Ok, so how do I get started?

[Squirtofbeef]

I've always enjoyed shooting guns, since I was a kid.

Got my first gun last year (S&W revolver), and love it.
Just got myself a Glock 19.

Now, I think I'm pretty good with these guns, and want to get into these competitions i hear about.

So how do I get started (in Atlanta)? I don't even know where to begin. I want to participate in shooting events and stuff, but like a previous poster, I sure as heck don't want to get into spending $5000 for modifications to a gun. I'd like to participate in "stock" gun competitions (if that even exists). Those seem most realistic and practical, as I can't see myself walking around with a super-modified, laser-sight, gyroscope-guided pistol tucked in my pants everyday.

Any advice? Thanks in advance.

[9x45]

Go to IDPA.com and USPSA.org. Find you nearest club and show up for the match to watch and ask questions. Everyone will be glad to help you out. Either gun you have will work for IDPA, and for production in USPSA also.

[DannyR]

There is a GSSF match at Conyers the last weekend of September. GSSF is designed around stock Glocks. All info can be found at www.gssfonline.com

[Jim Watson]

As well as GSSF, South River Gun Club in Conyers holds regular monthly IPSC and IDPA matches.
http://www.southrivergunclub.com/

Read a thread full of IDPA startup tips at
http://glocktalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=75971

You do NOT need to spend a lot more money to get started competing. Your Glock will get you into IPSC Production Category or IDPA Stock Service Pistol. Both outfits have revolver divisions. If yours is a six-shot centerfire you are in business with it, too.

[ZackJones]

Squirtofbeef:

Depending on your location in the Atlanta area there's several different places you could shoot.

Check out these web sites to find clubs and calendars when matches are being held:

www.georgiaipsc.com - This is the web site for the Georgia Section of IPSC/USPSA shooters.

www.uspsa-area6.org - This is the web site for the south east area

Drop a line to Bill Ham - wrham@mindspring.com and tell him you're interested in shooting, etc and he'll fill you in on all of the details.

There's several shooters from the Atlanta area that come down for the monthly matches at Cool Springs (located near Macon, GA). I can send you a couple of email address for shooters if you're interested.

Good luck!

Take Care,
Zack Jones

[tripp]

E-mail Bill Ham and he will let you know the Details . Ipsc matches are every Third sunday and bill hold a new shooter meeting the saturday before the match. He likes you to come on saturday 1:30. Claude Werner is the guy to get in touch with for idpa matches every fourth sunday and new shooter meeting every other month on the saturday before(I think). New shooter meeting is mandatory for Claudes idpa matches. Both these matches are held At south river gun club about 45 min. from downtown. Alot of info on south rivers web site http://www.georgiaipsc.com/srpsa.htm.

[Marty Hayes]

First thing you need to do is go out and buy yourself a good set of knee pads...
;f

[IPSC G34]

(Rant Mode On.)
Where do people keep getting these $5000 gun prices?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! I just don't get it. Why do people think they need to spend $5000 to get a Open gun? There are lots of good open guns out there for under 2 G's. Ok, I feel much better now.
(Rant Mode Off.)