When would you start shooting competitively?

[bigalexe]

Im curious at what point you can start shooting competitively and not look like you started yesterday compared to seasoned shooters. Im pretty much curious if i wanted to get into a .22 LR competition (ammo cost is first thing that comes to mind) what kind of groups i would need to be competitive.

[VegasOPM]

Compete as soon as you can do it safely. Everything else will come with experience. Nobody wins (and very few even do marginally well) the first time out- so don't worry about that. Get out there, compete, ask questions and listen to the answers. You will be an "old hand" in no time flat.

[bigalexe]

I was kind of asking exactly what Marginally well is. I can get out and practice shooting on my own without doing it in a league or competitive setting. I was more wondering at what point you being to be a contender and not just another guy that signed up for the league because he thought he could shoot.

[appaws]

As a guy who is new to competition (3 USPSA and 1 Steel match), I have to tell you to just jump right in. There is no reason to wait....it's too much fun. You are not going to beat the old hands right away, but you are going to get in there and learn the stuff that will make you competitive later.

People have been super cool to my wife and I....inviting us to be on squads, letting us try their guns, giving advice, heck we even got invited to a memorial day cookout before a match. Shooters as a rule seem to be incredibly friendly to noobs.

Again, let me stress...it's too much fun to wait!

P.S. I see that you are in SE Michigan. I am in Jackson. Lots of good shooting to be done up here in the Michigan.

[WNTFW]

I've done a little shooting competition in the last year or 2. I've done a lot of other competition in the past (mostly racing). Nothing prepares you for competion like competition. I just go figuring I should get last place & anything better is really good. I don't get nervous about the competitive part.

I find the bigger hurdles are finding out the match info and equipt. requirements. Things like not having a 600 yd zero worked out before a match aren't the best situation but there is always someone there who will fast track you if you have a 100 yd zero. The guys & ladies at the matches wil do more to help you than you would ask them to.

Like the other guys said get to the match. A PPC match is pretty low stress. A bowling pin match is a good one also.

[IndianaBoy]

The sooner you start the faster you will improve... provided you proceed with intelligence and caution. Which I am sure you will.

My fiance has only been shooting a pistol for two years. Last week she finished mid-pack at a USPSA shoot, beating out a whole bunch of guys in the process.

Can you tell I am proud? ;)

She can't beat me. Yet.

[Hungry Seagull]

Nah, no contest for me. It would be all over and the winner awarded by the time I got out my range bag.

LOL.

[glockgod]

I wish I had started 30 years ago when I could actually shoot well! Jump right in,don't be bashful. Remember one thing -shooting is just like sex. You don't have to be good at it to enjoy it!:

[Soupy44]

Smallbore is my game. If you take the competition I shot in lest weekend, I shot a 1599/1600 and came in roughly 10th place for the day. I was grouping around a quarter of an inch at 50 yards and 2in at 100 (I dropped my point at 100).

The x ring at 50 yards is roughly 1cm in diameter, and 1in at 100. The 10 ring at 50 is about the size of a nickel and 2in at 100. Shooting 200/200 on these targets is only a stepping stone to winning scores. The winner the second day last weekend had a 1600 with 147 X's.

On the up side, you will see a marked improvement in your other shooting disciplines as a result of your smallbore practice.

Let me know if you have any questions about smallbore competitions. I'll be happy to answer.

[Howard Roark]

On the up side, you will see a marked improvement in your other shooting disciplines as a result of your smallbore practice.

This is exactly why I took up SB this year. The feedback you get is outstanding. You really know what a good shot looks like when shooting the .22 because of the low recoil. If the sight comes right back to center it was a good shot, if it doesn't align back up so that another shot would be a 10 you immediately know it. I love the adjustability of my Anschutz. I machined new butt plates for my mid and long range guns that adjust laterally.

[Floppy_D]

The x ring at 50 yards is roughly 1cm in diameter, and 1in at 100. The 10 ring at 50 is about the size of a nickel and 2in at 100. Shooting 200/200 on these targets is only a stepping stone to winning scores. The winner the second day last weekend had a 1600 with 147 X's.

Wow.

[JDGray]

When would you start shooting competitively?


I would start when I felt the need to beat someone, or if you need competition, to push yourself to be a better shooter.

[Sam1911]

Practicing up a lot before you start to compete is a bit like cleaning up before you take a bath.

You could spend years in the effort to stumble upon proper techniques, simple tips and tricks, and even the best equipment choices on your own -- or you can start to participate NOW, and get all that information/experience and a lot more in a season of shooting. And the more involved you get, the more people you meet, the more advice you seek out -- the faster you'll climb that learning curve.

I don't care what kind of shooting discipline you're entering, the idea that you'll could get "good enough" on your own to impress anyone or "earn" acceptance is a myth. And it is a myth as well that you have any need to. The only thing that's going to impress anyone is how safe you are.

You won't set the world on fire (win matches) as a novice. There wouldn't be any value in entering competition if you could! The sooner you get involved, the sooner you work through the awkward newbie stage and learn the ropes.

And, lastly, the great thing about shooting competitions is that "beating" anyone else is really pretty far from the point. You shoot against YOURSELF. You shoot to better your past performance. Winning anything is pretty secondary to your individual achievement. The greatest skill to learn is to be able to evaluate your own performance accurately and measure progress. Competition is really just a great framework for measuring your personal accomplishment.

Go, get involved, have FUN!

-Sam

[bigalexe]

Ok thanks. I was just wondering about skill level because no matter how safe i am or advice i get i would feel like an idiot showing up to a competitive shoot and feeling like half my rounds aren't even hitting the target compared to seasoned shooters.

[PA Freedom]

Just go for it. You wont be sorry!:)

[JohnKSa]

When you can handle a gun safely go find a competition that interests you and sign up for a match.

No matter how good you are, there will probably be someone there who is good enough to make you look like a rank amateur, and no matter how bad you are, there will probably be someone there who's as bad as you are-- maybe even worse....i would feel like an idiot showing up to a competitive shoot and feeling like half my rounds aren't even hitting the target compared to seasoned shooters.The best/fastest way to get better is to learn from people who are much better than you are in a context that motivates you strongly.

By taking the attitude that you won't go until you're "good enough" you're slowing down your progress and avoiding a situation that could really be a benefit to your shooting skills.I can get out and practice shooting on my own without doing it in a league or competitive setting.Sure you can. It's not as fun, not as challenging and the motivation factor is much reduced.

[Sam1911]

I can get out and practice shooting on my own without doing it in a league or competitive setting.

Sure you can. It's not as fun, not as challenging and the motivation factor is much reduced.


I can practice (REALLY, effectively practice) on my own occasionally when I have a certain skill set that I realize I need to pay special attention to, or I'm trying to "cram" a bit before a big match. But that's just supplimentary reenforcement of needs I'm identifying through competition and competative practice with other shooters in the same discipline.

And productive practice as such, on my own, is a skill of its own, and it takes discipline to do it right. Alone on the range with just a timer and your gear, it is very easy to let things slip into a pretty pointless "plinking" session where you're really only getting a fraction of the skills development or reenforcement that "real" practice, in concert with others, can give you.

I know very accomplished shooters whose only "practice" is attending as many matches as they can (and dry-firing at home). They don't find themselves needing the basic marksmanship tuning that a more laid-back "practice" session gives them so much as they need to train to handle the mental stretch/stress that a competition provides. And the only training for competition stress is competition itself.

Again, EVEN THOUGH, you/they are only really shooting against THEMSELVES.

Spend a year competing regularly and you'll know exactly what I mean.

-Sam

[bigalexe]

Alright thank you for the advice. I started this thread with some thought of getting into comp. shooting down the line but as it looks it may be sooner than later. I have been on the search for a shotgun to purchase and as it happened im getting a Mossberg 500 for free, depending on if i need to do anything to it (buy parts to make it fit me) there may be a bit of money left over i HAD budgeted for my shotgun purchase. Depending on that situation there may be a Ruger 10/22 or Savage Mk II following the shotgun home.

[wanderinwalker]

Best way to get into competition shooting is to just dive in.

I can tell you from experience just about any group of competitive shooters is a friendly bunch willing to help out new people. I've only ever met a couple of blow-hards actually. And for future reference, the ones to watch are the quiet ones; they're the winners, the great shots and will give you tons of good advice and knowledge.

Careful though; it becomes an addiction and if you find yourself unable to get enough, well, don't say you weren't warned... :neener:

[30Cal]

Show up and shoot the match regardless of how prepared you feel you are.

[owen]

Ok thanks. I was just wondering about skill level because no matter how safe i am or advice i get i would feel like an idiot showing up to a competitive shoot and feeling like half my rounds aren't even hitting the target compared to seasoned shooters.


The thing is, no matter how long you wait, you will stand out as a newbie. And you know what? No one will care, because everyone was a newbie once. Just go do it.

[Soupy44]

Actually, the more rookie you look, the more help you will get. I personally love to see someone I helped in their first match down the road in the expert class to better. You'll have fun at your first match no matter how well you do.

[JoeSlomo]

Just shoot.

Leave your ego in the car, and just shoot.

Everybody has strengths and weaknesses, so don't worry about being "competitive" at first. Just shoot.

Have fun.

You will get better at your particular brand of competition with time, and you will meet many great folks along the way, at, above, and below your skill level.

[ADKWOODSMAN]

Jump in.

Shooters are a great bunch and someone will take you under their wing and help you along.

They can answer your hundred questions.

[TexasInfidel]

I was thinking about starting to shoot competition to improve on my abilities for work, anyone around the Austin area know of any good match sights for stock pistols or stock rifles?

[jmorris]

Now. I shot for years with friends and never knew how much fun it could be. Also, the clubs I shoot with have more safty measures in place. "Unload...show clear...hammer down...holster." Everyone should do it, now they do even down at the farm.

[psyopspec]

Go for it.

To me, competition is something I do because it's fun, not because I'm good at it. As an added bonus, I've found that getting out there and having fun is THE way to get good.

[scotty]

I agree with everyone's advice so far.

When I got into USPSA matches, the clubs where I competed had a new shooter orientation where the rules and safety precautions were explained. If your club doesn't have something similar, I'm sure a match official or a fellow competitor would be more than happy to help you out.

You will find other competitors to be very friendly and helpful. Everyone loves to see new shooters.

In short, like the others said, go for it!

[rskent]

Start Today
You won't regret it. I have received nothing but help and
encouragement from my fellow competitors. I help and
encourage when I can. It helps us all become better, and
enjoy our sport more.
Steve

[.38 Special]

Lots of good advice here. I certainly concur that trying to work your way into "match winning shape" prior to entering your first match is a waste of time. You learn how to win matches by entering a lot of matches.

Having said that, I think most people would admit there is some level of basic competence required. You'll get into trouble pretty quickly if you are sweeping folks with your muzzle, walking around with finger on the trigger, etc. You'll also get uninvited if you are so out-of-control that you are sending rounds over the berm, into the walls or ceiling, consistently into target frames/holders and/or into competitor's targets. So I think it's a good idea to A) obtain some of the targets appropriate to the game you are thinking about, and making sure that you can at least keep your shots on them somewhere -- not necessarily "in the black" or scoring area, but at least somewhere on the paper -- and B) get ahold of the rules of the game so that you can see what's expected of you, especially in terms of safety and gun handling.

Have fun!

[JImbothefiveth]

You're probably not going to win the first time. You might not ever win. I attend a monthly match where even the really good competitors usually aren't in first place.

and not look like you started yesterday compared to seasoned shootersSwallow your pride and don't worry about that. The way they got to be seasoned competitors was by competing. Don't worry about winning, don't even worry too much about improving.If you worry about that too much you'll get discouraged. Just have fun and eventually you might start winning.

[Comanche180]

I have been shooting in a winter indoor bullseye league for 3-4 years now. The guys who are winning have been shooting for up to 30 years. Here is what I have learned: practice as much as you can and leave your ego at home. You will be crushed (unless you have incredible natural ability). Just enjoy the time and fellowship and compete with yourself. The guys will help you.

I have also shot IDPA a little; great fun. I can shoot in this game but don't move and think fast enough to be competitive. So what, the game is fun. Get into it as soon as possible.

[Hollywood Marine]

Today would be fine, yesterday better, and last week better still. Start competing immediately. You will improve as you gain experience, and you gain no experience sitting on the sidelines wondering when to start.

[Uncle Mike]

shooting is just like sex. You don't have to be good at it to enjoy it!:
hehehe .... but you'll enjoy it more if your good at it....right... hehehe:neener:

Now... about this other concern.

Are you affraid that you will show up to shoot a match and look like the proverbial id10t?

maybe you feel your gonna choke on the line... miss the targets and look really stupid and contagious?

pull a big, dumb stunt out of your a$$?

Well, welcome to the fraternity! Hell, we ALL felt like that at one time or another.

Do not let your ego or self-esteem interfere with what will possibly the most fun you'll have... with or without your clothes on!

Get in there and do some shootin'!

There is no such thing as a stupid move or dumb question, you don't have to win every match... and you won't, you don't have to have all the latest, greatest, most expensive equipment, all you have to do is be safe and courteous and the rest will fall into place.

Have Fun-:D

[Bart B.]

I started competitive rifle and pistol shooting back in the mid 1960's. Was in the Navy then and the local Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor showed me which end of the round went in the barrel first (pointy end) and what the purpose of the safety was on both the M1911 pistol and M1 rifle. In my first match with either, I dropped a magazine loading the .45 (3 times, mind you) and turned the M1's sight knobs the wrong way to make changes. Other problems ensued that's too embarassing to talk about. The laughter from dozens watching me make a fool of myself still ring in my ears in spite of me laughing with them.

But I persisted. Ended up with a masters card for outdoor pistol, master small bore rifle prone, master & high master with high power rifle, shot on many military and civilian teams including the US Navy Team at Interservice and National Matches. I was fortunate when asked to be the first person in the world to shoot across the standard service rifle course of fire with the M16. Also have been on the US Palma and Goodwill Teams (long range). Won a lot of matches at all levels, lost a few more but placed well. Best feeling was a few years ago at a smallbore prone match beating the kids on the Olympic team 40 years younger than me and winning the match doing it.

Most important of all....you shoot with others; you compete against yourself. If you ever think it's the other way around, well.......

Shoot competitive; it's cheaper than playing golf and working your way up to the Masters trying to beat Tiger Woods and his equals.

[Jim Watson]

It is highly unlikely that you or I could work our way up to play golf against Tiger Woods. You are not going to play in the World Series or the Super Bowl.

But you CAN go to a championship shooting match. I like to say that I have been beaten by the best in the world. I have shot in state, regional, and national championships of several events, and although I have not risen as high as Bart, I was there and had a good time.

[krs]

One thing that I don't see said outright here, but which is contained in every post:

New competitor,
THE EXPERIENCED COMPETITORS WANT YOU THERE IN THE MATCHES!.

They don't want you there to make themselves feel superior, they want you there because they all have a vested interest in the continuation of their chosen sport.

Get that through your head.

All shooting sports have people come and go. When too many go and there aren't any new members/shooters then the event will die for lack of participation.

All of the people who are already hooked on a particular type of shooting, a set of matches at a particular location, or who know that without a continual influx of new enthusiasts their chosen sport may one day die away will bend over backwards to help you into their game in most any way they can. They'll be universally friendly to you unless you are a jerk coming through the door/gate.

So if you're interested in competing in shooting get out there now - the other people need you there.

[krs]

38 Special: "Having said that, I think most people would admit there is some level of basic competence required. You'll get into trouble pretty quickly if you are sweeping folks with your muzzle, walking around with finger on the trigger, etc. You'll also get uninvited if you are so out-of-control that you are sending rounds over the berm, into the walls or ceiling, consistently into target frames/holders and/or into competitor's targets. So I think it's a good idea to A) obtain some of the targets appropriate to the game you are thinking about, and making sure that you can at least keep your shots on them somewhere -- not necessarily "in the black" or scoring area, but at least somewhere on the paper -- and B) get ahold of the rules of the game so that you can see what's expected of you, especially in terms of safety and gun handling".


This is spoken like or by someone with experience calling matches as a range officer, and it's an addition worth emphasis.

No one wants unsafe practices on ranges or at matches, and although everyone will help you through the match itself they do expect, and have a right to expect, that you come with a good grounding in the safe handling of firearms in a public range environment. So it's worth hanging back to observe the way rules are applied and it's worth knowing the rules themselves for any given location or event.