I will be joining a local tactical shooting association which follows the USPSA rules. Anyone know what division the S&W 3904 fits in? Single Stack, Limited, Limited 10, Production, Open ? ? ? Thanks.

I will be joining a local tactical shooting association which follows the USPSA rules. Anyone know what division the S&W 3904 fits in? Single Stack, Limited, Limited 10, Production, Open ? ? ? Thanks.

Production, you'll need one empty magazine to be able to drop the hammer after showing clear. And depending on the size of the stages, up to six additional loaded magazines. You need to go to the USPSA website and read the rules.

Thanks. I went to the USPSA web site. It says in Production division, only the following S&W pistols are approved for the Production division. The S&W 3904 is not listed.

...... 39 (26.5 oz.), 3913 (25 oz.), 3913L (25 oz.), 3913TSW (24.8 oz.), 3914 (25 oz.), 3953 (24.8 oz.), 3953STSW (24.8 oz.) .....(Any DAO or DA/SA revolver with a barrel length of up to 8.5" is approved).......

Am I missing something ? ? ? Any advice you can give would be appreciated. I have a 3904 and do not want to buy extra magazines if I can not use it. I also have a Springfield Armory MD(X) which apparently is approved for the Production division, but it is a .40 cal. I Would like to use my 3904 - 9 mil, too.

Thanks

Why? The decocker works fine without a magazine.

Surely you were not suggesting that the hammer be dropped by pulling the trigger?

If so, step to the back of the line and re-take the gun safety course (or actually read the S&W Third Gen auto factory manual).

USPSA rules require it when finished shooting.
Rule 8.3.7.1 "Self-loaders-release the slide and pull the trigger (without touching the hammer or decocker, if any)."

http://www.uspsa.org/

__________________
Science plus Art

By USPSA rules that is exactly how it's done. At the end of your string of fire you unload, show a empty gun and dry fire/snap the striker whatever down range then holster your gun. Cold range rules, does make it harder on the mag safety guys like Hi- Powers, M&Ps' w/mag safety and third generation guns that don't have the mag safeties removed. The 39 would fit into production class or limited 10/minor. It's probably not listed because of it's age, they're just listing more current models. The main drawback is the lack of a 10rd mag for the 39 series. But hey the idea is to go shoot and have fun and not hung up on trying to out game everyone else. You'll find out if you want to move into something else, Production is all scored minor(9mm) and has a 10rd limit, you can use hi-cap/larger cal guns, but can only load 10. Limited allows hi-cap and has major/minor (9/40+) scoring. If you continue to use your 39 you might want to have your mag disconnect removed.

At our USPSA matches we are not allowed to use the decocker, as it would possibly leave a live round in the chamber if it failed to extract an somehow did not get noticed by the SO. Raylloyd, your XD would be a much more competative choice. 9's are scored differently than 40's. You will need to invest in a holster that is easy to draw from, and some way to carry at least 4 magazines on your belt. Check the rules for equipment for specifics. Your XD would shoot in limited major, and it's a pretty popular gun. Most of the people I shoot with would prefer a longer barrel than your 3904 has.

Thanks - but a clarification. The XD(M) is in the Production division. The XD(M) is specifically listed in the Production division .PDF list of approved handguns on the USPSA web site - both the 9 mil version and the .40 cal version.

I shoot with some in limited with 17 round magazines. There are several pistols that can shoot in two classes. Usually you shoot the class you are most competitive in. I think all production class guns are scored minor. I shoot an H&K 45 that can either shoot production or limited 10. It's 10 shots either way for me, but the scoring is different and I would be shooting against 9mm in production. I'm not a rules expert, but in limited 10 I can shoot my particular gun cocked and locked. In production it's DA/SA.

That's what I'm talking about "out gaming the other guy". They try to make divisions for most everyone but there are certian pistols that work best in each one. Production was set up for the DA/SA guns but is almost all Glock, XDs' and now starting to see M&Ps' in 9mm. Limited and Limited 10 is mostly 1911(2011) STI/SVI and Para-Ord guns in .40 or single stack .45s'. The Open class guns are using Red Dots and comps in .38 Super. Production and Single Stack are suppose to use concealment type holsters and mag pouches like IDPA, if anyone wants to push the issue. Most the clubs I've been to are just out to have a good time and be safe, none of us is going to make a living out of it.

Shoot what you would normally carry. Don't 'shoot stupid' just to get a higher score (failing to think and engage in a logical/realistic manner). One problem with the third generation Smiths is that the things that make them a good 'street choice' slightly handicap the 'gamesman'. That said, I've managed a few first place finishes in local matches with a 3913 carried in a concealment-oriented holster.

Viewed correctly, USPSA matches can be used for 'under pressure' practice and skill verification. This will pay off big time should you ever need to actually use your pistol for its true purpose.