This newbie needs help

[LethalTurtle]

Hey guys, I’m really interested in competing however I’m really confused as to what is available for me to compete in. I’m under 21 so NY barely let’s me look at a handgun, so I’ve only got rifle and shotgun left. I’m on Long Island but I’m on summer vacation so I wouldn’t mind a bit of a travel. I just get overwhelmed with everything out there. Any help clarifying would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, and enjoy your Memorial Day weekend. Thank you to all who have served and currently serve.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

I guess it would help if you gave us more info about the type of competitions you are thinking about. 3 gun? Trap? Skeet? Long distance? Cowboy Action?

 

[LethalTurtle]

I guess it would help if you gave us more info about the type of competitions you are thinking about. 3 gun? Trap? Skeet? Long distance? Cowboy Action?

Well, that is what I am confused about. I don't know where to go or what is open to me. I would really like to do 3 gun, but not being able to have a pistol makes that difficult as I would only have 2 guns. I don't have much knowledge about what else there is to compete in, so I figured I'd ask. I have an AR-15 that I'd like to use, I also have an 870 if that opens things up. I'm just looking to get out and test/improve my shooting while having fun.

 

[BDinPutnam]

In some 3 gun, you are allowed to use a pistol caliber carbine instead of a pistol, I think. Not my thing but I have read of people in the forum doing it.

 

[repete]

Look around out there on the island, gotta be some trap,skeet clubs and maybe some others out there. Whatever you do be very VARY careful when traveling off the island! You probably already know but NYC just loves to jam up gun owners, even legal ones and with you being young you will be a tempting target.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Look around out there on the island, gotta be some trap,skeet clubs and maybe some others out there. Whatever you do be very VARY careful when traveling off the island! You probably already know but NYC just loves to jam up gun owners, even legal ones and with you being young you will be a tempting target.

Trap and skeet with an 870? Well, with the right barrel.

 

[BDinPutnam]

Trap and skeet with an 870?

OP did say he wanted to improve his skills.

 

[LethalTurtle]

Trap and skeet with an 870? Well, with the right barrel.

It’s over 28 inches lol

 

[LethalTurtle]

Does anyone have any info on LIPSA in westhampton?

 

[Calculon]

In some 3 gun, you are allowed to use a pistol caliber carbine instead of a pistol, I think. Not my thing but I have read of people in the forum doing it.

This. Some clubs allow PCC for people without pistol permits.

 

[BDinPutnam]

Oh and also, instead of competition, you could start out finding some training courses you want to take, I know there are lots if them around the state, many of which are advertised (and vetted) right on this very site. That would (a) get you out and practicing and (b) potentially get you in the same room with other people who likely compete.... somewhere.... doing something.

Which is something I've been meaning to do myself for ages but I am always too damn busy with work and life.

Or you could go shoot bubba potato guns in Thailand with @Eddie Gunks.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

It’s over 28 inches lol

Does it have a removable choke? Or is the choke a modified? If so, you could definitely shoot trap with it. Trap is a lot of fun and is also a challenge. A lot of gun clubs have open trap shoots you can go to, pay a small fee and shoot. You will meet a lot of people that way and if you become good enough, may be asked to shoot on a clubs trap team. You could also look into rifle leagues. You may want to consider buying a 22lr rifle. In fact you should have at least one.

 

[BDinPutnam]

PS: "Sunmer vacation"? What the fuck is that?

I second what Corgi said, if you dont have one, pick up a decent 22, opens up some other avenues to explore (and cheap to shoot).

 

[LethalTurtle]

Does anyone have any info on

Does it have a removable choke? Or is the choke a modified? If so, you could definitely shoot trap with it. Trap is a lot of fun and is also a challenge. A lot of gun clubs have open trap shoots you can go to, pay a small fee and shoot. You will meet a lot of people that way and if you become good enough, may be asked to shoot on a clubs trap team. You could also look into rifle leagues. You may want to consider buying a 22lr rifle. In fact you should have at least one.

I've got a 22lr, don't worry. I'll look into the skeet shooting, it does sound like fun.

PS: "Sunmer vacation"? What the fuck is that?

I second what Corgi said, if you dont have one, pick up a decent 22, opens up some other avenues to explore (and cheap to shoot).

I'm in college. I don't have classes during the summer so it's a vacation. Hence "summer vacation." I'll also look into courses, that seems like an interesting time.

Thanks for the suggestions guys, much appreciated

 

[ArmedCorgi]

I've got a 22lr, don't worry. I'll look into the skeet shooting, it does sound like fun.

Skeet shooting is a blast. You just can't take yourself too seriously at first, just have fun and enjoy shooting your shotgun. Awesome, glad you have a 22lr. They are unfortunately few and far between here in NY, but you could look into Project Appleseed. It's a marksmanship program that teaches you how to shoot your rifle properly and also teaches you some revolutionary war history and the relevance marksmanship had during the revolution. In NY there is usually a fall appleseed and sometimes a spring/summer event. You could look in Connecticut and Pennsylvania for events too. The events are two day events and while they aren't "competitions" exactly, they are a challenge and you'd be competing with yourself to better your score.
Project Appleseed | Project Appleseed

 

[LethalTurtle]

Skeet shooting is a blast. You just can't take yourself too seriously at first, just have fun and enjoy shooting your shotgun. Awesome, glad you have a 22lr. They are unfortunately few and far between here in NY, but you could look into Project Appleseed. It's a marksmanship program that teaches you how to shoot your rifle properly and also teaches you some revolutionary war history and the relevance marksmanship had during the revolution. In NY there is usually a fall appleseed and sometimes a spring/summer event. You could look in Connecticut and Pennsylvania for events too. The events are two day events and while they aren't "competitions" exactly, they are a challenge and you'd be competing with yourself to better your score.
Project Appleseed | Project Appleseed

That looks great! I'll definitely look into going to one of their events. Thank you

 

[4 paws]

Try to find a club locally that hosts a steel challenge event. You'll need nothing more than a semi auto 22 rifle. Competitive, fun and it will be a great introduction to the shooting sports.

 

[LethalTurtle]

Try to find a club locally that hosts a steel challenge event. You'll need nothing more than a semi auto 22 rifle. Competitive, fun and it will be a great introduction to the shooting sports.

Funny you say that. There is a club near me that has a Steel challenge in 2 weeks. I just saw it a days ago. I think I'm going to give it a try

 

[togmaster]

Contact LIPSA. Look up the web site. They have steel matches for carbine and shotgun.

 

[Mk44]

A while back I participated in the freeport steel matches (rifles or pistols ). I believe Project Appleseed is also scheduled there.
There are IDPA, USPSA matches held out East on the island.
There are bunch of guys on L.I. that complete in these matches.

 

[nortatoga]

If you are not already a member? checkout this forum it is a little bite closer to home for you ( I post there from time to time as I am formally from Smithtown) https://www.longislandgunclub.com/

 

[Edwardteach72]

Lots of handgun matches (IDPA and more fun USPSA) have PCC divisions, my first match (beginning of this month) out of the 27 shooters (some of us shot multiple divisions) there were 5 that shot PCC, same course of fire and everything.

Or you could also look at USPSA's steel challenge match PCC division

 

[LethalTurtle]

Lots of handgun matches (IDPA and more fun USPSA) have PCC divisions, my first match (beginning of this month) out of the 27 shooters (some of us shot multiple divisions) there were 5 that shot PCC, same course of fire and everything.

Or you could also look at USPSA's steel challenge match PCC division

looks like I'll have to pick up a PCC now. Seems like that's the way to go, plus I don't mind the cheaper price of 9mm

 

[Edwardteach72]

looks like I'll have to pick up a PCC now. Seems like that's the way to go, plus I don't mind the cheaper price of 9mm

Being your general area, the ruger pcc is a good option (they also have a .22lr division I believe) but the ruger will get less hassling than an AR9 or similar set ups.

And if you have free time and are close to that steel challenge go out and just watch I'm sure no one would mind, give you a good idea on how things go and what people have..

I remember I first wouldn't give steel challenge a second thought, figured it looked dumb compared to 3 gun or even uspsa and IDPA cause I mean you just stand in one spot (well for 7 of the 8 stages) and shoot 5 targets.... snooze.... but then the more I looked into it and realized it's legit drag racing with guns cant wait for my first match

 

[repete]

Trap and skeet with an 870? Well, with the right barrel.

Hay, what do I know about trap and skeet umm NOTHING! I didn't notice the 870 but even if I did I wouldn't know its a problem. But why is a problem?

 

[LethalTurtle]

Being your general area, the ruger pcc is a good option (they also have a .22lr division I believe) but the ruger will get less hassling than an AR9 or similar set ups.

And if you have free time and are close to that steel challenge go out and just watch I'm sure no one would mind, give you a good idea on how things go and what people have..

I remember I first wouldn't give steel challenge a second thought, figured it looked dumb compared to 3 gun or even uspsa and IDPA cause I mean you just stand in one spot (well for 7 of the 8 stages) and shoot 5 targets.... snooze.... but then the more I looked into it and realized it's legit drag racing with guns cant wait for my first match

I'll definitely give Steel Challenge a go. I've also seen some fairly priced Ruger PCC's, doesn't look like you can go wrong with one of those.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Hay, what do I know about trap and skeet umm NOTHING! I didn't notice the 870 but even if I did I wouldn't know its a problem. But why is a problem?

It's not a problem with the right barrel/choke combo. It just struck me as odd at first because the 870 is more widely known as a police/riot shotgun (cylinder bore no choke) much like the Mossberg 500. I forgot you can change barrels though.