how do I get started in competative shooting?

[tboesche]

Topic says it all. How do I get started. I have only shot competition once, back in 1987. I went to the Pacific Fleet pistol and rifle championship. I would like to get started shooting competatively but don't know where to start.

Any help

[seamusTX]

What kind of competition? Bullseye, IDPA, or IPSC?

In any case, learn the rules of the type of event, visit a couple so you can see how they're run, then give it a try.

- Jim

[tboesche]

Seamus,
I have no idea what would fit me best. I will give you some insight though. When I went thru the military police academy(years ago), I had the most fun AND shot the best when we had to shoot a practical course, ie. running from station to station and shoot from either cover or behind a barricade. What type of comp. would be closest to this?

[propellerhead]

Start off with IDPA. You don't need fancy gear. Just your stock pistol, a holster, and a dual magazine carrier. Check out Cross Timbers IDPA if you're in the DFW area. http://www.ctidpa.com

[jbirds1210]

Sounds like IDPA might be the sport for you. Where do you live?

Read http://www.idpa.com to get a basic idea of what it is about and you will need to attend a match.

The people WILL be friendly and will show you everything that you need to know.

Take what you have to the first match (gun, holster, a few magazines, and a concealment garment) and you will see the equipment others are using and if you need to add anything.

Be safe.....ask questions and have fun! Let me be the first to warn you of your new addiction.....LOL. It is a lot of fun!

Jason

[seamusTX]

IDPA and IPSC both involve moving and shooting at multiple targets. You can find a list of Texas clubs here: http://www.texasidpa.com/IDPA_Clubs.htm (also run by Charles Cotton).

Most IDPA clubs will allow you to show up and run a qualifier. You have to join if you want to shoot regularly, but it's one of the more affordable shooting sports.

You can find the complete rules through a Google search.

IPSC is similar to IDPA. It's just a different organization. I don't know anyone who participates in it.

- Jim

[jbirds1210]

Most IDPA clubs will allow you to show up and run a qualifier.

Jim-

I agree that most will allow you to shoot a classifier (if you just happen to show up at a club that is running one that day), but it is really something that a first time IDPA shooter does not have to worry about for a while.

It is good to get a few matches under your belt and become familiar with the skills before shooting a classifier.

BTW- When are you guys going to get a match started up at the Galveston Range!?

Jason

[seamusTX]

BTW- When are you guys going to get a match started up at the Galveston Range!?

Not in the foreseeable future. Our insurance currently doesn't allow non-members to shoot.

- Jim

[Renegade]

Topic says it all. How do I get started. I have only shot competition once, back in 1987. I went to the Pacific Fleet pistol and rifle championship. I would like to get started shooting competatively but don't know where to start.

Any help

Just start showing up at matches.

[NcongruNt]

Seamus,
I have no idea what would fit me best. I will give you some insight though. When I went thru the military police academy(years ago), I had the most fun AND shot the best when we had to shoot a practical course, ie. running from station to station and shoot from either cover or behind a barricade. What type of comp. would be closest to this?

I agree that it sounds like you're looking for IDPA. To clarify a little, my understanding that IDPA was founded to create a more practical type of shooting competition. While IPSC shooters tend to have fancy tricked-out guns, IDPA focuses on using real-life defense shooting equipment. There are limitations on carry guns and equipment (like mag carriers and holsters) to keep the competition about practical shooting ability with a defense gun, instead of enhancing equipment for accuracy in speed.

I shot the IDPA session at Forum Day, and it was a blast. I'd definitely recommend you check out a match.

[tboesche]

thanks guys. I will definately check out IDPA.

[Kalrog]

Just start showing up at matches.

+1

I know the first time I went to an IDPA match, it was with the intention of just watching. That didn't happen. People basically threw equipment at me and forced me (in a good way) to participate and have fun.

[tboesche]

I am going to go to one tomorrow night in Fort Worth. At The shooting gallery i think. 820 and Winchester? Anybody from this forum going to be there?

[gfmun]

Winchester Shooting Gallery, 820 & Lancaster ? If that's the one, I will be the MD for Thursday's match. We should be starting to set up by 5:30 and it would be good if you could get there between 5:30-6:00 if possible as we have a " New Shooter's" briefing. Safety is always #1. For first time shooters we also assign an experienced shooter to answer your questions during the match and help explain what is happening.

Come on down, glad to have you.

George Munford
Cross Timbers IDPA

[tboesche]

George,
I had not planned on shooting-Just yet. I have a CZ-75, plenty of mags and ammo, but no holster as of yet. Once I get my holster, maybe in a week or two I will. However, i will definately show up and watch. I work at Alliance Airport so I should be able to be there by 6'00. I will look you up.