First timer shooting Saturday {uspsa}

[Sauer Grapes]

As usual I've decided to try a uspsa match at the last minute. {Saturday} I had to settle for a hodge podge of whatever gear I could find at the last minute at a couple small LGS.

Couple questions:

#1- Will I be required to join the USPSA?
#2- Should I call the club today and tell them I'm new to practical shooting games?
#3- Can I use my DeSantis speed scabbard holster?

BTW, I'll be shooting production division since I couldn't find what I would need for single stack division.
I did pick up a cheapo fobus paddle holster if the speed scabbard isn't acceptable for the match.
I've shot some informal steel and pin matches at my club and an "action match". {holster optional}
Boy, I hope my nerves don't get the best of me and I chicken out......lol. I'm always really nervous trying new things with a bunch of people watching me.

Any help would be great! SG.

 

[waktasz]

1- No
2- No, but show up early for the new shooter briefing
3- Yes

 

[Jim Watson]

You wouldn't be human if you weren't nervous over a new experience.
But you will get to where you like the adrenaline rush of competition.

The key to getting past the bunch of people watching you is to realize that They Don't Care. As long as go by the safety rules and make an honest effort to execute the Course of Fire as presented, nobody is going to stare at or ridicule you. Most of us remember being beginners.

 

[Sauer Grapes]

Thanks Jim,
The lead up and wait time is where the nerves kick in. Once the gun comes up, it's all good.
I'm sure it's the same as when I'm shooting skeet, everybody is thinking about their own scores, not mine.

 

[waktasz]

Every time you start feeling nervous about it, strap on your gear and do some dry fire. Then when you get to the match and start feeling the nerves, you will know you have the ability to draw and execute safely, and hopefully that confidence will calm your nerves.

 

[mgmorden]

Congrats! I'm rather new too. I've only shot 2 matches so far but I'm hooked .

Couple of pointers based on my first experiences:

(1) Finger out of the trigger guard while moving. I wasn't called on this during my first attempt, but I know it was something I was nervous about and slowed me down contantly thinking about it (rather than it being second nature) during the course. Truth is prior to my first match ALL of my handgunning had been while standing still - never ran with a gun in my life.

(2) As others has said, don't care about the score. If you're anything like me it won't be great out of the gate, but matches are there to help you improve your skills. Nobody is Michael Jordan (or um, Chris Tilley maybe in this example? ) right out of the gate. I was just happy that during my first match I didn't come it last. Yes, the only 3 people (out of 45) that I beat were the two Junior shooters and an old guy that was deaf (needed a shoulder tap when the buzzer sounded to start shooting), but still - I wasn't last .

Good luck and have fun! I'm heading out to my next match this Sunday (Ant Hill Range in NC).

 

[Sauer Grapes]

Congrats! I'm rather new too. I've only shot 2 matches so far but I'm hooked .

Couple of pointers based on my first experiences:

(1) Finger out of the trigger guard while moving. I wasn't called on this during my first attempt, but I know it was something I was nervous about and slowed me down contantly thinking about it (rather than it being second nature) during the course. Truth is prior to my first match ALL of my handgunning had been while standing still - never ran with a gun in my life.

(2) As others has said, don't care about the score. If you're anything like me it won't be great out of the gate, but matches are there to help you improve your skills. Nobody is Michael Jordan (or um, Chris Tilley maybe in this example? ) right out of the gate. I was just happy that during my first match I didn't come it last. Yes, the only 3 people (out of 45) that I beat were the two Junior shooters and an old guy that was deaf (needed a shoulder tap when the buzzer sounded to start shooting), but still - I wasn't last .

Good luck and have fun! I'm heading out to my next match this Sunday (Ant Hill Range in NC).

I've done quite a bit of dry fire work since I carry on a daily basis. Draw,reloads and double taps.
I've spent a lot of time in the last year on my pistol shooting with drills. I also spent a couple hours today on live fire incorporating double taps and reloading from a mag pouch. Just trying to build muscle memory.
I'm pretty comfortable with my gun handling skills, like you said though,the running\moving part will be slow and methodical. I'm not real worried about where I finish as long as I'm happy with myself. I have no illusions of winning anything, but I'm darn sure I'm not coming in last......lol. {I hope}
I get where your coming from, I think I'm really going to like this sport. I have a blast everytime I shoot a pin or plate match.
The more I think about it, I'm getting pretty pumped about competing.

 

[1SOW]

and an old guy that was deaf (needed a shoulder tap when the buzzer sounded to start shooting), but still - I wasn't last .

I think I resent that. 65 is experienced.

I can't hear the "par" time buzzer while I'm shooting. Everybody yells "time's up".

Shooters will help you. You're going to be hooked, and it's not curable.

Especially the first match, I recommend trying to be "smooth" not "fast".

 

[cemjr]

SG, I'm glad you started this thred. I heard they shot IPDA at my local gun range on Monday evenings, so I decided to give it a try. I showed up with the required equipment ( gun (HK p30 9mm)holster,(supra) mag carrier,safty glasses and ear protection. WOW !! what a blast. Best $5 dallors I ever spent. The people were friendly, I got a thorough orientation from the range master. I plan to participate every monday and try to get good at it. I had a good bit of that performance anxiety you talked about but at 53 it's not as bad as when I was younger. I have a question for everybody. I just got a new S&W 1911SC commander size. I've been looking at holsters. I want something that will work good for IPDA but it needs to be one that won't be tough on the finish of my gun. I've been looking at that Scabbord speed, how did it work for you?

 

[mbopp]

Our club holds weekly concealed carry and IPSC events. I did both for the first time a few weeks ago. Concentrate on doing the course right, speed will come as you get more comfortable with it. I was happy I didn't finish last on my first try.
And there's a steel shoot tomorrow. Hello, Missouri Bullets? I need another 2,000.

 

[Sauer Grapes]

SG, I'm glad you started this thred. I heard they shot IPDA at my local gun range on Monday evenings, so I decided to give it a try. I showed up with the required equipment ( gun (HK p30 9mm)holster,(supra) mag carrier,safty glasses and ear protection. WOW !! what a blast. Best $5 dallors I ever spent. The people were friendly, I got a thorough orientation from the range master. I plan to participate every monday and try to get good at it. I had a good bit of that performance anxiety you talked about but at 53 it's not as bad as when I was younger. I have a question for everybody. I just got a new S&W 1911SC commander size. I've been looking at holsters. I want something that will work good for IPDA but it needs to be one that won't be tough on the finish of my gun. I've been looking at that Scabbord speed, how did it work for you?

The DeSantis speed scabbard worked great. I wanted to use my S&W 5906 since it is one of 2 main carry guns. Two other guys in my squad were using IWB holsters with their 1911 pistols. I think I was the only guy shooting a DA\SA pistol....lol.
One word of caution on the DeSantis speed holster. When I bought mine, the fit was super tight! You may need to do some "break in" before using it.

The match was just loads of fun! Bunch of guys from my club showed up so I was right at home shooting with my "home boys"....lol.
Everybody connected with running the match were just super! These were the nicest group of people I've had the pleasure of meeting in quite some time. They made my first time experience perfect. I'm going to send a "THANK YOU" email to the club and the guys running the match.

I am already looking forward to the next match!

 

[BullfrogKen]

I'm glad you had a good time.


It's supposed to be fun. Not many of us go do things that aren't unless there's a paycheck involved. Or it means we'll have to sleep on the couch if we don't get it done.

 

[waktasz]

Where did you shoot? Southern Chester?

I almost always make that match but was away for the weekend this weekend.