Want to get into Comp. Pistol shooting.

[Thlax]

I was looking for some direction about getting into competition pistol shooting. I know there are a couple different leagues and such but there is a plethora of information out there that i was hoping a senior member could help a college boy narrow down.

ie: Basic differences of the leagues, what they recommend trying out first, how and where to search, class or just jumping right in? (Located in DE)

I am good friends with the local PD, as i had to store my firearm with them when i was living on campus. However now that I am off campus I can store at my apartment. Just me and hunting dog Anyways.... the gentleman who ran the evidence locker, where the rifle team and any student could store a firearm for free, was an old sheriff. He told me about a police league that he thinks was open to public as well that did competition but through scenario situations which he loved and competed in. Does anyone else know/do this?

Any help is appreciated-

Thanks,

David

 

[Jim Watson]

I shoot IDPA which is scenario driven.
Are you reasonably proficient in operating and shooting your Glock?
(We run competitive matches, not training. You don't have to win, but you do have to be able to follow instructions and behave safely.)

There is a club locator at
http://www.idpa.com/clubs.asp

A search for IDPA video will get you scenes from many events so you can tell if it looks like something you want to do.

Basics are covered at:
http://www.gadpa.com/index.php/ipda/new-shooter-information/
http://www.gadpa.com/index.php/ipda/new-shooter-briefing/

 

[Johnny Guest]

Post moved

Thlax - -
You'll likely get more helpful replies to your question here in Competition Shooting area.

 

[Thlax]

Thanks for the move Mod! Sorry for being posted in the wrong place originally.

Yes I know how to take apart and assemble my glock to every piece, operate it in a safe controlled manor and understand and follow directions. Check. Have been hunting for 5+ years, have just gotten into the pistol world about 6 months ago. Been to the range almost every weekend since

 

[waktasz]

Where in Delaware are you?

There are a few good IDPA and USPSA matches in the area of South Eastern PA which would be an easy drive for you if you're going to U Del.

 

[Thlax]

Yes im at UD

 

[dhfenno]

There's an IDPA club in Bridgeville DE I have shot at and would highly recommend.

 

[Thlax]

Just saw that on the IDPA site....but thats 1.5hr away! I think the southest PA meets may be better...

 

[waktasz]

There is USPSA in Kennet Square on the 3rd Saturday of every month and IDPA near King of Prussia at Lower Providence on the 4th Saturday. The match tomorrow is cancelled though because the range is a swamp.

There is an indoor match in Yeadon this Monday at doubleaction.org

There's a match almost every weekend if you're willing to drive an hour or two but those two are probably the closest to you.

 

[Thlax]

Hmmm I wonder if there are any closer to the border. Or in MD? Someone mentioned something about Atglen PA?

 

[Sam1911]

David, you're right on the edge of sort of the golden zone for IDPA in the north east. There is a tremendous amount of this type of competition going on from your location, up through eastern PA (out as far west as Altoona), and even in NJ, MD, and southern NY.

That's the area that Walt Jones covers with his NEPA IDPA web site and news letter;

Web site: http://nepaidpascores.net/
News letter: http://nepaidpascores.net/misc/weekly.html (His email address is listed there if you want to receive the weekly match list.)

It is no stretch to say that there are probably 4-6 matches (just IDPA, not counting USPSA) every weekend (especially in spring, summer, and fall) within a 2 hour drive of you. And probably five hundred die hard match shooters throughout those clubs, most of whom would be thrilled to help you get up and running.

You're a bit too far east to probably make the pilgrimage regularly, but I'd love to have you come out and shoot some of my matches at West Shore Sportsman's Ass'n near Harrisburg. (See link in my sig.)

I can highly recommend the guys down at Lower Providence (the "Tuesday Knights" ), but I will caution you that their wonderful new and improved facility has some very tight membership and use requirements, which make it a tedious process to join their club -- however any IDPA member can come shoot their matches. If interested, send me a PM and I'll fill you in a bit more.

All this to say, whatever you do, don't miss the opportunity! There's some great shooting almost in your back yard!

 

[Thlax]

PM sent!

 

[Thlax]

I think ill try to make it out to a match sometime soon to watch! Just have to find a free weekend. Although people say college gives you ample time to try new things, travel, and such.... well they don't account for people who double major with a busy schedule already!

I am spoiled by the fact a public range is only 15 min away and charges $2.50/half hours. Very nice. Ill keep practicing there and maybe try some IDPA practice stuff later in time. Currently though I have my CCW course next weekend so thats number 1 excitement on my mind ill look more into IDPA as summer approaches.

Please don't take this as an ignorant question, I honestly don't know, but to an outdoor IDPA match are dogs welcome? I know some shooting areas allow dogs on the grounds (obviously under extreme supervision and control) but not sure about an IDPA match to watch. My Weimaraner comes with me everywhere and every hunt i can take him on. If he is legally allowed to be there and I'm free to watch him. Hes there

 

[waktasz]

It would depend on the club. There's nothing in the match rules that says he wouldn't be allowed.

I've seen people bring their dogs to matches at Lower Prov and Easton.

Also, don't come to watch. Pistol matches are boring . Bring your gear and jump right in.

 

[Wedge]

There are dogs at our matches. Good luck!

 

[waktasz]

USPSA Special classifier match saturday at Lower Prov near King of Prussia, PA.

Nice way to join USPSA and get your initial classification on the same day.

 

[waktasz]

If you weren't there this weekend you missed an awesome match. 6 stages, 4 classifiers, good weather on the awesome new outdoor pistol range.