so i am looking at getting into the competition shooting,and i have a 686-5 and a sw9 sigma.the sigma is pretty accurate for the first few rounds,but after the barrel heats up,i start spraying anywhere.the 686 might be a bit too big,and slower at the reload,but much more accurate.any suggestions from the experienced would be appreciated.
scott

Lipripper, The limited amount of USPSA that I shoot is with a 686/6" and I enjoy it very much. It seems like it takes an eternity to get through some stages with a reload every six rounds,especially when you are the only revolver shooter in a squad and everyone else is running the hi-cap race guns but you have to remember that you are only really shooting against the other revolver shooters. If you have enough speedloaders and mags try them both. It won't take you long to decide which one you prefer.

For the steel challenge, there is provision for anything, including .22.

For USPSA, neither gun is "the perfect gun", but you know what? Until you get several matches under your belt and figure out how the game goes, it does not matter even a little bit.
The first 6 months I shot USPSA, the range owner's wife beat me every time!! I was shooting a 4" 686 with HKS speedloaders, and you hotshots with the STIs can just take a break and wait until I'm done, thank you very much!! I even managed to win D Class revolver at a sectional with that setup.

You absolutely must have a holster that covers the trigger and enough reloads to shoot up to 32 round stages. Figure 5 or 6 stages in a club match.
The main thing is
JUST GO SHOOT!

PS: If that revolver is a 4", you do have a great gun for IDPA/SSR.
http://www.idpa.com/clublist.asp?pick=TN

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Science plus Art

well it has a 5" barrel and also has a ported barrel with the "compensator"(i think that is what its called) on it ..Would that alone make me shoot in the advanced competition,as i was hoping for some beginner classes.thanks for any info here is a picture of it

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I would say it would depend on which gun you have the right gear for. You will need a OWB holster that covers the trigger guard as already mentioned, at least 3-4 magazines and a magazine pouch if you use the Sigma which is a great choice for USPSA Production.

Your revolver will need a holster covering the trigger guard as well, 4-5 speedloaders and pouches to carry them. Also, make sure that you have a really sturdy belt to help carry the gun and ammo on. You will also need good eye and ear protection and most of us will use a range bag of some form to carry the extra stuff you will use.
I would not start buying a lot of gear until you decide that you want to continue USPSA/IDPA or not. It really is a fun game.
Hope that helps you out.......
Randy

Yes the Powerport would bump you into Open Class in USPSA/IPSC. Your best bet with what you have would be your Sigma in Production class where you are limited to 10rds with the 9mm power factor.

That gun would not be legal for IDPA.

I'm of the "shoot what you have" crowd. Don't start buying a lot of stuff until you get a few matches under your belt to see what you really need. You'll find out you don't need a whole lot.

I use a Model 64 with my old duty holster (Hoyt Break Front).

After having said this, I modifiy it a bit by saying you can't have too many speed loaders.

I carry six, and there have been stages where I've used all of them.

thanks for all the info guys.i guess ive figured out that i will start with my 9mm,since i have plenty of mags,holster etc. and work my way up to the revolver.hope to see yall out there.