First post - STL shooter wanting to compete

[TurboFC3S]

Hey guys, just wanted to introduce myself and maybe hear from some other St Louis shooters about local pistol and rifle matches ... it looks like there are quite a few in the area active on the forum. I don't mean to ask dopey questions, but the whole competition thing is a bit intimidating to me. I shoot a lot, mainly just blastin at the range with friends. I also reload everything I shoot, so the ammo problems aren't an issue for me.

My questions are basically how do I get into match shooting? I'm sure I'd just watch a match or two before shooting, but some idea of what to expect - even better what to expect specifically at the Arnold Gun Club matches - would be great.

I have plenty of guns I could use, how do I pick which one to bring? Does it matter if your gun shoots 2" or 6" at 25 yards, does that level of accuracy really matter? Or is it basically whatever gun you're able to work fastest and most comfortably? And at the Arnold matches is capacity an issue, should that be a consideration in what I bring? Obviously I need a holster, belt, and some mag pouches ... are there specifics I need to consider when shopping for that gear? Are there any rules for clothing? What about reloads for the matches, I don't have a chrono but could get one if it's important for determining power factor in my specific gun. And for reloads I gather that faster powders like Titegroup are favored overall because of lower recoil and muzzle flip - I reload almost all my .40 loads in Power Pistol, should I even worry about that or switch before I get started? If I could theoretically shoot better in a match setting with a 'certain' type of load, putting one together quickly isn't an issue.

I've watched some videos online of how the matches go, it seems simple enough. Maybe it's that I've never practiced with a holster that intimidates me a bit, should I spend some time on my own at the range first with a holster ... or is it really something I shouldn't worry about? Hey, one other dopey question ... do you drop your spent mags in a mag pouch on your belt or just drop them on the ground and pick 'em up at the end of your stage?

One question specifically about Arnold if anybody can answer, can I just show up and join when I get there? I'd assume I can. Anything members could tell me so I don't walk around like an idiot would be appreciated!

... my name is Ryan btw

[bkeeler]

Ryan,

Welcome!

There is a steel match on Sat May 2nd @ Arnold Rifle and pistol club for that you will need at least 5 mags and shoot what ever pistol you want basically.

You may shoot at ARPC 3 times I think then you need to join the club to be able to continue to shoot at arnold. Here is a link that explains it better than I can. http://rhebert.nightowl.net/ To be able to shoot IPSC/USPSA you have to pass a shooting test it is explained in the link above. You do not have to do the test for steel since it is stand and shoot very little movement if any at all.

There are also matches at Benchrest Rifle club in Wright City MO.

Work on the holster draws in dryfire at home.

Come on out to Arnold on sat and let Gene G.or Jeff M. know you are a new shooter and they will take it from there.

I will not be there this weekend. Good Luck and have fun.

If you have any other questions let me know.

BK

Edited April 29, 2009 by bkeeler

[ironb]

Hey guys, just wanted to introduce myself and maybe hear from some other St Louis shooters about local pistol and rifle matches ... it looks like there are quite a few in the area active on the forum. I don't mean to ask dopey questions, but the whole competition thing is a bit intimidating to me. I shoot a lot, mainly just blastin at the range with friends. I also reload everything I shoot, so the ammo problems aren't an issue for me.

My questions are basically how do I get into match shooting? I'm sure I'd just watch a match or two before shooting, but some idea of what to expect - even better what to expect specifically at the Arnold Gun Club matches - would be great.

I have plenty of guns I could use, how do I pick which one to bring? Does it matter if your gun shoots 2" or 6" at 25 yards, does that level of accuracy really matter? Or is it basically whatever gun you're able to work fastest and most comfortably? And at the Arnold matches is capacity an issue, should that be a consideration in what I bring? Obviously I need a holster, belt, and some mag pouches ... are there specifics I need to consider when shopping for that gear? Are there any rules for clothing? What about reloads for the matches, I don't have a chrono but could get one if it's important for determining power factor in my specific gun. And for reloads I gather that faster powders like Titegroup are favored overall because of lower recoil and muzzle flip - I reload almost all my .40 loads in Power Pistol, should I even worry about that or switch before I get started? If I could theoretically shoot better in a match setting with a 'certain' type of load, putting one together quickly isn't an issue.

I've watched some videos online of how the matches go, it seems simple enough. Maybe it's that I've never practiced with a holster that intimidates me a bit, should I spend some time on my own at the range first with a holster ... or is it really something I shouldn't worry about? Hey, one other dopey question ... do you drop your spent mags in a mag pouch on your belt or just drop them on the ground and pick 'em up at the end of your stage?

One question specifically about Arnold if anybody can answer, can I just show up and join when I get there? I'd assume I can. Anything members could tell me so I don't walk around like an idiot would be appreciated!

... my name is Ryan btw

I'm still really new too (only been shooting a couple months). For your first match, just go out and have fun. There's a little learning curve to get over, which should happen after your first match. Just don't break the 180 or do anything else to get you DQ'd and you'll have had a great first match!!! Bring lots of extra ammo - especially if there is a lot of far away steel you're shoot'n at. I wouldn't worry about what loads you're using, etc, for your first match - just make sure you bring a gun and at least 4 magazines to use with it. You'll meet a lot of people at the match that should be pretty friendly and give you lots of help/advice. Like I said, make it your goal not to do anything stupid or unsafe that gets you DQ'd, and you'll be great!

[TurboFC3S]

Thanks for the replies ... I'll try and come to that match this weekend BK. Mainly what I need to figure out is my belt and holster rig, and of course just to get an idea of what goes on at the matches. I've been thinking of doing this for years, think it's finally time I get of my ass and go do some real shootin

[aztecdriver]

Thanks for the replies ... I'll try and come to that match this weekend BK. Mainly what I need to figure out is my belt and holster rig, and of course just to get an idea of what goes on at the matches. I've been thinking of doing this for years, think it's finally time I get of my ass and go do some real shootin

I'm relatively new - so I'll just give you a couple of pointers that helped me greatly.

First and foremost - leave the ego at the door - you might see that in multiple entries throughout this site, but I can tell you that I went in open minded realizing that everything I might know might be changed that first time. It's easier said that done a lot of times, but I focused on being safe, and being overtly safe about anything that stretched my comfort zone. First and foremost was moving with a charged, unholstered weapon. I specifically remember making sure my finger was out of the guard any time I was not shooting, and keeping my muzzle parallel to the floor and 90* to the berm, as well as paying strict attention to my ROs and understanding what they were saying. Through my safe gunhandling, I wanted the respect of my ROs as well as of my fellow shooters. If it's like my club - you'll get all the help you need if you are willing to learn from the experienced folks. They are awesome and help me work on everything, and it started that night - it's part of the reason I'm hooked.

Don't worry so much about equipment and division. Take a gun that is simple and you are comfortable with. Don't worry about which division you fall in.If you take a Glock 17 and four mags, load them up and shoot limited division. Get a feel for the stages and talk with folks before deciding what you are going to do about divisions, equipment, etc. Honestly, I see a lot of new shooters starting off in production division and being hit with needing many mags( because you are limited to 10 rnds) , mag changes, slide lock, stage planning, all before they get through their first stage - it seems a lot to throw at someone starting off.

A note about guns, I liked starting with a Glock because it was very simple. "Make Ready" was unholster, seat the mag, rack the slide and reholster. I didn't have to worry about hammers, safeties or the like.

The rest of the equipment I think was covered elsewhere, but there are several pointers on USPSA website. I wouldn't worry about buying anything - because I rebought everything I own twice over in 6 mos. As long as you have a safe holster and two mag pouches (i've seen people do all of their reloads from their pockets starting out) and enough capacity to make it through a 32 rnd stage, it will be fine. When you get enough information from conversations, checking out other shooters rigs, etc. - you'll buy the rest of what you want .

Most of all have fun - these are some of the finest people I've ever met - and I'm in sales and meet a lot of people.

One of my fondest memories of my first outdoor match was being RO'd by Singlestack on a stage that had a small backout from a tight area. He'd just met me the day before at a small practice session a group of us were having and pretty much knew nothing more than my name. I'm shooting a G34 production. I had a reload when I came out of the backing up part and I was moving right to left. Afterwards, he came up to me and said he was very impressed with my handling of that and plainly saw my finger position and muzzle control. I had been shooting indoor matches (2 stages) up to that point for 5 months. That compliment, not shooting 61% of the GM that won that match, is the part I remember.