how do i get started?

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kds99

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I am interested in competition shooting and would like some info about what to expect at matches, how they are run, and just a general idea of what to expect.

Also I am in Dallas Texas so if anyone knows of any local matches that would be great as well.

I was in the marine corps in the late 80's and it seems the course of fire is similar to what qualification was there.
 
Getting started

You will find the range operations to be very similar to what you had before.
I haven't competed in a few years and plan to start again soon.
I would suggest that you find another experienced HP shooter to buddy up with and listen & learn. The better he is the faster you will learn. This is what I did and was able to make highmaster in 2 years.
Don't rush out to purchase a target rifle untill you have looked around some.
I shot .308 in the past but have found that the reloading costs have gone up considerably so I am going to .223 this time.
Heres a link that will help. Its the nra highpower page.
http://www.nrahq.org/compete/highpower.asp

Good luck!
 
Terrell rifle and pistol club.

www.tr-pc.com.

www.epcgc.com

They had a service rifle seminar this LAST weekend. Usually have at least two a year. They shoot every month.

We will be shooting this weekend at Mineral Wells. You are welcome to show up and watch. If you contact the match director and arrange equipment...I bet they would let you SHOOT on Sunday in the LEG match.

There are nearly 100 folks signed up to shoot the Service Rifle Championship on Saturday at Mineral Wells. The LEG match is going to give SEVEN LEGS at this time.
 
Highpower in Texas with the TSRA

Anyone in Texas, and I suspect any state, doesn't need to buy a rifle, ammo, mat, jacket, cart, scope or ANYTHING else to experience and shoot a Highpower Rifle Match. If you are a new shooter you won't need anything except a hat on your head, earplugs and fifteen bucks, and most folks will give you the earplugs. Contact the match director and tell him you want to see a match and shoot. They will handle everything you need plus coaching.

It might not turn out to be your thing, but you can experience it with no equipment.

Terrell has a pretty good seminar they make folks go through...I think it costs 20 bucks or so. Free lunch.
 
Garand Match at Temple this Month

Another great time to get started would be to go to the Texas State Garand Championship at Temple later this month. They will have a rifle and ammo. You just need yourself and 25 bucks. The range is off the north loop in Temple, easy to find. Lots of coaches. Garand and highpower clinic to start the match.

They are going to shoot Carbines, 1903s, Garands, P17s, or any other service rifle. 200 yard reduced course. Five sighters, 10 shots standing, 10 shots prone rapid fire and 10 shots prone slow fire.

You can google up the Temple Gun Club and find maps to the range and details. Or ask me and I will find the info and post it. They are going to shoot Saturday and Sunday.

If you know a re-inactor, be sure and tell him.
 
Mineral Wells Match Director

Here is the number for the Mineral Wells Match Director. He'll be glad to hear from and help anyone.

214 321 1357 H

214 668 4586 C
 
You didn't say what kind of shooting you are interested in.? If action pistol shooting is something you would be interested in, try ccidpa.org or dallaspistol.com both clubs shoot IDPA and USPSA matches, and ccidpa hosts 3-gun matches as well.
 
Learning to shoot.

If you don't shoot competition, you don't learn to shoot, period, IMPO. Or I
haven't seen it.

About this time of year people start dusting off their deer rifles and go out to the range to "zero" them. As a rule, they don't shoot much. Their rifles get shot 10 times a year, maybe. You will see the worst bench technique in the world. You'll see folks who don't know whats IN a bullet, much less what rifling is. You'll see yanked triggers, unwelded cheeks, mixed ammo lots, mis-mounted scopes, (saw one mounted backwards once that the guy was really puzzled by.)

And this is in Texas where, by reputation, everyone is a dead-eye gun-nut.

In competition, people can SHOOT and they know why. Their equipment and ammo is squared away and their technique pretty good. It shows.

I think everyone ought to find a shooting disciple and shoot it.

And if you can't REALLY shoot a rifle and know how it all works.....you've flunked an American developmental task.
 
I want to tank everyone for all the info in this thread. I will be contacting the Mineral Wells guy and make it out to the shoot this weekend.
 
Do the competitions at elm fork have a payout for the winner or is this just for fun? I didnt see any info regarding this on the dallaspistol.com site.

Thanks
 
no payout/prizes at club matches. The $5 entry fee pays for targets, tape, etc.
 
Learning to shoot. by Blackfork

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"If you don't shoot competition, you don't learn to shoot, period, IMPO. Or I
haven't seen it.

About this time of year people start dusting off their deer rifles and go out to the range to "zero" them. As a rule, they don't shoot much. Their rifles get shot 10 times a year, maybe. You will see the worst bench technique in the world. You'll see folks who don't know whats IN a bullet, much less what rifling is. You'll see yanked triggers, unwelded cheeks, mixed ammo lots, mis-mounted scopes, (saw one mounted backwards once that the guy was really puzzled by.)

And this is in Texas where, by reputation, everyone is a dead-eye gun-nut.

In competition, people can SHOOT and they know why. Their equipment and ammo is squared away and their technique pretty good. It shows.

I think everyone ought to find a shooting disciple and shoot it.

And if you can't REALLY shoot a rifle and know how it all works.....you've flunked an American developmental task."

I LOVE this!...thanks (From an Arkie who learned to shoot in muzzle loading competition and now prefer iron sights over scopes...25 years of it!)
 
How to get started in ISSF Olympic Style Shooting?

Get Started in Olympic Style Target Shooting in 7 Easy Steps

1) Acquire an Air Pistol or Rifle, whichever you prefer. A rifle generally requires greater initial investment due to higher equipment and storage costs. Popular manufacturers of competitive air guns include Anschutz, Feinwerkbau, Steyr, and Hammerli.

2) Attend an introductory NRA Rifle or Pistol Basics Class to get acquainted with the basics of firearm handling and safety if you have not had previous experience with firearms.

3) Contact your local gun club for more information about advanced programs, or group training sessions or seminars.

4) Become a USA Shooting member for only $25 to $35, depending on your age. Includes subscription to the USA Shooting Magazine. You can use the USAS website for the latest news and upcoming matches and tournament information. Official USAS Website

5) Find a qualified coach if you would like to compete at a high level and wish to successfully participate in state, national, and international championships, or even plan to compete at the Olympic Games.

6) Keep practicing your skills and gaining experience by attending local matches once a month. Contact your local gun club for more information on upcoming competitive events. If you plan on being successful at a high level, we recommend that you spend at least one hour on practice every day, and have your coach monitor your progress bi-weekly or monthly.

7) Be patient and follow the plan you make for yourself. Do not worry if you see a need to adjust your plan as you go along to maximize progress and achieve peak performance when you need to demonstrate your top results.

Good luck! :)
more info: http://www.midwestshootingacademy.com/articles.shtml
 
wow!

wow, this is some really great advice... i'm so glad i found this thread -- i was wondering the same thing! except i'm from the houston area.. rather than dallas.
 
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