Posted: 2/11/2013 10:44:59 AM EDT
|
What is the best way to get started in competitive shooting in the KC area? I'd like to stick to pistol only right now, but with the alphabet soup of organizations out there it's difficult for the inexperienced to discern the best place to start. I'm a hobby shooter at best and I get out maybe once a month if I'm lucky. I'd like to get into something that doesn't involve a ton of expense, but would be a worthwhile way to hone my skills with my carry and HD pistols. I had GSSF recommended to me, but I'm not sure if there's anything local.
I know some of you guys do some competitive shooting. I'd appreciate it if someone could point me towards something that would help hone my skills and be a good time without breaking the bank. Thanks! |
|
The key to initial acceptance is safety...safety....safety. Keep in the front of your thoughts, dropping magazines and clearing your weapon after each course of fire, don't load your weapon until instructed to do so, and muzzle discipline at all times.
Failure to do these things will make people cranky. I'm in the KC area near Liberty as well as a couple of others here. |
|
Quoted:
What part of the state are you in? I'm south east of KC Quoted:
Mill Creek in DeSoto, KS does several USPSA matches per year outdoors where the targets and settings can be changed easier (IMO). I would start there with a pistol match......then nut up and come shoot a 3-gun......since this IS AR15.com afterall!  I was wanting to try 3 gun then I sold my shotgun. I have 2 ARs that would work, I just hate to burn up my ammo stash before I know that I can find some more. I just bought a G35 with a LW 9mm conversion barrel and your reloading pics got me thinking about starting out reloading some 9mm. |
|
I Quoted:
Quoted:
What part of the state are you in? I'm south east of KC Quoted:
Mill Creek in DeSoto, KS does several USPSA matches per year outdoors where the targets and settings can be changed easier (IMO). I would start there with a pistol match......then nut up and come shoot a 3-gun......since this IS AR15.com afterall! I was wanting to try 3 gun then I sold my shotgun. I have 2 ARs that would work, I just hate to burn up my ammo stash before I know that I can find some more. I just bought a G35 with a LW 9mm conversion barrel and your reloading pics got me thinking about starting out reloading some 9mm. You know my motto........."do it pussy!" 
|
|
I would suggest starting with some USPSA locally. Look Here! http://www.uspsa.org/locate-uspsa-clubs-results.php EDIT: that link didn't paste correctly, Start here. http://www.uspsa.org/locate-uspsa-clubs.php |
|
Another Tac is getting with someone else who is shooting comps like EaZe or E1CM (don't know what he shoots anymore)
I have never been to a competition where there was not SOMEONE who would loan you a needed piece of gear. No Shotty? Many have a loaner you can borrow. Ammo? No problem I loaned an Independence cop some shot shells at a CMMG shoot. At the nationals I loaned Guns and ammo to a competitor in need. Guys have stuff fail all the time. For Practical Pistol, a Pistol several mags and a good holster and belt with mag pouches is a good start. You don't NEED a tactical vest for any of it, a Bat Belt will do fine. Start Simple and work into it. It can be fun and rewarding but it can also build bad habits for the real world. |
|
Down here in Rolla we shoot Steel, USPSA, and 3G. Steel is by farthest then easiest to start with in my opinion followed by IDPA, USPSA then 3g. The reason being you have 5 non-moving targets and you usually do not have to move your feet. Makes for less new things to remember. IDPA is nice because they usually run much lower round count stages. USPSA and 3G are hair on fire speed events and can be intimidating if you are not used to the timer and basic match safety.
The above advice is most excellent. Safety is first and slow is safe in the beginning. Do not try to keep up with the M's and GM's. I remember thinking these guys can run a stage and shoot all A's in less time that it would take me to shoot that many rounds into the ground standing in one spot.  . The past 18 months have seen a tremendous number of new shooters at our club. I have noted the ones who come to shoot come back again most of the time. The ones who come and watch rarely come back. I don't know why this would be the case, just an observation.
|