I really want to start doing shooting competitions. I live in KY and I just dont know how to get started. Any help would be great.
How To Start
- Thread starter AL9426
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If you are brand new and don't know what or where to shoot, I would go to the IDPA and IPSC websites to start. Just Google for a link.
See which or both interests you and both sites should link you to the clubs in your state. See what is close or reasonable driving distance. Go watch a match and talk to the people there.
You will be fired up and ready to gear up and jump in.
See which or both interests you and both sites should link you to the clubs in your state. See what is close or reasonable driving distance. Go watch a match and talk to the people there.
You will be fired up and ready to gear up and jump in.
Check out what matches are in your area. Talk to shooters and they may be able to point you to other types of matches that are around. The main thing is to just get out there and get started. It's easy to think that you need to get more practice in before you start but you might end up putting it off forever because you always think you need to get better before you enter a local competition. After a few matches, you won't be the new guy anymore. I've done cowboy action shooting for 7 or 8 years and have now shot about 4 IDPA matches. Have fun.
Competition Shooting
Recently I became interested competition shooting, so I Googled "how to become a competitive handgun shooter or three-gun shooter." There wasn't exactly one website that provided easy answers.
But I kept digging, and I found some interesting information. So far, the best thing I found for women is a shooting camp called Babes With Bullets sponsored by S&W:
http://www.bang-inc.com/store/index..._id=17&zenid=26fafd187f5c558ec48c488b52ab0119
I found that link by reading Julie Goloski's website. They also have other camps, especially for novice shooters. I'm hoping that I can save enough money and buy the right gear to go.
But I will also check out the other sites recommended.
Recently I became interested competition shooting, so I Googled "how to become a competitive handgun shooter or three-gun shooter." There wasn't exactly one website that provided easy answers.
But I kept digging, and I found some interesting information. So far, the best thing I found for women is a shooting camp called Babes With Bullets sponsored by S&W:
http://www.bang-inc.com/store/index..._id=17&zenid=26fafd187f5c558ec48c488b52ab0119
I found that link by reading Julie Goloski's website. They also have other camps, especially for novice shooters. I'm hoping that I can save enough money and buy the right gear to go.
But I will also check out the other sites recommended.
AL9426 have you tried Bluegrass Sportsmans League? Been going down there the past 6 or 8 years for the GSSF match thats held there every year. I would rate their ranges and members as the best anywhere. ( well, AFTER my local range!). They have a GSSF-style match that may be what you're looking for. Try bgslinc.com
). They have a GSSF-style match that may be what you're looking for. Try bgslinc.comFind a local range that has matches every week or so. The best thing to do is go there and talk with the guys that are regulars. They can give you the basics and are usually happy to have a new shooter around. The rule-books can be found in PDF form online, and cover little details that aren't so important on the first time, but on the second, you'll want to be playing fairly so you can see where you stand.
In all of the comps, safety comes first. Always keep the gun pointed down-range, don't trip over your own feet, don't drop the gun, and always keep it unloaded until you're up to bat.
For IDPA, you'll need at least three mags, depending on what type of gun. For USPSA, you'll need a lot of mags.
In all of the comps, safety comes first. Always keep the gun pointed down-range, don't trip over your own feet, don't drop the gun, and always keep it unloaded until you're up to bat.
For IDPA, you'll need at least three mags, depending on what type of gun. For USPSA, you'll need a lot of mags.
What kind?
Going to shoot pistol, action pistol, highpower rifle, silhouettes, smallbore? Lots of disciplines to pick from and I bet they are shooting all of them in your area.
Going to shoot pistol, action pistol, highpower rifle, silhouettes, smallbore? Lots of disciplines to pick from and I bet they are shooting all of them in your area.
WHERE in KY?
WHAT kind of competition? Pistol, rifle, shotgun?
Answer these questions and we will probably be able to help you out tremendously.
WHAT kind of competition? Pistol, rifle, shotgun?
Answer these questions and we will probably be able to help you out tremendously.
If you go to www.uspsa.org you can put in your zip code and they will direct you to your local reps.
I'm a bit newer to competition myself and I'M HOOKED. Don't get intimidated. Some of the nicest and most helpful people I know I met shooting.
I'm a bit newer to competition myself and I'M HOOKED. Don't get intimidated. Some of the nicest and most helpful people I know I met shooting.
If you are near Ashland, KY there is a terrific club there. They shoot USPSA and IDPA. Very nice people run the club. You can find them through the www.uspsa.org website. I enjoy shooting with them.
They do a terrific job with new shooters. They place new shooters in a squad to help shepard them along. Everyone in that squad will go out of their way to make sure your first match is fun and more importantly safe.
They do a terrific job with new shooters. They place new shooters in a squad to help shepard them along. Everyone in that squad will go out of their way to make sure your first match is fun and more importantly safe.
Find a match, regardless of whether you have the gear and then call the match director and tell them you'd like to shoot.
Man, I wish I were in your shoes! The Bluegrass Sportsmans League is in your backyard in Wilmore! You lucky dog!
no better place than Lexington
I'm in Louisville. If you live in Lexington you've got quality USPSA pistol matches within an hours drive every weekend during the summer, plus 3-gun USPSA, IDPSA and GSSF within a short driving distance.
We're having a USPSA Pistol match in Sellersburg IN on Sunday Jan 13th and we have a Steel Challenge (pistol) on Saturday the 26th. We're very new shooter friendly at Silver Creek and we'll give you a great introduction. The same goes for the good folks at Bluegrass Sportsman's League.
What kind of barrel do you have on your Mossberg? Do you have a pistol and magazines?
I'm in Louisville. If you live in Lexington you've got quality USPSA pistol matches within an hours drive every weekend during the summer, plus 3-gun USPSA, IDPSA and GSSF within a short driving distance.
- 3 Gun in Wilmore KY: http://home.windstream.net/barrywest/
- IDPA at Wilmore: http://home.att.net/~rledwards/
- USPSA Pistol, Steel Challenge, Trap and Revolver in Sellersburg IN, just 14 miles from downtown Louisville: http://www.silvercreekcc.org
- Cincinnati Revolver Club: http://www.cincinnatirevolverclub.net/
- USPSA Pistol in Bardstown: http://www.practicalshooters.com/kaps2.htm
We're having a USPSA Pistol match in Sellersburg IN on Sunday Jan 13th and we have a Steel Challenge (pistol) on Saturday the 26th. We're very new shooter friendly at Silver Creek and we'll give you a great introduction. The same goes for the good folks at Bluegrass Sportsman's League.
What kind of barrel do you have on your Mossberg? Do you have a pistol and magazines?
I started shooting USPSA originally 'cuz the only handgun I had was not legal for IDPA. Just went to a local match to observe once. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Showed up next time to shoot and had a blast. Pick whatever works best for you given equipment you have and time/location.
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