What kind of events can/should I compete in?

[electric wombat]

Hello everyone! I'm new to this forum (this is my first post) & new to shooting games. I'm looking to get into some competition handgun shooting but don't really know which competitions & events would be good for me & my guns. I'm a pretty decent shot, not great but not bad either. The guns I own are a S&W Model 19 .357 mag revolver, a desert baby eagle 9mm, & my recent acquisition a Witness elite match in .40 cal. I still need to do my research on the sport & what competitions are done in my area. So... what events do yall suggest I should look into?

 

[RH45]

If the barrel length is 4" or less on the revolver, it can be used in IDPA. Regardless of length, it can be used in USPSA.
The other two pistols can be used in either.

Warning: Shooting USPSA can be highly addicting, and suck the money out of your wallet!

 

[Hoser]

suck the money out of your wallet

Yup. It happens.

 

[ACP230]

You might check for steel plate matches in your area. They are generally straightforward, face steel, shoot till all the plates are down and repeat.

Police Pistol Combat-type (PPC) matches might be another thing to look at. Stages are shot "on the clock" but time limits are generous. I was supposed to attend an outdoor match today, but it's too cold for me this year. Shot it last year and had fun.

You could use any of your guns for these kind of matches.

 

[cdrt]

It would help to know where you are, so we could check on matches, clubs in your area.

 

[electric wombat]

I live out in louisiana around the Baton Rouge area. I found a list of clubs in the state on the USPSA website. When I get a chance I'll try to contact some that are near me.

Soundls like the pistols I have will allow me to compete in most events. Here's another question... Besides the obvious, guns, mags, holster, is there anything else that I should invest in to get me started?

 

[Mt Shooter]

thats it to start, dont forget eyes and ears.

 

[Denis S]

IDPA has some rules limiting what kind of gear you can use for the matches. Basically it should be the stuff you would normally carry, rather than competition only equipment. Before you invest in the gear check out the rule book (see the link below). Generally clubs will let you shoot with whatever you have when you're first starting out, but your gear should be rule compliant for classifications and major matches.

http://www.idpa.com/Documents/IDPARuleBook2005.pdf

have fun

 

[electric wombat]

I just finished printing out the IDPA, USPSA & IPSA rulebooks. I don't see any problems in the rules with the guns I have. From my understanding of the rules I'll be able to use my .40 in all the divisions except production because it's a SA only. My 9mm is on the approved list for the production division. I'm assuming you can use different guns for each different division right?

In the rules... can someone explain to me the difference in major & minor classes.

 

[Jim Watson]

Major and Minor are not "classes" they are power factors of the ammunition being shot.
Power factor is bullet weight times muzzle velocity (divide by 1000 for USPSA.)
Major is 165+, Minor is 125 - 164.99. Under 125 is not allowed.

On the USPSA target an A hit counts 5 points for either major or minor.
B = 4 Major, 3 Minor
C = 4 Major, 3 Minor
D = 2 Major, 1 Minor

In Production, EVERYTHING is scored Minor so the 9mms can compete with the .40+.
In other Divisions, (except Open) the caliber must be .40 or larger to be loaded and scored as Major.

 

[electric wombat]

That makes alot more sense now.... power not class.

 

[FM12]

There is a revolver club in Byram Mississippi, associated with ICORE A revolver organization...google ICORE for info

 

[TalonArms_R]

Electric Wombat,

I HIGHLY suggest you go USPSA and shoot with the Cajun Action Shooters.
the range is fantastic and it is a very well run match. It will spoil you rotten compared to some of the other matches around. Of course, the people are great as well. Some of the most welcoming shooters I have had the pleasure to compete against.

I live in Houston and I drove out for the Gator Classic last year and loved it! Next year I will be an event sponsor for sure.

Here is a link to the area clubs and matches:

http://www.lagator.org/


With your Witness, you can shoot in Limited or Limited 10. If your mag capacity is less than 18 rounds, I would shoot limited 10. You can either buy 10 round mags or just load yours to 10 rounds on the honor system.

Good luck and be prepared to go broke in a hurry.

 

[TalonArms_R]

Yes, you can (and probably will) shoot different guns in different classes.

My advice is to pick your favorite gun first and a class to shoot it in second. Don't move around too much. At first, it is better to stick with just one type of competition and one pistol so you can improve faster.

With that said, it is still not a bad idea to shoot a USPSA match, an IDPA match and a steel chalenge match. That way you will get a taste for each and see what style of shooting suits you best. Also, you might find you get along better with one group of guys over another.

 

[Feanaro]

You can shoot the "production" type categories in either IDPA or IPSC/USPSA with the Baby Eagle. IDPA focuses on more realistic scenarios, often with fewer rounds fired. It has a lot of rules related to what kind of equipment you can use, etc. IPSC is more openly a game with more rounds fired, typically.

The S&W 19 can be shot in USPSA Revolver or IDPA SSR(Stock Service Revolver). If there's an ICORE club, they specialize in nothing but revolvers. I highly recommend buying a metric tonne of Sarariland Comp speedloaders for your revolver if you are going to compete with it.

You will not have any money left from these to shoot anything else.

 

[1911NM]

From one who has the USPSA addiction, if you are not reloading, invest in a good reloader, or stock in an ammunition company. Gun games are the most fun you can have with a holster on.

 

[loop]

Pick one and shoot it. Doesn't cost that much. USPSA will probably take more ammo than IDPA. Try one and you'll know if you like it. If you come away unhappy with the format try the other.

At least you aren't sitting at home wondering....

 

[Jim_M]

Attend all you can. I'm not one to recommend the "just jump in" shoot what you got. The VAST majority of negative experiences new shooters have with gun games is due to lack of preparation. Watching one match makes all the difference in the world. Visit the links listed by my signature. Stick around after a match and ask away. Also, better clubs have new shooter orientation. Old shooters like me don't care about your score. We really care about how safe you are. Their is much to learn grasshopper.
Enjoy the ride!

Jim M

 

[long762range]

I began shooting IDPA with a Ruger Security Six with a three inch barrel. I moved to a Glock then a Browning High Power and eventually settled on a Springfield 1911 45. I now shoot three gun matches and USPSA in the single stack class. Do what is convenient and what you enjoy.

 

[sargenv]

In other Divisions, (except Open) the caliber must be .40 or larger to be loaded and scored as Major

Um.. except Revolver.. then minimum caliber is 357 Magnum.. but almost nobody bothers.. (too much recoil usually)

 

[BBroadside]

This is a very good thread and I thank Mr. Wombat for starting it.

I've seen the rules for IDPA and USPSA, and I can't detect too much difference between IDPA and the "cheaper" (Production, etc.) classes of USPSA. Does the important difference lie in rule details, or do the sports have different feels over all? Does it tend to be easy to spectate during a match, or are there memberships and fees usually required?

(I ask because I'm about to move to a new state in 4-6 weeks, and I'm not sure where exactly I'll be living, and I'd like to know what to look for in local shooting clubs....)

 

[CrankyCrash]

Both IDPA and IPSC/USPSA have membership fees. Usually, most clubs allow you to shoot your first match without being a member of IDPA or USPSA.

Some local clubs may decide whether to enforce membership in IDPA or not. All IDPA sanctioned matches require membership.

USPSA requires membership.

You will also probably need to be a member of NRA. Most gun clubs have this as a requirement, mainly because it reduces the insurance they have to pay.

As far as joining a gun club and moving in 4 - 6 weeks, depends on the cost of the club membership, how much money you have, etc....

As far as what to look for in a gun club:
#1 Are the members SAFE SHOOTERS... if they're not leave immediately.
#2 Is the club range and equipment well maintained and safe to operate?
#3 How friendly are they? Would you like to spend several hours in all kinds of weather with them...
#4 Are there latrines (bathroom, port-a-pottie) ... or do you have to do a woods walk..
#5 If kids are present, are they allowed to just run around or are they properly supervised and controlled.

The list goes on and on. Set a standard and go for it. If the club doesn't meet your needs go someplace else.

Visit some matches and gun clubs and check it out before you spend your money. Most places are very safe, friendly, and welcome visitors.


Happy Shooting

 

[Sunray]

"...what events do yall suggest I should look into?..." All of 'em. There's some kind of competitive shooting for everybody. Mind you, most of the time you're competing against yourself.
The idea is to have fun shooting. Jump the assorted training hoops and shoot 'em all until you find the game you really like. Don't discount competitive bullseye shooting either. Even standing on your hind legs and shooting wee groups is fun. If you see a pin shoot(speed shooting at 10 pin sized bowling pins) advertised, go to that too. It's enormous fun.
The most important thing is not to worry about placing. Shoot the matches because it's fun and you'll meet some truly great people, the odd rectal orifice notwithstanding. You'll find them collecting stamps.
Other doors will open too. Invitations to go hunting for example.
Oh and if you're not reloading now, you will be. Look into it. Makes the endless search for the best price for ammo go away and you'll be shooting ammo that is tailored to your pistols.