Getting started with what I've got

[LoneCoon]

I want to improve my shooting, and I figured that competition is one way to improve skill.

I'm not really sure what to pursue, given my current collection. I know three gun is out, given I don't own an AR or AK, and I don't have a double shotgun, so SASS is out.

Here's what I've got that I could compete with:

Navy Arms .357 SA
S&W 439 (9mm)
Hi Point 995
Savage 736 (16ga Semi Auto)
Ruger 22/45
Remington Nylon 66
Dan Wesson .357
Marlin 1894c (.357/.38)

Any suggestions as to what to look into?

 

[VegasOPM]

Ruger 22/45 is ready to go for Steel Challenge. Make sure that you have 5 magazines to make life easier. No holster needed, since rimfire starts from low-ready.
The Dan Wesson is good for IDPA ( as long as it is a 4" gun) add a holster, 2 speed loaders and speed loader carriers. If it is a 6" gun, shoot Steel Challenge, Bowling Pins or ICORE.
The S&W 439 will work for IDPA or Steel Challenge. 3 mags, mag pouches and a holster for IDPA.

If you can find a Steel Challenge match locally, that is the best way to start IMHO. You focus on speed and accuracy with a minimum amount of movement or equipment. You will see massive improvements in accuracy, time to first hit and transitions very quickly. Feedback is instant too- which helps. Plus, who doesn't love to shoot at something other than paper?

 

[Gunfighter123]

You have the right idea --- if you want to improve your shooting skills , shoot in competition.

I've shot Action matches for over 25 years and SASS for the last 6 or 7 --- take your Marlin and NA .357 and go to a SASS/Cowboy match. Bring a box of factory 12 ga.-- before you go , look at the SASS website and CALL the match director ---- tell him what you have in firearms and explain that you would like to try CB shooting ---- I am sure he will set you up !!!!

Beside the box of low volocity 12ga ---- you will need about 100/150 rds. of low powered .357/38 Spl ----- if you use .38spl in your Marlin , try them out FIRST , some Marlins are picky about ammo and will only feed good with a .357 length round.

When I first decided to try SASS ---- I called the local MD and told him I only had one Ruger .357 and a Marlin .44mag ---- he said "come on out" --- when I got there , him and the rest of the "posse" loaned me EVERYTHING that I needed ---- a pair of custom Rugers in .45LC , a Marlin CB .45LC , a Savage 12ga double, a double holster rig that fit me and ALL THE AMMO to shoot the match !!!! I repaid their generosity many times over by doing EXACTLY what they did for me to other new shooters --- I almost always have a set of loaner guns and extra leather in my car when I go to my local matches ---- and MANY OTHER SASS shooters do also.

I've shot IPSC/IDPA/3 Gun/Steel Challenge/2nd Chance Bowling Pin/ etc. etc. ---- out of all the competitive shooting I've done ----- the Cowboy shooters have been the most helpfull and kind to "newbies".

Post or email/PM me if I can ansewer any other questions ----- GF123

 

[Gunfighter123]

VegasOPM has posted some good info above ---- in Steel Chal. or SASS , you have very limited movement while shooting ---- in 3 Gun or IPSC , you have A LOT MORE movement while walking/running with a loaded firearm ----- MANY people get very nervious{sp?} at the first few match they shoot ----- try to shoot something with little or limited movement.

 

[David E]

The S&W 9mm would also be good for USPSA Production Division.

The Dan Wesson, regardless of barrel length, will work for USPSA's Revolver division.

 

[CatsEye]

Shooting the S&W in IDPA would be a great way to start.

 

[Sunray]

Appleseed. http://www.appleseedinfo.org/