I am sure this has been asked before, but: How do I start in competitive shooting? I have a Glock 30 45ACP. I could get a new gun but would like to stick with that one for now. I want to do some sort of IDPA type shooting. I have shot guns all my life, but hand guns just recently. How much shooting should I do before I can enter a competition and not look foolish? Thanks.
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creekerdoug
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Go to www.idpa.com and find a club near you. Normally there is a phone number listed on the individual club's web site for the match director. Just give him a call and ask for his advice. I've never seen a match director that wouldn't go out of his way to help a new shooter.
All you really need to start is "safe" holster for you Glock, three magazines and a magazine pouch. When you show up just let them know at the registration desk that you're brand new and not sure where to start. You'll be amazed at the help and encouragement you'll get from complete strangers. The Safety Officers are there to keep everyone safe so let them know you're a beginner and they take some extra time to help you.
Everybody feels foolish and a little lost at their first match. Not a single shooter will care how you shoot as long as you are safe. Go slow and don't be afraid to ask questions. Always remember; it's supposed to be fun. Good luck to you and shoot safely.
All you really need to start is "safe" holster for you Glock, three magazines and a magazine pouch. When you show up just let them know at the registration desk that you're brand new and not sure where to start. You'll be amazed at the help and encouragement you'll get from complete strangers. The Safety Officers are there to keep everyone safe so let them know you're a beginner and they take some extra time to help you.
Everybody feels foolish and a little lost at their first match. Not a single shooter will care how you shoot as long as you are safe. Go slow and don't be afraid to ask questions. Always remember; it's supposed to be fun. Good luck to you and shoot safely.
+1 on the "just go to a match" sentiment. Due to ammo and mag requirements, I would start with IDPA. Once you have a few (dozen) matches under your belt, you will have a better idea of what you want and need. Go buy a decent holster and double mag pouch, along with at least 3 mags and you are ready to play.
You WILL NOT be competitive your first time out- that is okay. You WILL get noticeably better very quickly. After 10-15 matches, you will be better than almost anybody you know that does not compete. YMMV.
You WILL NOT be competitive your first time out- that is okay. You WILL get noticeably better very quickly. After 10-15 matches, you will be better than almost anybody you know that does not compete. YMMV.
+1 on just go to one. I just showed up to my first one last month, didn't even do so bad (27 out of 60 something). I wasn't going to bring a gun, just watch, but someone convinced me to bring one, someone there loaned me some gear (real nice folks) and I had a blast. I'm hooked!
Riss
Member
Get a cheap Uncle Mikes or similar holster. IDPA may require a specific type concealment holster, IPSC would not. 2 or more open top, concealment type mag holders, a couple extra mags and thats all you need. In either you decide to shoot, or even Steel Challenge it is more of a speed vs time issue. Shoot the gun faster than you can hit and you will miss. And that will cost you. For the time being go to better yourself and do not worry about a score. Have fun and get some trigger time. Go slow and make your shots count. You will notice your speed will increase naturally as you get better and more confident of your abilities. As my master told me before, "Slow down to go fast, Grasshopper". I know I have too much to say on the subject. If you want to shoot, then get on the range, go to every type that you think you might enjoy. Wether it be IPSC, IDPA, Bullseye, or PPC just get out there and get some trigger time. Show up ready to shoot and you will be guided by the guys there. If you forgot something, ask, and surely someone will let you borrow what you need if they have it with them to lend.
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Riss
Member
You cannot go fast enough to make up for a miss.
Sunray
Member
Listen to creekerdoug and Eyesac. Just go. Shooting competitively(of any kind) is great fun and you'll meet some great people. You'll meet some of the biggest rectal orifi you'll ever meet too, but, by far, most shooters will bend over backwards to help a new guy. Including letting you shoot their pistols with their ammo and borrow their kit.
In any case, you're competing with yourself. Not the other people.
In any case, you're competing with yourself. Not the other people.
dave from mesa
Member
+1 for all the advice above.
First off I have never shot IDPA but have shot USPSA for about 20 yrs.
Foolish??
I have yet to see a shooter that didn't do/feel foolish at some point.
Have had many new shooters to work with and the ones that scarce me the most are the cocky ones.
Go top a local match and watch and ask questions. They will be more than willing to help you.
Get out there and do it. Go slow.Be safe and have fun.
First off I have never shot IDPA but have shot USPSA for about 20 yrs.
You should be know and be able to handle you're gun till you are comfortable.
Foolish??
I have yet to see a shooter that didn't do/feel foolish at some point.
Have had many new shooters to work with and the ones that scarce me the most are the cocky ones.
Go top a local match and watch and ask questions. They will be more than willing to help you.
Also great advice as you may find you don't like comp shooting and you can always use this.
Get out there and do it. Go slow.Be safe and have fun.
Deer Hunter
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Foolish eh?
You want to know about Foolishness?
Just today I was at an IPSC match. At the qualifier stage, we had to shoot four targets, to a reload, shoot them from a different position, reload, then shoot them once more from a third position. One round per target each time.
These are targets that I'm used to doubletapping...
Halfway through the first string and I'm double-tapping away. I stop, audibly go "Aw damn me..." And everyone starts laughing.
I finish out the course just fine. But don't look for my name up anywhere near the top of the scoresheet for that one.
You want to know about Foolishness?
Just today I was at an IPSC match. At the qualifier stage, we had to shoot four targets, to a reload, shoot them from a different position, reload, then shoot them once more from a third position. One round per target each time.
These are targets that I'm used to doubletapping...
Halfway through the first string and I'm double-tapping away. I stop, audibly go "Aw damn me..." And everyone starts laughing.
I finish out the course just fine. But don't look for my name up anywhere near the top of the scoresheet for that one.
rfwobbly
Member
Sales Guy -
You simply show up with a gun, 150 rounds, a holster, a couple of mags, and safety equipment. Google "IDPA in Georgia" and find a club or range near you doing it. At a lot of matches, your first time is free. You'll be welcomed like a hero, I assure you.
Scan on-line rules and suggestions for the right type holster and
You simply show up with a gun, 150 rounds, a holster, a couple of mags, and safety equipment. Google "IDPA in Georgia" and find a club or range near you doing it. At a lot of matches, your first time is free. You'll be welcomed like a hero, I assure you.
Scan on-line rules and suggestions for the right type holster and
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