Amateur to Professional

[9 Micky Mouse]

Hello,
everyone we all here are shooters in one form or another. I would like to know what do you think it takes to go from amateur to professional? Has far as shooting, instructing.

[allanc]

Professional in what? trap? skeet? assassinations?

[Deradius]

It depends on who you ask.

In terms of time, I've heard of IDPA Novice -> Master being done in the span of two years or less.

In terms of rounds, I've heard accomplished USPSA shooters cite figures like 100,000 rounds, firing hundreds of rounds per week.

Like going from amateur to professional in basketball, it's probably different for every person. Some Michael Jordan types will be able to do incredible things as soon as they get the basics down, due to natural talent or an incredible ability to learn physical skills. Others may never make it, because they just don't have the raw material necessary to progress (though I've heard experts say anyone can do it.)

I should note that when you say "Professional" shooter, if you're talking about "Professional grade", that's fine. But you should probably be aware that there are rarely ever financial rewards, even for the best shooters, unless you're one of the very few who nails some kind of sponsorship. For most, even at the USPSA Grand Master level, they put in way more cash than they get out. It costs money every time you put a round down range, and those guys train a lot.

[WellArmedSheep]

Like the old musician's saying:

"How do you get to Carnegie Hall?"




"Practice."

Seriously, though, check out www.brianenos.com

There's a wealth of information there.

[FLRon777]

Irrespective of my abilities, I would imagine more ammo than I care to spend money on.

[elsolo]

Depends on what you consider 'good' and what kind of profession you want.

Do you want to teach basic safety instruction at the local range on Saturdays, or do you want Rob Leatham's job?