Hello from south Mississippi. I'm not a new shooter, but am just getting started in formal competition shooting. I spent seven years as a police officer and firearms instructor and shot a lot of informal PPC-style matches, but nothing organized. I have some local friends that shoot NRA action pistol and USPSA and hope to get involved in both this year. I don't even own competition-oriented gear at this point. I'll be using my old duty holster and mag pouches until I figure out what gear is worth trying.
This forum looks like an awesome resource and I look forward to learning.