tucker130

Thanks to all for responding and the advice. I went ahead and went this past weekend to the local match with FRIDPA. While I was welcomed to shoot in the match I stuck with my original plan of using this trip to get familiar with the concept, rules, etc....While the weather may have played a slight factor in my decision (50 to 60+ mph winds, therefore steel only) I felt it was the best decision for me. I helped with the brass and with resetting steel which opened up the oportunity to ask some questions to some of the "veterans". I've read through the Safety Course book a couple times and will spend the next few weeks practicing the tips from it and shoot the next match in mid December (weather permitting) Thanks again to all, and any other advice or tips is appreciated.

Superdude, Thanks for the input. Over the 2 1/2 months I've had the pistol I spend a considerable amount of time handling the gun, just for the purpose of staying familar with it: loaded, unloaded, chambered, field stripped. safety on, safety off (and occasionally actually getting to fire it). As for more addictive than any drug. Yea I've seen it, my wife shot over 800 rounds on a two day camping trip. (thank God it was only .22) Jeff

Thanks George, My goals are to learn to shoot safely, to shoot under pressure and to most assuredly have fun. I am a competitive guy and definitely plan on working my way up to actually competeing. Jeff

John, Much appreciate the reply. I don't just consider myself new to the sport but "new" to pistols. Don't want to freek anybody out when asked "how long you been shooting" and I answer "about 400 rounds". It seems with the safety controls put in by these different organizations and knowing and realizing my limitations (as in, take it slow) it could be the right place to learn. Just wasn't sure if you "seasoned" shooters felt the same way. Thanks again, Jeff (from Littleton, CO)

Brand new to this forum. I've spent the last couple hours going through "beginners" topics and can't seem to find an answer to my question. While I've done some plinking with my 22 rifle over the years, I've just recently purchased my first semi-auto pistol. I've put a few hundred rounds through at the range and while camping in the National forest. My question is: Are these "matches", wheather IDPA, IPSC, USPSA, etc... the places a "new" shooter is best served. I'm very realistic and (at least in the beginning) am not looking for the "competition" portion of the matches as much as developing proper technique, self defense tactics, safety and studying. Saturday I plan on going up to a local IDPA match and maybe just observing, maybe volunteer for taping or brass patrol. I hear they welcome you even more if you bring donuts. So, jump in, more range time, classes? Thanks in advance for opinions and advice (sorry if it's been covered before)