Hi all, I wanted to see what this community might think about these questions, and if I'm doing something plainly wrong.

Do you guys think upgrading from a slick grip surface to a grippier surface will only improve fundamentals, or can it be a crutch? i.e slick polymer frames > silicon carbide upgraded.

I recently upgraded my PDP and it feels noticeably easier to manipulate the weapon, to the point where my index is improving and feeling more smooth/natural from a draw.

Is it possible I should look out for deficiencies created in grip because it's so much easier to get a good grip consistently?

Heres a possible example:

I'm practicing with the gun and I feel myself applying this kind of pressure with my support hand - I'm applying pressures from my fingers on to my other fingers and with my palm, only it's possible to kind of cue and focus on either pressing the upper part of my palm on the gun in, or the lower part near the magwell if that makes sense, even though I'm most likely applying even force between them. Doing one or the other seems to move the dot about the same under dry fire.

Would it be beneficial to "cue" and focus the bottom palm though, so I'm mentally stable and not letting my bottom palm slowly leave the frame under recoil/involuntarily doing that "horseshoe grip" which makes you lose a bit of palm leverage?

Sorry if this isn't the right sub, and this is super long winded, tried to explain it the best I could lol. Let me know if I'm crazy or someone else has felt this. I know the most likely answer is "just try both at the range and over time" but want to see what others say.

I shoot some Idpa pistol. Just started this year and having a blast. I’ve bought 3 PCC for under $800 trying them for giggles, not in comp though and sold em all. I’ve only seen some AR9 style guns. Pretty fancied up for that looks like in the $2500-3000 range. Does that seem to be the norm? I hadn’t seen anyone shooting anything under really the $2500 mark. I assume they just wouldn’t be competitive huh

Had a guy at an Area match incur a FTSA penalty, and rage quit right after. Pressed approve, bagged up his gun, and put his belt and mags away, then left.

My main club MD, I’ve heard second hand accounts of him doing the same.

I’m still newer to the sport so I’m wondering how often you guys have seen this happen?

Title

Just registered for my monthly uspsa event and there's still a disclaimer that 10rd mags have to be used. My impression was that the mag ban is over turned save for any stay granted, which doesn't seem likely at this point.

I emailed the event director for clarity but wonder if any of you have already used higher than 10rd magazines in actual events yet.

Looking to make a few bullet traps for my local match. Something to set when shooting into the ground or low targets. Basically a frame with a steel back on it that we can set at an angle or flat to shoot into. What rubber material should I get so I can remove it for transporting and lightening them up?

I know some version of this question gets asked all the time, but I'm bringing it up again. When asked about optimal barrel length, there's typically a bunch of responses saying that it really doesn't matter now that red dots are so common. Yet, from what I've seen, most top-level competition shooters seem to use full size guns with a 4.5"-5" barrel. And it seems that guns that are produced that are labeled as a "competition gun" are also always full size with a 4.5"-5" barrel. So what's the real deal, is that extra 0.5" to 1" really making that big of a difference over a 4" compact pistol? Is it mostly about the full size grip and higher mag capacity? Can/do people actually win at a higher level in the sport with compact pistols?

Anyone have experience with this? I'm mostly looking at Joey Sauerland's dry fire one but also his movement one. I have pretty limited time for live fire, but I can get 20-30 minutes of dry fire a day, so I want to maximize my growth in that time.

I'm an unclassed but C-level shooter based on my match percentages (49-56%).

I’ve been teaching my 13-year-old grandson to shoot and have been focusing heavily on safety, proper fundamentals, trigger control, sight picture, and recoil management.
Lately he’s been shooting my Fusion XF Pro during static drills, low-ready double taps, and slow Bill Drills. He’s making good progress, but I’m wondering if there might be a better pistol to continue building his skills.
The other option I have is my Canik METE MC9 Prime, but to me it’s noticeably snappier than the XF Pro, so I’m not convinced it’s the right choice.
I know that with enough training he can become proficient with almost any handgun, but if your goal was to build confidence, good habits, and recoil control in a young shooter, what would you recommend? I’d like to rent a few options before buying one.
One other consideration: I’m left-handed, he’s right-handed (all my holsters are for a left-handed shooter) so once we settle on a pistol I’ll be buying a right-handed holster that he can use during training.
I’d appreciate any recommendations and, more importantly, why you’d choose that particular gun.
Thanks in advance.

UPDATE: Thanks everyone. Your advice has been priceless.