NJGlockGirl

It's filling up quick! Gonna be a FANTASTIC match!!! There is also the South East Pro-Am match in November that just opened for sign ups as well - spots are going FAST!!! I'm sure that there is a forum page for this match as well - but just in case I thought that it would be a good idea to post a link to the registration page! http://www.proamse.com/register.html

While I myself don't shoot Skeet or Trap, my husband does - and all three clubs have pretty nice shot gun fields. I am not sure about the schedule though - but they do at least offer it up for those that like shooting shotgun! Here are the links to the three clubs. And as far as memberships, South River in Covington has immediate membership available (family members are all on the same membership). Cherokee has a pretty long wait list right now,,,, and I'm not 100% sure about River Bend up in Dawsonville - we are a little ways from that one - and it wasn't feasible to join from where we live - but its a beautiful club - and great for USPSA! (all three clubs offer matches open to the public of all sorts of shooting sports). I figured I'd give you the websites so you can see for yourself! If you need anymore help, or have questions feel free to ask, just about anybody on here from Georgia is more than happy to help - nice crowd for sure! http://www.southrivergunclub.com/ (Covington) http://www.cherokeegunclub.org (Gainesville) /http://www.rbgc.org/ (Dawsonville)

I still have to get there and find all the great places to shoot. Not to Hi-Jack the post - but -- Welcome to the area! We moved from NJ to Georgia a year ago, and love it here - the people are exceptional, and, the weather is great! (Besides Rifle), I thought that it may help to know match dates and range locations - Here are the USPSA Ranges in the 'ATL' area - 1. South River Gun Club - Covington - 1st Sunday of every month 2. Cherokee Gun Club - Gainesville - 2nd Saturday of the month 3. River Bend Gun Club - Dawsonville - 4th Saturday of the Month There is also: *Steel Challenge on the 3rd Saturday of the month at Cherokee Gun Club (Gainesville) *Atlanta 3 Gun on the 3rd Sunday of EVERY month - at South River Gun Club (Covington) forgive me if I'm missing something - we still have yet to find ALL of the events in the area ourselves - these are some of the more 'popular' match dates, for the greater ATL area ALL of these matches can be found on Facebook - as well as the Area 6 Facebook page, for more links to areas outside of ATL Hope it may help you out when you arrive in June!

I would also like to add that, this match REALLY catered to the shooters needs, being taken care of! While many ranges think ONLY about stage building and shooting,,,,this crew, made sure that, that we as shooters, were taken care of, for every aspect of the match. For instance, at lunch. All shooters had the ability to clean their hands off before eating lunch, because you provided us all, with containers of Handi-wipes, at each table,,,,Speaking of lunch, there were also plenty of tables, that enabled us all, to sit down at a table, to eat lunch - (we have sat on the ground, trying to eat lunch at a major one year). There were also, Snacks and drinks being offered all day, as was HOT coffee - which helped greatly on those chilly mornings!. There were LARGE Shade covers, at every stage, so that ALL shooters could get out of the sun, if they chose to so. I understand that these were already up as, permanent structures of the range, but, many times at the Shooting Ranges up North, we didn't have these large covers built onto the Stages or Bays,,,often, only a small square Pop-tent, would go up to help protect the Range Crew for the day. Thus leaving the shooters out on the sun, trying to fend for their own shade levels, via an umbrella attached to a range cart, if at all possible. ***Our, hats go off to many of the ranges down South, for making sure that the shooters have a way to get out of the sun - it sure does make a HUGE difference!!!! BEST of all though, (as far as thinking of the shooters), was this ONE fact: There were PLENTY of Port-a-Potty's! HOWEVER - That being said - a VERY SPECIAL thanks goes out to, WHOMEVER it was, that made it their purpose to make sure that, the ladies had a Port-a-Potty dedicated to being used for, JUST THE LADIES! For those that DON'T understand,,, this one little kind thoughtful Porta potty, was for me,,,, Noble Peace Prize worthy, [to us girls!!!] This person put so much thought into it, I wanted to take a picture of it!!!, The LED candles alone were GENIUS! (especially on that VERY VERY dark, Saturday morning) BUT,,, also they gave us, soft squishy potty paper,,,,lotion, hand sanitizer,,,,AND it was all very pretty, and decorated, with a pretty fabric sheet, and cute frilly hanging flowers,,,, All the thought that went into this one little item, meant the WORLD to me, ( and, while I cannot speak for others, I can't imagine that too many ladies, were NOT impressed by this GIFT of a sparkling clean rest room to use, while at a major match! Thank you, thank you,,,THANK YOU -- it really meant more to me, than you can ever imagine! And YES,,,I am making a BIG DEAL about it because, I want to make sure that somebody knows that their hard work did not go un-noticed - because one year while at a major match, the Porta-Potties, were so FEW in number, and had gone, uncleaned from Thursday to Saturday, that sadly, on a Saturday morning, upon entering a VERY gross potty unit,,,I actually lost my breakfast, when I had to exit the unit as fast as possible. And, as bad as they were that morning, they got MUCH worse ALL day long as these units STILL had to be used by shooters ALL day Saturday AND on Sunday - they were already filled up and filthy and were NEVER cleaned out for the match! I know some guys could care less about where they have to 'go' - however, ladies DO care - and, for the rest of that match -- I refused to drink ANY liquids -- This was not a good (or safe), choice to make, while at a match, considering that it was in August and 90+ degrees outside. The little things that can be done at a match really make a difference - and YOUR match was an extremely FUN match to not only SHOOT,,,but to ENJOY as well - so THANKS again, for touching onto the MANY other things that go into a major match, other than just stage design! We will totally be back next year!

EXCELLENT MATCH! And fun times! Gun snags had me pulling my hair out,,,but I still had a smile for most of the day on my face. Super tired,,, I hope that the RO's enjoyed the cookies for their hard work! Thanks to the entire crew for making it a match worth driving out to for sure!

everybody have a safe trip coming to the match! totally looking forward to it for sure!

Never mind I just saw that two targets require 3 shots each! YUCK!!! LOL

Did anybody else notice that on stage ONE: there is a 34 round count, for 170 possible points description, but only 32 rounds to shoot -- 14 Paper and 2 poppers ? Should be 32 rounds and 160 points correct????

RM gets one per stage, including Chrono - RIGHT?!?!? RM gets at LEAST 4!!!

Looks like it's going to be an AWESOME match! The Cookie Bin will be on the range cart -- Although, I must enforce a TWO cookie limit -- so I can make sure that there are enough cookies to go around, for Range Staff, and the RO's. See everybody there! May there be, SAFE Travels to EVERYBODY that is heading out to the match!

The stages look phenomenal! Can't wait to shoot my very first Alabama match!!!! Shooters meeting is what time on Saturday Morning?

Excellent!

Is there a link to the shirts? I'd love to see them!

YAY!!! We will be there! Please let us know when sign ups go live!

GREAT topic! I might as well, add my 2 cents into the awesome amount of informative info, flowing from the thread. (I just hope that some of mine may be useful to somebody that is new to the sport) 1. We run very busy matches at the two local clubs, that do host, USPSA matches in our area, and the BEST advice that I can give new shooters, is this: Get there EARLY and help build stages! We have watched many folks sit around shooting the breeze, while, the same ten people, are out there, building ALL of the, sometimes, rather large stages. If you get there and help out, you learn how the stages are built, which can help you in learning how to "see" the stage, and shoot it better. That being said, when the day is done - STAY AND HELP BREAK DOWN! Unless you are suffering from heat stroke or your significant other, is threatening your very existence, if you are not home by a certain time, then there is absolutely no reason for you, to not stick around, and help to break down the stages. I have heard many times " i'm outta here, I've paid my match fees, I don't have to do anything else". And THAT, is just wrong. Our builders and stage designers all volunteer, they do what they do, because of the love of the sport. The Match Directors, do not have to keep holding the matches for the "spoiled shooters". I'm sorry but I really get tired of hearing people complain about start times, late running matches (the list could go on and on), when the very people that are complaining, are the very same folks that sit and do nothing. As a shooter that has a disability, I cannot help out with the building of stages. BUT, my Husband is the person that is in charge of Registration at our club, and I try to help him out when I can with the shooters or with new shooters that have questions about divisions and equipment and such,,,,I also know that the directors at our matches, have also been begging for stage designers, so if you think that you can design a stage, don't be shy, sketch something out, and have a go at it. I know a few folks that love to get the positive feedback on their stages (these guys have a knack for it, and I will not hesitate to let them know when a stage is really fun to shoot). Okay off of my soap box, and onto what I found was important learning tools for me when I started out. 2. If you don't have a rule book yet, download one at USPSA.com! Read it and LEARN as much as you can possibly remember. Keep a copy of the rules with you in your bag, or make sure that you can access it from a portable device. If there is a challenge of a rule, it helps to know what the rule in question IS. Knowing what you are talking about, helps. And by learning the rules, you can go right to the book, and find out, what it was that actually happened that caused the question in the first place. I suggest doing this once a year, because the rules change, and by keeping up with the rules, you are keeping up with what is or may be, changing in your sport. 3. BEFORE shooting a stage: It may sound silly, but, if the RO does not give me the "Load And Make Ready (aka: the"LAMR" command), I ASK. Sometimes, I will have an RO say "Going Hot", but not give me the command,,,so I ask, if it is okay to handle my firearm. I like to know that the RO is watching, and ready for me to start, by asking if it's okay to LAMR. So, don't touch that gun until the RO says that it's okay to do so. When I am FINISHED with the stage: I make sure to take the time, to SHOW a CLEAR gun to the RO. The commands are very well known by people that have been shooting. There is a standard set of commands, at the end of a stage: 1.If the shooter is finished, UNLOAD and SHOW CLEAR (SHOW the RO your EMPTY GUN), if CLEAR, *Hammer down and Holster. I may be totally off base here but, I just don't understand why some shooters feel that these commands, are a "speed race". I've watched while the RO is trying to go thru the commands, the shooter has already racked the slide, catches the bullet out of the air, and holsters the gun, in one fell swoop,, IMO,,,how is the RO (who is ultimately the one that is responsible if that gun is not clear) supposed to SEE clear if the shooter is going thru all of the motions, before the RO can even get the commands out? Really,,,what's the rush? Another very important thing that was taught to me, is that, after I have finished a stage, when going to the hammer down command, ALWAYS point the gun AT THE BERM. If by chance there IS a round in the chamber,,,the BERM is where it NEEDS to LAND, (not in front of you into the ground or in the air). You'll be going home a bit early, but at least the AD that caused you to be DQ'd, will have at least landed, where it is supposed to go. Remember, "Safety First", is ALWAYS the the standard, that all of the USPSA shooters strive for, so make sure that you absolutely LISTEN to the RO, and every command that they give you, while you are under their watch. 4. Next up a hint that was given to me by a fantastic shooter and friend, while at my first major match, and it STUCK because it makes sense. So I will pass it on: As a right handed shooter, I always try to start every stage if possible, from the left ( and this applies to lefties by starting from the Right side IF it is possible, which is not always the case for lefties) -BUT, By starting on the left side of the stage, moving to the right as you shoot, at some point a reload may be needed, if you are moving to the right, then your gun is pointing down range for that reload. This helps to alleviate, ANY chance of a 180 break, during a mag change, because it is being done in your natural hand position, for a reload. I have seen stages set up where, there is no choice but to load with your gun in a, "less than optimal position", when doing a mag change, from the right. Please remember to: WATCH YOUR GUN POSITION when loading while moving to the LEFT, this is a very easy way to get sent home. 5. "Pet Peeve time" When I'm doing a walk thru, I like all of the other shooters, have a round count, that we are trying to figure out. Just remember that not everybody is shooting Production, L-10, (or worse yet those annoying "Revo Dudes"-LOL) - TRY (I know that it's difficult to do), but TRY,, to keep YOUR round counts, to yourself. Hearing "Two, Four, Six (etc), out loud, can sort of mess with the round count that a Limited or Open shooter, may have in their heads, so try and keep your "Plan" in your head or at least do it quietly. Oh,,while I am at the "walk-thru" stage of tips, here is a little secret: DON'T offer to "help" another shooter on a stage, unless they ask specifically, for your help or advice - especially if you are new at the game. However don't hesitate to ask for help if YOU feel that you need it! But, try and find a shooter in the same division that you are shooting in,,,this will be especially helpful with the stage breakdown, and round count help. A Limited or Open shooter is not going to be taking the stage, the same way a Production shooter will be doing it, so asking them for help, may not be the best way for you to get the most out of your quest for help, on that stage. 6. Next up (another Pet Peeve) And it's the "Loud Crowd" behind the shooter that is getting ready. When a shooter is making ready for the stage - Please at least TRY and be courteous to the shooter on the line/in the box, by at least trying to take your conversation, to an area AWAY from the starting line. Here is why - when the shooter is getting ready to start, they have a lot of things going thru their heads, The stage breakdown, etc, but the hardest problem that I have with the "loud Crowd" is trying to make out the voice of the RO over the other shooters. It's especially hard because we have our backs to everybody, and the only thing that we are TRYING to hear is, the RO give his commands. Simply put, for me at least, it's not easy, to hear the RO start commands, when the talking, from the other shooters, is louder than the RO. this is sort of hard to do when you have people with ear plugs in, where everybody is talking at the normal shooting range voice - LOUD. 7. I know that this may be a strange suggestion, but let your squad know when you are going to leave your squad for any reason. We had an incident once where we thought that the shooter had just gone to the restroom, and it turned out that he was in his car, having some pretty serious heat induced issues, and nobody knew about it. If you don't feel good, or something is going on, PLEASE let somebody know, don't just tough it out. We are all here to help each other, and we ALWAYS look out for each other. 8. Please bring Food and Drinks with you! It can be an ALL DAY EVENT, (I cannot believe how many shooters show up without even a water bottle). Many ranges, don't have any vending machines, much less a food supplier. PACK a LUNCH, and bring enough to drink,,,,if I go home with water bottles, then I know that I brought enough. Dehydration or low blood sugar, have no place in a sport where guns are involved. 9.Brownells sells a packable trauma kit - it has everything that you may need should an accident happen. I keep it in my Jeep ready to go. I also keep ANY emergency contact information with me, in my range bag, this includes important information about medical history and present conditions and important phone numbers. This information can become extremely valuable in saving time, for an EMS team dealing with an injury at the range. It also helps to bring a buddy with you to the range when you practice - or at least let somebody KNOW that you went to the range. Keep a phone with you. **(but a friend is a better choice for practice, a new shooter alone at the range might not be the "best" suggestion). 10. Finally Equipment: make sure that you go over ALL of your gear, on a regular basis. From shoe laces, to your rig belts, make sure that you are always on top of your gear, and your range bag. Get a chair that you can carry or fold up, it can be a long day and a chair certainly helps. The dollar store is a great place to find small sizes of smart things to keep in your range bag. A first aid kit, with new skin, really comes in handy, a packable poncho, a small portable umbrella, A shower cap for a quick gun cover up, if a rain shower comes out of no where. Trial sizes of Tylenol, sunscreen, hand towels, all have been needed at one time or another. Heck, keep a kit in your car or truck, with emergency items, so you don't have to lug it around, can be helpful. And speaking of lugging things around - find a wagon or jogger stroller, that has BIG wheels, carrying around all day is certainly not a fun thing to do - ammo gets heavy, and a cart that has tiny wheels will get stuck. AMMO: Bring extra and keep it in your vehicle as well. if you run into a problem on a couple of stages where you need to do a couple of reshoots, can cause you to run out of ammo much quicker, so bring more than you need for that day (check online for the round count and go from there - (worse case is that you bring it home). If you reload - case check your ammo to help prevent malfunctions when you shoot. Even a high primer can add some time to your stage so check for those as well. Lastly -- HAVE FUN! The best part about this sport are the people that I have met. I would not have learned anything had it not been for the fantastic people that are involved with USPSA. It is hands down the BEST sport that I have EVER participated in, and the people are actually the large part of it. Good luck and remember that there are NO Stupid Questions! If you have a question ASK it, or at least look it up. But, by asking questions, it also help you get to know the other shooters, and gain knowledge. I know,,,it's a lot of info,,,,But, Like I said,,,,I hope that maybe SOME of it might help!