Earlier on Gun Carrier, I showed you different kinds of guns that you can shoot in United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) matches. Head over to that article if you need a refresher, then read on for an overview of holsters and other equipment you’ll need in this sport.
Different divisions allow different types of holsters and ammunition carriers, and may or may not restrict where that equipment sits around your waist, how high or low it must be attached in relation to the shooter’s belt, and how much space the attachment mechanism can add between the equipment and the belt.
Production, Carry Optics, and Single Stack require the use of the kind of holster and magazine carrier that most shooters normally think of when they think of this kind of equipment:

This standard Blade-Tech outside-the-waistband holster and double mag carrier is a good start for USPSA equipment.

At bottom is a standard Blade-Tech belt-mounted holster. A similar holster is at top, with a drop-and-offset attachment to a Tek-Lok belt clip.
These types of holsters and magazine carriers can also be used in Limited, Limited 10, Open, and Revolver, with no limitations on placement or attachment, but many shooters in those divisions use another holster option available to them: speed or “race” holsters:

A Tanfoglio in “The One” Ghost speed holster that holds the gun through a trigger guard-based mechanism only.
If you want to use your concealed carry gun and normally carry it in front of your hip, in an appendix position, then that would be permitted in Limited, Limited 10, Open, and Revolver, as long as you follow all of the safety rules, of course.
In addition to standard magazine carriers, which can be placed anywhere on the belt, these divisions can also use magnets to hold magazines. Revolver shooters use different specialty options that allow them to carry the many speed loaders or moonclips needed for a USPSA stage, like these:

Tom Miller shows off his array of moonclip holders.

Look closely, and you can see the matching Velcro halves of the author’s inner/outer belt system.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the specialized gear that’s associated with competitive shooting, but you can get started with what you might already have or a reasonable investment in equipment that has multiple uses. While it’s a good idea not to go completely to the bargain basement for gear, you don’t need to spend a lot to have a strong start. Think you can be ready for next weekend?