New to competitive shooting

[Meanstreak18]

Hi, I'm looking to get into some sort of competitive pistol shooting. I live between buffalo and rochester and I know theres a few places in the area that hold events. I've been shooting handguns for a while just looking for somethinng different than just shooting targets. Not sure how to get my feet wet, what's the best way for a beginner to get into this type of sport? What gear is absolutley necessary at first? What should I expect being the "new guy"?

any info is appreciated

 

[Eddie Gunks]

What kind of shooting? Handgun? Shotgun? Rifle? 3 gun?

For Pistol. Holster. 4-5 mags. Go to local uspsa or idpa matches. Tell them you are nee. They will help you. Most places that shoot this style have weekly “practice” nights.....or can point you in then right direction.

 

[kev74]

I'm not familiar with the area, but...

Just show up. Introduce yourself, watch watch what's going on and ask questions. Any of the shooting sports I've participated in were more friendly and welcoming than any other sport I've played.

Bring some eye and ear protection when you go.

 

[Jaywmustang]

GSSF (Glock sport shooting foundation)? They have a shoot in Fulton and pine city ny.

 

[Justincase]

Tonawanda sportsmens club has weekly steel challenges and IDPA shoots i think. Not sure where you are between Buffalo and Rochester, but you're probably not too far. Wish i was closer or I'd be there myself.

 

[4 paws]

Tonawanda Sportsmens Club hosts a monthly steel challenge match usually Apr - Oct. WNY practical pistol league also operates out of TSC and has a match the last Sun of each month. They also practice every Thur. You will need a belt with holster, at least 4 mags and a pistol oriented to competitive shooting.

 

[Acer-m14]

What kind of shooting? Handgun? Shotgun? Rifle? 3 gun?

For Pistol. Holster. 4-5 mags. Go to local uspsa or idpa matches. Tell them you are nee. They will help you. Most places that shoot this style have weekly “practice” nights.....or can point you in then right direction.

then get your wallet out .. you will need a race gun too ..

 

[Gonzobird]

Get a cheap pistol with shitty sights.

Get good with it.

After you are good with crappy sights build a race gun with good sights and you will be hitting everything you shoot at.

 

[4 paws]

Get a cheap pistol with shitty sights.

Get good with it.

After you are good with crappy sights build a race gun with good sights and you will be hitting everything you shoot at.

I'm assuming this is sarcasm ? Not the best advice for someone looking to enter the sport.

 

[Eddie Gunks]

I'm assuming this is sarcasm ? Not the best advice for someone looking to enter the sport.

Why not. It is kinda true.

I shot a revelver for years. As a result my trigger control is very good on all my shooting.

I then shot a colt officers 45 acp (3.5 inch barrel), regular sights and a “normal” trigger. It was my carry gun. I could bot afford a second at that time. .....again, as a result when i started shoiting a full size colt with fiber sights and a match trigger, it was pretty much like cheating.

It is not the arrow.....it is the indian.

 

[Gonzobird]

Thanks Gunks I was hoping someone would see the logic...

 

[Mosinitis]

Start with the best

Competitions - Civilian Marksmanship Program

 

[Meanstreak18]

Appreciate all the advice, I kind of have a crazy work schedule so my biggest worry is having to pay a good chunk of money for a range membership for somewhere an hr + away and then not being able to make any matches. That's kind of my big hang up right now

 

[kev74]

Appreciate all the advice, I kind of have a crazy work schedule so my biggest worry is having to pay a good chunk of money for a range membership for somewhere an hr + away and then not being able to make any matches. That's kind of my big hang up right now

There are a lot of clubs who run matches open to non-members.

Do it! Don't look for excuses not to.

 

[Mosinitis]

You don't need to be a club member to shoot a match. There may be some exceptions, but normally you don't.