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You don't have to be great to compete. I'm an example. I shoot NRA Highpower Rifle, mostly at Bayou Rifles (South of Houston, North of PSC) and most everyone posts better scores than I do. As long as you behave in a safe manner, there is no problem. I go to have fun, improve (compete against myself, not anyone else), and learn to shoot my rifle better.

Many (most?) places, you do not have to be a member to shoot in the match. You need to obey the rules, especially safety rules, is all.

I encourage you to go to the range on a match day, "just to watch" - the fact that you brought your pistol, holster, and several boxes of ammunition is irrelevant. You generally wear the holster / pistol anyway, right? And the ammunition just followed you to your car. So go to watch and see how the match is run and how it goes - and if someone takes you under their wing and talks you into signing up, what can it hurt? If you post a low score you can do as I do - tell yourself "next time I will shoot better" and you will.

Have fun!

Regards,
Andrew

PS if you are free Sunday, come to Bayou Rifles at Juliff and watch the long-range (1,000 yard) match. I do not shoot 1,000 yards - I do the paperwork. It is cool to watch, bring some ear plugs and any binoculars or spotting scope you have.