Looking to get into IDPA or USPSA

[General Malaise]

As the title says, I’m looking to get into shooting in sanctioned competitive shooting. My only issue is that while I have shot plenty, I have never done competitive shooting and I know nothing about it. I did a search here but not much offered. That said, does anyone know where I can get training? Enter competitions? Learn more about the sport? I’m in Rockland County.

 

[kev74]

Dutchess County Pistol Association used to run monthly USPSA matches. Check their website and calendar.

Find a match, show up and shoot it. Let the ROs know you're new.

Remember not to break the 180 (don't point the gun further than 180° from side to side) and don't shoot anyone. And help tape / reset the targets!

When I was shooting matches more often, my goal was to be proficient with my pistol. I never cared about scores. Some people are super competitive, others just out to have fun. Pleasantly, there are very few assholes. Most people are very supportive and helpful.

 

[General Malaise]

Dutchess County Pistol Association used to run monthly USPSA matches. Check their website and calendar.

Find a match, show up and shoot it. Let the ROs know you're new.

Remember not to break the 180 (don't point the gun further than 180° from side to side) and don't shoot anyone. And help tape / reset the targets!

When I was shooting matches more often, my goal was to be proficient with my pistol. I never cared about scores. Some people are super competitive, others just out to have fun. Pleasantly, there are very few assholes. Most people are very supportive and helpful.

Great info, thank you!!

 

[Edwardteach72]

Dude the most difficult part about competition shooting is.. going to that first match.

Just show up to one. Everyone at these things are all super cool and are always super helpful to first timers

 

[fnfalguy]

Yep. I agree with @Edwardteach72
Don't over think it. My first match (and many more after that) was a stock Glock 19 in a OWB with the same mag pouches i used on a daily basis when I carry the gun. Nothing high speed about it. My goal was to outshoot myself week to week. Many years later I met @PinkPanther and all I wanted to do was beat him in matches. Made for good motivation.

 

[fnfalguy]

I should add that even now, I remember what I was most nervous about and it was coming out of a holster with a live gun. Practice at home....a lot....a lot....really a lot....with an empty gun. A really really empty gun. Start slow and it’s fine to be the slowest at the matches. It will come with time. Be deliberate when you draw and know exactly where your finger is at all times.

One other word of advice that holds true from beginners to Master class shooters. You cannot miss fast enough to win.

 

[Edwardteach72]

May I also suggest seeing if you can find a Steel Challenge match.

1) they are super fun

2) there is no running moving or reloading under stress, just 5 steel targets you shoot as fast as you can.

It's nice way to even ease into learning commands and some of the other time stresses without adding to much the first time

And did I mention it's more fun than you'd think

 

[tlj000]

Black Rock runs Steel challenge Matches all summer
Rise in Pearl River runs USPSA
Dutchess Runs USPSA
Shawangunk (near Middletown) runs steel challenge
There's no issues with first timers showing up. As long as you have ammo get out and do it.
Practicscore.com is what most places use for sign up. Keep checking, once ranges get next years schedule lined up they will post it there.

 

[General Malaise]

You guys rock! Thank you!

 

[nortatoga]

My Club ( SaraSpa Rod and Gun Club - Home )has had IDPA for years, I took the safety class but then my job changed and I was not able to make practice matches on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Then last Nov. we started shooting Steel Challenge on Sunday mornings. We are now also a USPSA/Steel Challenge affiliate Club. What is also cool about Steel Challenge is that you can shoot centerfire or rimfire pistols (Low ready for rimfire) PCC's or rimfire rifles ( Low ready for both!) Optic's or no Optic's. Being all new to me I have been shooting my S&W M&P 22 or my Browning Buckmark (mostly the M&P)

Funny thing is I took some ribbing about shooting a 22, But now with the ammo and reloading shortage a lot of the others are now shooting their 22's

 

[General Malaise]

My Club ( SaraSpa Rod and Gun Club - Home )has had IDPA for years, I took the safety class but then my job changed and I was not able to make practice matches on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Then last Nov. we started shooting Steel Challenge on Sunday mornings. We are now also a USPSA/Steel Challenge affiliate Club. What is also cool about Steel Challenge is that you can shoot centerfire or rimfire pistols (Low ready for rimfire) PCC's or rimfire rifles ( Low ready for both!) Optic's or no Optic's. Being all new to me I have been shooting my S&W M&P 22 or my Browning Buckmark (mostly the M&P)

Funny thing is I took some ribbing about shooting a 22, But now with the ammo and reloading shortage a lot of the others are now shooting their 22's

Not a bunch of places this close to the city.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Not a bunch of places this close to the city.

Don't forget to check out PA

 

[nortatoga]

Not a bunch of places this close to the city.

I know what you mean! I moved up here from Long Island 21 years ago.

 

[General Malaise]

Don't forget to check out PA

I used to shoot in Pa but was told that due to crackdowns on non-reciprocity, I can’t bring my arms to Pa.
No?

 

[tlj000]

Nonsense.

 

[kev74]

I used to shoot in Pa but was told that due to crackdowns on non-reciprocity, I can’t bring my arms to Pa.
No?

PA is still relatively friendly.

 

[Acer-m14]

now we know who bought all the ammo up in NY .. LOL

search on you tube , face book and google for Julie Golub

" Julie Goloski Golob is an American professional sport shooter with one gold and seven Ladies Steel Challenge World Speed Shooting Championship gold medals. She also has 2 US IPSC Nationals Lady titles and 13 USPSA Handgun Nationals Lady titles, and is the only seven Division USPSA National Champion in history "

she will answer your questions in time she is a busy lady .. watched a vid on her race gun .. whats the wings for .. week or less a answer and link to vid .. to push it on the shooting wall edge .. she likes chicken jokes too .. she raises them for eggs .. her Face Book page

if you want to travel .. i bet she can hook you up .. another option .. for ya ..