Competition?

[OtG]

I'm looking to try out some sort of competition, but I have absolutely no clue what the different types are. Are there any good books or websites I should see?
To keep it (relatively) cheap, I'd like to start with some sort of rimfire. I have a SKS and an old Winchester pump. They'll outshoot me, but hopefully not for too long.

Rifle first. I'd like to get something that's relatively versatile (and durable), so I don't have a single-purpose gun on my hands. I'm thinking about one the Izmash Biathlon Basic. I think there's a model with peep sights. Anybody know what that's like, and if you can mount a scope as well?
Other suggestions gladly accepted, of course.

I'm also interested in long-range shooting, but again I have no clue what the classes or categories are.

Pistol: hell, I don't know. Something cheap and reliable enough for a beginner, and accurate enough for basic target/competition. Mk 2 or something.

Eventually I'd like to try IDPA or IPSC, and I'll do that after I get myself a centerfire pistol, but first things first.

If you think of anything I should know but didn't ask, tell me.

Thanks in advance.

-Owen

 

[atek3]

First see what you can do locally. No sense in getting hyped up about 1000 yd tactical matches if there is no range in your area that hosts such matchs. If you live in a normal area you'll have quite a few options. The biggies around here are:
Highpower, Bullseye, Benchrest, IPSC, IDPA, and 3-Gun.

The first 3 are more "target-y" and the last 3 are more "practical." Although all 6 are games.

The cheapest to start are probably IDPA, IPSC, or bullseye. A good centerfire handgun and holster will set you up for the first two. That plus a good accurate 22 pistol and you'll be able to shoot bullseye. My advice is go to several matches and see what interests you most. Who knows, if Highpower floats your boat, maybe someone is getting out of the sport and has a sweet pre-64 Win 70 in 260 rem, with a kreiger barrel, aperature sights, and an XTC stock out the door for 700 dollars.

atek3

 

[halvey]

I'd try Bullseye first. Cheap and easy to get into.

 

[Jim Watson]

If there is a bullseye range in reach, see if they do CMP Rimfire Sporter or NRA Light Rifle. Those events are directed toward ordinary .22 rifles. CMP Rimfire Sporter has a 7 1/2 pound weight limit and either iron sights or maximum 6x scope; appropriate time allowances in rapid fire for autoloader and manual actions. NRA Light Rifle is similar but I don't know their exact limitations.