[The_Bullzeye_Guy]

Hi all,

I have been target shooting, all kinds of guns, since 10 years old. I really want to get into competitive shooting now. I live in NJ, but go to college in Miami, FL. What's the first step I need to take to get started? I like shooting pistols and rifles, because my dad is a huge gun collector.

I know I have some skill, and would really like to try out for the US Olympic team for the year 2012. Figured, I should start learning the official rules and such now...

I would really appreciate any kinda of advice or guidance! Thanks for taking the time to write to me.

Sincerely,

Adam Z :D

[Friendly, Don't Fire!]

I would like to start competitive shooting as well, in pistol.
What are the different classes? What kinds of guns do I need?

[mm1ut1]

Go to this site:
http://lists.lava.net/mailman/listinfo/bullseye-l

The top bullseye shooters in the US frequent this site and can get you all the info you need.

[DickM]

Another site frequented by high-level international target shooters:
www.targettalk.org

[exflatlander]

I would start with the local gun clubs in you area and look into joining one. Whatever discipline you want to get involved in you will need a place to practice.

[Howard Roark]

The state shooting association is the place to start. They are the state NRA affiliate and on their web site you will find information on the state junior program as well clubs and grant information.

http://www.flssa.org/

[Hk Dan]

What kind of competition are you wanting to start in? For USPSA or IDPA, just go do it. Show up, the clubs will typically have a new shooter brief on your first match. They will, at some point, run a new shooter class to cover the rules in-depth and give you some tactics for running different drills.

If you'd like help finding a club in your area, check USPSA.org or IDPA.com.

For CMP or Bullseye, there are folks better suited than me to answer you.

[Soupy44]

There is a club near you in Hollywood, http://hrpclub.com/. I've shot there once (smallbore rifle). Nice range, interesting location, I'm sure the people there would be willing to help you out.

[Friendly, Don't Fire!]

I want to get as good with my 642 as I see Jerry Miculek doing. It has a real smooth action and trigger, and I'm going to work up calm and accurate loads and shoot, shoot, shoot!

At least this can be my goal!

[Jim Watson]

Adam, you best be very good already to think about the 2012 Olympics.
Coordinating organization is USA Shooting at
http://www.usashooting.com/

[The_Bullzeye_Guy]

Great stuff here guys! Thanks so much! I will deffinately check out these links! Any more thoughts on guns or anything, feel free to shoot! :cool:

Thanks for your time!

Sincerely,

Adam Z

[Saleen322]

I would also offer that you may want to consider getting a target air pistol. You mentioned that you would like to expand your shooting and maybe get into Olympic shooting. Air pistol is an Olympic event. You would not have to have a $2000 Steyr but shooting an air pistol makes you better. I just recently tried the air pistol. I am an average Conventional--Bullseye--shooter. I would average high 550s, low 560s in indoor league shoots on a 600 index. I bought an air pistol to try an air pistol match and practiced (in the house!) for about a week. I shoot the air pistol match and then show up at my next league match where I shoot a 570. Now that is not a great score for most but for me, it is a great score. An 8-10 point move is really hard to come by for me after I went above 550. I will still see what happens but my sight alignment, trigger control and follow through has really improved and it is these fundamentals that help you in every discipline. The air pistol FORCES you to follow though or the target will punish you. Hope this helps and good luck.

[testar77]

Adam, you best be very good already to think about the 2012 Olympics.



Not to be disparaging, but that ain't no understatement!!!

So just to be sure that I am understanding you correctly. Are you new to BE or whatever event you are planning on trying out for?

Toby