unsolicited advice for the new competitor

[MarkP]

Has the competition bug stung you?
Has the local range session become mundane and boring?
Thinking about getting into the action games like IPSC/USPSA or IDPA?
Or something a little more docile like GSSF?

Here are some tips to follow before you decide to jump in.

1.Research.
Most every organization has a website with a rules section. Club contacts and area matches might be listed too.

2.Recon.
Once you find a match – go check out how they do things. Ask questions.
Volunteer to help tape, learn how to score targets. Check around to see whom the guys would recommend for the following.

3.Training
If you haven’t done so already-get some form of training. Find a qualified instructor – check the yellow pages or the range for some contacts. The instructor should offer some type of program for handgun use. Learn how to draw/reload/etc. Just because you have been shooting for a number of years, doesn’t mean you can’t learn from someone.
You don’t need to be an expert operator, but learning prior to the match will make for a more enjoyable experience.

Safety.
Running around a range with a loaded gun in your hand is inherently dangerous. The good news is the safety protocols in place make the environment safe for all. Learn them and live ‘em. Don’t ever cheat on them.

4. Have a reliable gun and quality equipment.

You just spent a big chunk of change for that blaster, don’t stick it in a $3 dollar holster from the gun show.
Make sure that it fits your gun and doesn’t move around. Same for the magazines and speedloaders.


I’ve lost track how many 1st time shooters we see who never come back because they were in over their heads. A match isn’t the place to learn how to holster your hg without covering your body. If you have any bad habits-match pressure could over exaggerate them. Have a little trigger flinch now? Wait until your shooting at a steel plate with everyone watching!
Getting dinged on a procedural because they didn’t know the rules of the game is no fun either. See #1 above.

5. Have FUN.
Shooters are some of the best folks around. The camaraderie of like minds in the pursuit of competition is a pastime that few have the opportunity to experience.

And you get to do it with guns. ;f

Do any of you more experienced guys have more to add??

[mike from philly]

6) Leave your ego at the front gate

The great thing about competitions is that you shoot according to someone
else's plan, not your own. Thus, your weaknesses will become very public
as they read out your scores:

Bravo, Mike, Mike, Charlie, Mike, Mike .....

Mike is the nomenclature for a miss. Hearing all those "mikes" is
worse when your name is mike. In my first match, I kept thinking the
RO's were saying "MIKE MIKED", over and over again.

7) Help setup the match

When you help setup the match, you can ask the stage designer the how
and why of properly running the stage. Also you can simulate running
the stage in advance.

[Mayonaise]

Don't forget to tip the SO and the score keeper! Every little bit helps. ;)

[Lobo]

8. Also, help tear down the stages. It means alot when we have new shooters that are more than willing to help out. If you have questions about a stage or somthing you don't understand ask sombody to clarify it for you. Beyond that HAVE A BLAST!!

[mattburkett]

9. When at your first match, don't try to win it. Go slow, walk the stages and make sure that you understand all the safety instructions. It will also help to read the rule book from cover to cover.
10. Start learning how to reload your own ammo. This will save you significant time and money and allow you to shoot more often. Plus its fun to shoot your own home made stuff in competition.

There is nothing like competition shooting. :-)