I want to get into competition shooting!

[308sc]

Im young (15) and would like to get into competition shooting of some sort for Pistol.

I have heard of IPSC, USPSA....but am not very sure on the differences. I have also heard about "bullseye"...etc can someone please explain the differences about the different types of competition shooting.

My parents are always on me about not being in a sport...so I figured this was one that could involve my true passion. I would like to get involved in some sort of competition shooting.

How do I go about getting into competition shooting?


What gun will I need? I could use my dads SA XD 9mm but it is "his" gun and he will probably offer to go in 50/50 with me....if I can convince him that this is a sport!

I reload so caliber is not a concern!

The guns I am looking at right now are:

CZ 75B or variant (SP-101) 9mm

Taurus PT1911 .45 ACP

A .22LR Pistol

What are your opinons on a gun suitable for competition shooting..on a limited budget? maybe $550-$600 MAX cheaper the better!

Thanks,

Ryan

 

[cavman]

Bullseye is precision marksmanship with a pistol.

one may use a .22LR
or a centerfire
or a .45 ACP (The combination of all three makes a full 2700 match)

Many people starting out in the discipline will go the route of a .22 to gain proficiency and expertise first, then on to the .45 (usually the 1911)

Many leagues are .22 only. (keeps the costs down)

Ruger .22 is an excellent choice. A used S&W model 41 will fit your budget. The Model 41 is considered one of the best

Here is an excellent website that discusses a ton of info that you and your Dad can peruse. Enjoy.

http://www.bullseyepistol.com/


Here is a website that has some matches:
http://www.bullseyematches.com/

I see Mid-Carolina is on the list, and they are only minutes away from you. You could give them a ring and see about going one day as well as more info for other matches/leagues

 

[cdrt]

Your State Association, the Gun Owners of South Carolina may have a Junior Shooter program for NRA Conventional Pistol (Bullseye). You might want to check with them.

http://www.gosc.org/


The Texas Association has sent a Junior Team to the National Matches at Camp Perry for several years now with great success. We have several individuals who donate their time as coaches, provide reloading support and travel with the team along with interested parents.

Here, also, is the link for shooting programs at the NRA site:

http://www.nrahq.org/compete/index.asp

As of July (I believe) NRA membership will not be required to shoot in a Registerd Pistol match. I'm not sure how they will determine classifications for non-NRA members, but I'm sure the new pistol rules will discuss it.

If you have any questions regarding what pistols to look for, how matches are run, etc. send me a PM and I'll be glad to help.

 

[308sc]

Thanks for all of the replies.

We are members of the NRA...might be considering becoming "Life Members"

you guys have answered most of my questions about the types of competition...now i just need more advice on a gun.

 

[cdrt]

A good start for the .22 Bullseye match would be a Ruger MK II, III or their .22/45 model. All are not that expensive.

Once you start shooting Bullseye, there will probably be someone who will loan you a .45 to try in a match.

I always advise new shooters to learn to shoot iron sights before going to a red dot. Sight alignment and trigger control are the big things to learn first off.

 

[eflatminor]

If you can only have one pistol

I would get the best used all steel 1911 in .45 cal you can find. It will work in Bullseye, IPSC and IDPA. It's also the best basic platform to build on over time as finances allow. Also very easy to reload and brass is easy to find (I have over 20,000 pieces, every one I picked up at the range).

IPSC - Think 'run and gun' with lots of rounds fired on each stage. Lots of moving about, shooting from odd positions, and occasional moving targets. It's all about time and accuracy and its fast, fast, fast!
IDPA - More 'realistic' in a tactical sense than IPSC. How you move through the stage (when you reload, etc) is just as important as your time and accuracy. Less rounds downrange than in IPSC.
Bullseye - Probably the hardest to master. One handed shooting, usually with a .22 and a .45 (it's fine to start with just your 1911). Accuracy is king here.
Steel Challange - Don't forget steel! Here, the shooters stand stationary and shoot steel plates. Fast draw and quick shot transitions are what counts in Steel. The fastest prue shooters in the world excel in Steel.

Anyway, a traditional eight round .45 can be used in all these events and trust me, even if you someday get specialized guns for each of these sports, you'll ALWAYS have a need for a 1911. If you do get a 1911, you can use it stock out of the box but you'll eventually want at least two modifications: a good trigger job and a good front site. There's more, but that will get you started in style.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[Jim Watson]

Bear in mind that a minor shooting competitor must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

 

[M47 Dragon]

Here is a list of IDPA clubs in South Carolina:

http://idpa.com/clublist.asp?state=SC

Chances are that most of the clubs offer different types of competition in addition to IDPA.

 

[SR_]

You might check out this website http://www.christilley.com/

Chirs is the first person to ever repeat as the youth champion in IPSC. He then went on to win the 2006 nationals. Can't remember where he placed in 2007.

Check out his story

 

[cavman]

Bullseye wadgun for sale

http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=103751582

A member of Bullseye-L (the forum for Bullseye shooters posted this)

An entry level wadgun. Accuracy is key for Bullseye.

 

[atek3]

eric graffel was winning the IPSC world championships around your age... Look up your local USPSA club. A Glock 34, M&P9L, or XD9 tactical would be perfect.

atek3