Interested in Competitive Shooting

[lovemybersa]

I have never tried competitive shooting and I am interested in learning about it. What should I do first?

Thanks in advance,

Shannon

[USA1]

What should I do first?

First...Tell us where you're at.

Welcome to the forum.
If we know what area you live in, I'm sure you'll get some good recommendations.

[Texas Dan Mosby]

The 2 most popular "action" pistol types of competition are IDPA, and USPSA. There are many, many, clubs in Texas that host these matches, and I'd recommend doing an online search and finding a club near you, and going to simply watch a match.

Search the following:

IDPA - International Defensive Pistol Association

USPSA - United States Practical Shooting Association

Check out some of their vids on you tube as well to get a feel for the stages.

IDPA tries to incorporate some aspects of defensive shooting into their stages, and some stages are very specific about how they are to be engaged. IDPA is generally less equipment intensive, and has lower max round count per stage than does USPSA.


USPSA tends to be more equipment intensive, has higher round count stages, and tends to let the shooter determine how they will shoot each stage within the limits of the stage description.

Both are fun, and aid in developing accuracy, speed, and safe firearm handling skills.

Don't worry about being competitive at first, just show up, be safe, shoot the best you can, and have fun.

[lovemybersa]

Sorry! I am in the Beaumont/Golden Triangle area. I have looked on the IDPA and IPSC sites but it does not really tell you where to begin. I was thinking of some kind of club or league first...

[sskimber]

lovemybersa,

the closest club to your location is
Golden Triangle Gun Club
Beaumont, TX
USA
1st & 3rd Sat. at 9 AM
I did not list the contact info but you can find it hear, http://www.idpa.com/clublist.asp?pick=TX the best way to get started is to contact the person on the IDPA website, and ask them how to get started. if you want you can go watch a match, but I suggest just jumping in and shooting a match. there is no secret handshake you need to know you just need to be safe and willing to listen to range commands,

WARNING!! IDPA is ADDICTIVE and FUN!!!!!!!!

let us know if you have any other questions, we are willing to answer them all.

Kevin

[jason237m]

My advice would be come out your first time with whatever equipment you have that you know how to use safely so that you can participate and not just watch.

Don't worry if you don't have enough magazines or the right holster just bring what you have. At our club there is always a great deal of allowance given to new shooters so that they can particpate (that way we get them hooked!)

[MoJo]

Sorry! I am in the Beaumont/Golden Triangle area. I have looked on the IDPA and IPSC sites but it does not really tell you where to begin. I was thinking of some kind of club or league first...

Hey Shannon,

I'm the match director for IDPA at Golden Triangle Gun Club our matches are the first and third Saturdays of the month with a "Bonus" match in months with five Saturdays. July has five Saturdays this year, we are going to try the new provisional multi gun format. Please feel free to contact me either PM or email for information.

Morris

mjones40@gt.rr.com

[mgood]

DO be safe. That's all anyone asks of a newbie.
DON'T be intimidated. Competitive shooters are some of the most helpful people I've come across. Generally, they all want to expand their sport and welcome newcomers with open arms.