Can you give advice to competitive newbies?

[Hokkmike]

A few of us located in the Endless Mountain Region of PA are interested in starting an IPSC chapter. IPSC will be in contact with us regarding details pertanent to getting started. I have a few questions.

My first question is, and I am asking for all, what would be the best caliber, mfg, and configuration for an appropriate pistol for competitive newbies.

We are all hunters and have long rifle, shotgun, and handgun experience. (various handgun types) We are looking to get a recommendation for a stock pistol in the most appropriate caliber for this kind of application.

Later, if this works out, would come the modified, add-the-toys, spend LOTS of money part. (not for me, but maybe for some of the others)

One other question, is there any other kind of competitive shooting, except for SASS, that we should consider for a local group?

We are just plain shooters, not law enforcement, etc. and etc.!

 

[Wakal]

Since you are in America, I recommend playing with...Americans...not IPSC. IPSC is more like the UN, and just about as efficient

http://www.uspsa.org/

Lots of good information there



Alex

 

[HSMITH]

Once you get your club affiliated you will want to get a couple guys through the RO class. You can't play the game if you don't know the rules. Register on Enos forums and look for experienced shooters that might be close enough to help you guys out. Try to travel out to the nearby matches and shoot with those clubs, learn from them too.

You are headed down a dark and expensive road, but you will have more fun with a firearm than you ever knew was possible. It is just amazingly fun!!!

 

[akanotken]

One other question, is there any other kind of competitive shooting, except for SASS, that we should consider for a local group?

IDPA. there are some similarities, but they are pretty different when you get into the details.

IDPA is specifically geared towards newer competition shooters. The rule book is smaller too

Whatever you start, there's a lot to it. Training and study will get you half ready, but you really need to get an experienced shooter, or shoot at other clubs to get it up and running. A course will look easy to set up, but there's been a lot of thought about safety, and about the differing ways a shooter might want to approach it.

I'd suggest googling USPSA and IDPA videos, it'll give you an small taste of the differences. Most of the stuff that makes it to the web is harder stuff, so don't let it intimidate you.

 

[Jim_M]

Join USPSA. Jump on there site and start reading up. They will instruct you on how to affiliate you club. Member count is important. It is worth the time and effort. Priority ONE...attend and shoot the matches in your area. The USPSA site will show you where they are. Enjoy the journey. Hope to see you at the nationals someday!

The link (again) http://www.uspsa.org/



Jim