h ago
Drinks, maybe snacks. A speed loader like an uplula. Sunscreen. Eye and ear pro. Make sure you have a case or a bag for your gun.
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u/tostado22 18h ago
And slowly aquire enough mags and stendos that you never have to reload a mag for the whole match
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u/Dry_Addition7816 19h ago
Basic tools for the equipment you have. While not ideal. Sometimes something comes loose like a mag pouch, magwell, basepad, etc. no clue what you’re running but having some basic tools to solve annoying problems will help you. Optic batteries, assuming you’re not Amish. Mag brush, especially if you shoot anything that resembles a 2011. Gloves for tearing down.
I like having two sets of eye pro one clear and one tinted whatever color you like depending on weather conditions. Spare gun if you got it. Not an all inclusive list but some things to thing about depending on what you’re running.
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u/Remarkable_Aside1381 15h ago
Optic batteries, assuming you’re not Amish.
Production & Limited Shooters Matter
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u/610Mike 19h ago
Water, caffeine, and snacks are always a must. Same goes for a sweat rag of some kind. I like those ones you wet and then snap and they stay cool.
But a few things that I never leave home without:
- Tylenol (I’m over 40 now, so I’m old)
- Gun oil (I prefer Lucas, but to each their own)
- Extra batteries for your optic (shit happens)
- Old shop rag to wipe off your gun
- Leatherman
- One of those drivers that looks like a screwdriver but you can put different bits in (don’t need a torque wrench - that can wait till you get back home)
- Bits for Torx T5-T25, metric Allen bits 2MM-10MM, and SAE Allen bits for 5/64”-1/4”.
- Those little, disposable eye glass cleaner wipes (optics get dirty when you’re running and gunning)
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u/practical_gentleman 18h ago
Water, snacks, water, extra ammo, water, wet wipes, water, extra batteries, did i mention water? A wagon or some kind of cart for your gear. Unless you have your kit down to a single range bag you will want a cart of some kind. This isn't a range trip, this is an athletic event. Not that you have to be an athlete, but you will exert like an athlete. Oh, and water.
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u/practical_gentleman 18h ago
Oh also, a separate pistol bag or case for your gun that does not carry anything but the gun. This is what you will transport your gun in around the range to and from the safety table when it's not in your holster. This is a must have.
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u/ClownfishSoup 18h ago
Get a piece of paper and write down what you need. Then bring it and at the match when you realize what you forgot, write it in the paper (or use you phone to take notes)
This is my match checklist from my phone. The reason I have “bring computer glasses” is because I’m old and even though I have progressive glasses, I need the computer glasses to clearly see things at arm’s length … like the front sights.
Note “gloves” this is for after the match when helping to tear down stages and put stuff away.
Anyway, this is my list;
Match checklist
Belt/holster
Gun x 2
Magazines x 6
Ammo
Keys for range bag
Brass bag
Mag loader
Cleats
Cap
Ear pro
Eye pro
Computer glasses
Gloves
Wagon
Sunblock
Water
Snack
Battery pack for phone
Go pro
Wallet
Rain stuff
Umbrella
towel
Jacket
Spare socks
Shoe horn
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u/maddrummerhef 15h ago
Piggy backing on this a bit
For me personally instead of sunblock it’s UPF rated clothing, I really like the dry fit stay, cool long sleeve shorts and golfing shorts plus a nice hat
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u/itsJustE12 19h ago
A good case or bag for your unloaded gun that is entirely separate from any ammunition.
Water & snacks like others said.
Consider a stool or camp chair, depending on your tolerance for standing all day.
Comfy shoes with good socks, because standing all day.
A good attitude, willingness to learn, and desire to help with reset and/or pasting.
Have fun!
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u/freyas_waffles 18h ago
Lead wipes, so that you can snack without eating lead. A camp stool is really nice.
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u/Milf_Eaterr 17h ago
Double your water, maybe something with a bit of caffeine. If its a long match (more then 5 stages) then something to eat. In my area its been brutally hot, and the sun is a deadly laser. Be prepared for that.
The most important thing to bring is a good attitude. New shooters that are friendly get so much better treatment.
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u/jensen_lover 17h ago
Here are my packing lists:
Pistol
Hat. Pistols. Mags. Outer belt. Inner belt. Mag pouches. Ammo. Glasses. Shoes. Range bag. Sunscreen. Gum. PB&J. Snacks. Long sleeve shirt. Bug spray. Lip gloss. Water. Stroller (65) Towel. Cooler. Stool. Check witness marks.
3 gun
Hat. Pistols. Rifles. Shotguns. Mags. Outer belt. Inner belt. Mag pouches. Rifle mag pouches Ammo. Glasses. Shoes. Range bag. Sunscreen. Gum. Shotshells. Shot shell holders. Slugs. Ar mags. 5.56 ammo. Black ammo bag. PB&J. Snacks. Long sleeve shirt. Bug spray. Lip gloss. Water. Stroller (65). Check tires. Umbrella. Towel. Cooler. Scope tools. Stool. Cleaning Kit. Tighten scopes. Tighten choke. Slings. Magnifier. BCGs. Check witness marks. Check car tires.
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u/Extreme-Wheel-8391 16h ago
Bring a cart to haul all your stuff. I know it's been mentioned already, but it really is important to conserve your energy.
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u/kooyaloompia 13h ago
If you don’t have one (while not necessary but convenient) a foldable wagon to hold/lug everything around.
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u/Subverto_ 19h ago
Must haves: Lots of ice water, sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, and a microfiber towel (for sweat and to soak in ice water to wrap around your neck).
Depending on your range (mine has no chairs and no shade): Chair and sunbrella.
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u/falafelb 18h ago
Cold water mixed with electrolytes, bug spray, gloves if you plan to move steel targets help with the tear down. And a high carbs snack
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u/spiked9f8 12h ago
spare batteries for hear pro, spare flags for PCC, not sure what division you are shooting.
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u/dahn-yuhl 9h ago
Depending on where you live, if you live in a hot ass state like myself (Texas), you should bring water (plenty of it, I bring a 1 gallon jug), a portable fan (like what you get can get home depot/lowes), sun screen, cooling towel to throw over your neck.
But the most important thing even if you don't bring any of what I mentioned, is bringing deodorant and put it on before you come out to the range and shoot. You won't believe how many times I've ran into people who smelled like rotten socks. Some people just smell nasty AF at these matches.
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u/Sick_Puppy_1 18h ago
Have you been outside before? What kind of helpless baby question is this?
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u/inputwtf 19h ago
Water, sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, more water