I'm totally new to match shooting

[G27]

but it interest me. What areas of South Central PA are covered? By which organizations? Also, what kind of initial cost to get involved? Where are the shoot at in S. Central PA? I already have some weapons. Glock 27's, Ruger P-90. Any input appreciated. I'm between Harrisburg and Allentown in N.W. Berks County.

 

[faustulus]

This should get you started

PA IDPA clubs

USPSA/IPSC clubs in PA

there are of course others but these are two of the more popular.

IDPA is a little easier to get into, you should be good to go with what you have. A good holster, mag pouch (though you can use your pockets if you don't have one) about 100 rounds per match, a couple of mags, ears, eyes and the gun and you should be ready.

IPSC you will need a little more ammo and a few more mags.

Find a club and go out there, most places are really friendly I find and will do whatever it takes to make sure the new shooters have a safe and fun time.
I will warn you it is just as addictive as buying guns.
good luck.

P.S. don't get intimidated by the shooters, they have been doing this a while and are really good. You will get better and better, remember it is about fun and improving your gun skills and you will enjoy it more I think.

 

[John Forsyth]

faustulus, gave good advice. The most important things to do are go with an open mind, take something to drink (water, Gatoraid, or whatever), and have fun. You would not believe how many shooters come out thinking "I'm going to show these guys how to shoot" and get their butts whipped.

Those of us who shoot competitively on a regular basis know we need new shooters to keep the sport going. We will welcome you with open arms, help you all we can, but we are still going to try and beat you. That's just the way we are. Ted Murphy has a club in either southern or eastern PA. Look him up, and tell him I sent you, and you want to play. Have fun, that's most important.

PS: I forgot to say, make sure you tell the Match Director (MD) that it is your first time. That way they will know to pay you more attention and not let you start a stage. Hopefully they will let a seasoned shooter mentor you on what you need to do. They should, we do. Except for faustulus, we will try to trip him.

 

[Tacblack]

They are both right. Find a club and go check it out. Don't worry about anything but being safe and having fun.

Most ranges require you to wear glasses and hearing protection so take some glasses with you that you like to wear and thier is always someone with extra ear plugs.

Feel free to ask questions, any question to anyone. The people you ask like going to matchs and will be more than happy to answer your questions.

I have made some good friends shooting at matchs. I have had people at a match loan me thier guns, ammo etc. so I could finish the match and I didn't even know some of them. I have in turn done the same to new and old shooters. Just beware some people use your eqiupment and beat you with it.

 

[BillL223]

From the list of USPSA clubs posted earlier, York shoots the second Sunday (their last match of the year is this weekend) and Topton which is near Allentown, shoots the third Sunday. I believe both Topton and York are shooting special classifier matches this month. Southern Chester County is another good match. They are located near Longwood Gardens.