I want to try shooting

[narcolepticsniper]

...competitively. How would I even start this process? I've got an AR, Mosin, Subcompact pistol, regular size pistol, bolt .22;
I think the eastern shore is a bit far, being that I'll be living in Woodbridge, VA. Is there a novice class, or like a noob division? I've never fired competitively.

Advice?

 

[Mason-Dixon Baseball]

I think Thurmont does a great job with various types of competitions.... Start checking with any local clubs-- they all have competitions and welcome new people with open arms!

 

[narcolepticsniper]

I'll check local places, Thurmont is and hour and a half away. So it's a pretty open sub-subculture?

 

[Threeband]

Don't let "competition" intimidate you. It's just some guys messing around with guns. My experience has always been that people are very friendly, easy going, and welcoming.

I regularly shoot in the CMP matches at Thurmont. These things are very informal, and no one will make you feel bad if you don't do very well. Even if you do do well, they'll still be nice to you.

I've shot some of the IDPA matches there also. Unfortunately, work has had me so busy that I haven't been able to get away on Tuesdays. Anyway, it's a different group, but again, the people are open and friendly.

Thurmont has quite a few other matches, described on their website. All are open to non-members, for a reasonable match fee. I'd like to make the Mosin match, and I might try some weekend IPSC one of these days, instead of the Tuesday IDPA.

http://www.tcandsc.org/

I know Thurmont is a bit of a drive for you, but I'm sure you'll find the same openness at other competitions at other ranges. There are a lot of competitions at the AGC, for instance, though that's not much closer for you. http://associatedgunclubs.org/events.html
You might check out Anne Arundel Fish and Game http://www.aafg.org/


But you need to think about what you want to do. There are so many different types of competitive shooting. Action Shooting like 3 Gun, IPSC, IDPA, Steel, and Cowboy. There's Bullseye Shooting with Pistol, Small Bore Rifle, High Power, Vintage Rifle. There's even Air Rifles and Muzzleloaders.

There's shotgun sports, Trap, Skeet, and Sporting Clays.

Somewhere, someone's probably getting up a friendly competition with caulk guns and nail guns.


It's a very open subculture. Go for it!




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[Nanook]

Quantico Shooting Club is close to you. Fairfax Rod and Gun has some pretty good shooters, but I have not been to their facilities.

 

[davsco]

fredericksburg, va will prob be the closest place to you from woodbridge for uspsa. www.fredericksburgps.com. also a place near richmond, search for "black creek steel."

just bring pretty much any modern handgun, at least 3 magazines but 4-5 better, and maybe 3 boxes of ammo, and a holster you're comfortable with. keep the gun boxed til you talk with someone at the match who will show you the ropes, and put you in the right division. most matches require you to signup in advance, normally the monday or tuesday preceding the match.

at each stage tell the RO you're the new guy and they'll let you go last and help you out. just go slow and make sure you get good hits, always time to speed up later.

biggest things to remember - gun stays in holster unless you're shooting. muzzle always pointed downrange (even when you're running from right to left; and when you're reloading), finger off the trigger while you're moving or reloading. focus on the front sight. make sure to help paste targets or reset steel.

also check out uspsa.org and idpa.org.

best of luck, it's a lotta fun.

 

[Drmsparks]

D

But you need to think about what you want to do. There are so many different types of competitive shooting. Action Shooting like 3 Gun, IPSC, IDPA, Steel, and Cowboy. There's Bullseye Shooting with Pistol, Small Bore Rifle, High Power, Vintage Rifle. There's even Air Rifles and Muzzleloaders.

There's shotgun sports, Trap, Skeet, and Sporting Clays.

This.

What do you want to do first?

 

[Threeband]

I used to shoot with the N-SSA, mostly near Winchester, Virginia.

Maybe you'd like to try some Bullseye shooting with a 12 pounder Napoleon howitzer?

http://www.n-ssa.org/competitions.html

 

[engineerbrian]

As threeband said, go to the Mosin match at TSCS. It may be a bit of a hike for you, but its well worth it. i went to my first Mosin match a few months ago and it was a blast...and totally laid back.

Theres one comming up in a few weeks. See you there!

 

[jimbobborg]

Oh, you're moving to Woodbridge? You missed this today, http://www.hatfieldsgunsmithing.com/bowling_pin_shoots_Q4TI.html They run it the second Sunday of most months, I think they're stopping after it gets really cold.

Jim

 

[herr.baer]

The best way is to just go and shoot the various competition. Have fun and be safe first and foremost. Use each time you shoot as a learning experience on what does and doesn't work for you.