Info for a total newbie who wants to learn about competitive shooting.

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Hi, I'm brand new to this forum and brand new to gun ownership. I recently purchased a S&W 422, 6" barrel, because I wanted a semi-auto handgun, something easy to handle and reliable, and something very cheap to shoot because I intend to put a lot of ammo through it.

I have this vague fantasy of getting into competitive 22 pistol shooting at some point, and I wonder where I might read up on beginner leagues and what type of targets, distances, etc. that competitive shooting entails.

I'm fully aware that there's a whole class of $1,000+ adjustable-grip 22LR match pistols and that my little 422 isn't one of them, but I'd love to have some idea of the "right" way to learn and practice so I don't start developing bad habits early on.
 
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Find a local club which has bullseye pistol matches. New shooters are always welcome at my club and they get plenty of pointers if they so request.
 
The local Steel Challenge type matches have a .22 rimfire division. Basically you have to hit five static steel targets in any order with the designated stop plate shot last. With the rimfire you can start at low ready and not even use a holster. It's very fast shooting. I think similar matches are held just about everywhere. You're not limited to bullseye shooting with a rimfire.

Dave Sinko
 
Steel Challenge sounds like lots of fun. Hopefully I won't get laughed out with my fixed-sight gun.
 
steel challenge is a lot of fun with a rimfire.
I shoot my wifes Browning Buckmark, which I shoot with iron sights, and our 15-22 rifle, which I shoot with an inexpensive red dot...lots of fun shooting....

but, the camaraderie and fellowship, as well as the help you will receive and the friendships you will develop make it even better.

Don't worry about your speed and accuracy....just go....be safe....and have fun. Easily adictable.

our club also offers Bulls-eye and steel silhouette.....you may enjoy those disciplines as well.

enjoy.......pb
 
If you tell us your location, some of the members here might be able to steer you to some local clubs. I just got my 14 year old nephew hooked on shooting static steel with a .22.

Believe it or not ICORE (International Confederation of Revolver Enthusiast) has opend up a division for .22 cal pistols or revolvers. I core is a truly fun game, that stresses accuracy a little more than speed.
 
Wantmoresmiths, your Flyers avatar is promising. I live in South Philly. I don't really want to buy a revolver (I *just* picked up my S&W 422 and love shooting it) but I'd really like to get involved with a local group/league/club where I can plink targets or shoot bullseye.

I know that guns aren't a cheap hobby, but I deliberately bought a reliable, inexpensive used 22 with the understanding that it was the cheapest way in.

So where do I get started?
 
BISA

Unfortunately you are going to have to drive a bit, but there are some clubs near you. My son, nephew, and I belong to the PA steel shooters league. Main Page - PA Steel Shooters League The league currently consists of 5 clubs, one of which is pretty close to you, in Audubon. This is the Lower Providence Rod & Gun Club Lower Providence Rod & Gun Club The other 4 clubs will require you to take the Northeast extension of the Turnpike up to the Lehigh Valley exit. Send me a PM and I can get you more details via e-mail. One of the steel league clubs, Ontelaunee, will be holding the Ruger Rimfire world championship September 22 and 23.Ruger® Rimfire Shooting Competitions The Ruger match requires you to compete with both a rifle and pistol. If you don't own a .22 semi-auto rifle, it's not a problem, because they have rifles available for you to use. Still another option is to drive out to the Palmyra Sportsman's Association, in Palmyra PA (near Lancaster). They shoot steel every Sunday from 9:00AM to 4:00 PM. They have a big .22 match coming up in October PSA Rimfire Challenge You can see some video of their matches by going to you tube and typing in "Palmyra Rimfire Shoot". There is the Issac Walton club out in York PA. They are holding the PA Steel Challange Championship this Saturday and Sunday. One last club that come to mind is Old Bridge, located in Old Bridge NJ. I don't know much about that club, but do recall that they also hold a huge steel match. You might want to google that club for additional info.
 
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