casual competition and learning what's available

[Papabear37]

I'm fairly new to this site and totally new to any kind of competition (never done it). I'm just looking for some advice as to how to get started, i.e., classes, beginners competition, good advice, etc. I'm trying to join PSC but am having trouble making new member orientation due to conflicts and committments. I see from the PSC calender that there are numerous events, but I don't have a clue what any of it is about or how to get started. I've looked at the web sites of several competition groups but they are not specific about what they are actually about and, of course, there's no information for a newbie. I've even looked at some competition on You Tube but these folks are way over any ability that I will ever have. If anything, seeing people shoot this well with sponsorship all over their shirts/vests is intimidating and in no way encourages me to get started. Anyway, how about some advice from you experienced folks out there. I'm an old dude but I like shooting andf some kind of competition sounds interesting.
Vern Maddox (papabear37)

[BobCat]

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.

[boomerang]

Talk to people and observe local matches. Some are very competitive and others are more relaxed. Like adult softball teams.

[jbirds1210]

and if someone takes you under their wing and talks you into signing up, what can it hurt?

Vern-
I would be happy to help you out during an IDPA match at PSC if you are interested. PM if IDPA (action pistol) is one of the shooting sports you are interested in. Take care.

There is some good information on the sport at http://www.idpa.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Jason

[FlynJay]

There are many matches of all flavors at PSC. They are all fun and some are more competitive than others. I recommend you just show up to one that sounds appealing to you, there will be at least one person (more likely many) that will explain the flow of the match and help you out. Just come out and have a safe and fun time.

I am also new to the shooting sports and the members of PSC are very helpful.

[CompVest]

and if someone takes you under their wing and talks you into signing up, what can it hurt?

Vern-
I would be happy to help you out during an IDPA match at PSC if you are interested. PM if IDPA (action pistol) is one of the shooting sports you are interested in. Take care.

There is some good information on the sport at http://www.idpa.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Jason

Take Jason up on his offer! He is a really great guy and fun to shoot with. He knows IDPA very well and will get you through your first match. And NO he didn't pay me to say that.

[Skiprr]

Take Jason up on his offer! He is a really great guy and fun to shoot with. He knows IDPA very well and will get you through your first match. And NO he didn't pay me to say that.

And he helps design the course-of-fire scenarios for PSC IDPA...so he has some unique, insider knowledge. (Just don't let him talk you into using a Glock and never anything else. )

I have another acquaintance who recently joined PSC and the June IDPA match will probably be his first, also.

[varko]

Take Jason up on his offer! He is a really great guy and fun to shoot with. He knows IDPA very well and will get you through your first match. And NO he didn't pay me to say that.

And he helps design the course-of-fire scenarios for PSC IDPA...so he has some unique, insider knowledge. (Just don't let him talk you into using a Glock and never anything else. )

I have another acquaintance who recently joined PSC and the June IDPA match will probably be his first, also.

The June IDPA match at PSC will probably be my first match also.

[CompVest]

Have fun! Unfortunately SRVA and I have a previous appointment.

[WildBill]

Obviously you all want to win, but is the monthly IPDA at PSC really a "casual competition"? Do you compete with your normal-everyday carry firearm and holster/equipment?

[Piney]

I'd call the weekly/monthly matches "casual competition"-- at least for me anyway. Good excuse for my score anyway, eh !


I'll shoot at IDPA Matches with both-- my usual carry pistol in my IWB holster or my G34 in an OWB holster. I try to alternate so as to get to shoot some with both.

I talk with folks who do the same-- shoot with their carry rig some of the time and with others some.

[CWOOD]

Hi, Vern

If you are interested in shooting a pistol competion and have not yet learned enough to tell one competition from another, yet I would suggest that you try IDPA. IDPA is designed as a game in which you are provided scenerios which someone may encounter as a Concealed Handgun License holder. For example walk into a convenience store and it is being robbed, or you are at an ATM and a few bad guys want to take you money, or you are in a parking garage and someone wants your car. There are also some basic drill type stages and also some fairly elaorate and perhaps unlikely scenerios too, but they are all fun and provide learning opportunities.

One of the reasons for this is that the cost of the basic equipment is minimal and most of it is stuff that you probably already have, or perhaps should have any way. The rules are not overly complex and you can grow and improve at your own pace. Really, the only pressure you have is what you put on yourself.

TWO PRIMARY AND MOST BASIC RULES.....STAY SAFE.....HAVE FUN.

Here is he equipment required:
1. Handgun with caliber of at least 38 Special for revolvers or 9X19 for semi-autos.
2. Three extra speed loaders for revolver or a total of 3 magazines for semi-autos.
3. A belt type holster, IWB and OWB are both OK. Thigh rigs, shoulder rigs, cross draw rigs, small of back rigs, are NOT OK.
4. A concealment garment which conceals weapon, holster and extra mags/speedloaders. This can be a SOOper COOL Tactical vest, or a Hawaiian shirt, or a long T-shirt, or a Carhartt jacket. Don't spend extra money on this to start.
5. Ear protection
6. Eye protection
7. Ammo. Matches usually run around 100 +/-. I ususally take 150-180 just in case. Some times you may have a reshoot for some reason or you may have to make up some missed shoots and besides you can't have TOO MUCH ammo.
8. Fee. There is a charge for the match and it ususlly falls between $15-25.

That is about all you need, but there are some other things nice to have, like:
a. Range bag to carry all your stuff.
b. Magazine/speedloader pouches to carry the spares so they are not all in your pocket.
c. Cap with a brim to keep a piece of brass from getting stuck between you and your glasses, and keep the sun off your face.
d. A Photo/hunting/utility vest with fairly big pockets to store magazines after reloads, conceal your weapon while giving ready access to it.
e. A good open attitude is always useful and appreciated.

That's about it. You might want other stuff later but to start you do not have to spend a boatload of cash.

Scoring is a combination of time and accuracy. If you have to choose, focus on accuracy. You cannot miss fast enough to win...ever. With consistant accuracy comes a basis to build speed.

About ALL IDPA groups will have a new shooters meeting to welcome you and to orient you to the group and o IDPA shooting. They will explain the rules, the safety expectations (high) and encourage you to interact and ask questions of the more experienced shooters.

At each stage, there may be 4-6 stages in the match, the squad you are shooting with will be given a walk through of that stage. You are encouraged to ask questions to make sure you understand what is expected and generally new shooters are placed later in the shooting order so that you can watch a few before you go. Each stage has a maximum round count of 18. Some will require less, but you can also shoot more on most stages until you are satisfied.

When it is your turn to shoot the safety officer will call you to the starting point, ask if you understand what is going to be required in the next few seconds, you will be safely loaded up (you generally will be carrying an empty weapon until you get to the firing line) and reholstered. You will be asked to indicate you are ready, and then you will be given a start signal...usually a beep from a timer.

After you are through shooting, you will be asked to unload and show clear, slide forward, hammer down, holster....The range is safe. On these commands, you will drop the magazine, eject any chambered round, hold the slide on a semi-auto open for inspection, release the slide, and pull the trigger (while pointed into a berm), and reholster the handgun.

CONGRATULATIONS!! You have just shot your first stage.

You will be slow...no problem
you will make mistakes...no problem as long as it is not a serious safety situation
your hand may shake in anticipation at first...mine did...no problem.

Another hint, help tape targets. It is the right thing to do as part of a group, it helps you get more familiar with the stages before you shoot, and it helps you interact with other shooters.

When I started it was almost by accident. I had had my CHL for a few years and figured I should get better with the pistol if I were going to carry it around, and just happend on an IDPA group shooting here around Austin. I had almost always shot by myself in the country with very little structure. It was a stroke of good fortune.

I have improved a lot as a shooter. I have learned to practice MUCH more safe practices while shooting. I have met some of the nicest bunch of folks while shooting IDPA. They are the type for folks that would let you leave a $100 bill in your open range bag for the entire match and you could expect it to be there at the end. If the wind blew it onto the ground they would pick it up and give it to you. And, it is A LOT of fun to shoot with and be around them.

As you may have noticed, I am biased. I hope you give it a chance. There are a lot of those kind of folks at PSC, too.

Regards
Carl

[joe817]

Great post Carl! Thanks for sharing with us novices, what to expect on our first day at an IDPA shoot.

You've now put the desire in me to go find one, and participate.

[dicion]

Great post Carl! Thanks for sharing with us novices, what to expect on our first day at an IDPA shoot.

You've now put the desire in me to go find one, and participate.

Me too.. I may have to check this out.

Maybe we should all plan on attending one as a 'newbie' day, so all us new folks can come out at first at the same time? That way, none of us are the 'only new guy'

[CompVest]

Come join us at Thunder Gun Range just north of The Woodlands. We have a match every Wednesday night starting at 6:30 PM - you should come b/t 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM to allow for New Shooter Orientation. We also have a monthly match every second Saturday of the month starting at 9 AM and again come early if you are new.

Thunder Tactical shooters has an excellent new shooters program and is a fun group to shoot with - very supportive.