Why do you participate in shooting matches?

[GEM]

1. Trigger time is good. I like the boom.
2. Practice on the basics under a modicum of pressure.
3. Get to practice malfunction drills with my 'bad word' here 1911. Ducking for cover.
4. Practice with my carry guns
5. Good buddies and yakking, crowing and other posturing with the folk

IDPA and Steel are my main choices, three gun if they are around and a carbine match.

 

[gdcpony]

I only shoot archery matches now. Reasons? It's great to socialize, and there are some around that aren't too formal (as in no fun). Also if I don't lose an arrow it costs me all of $10 and the gas to shoot them. Plus my kids love it where as try bringing a kid to a firearms shoot and keep them interested. Not easy. Make a firearms match that way and I'll be there.

 

[Smokin Gator]

It seems like a lot of people think that people in organized, timed and scored shooting competitions are not having fun because it is too serious. I've only seen a handful of shooters who don't look like they are having fun. Nearly everyone is having the time of their life, or they wouldn't be there. That's why it's worth the several hours to shoot for a couple of minutes, match fees, ammo, gas, because they are having fun. The very top shooters almost without fail help others and do more than their share of the work with their squad.

Most shooters that get out and participate in shooting sports are enjoying themselves, win or lose. Yes, they do like to do better but still enjoy themselves even on a bad day. I think that some of the people who decide that competition is not for them are those who will only have fun if they are one of the best. If they are in the middle of the pack or find out they aren't as good as they thought, that equals no fun for them.