Getting started in competitive shooting

[Militant83]

I searched for threads about beginner comp shooting didn't find anything..so if there is one someone please point me toward it.

But for now I'm interested in getting into competitive shooting. What would someone that is experienced in shooting competitively say a good starting point for a beginner in competitive shooting? What forms of competitive shooting would be the best to get started in? Thanks

[Amp Mangum]

Find a local club that has matches and just go. Most clubs that hold matches are very welcoming to new shooters and usually one of the regulars will take you under their wing and show you the ropes. I would try a handgun sport first either IDPA or IPSC. 3 gun can be intimidating for a new shooter. Whatever you do just go with a goal to have fun and be safe. Stick with it and you will make a huge improvement in your shooting and gun handling skills.

[rob_s]

Assuming you have both types of events close by, IDPA is easier to get started in than USPSA/IPSC. I shoot both but started with IDPA and am glad that I did.

I would strongly suggest getting in touch with the local match directors and going and watching a match. Introduce yourself, help setup, paste targets, tear down, whatever and you'll get to see more of what the club is like.

There are several threads here and elsewhere about what do bring your first time, etc., etc. but IMHO you're better off going and getting to meet the people you'll potentially be shooting with.

[Militant83]

The local gun club which is a few min from the house I know for sure has IDPA. And thats what I was leaning toward not only on a competitive stand point but to also hone my skills in the deployment of a concealed weapon. Which from my understanding is what IDPA is geared toward the defensive shooter.

[Amp Mangum]

IDPA has realistic scenarios and the scoring is the easiest to understand. You also don't need fancy equipment to compete with. Get a 9mm Glock or S&W M&P, strong side holster, a couple of spare mags with a pouch, concealment garment, eye and ear pro and you're set.

You can download the rule book here: www.idpa.com

[Militant83]

Ive got all of that gear... Ill have to check out the rule book.. But I guess as said before the easiest thing to do is join the gun club and just start talking to people and helping out and then work my way into competing.

[uscbigdawg]

IDPA has realistic scenarios and the scoring is the easiest to understand. You also don't need fancy equipment to compete with. Get a 9mm Glock or S&W M&P, strong side holster, a couple of spare mags with a pouch, concealment garment, eye and ear pro and you're set.

You can download the rule book here: www.idpa.com

Realistic scenarios? Yeah...if it's got a clipboard and a timer, it's a game. Good seeing all the realistic scenarios being memorized and shooters discussing round dumping at the state match (and every other IDPA match I've been to).

That said, both USPSA/IPSC and IDPA are great ways to get you more comfortable with handling a firearm (pistol) in a dynamic arena. Neither REQUIRE complicated gear. In fact, my USPSA Production setup is a stock Glock 34, a cheap Blackhawk holster and 2 Fobus mag pouches. I'm about $600 into the whole setup.

Get out and shoot with the biggest things to remember is:

1 - Have fun
2 - Be safe
3 - You're going to be slow, so don't worry about it
4 - Oh...have fun!

Rich

[Amp Mangum]

Realistic scenarios? Yeah...if it's got a clipboard and a timer, it's a game. Good seeing all the realistic scenarios being memorized and shooters discussing round dumping at the state match (and every other IDPA match I've been to).

That said, both USPSA/IPSC and IDPA are great ways to get you more comfortable with handling a firearm (pistol) in a dynamic arena. Neither REQUIRE complicated gear. In fact, my USPSA Production setup is a stock Glock 34, a cheap Blackhawk holster and 2 Fobus mag pouches. I'm about $600 into the whole setup.

Get out and shoot with the biggest things to remember is:

1 - Have fun
2 - Be safe
3 - You're going to be slow, so don't worry about it
4 - Oh...have fun!

Rich

Where did I say it wasn't a game? The IDPA scenarios are more realistic than IPSC but both are games.

[uscbigdawg]

Realistic and either is a complete misnomer. It's not "realistic" if you're getting penalized for not following the description that the SO dictates (ETA: target engagement order, priority, position, etc.). Last time I checked, there's no rules in a gunfight. Been in a few....

Rich

[Alaskapopo]

I searched for threads about beginner comp shooting didn't find anything..so if there is one someone please point me toward it.

But for now I'm interested in getting into competitive shooting. What would someone that is experienced in shooting competitively say a good starting point for a beginner in competitive shooting? What forms of competitive shooting would be the best to get started in? Thanks

Actually you can get started in USPSA just as easy as you can in IDPA. I started with both at the same time and used the same gun back then. Also USPSA is easier when it comes to weapons. You can shoot pretty much any pistol in USPSA in some division. IDPA limits a lot more. I have two USPSA pistols are are not IDPA legal but any gun you can use in IDPA is legal in USPSA.

There is single stack for 1911 fans that is a blend of ESP and CDP from IDPA. There is Production which is similar to SSP. The only thing you need more of in USPSA is ammo and magazine pouches. While I enjoy shooting both sports given the choice I would only shoot USPSA. But because there is only one USPSA match in the winter a month, I also attend the IDPA matches for trigger time.
Pat