What group do I want to join....

rwsmith

rwsmith

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I'm interested in branching out a bit, not serious competition (for me anyway) but expand my horizons and meet some new people.

CMP? NRA? I'm not sure they have the type of competitions I enjoy.


IDPA - sounds a little much for me, but would be good for me.

USPSA - This sounds like where I am.

Bench rest.....no

Long distance....no (lousy eyesight)

Steel - no, distances are too great.

Cowboy shooting sounds like it could be fun, but I'm not a 'Wild West' person except for watching movies. And I look silly in a cowboy hat.

What do ya'll do and how do you like it?
 
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I belong to and I am active in a couple of small clubs.
I’ve met a great bunch of people, have learned much from them.
I have obtained a few NRA teaching certifications and help out with classes at one club that actively promote’s training. Working as an RSO at club events is rewarding.
Some enjoy becoming involved in the administration and running of the club. I don’t do well with politics, so personally I prefer helping out hands-on in the work parties.
Both these clubs tend to be a blue-collar/workingman membership.
Kevin G
 
Seems you are leaning towards USPSA & IDPA. I like both, but definitely prefer USPSA because of a typically longer CoF, higher round counts per (32 v. 18 for IDPA) and freedom to use different sequence. Both are good just different.
What pistol(s)? Need 4-5 mags for USPSA and 3 for IDPA (minimum).


I have never tried SASS, but it seems like it would be fun. The wardrobe thing is maybe a bit much for me. I relent on the vest and understand the reasoning, but SASS is a whole different level.
 
I like all sorts of shooting events myself especially as spectator .I have in the past dabbled in bullseye ,bench rest and what we use to call " combat" matches I say dabbled because tne friends I competed against didn't think me much competition lol. One of the most rewarding clubs I was affiliated with was a sporting clays group back in NC .They were and still are a tight knit group and do a lot of conservation work mostly thru ducks unlimited . To day I am not doing any competition except with a group of friends we ha e friendly shooting matches on occasion but Cowboy Action would be of interest and I have seen a few of there matches very entertaining and you would be amazed at how much firepower a man or woman for that matter who knows how to use SA revolvers a lever action rifle and a s attergun can put down in a short period of time .Tney have their version of " three gun " and their version of long range tactical shooting useing period correct firearms and sights some of thse folks would be very dangerous indeed against a bad guy today . So I would look serious at Cowboy Action as some clubs arent adamant about the attire and everyone I have met at these events have been extremely nice and willing to share information plus I always wanted to be a cowboy when I grew up plus I kind of lke dance hall girls although I must admit to a certain something about a nice looking woman wearing a low slung sixgun on one side and a birds head 38 or 44 at about appendix of course you would only be a complete gentleman to a woman so armed but there is a certain something non the less . Oh my " cowboy" name is Gentleman ( 5 Aces ) Ackerman AKA Ice Pic Akerman for my affinity of useing a stiletto up close AKA hackernman Ackerman for my affinity if useing a Bowie from behind ,oh the 5 Aces thing was an accident like I tried to explain the the guys evidently that 5th ace stuck to my arm from a previous card game that's where I got my last and most used alias , Fast Fatman Ackerman ( not for my gun handling but my ability to out run an obvious not gentlemanly mob of openly armed rouges intent on beating me about my head neck and shoulders with blunt objects) .These cowboy types are awful touchy about their " friendly" card games huh friendly indeed ! Even since I lost weight they still use the " fast fat man " thing . They'll say here comes fast fat man Ackerman and someone unfamiliar with the very distasteful story will always say "wow he must be very fast with that revolver " and everyone instead of answering will just laugh and laugh and laugh . Want to have some fun try Cowboy Action ( just dont cheat at cards ) .
 
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Joined a gun club a while ago and started shooting some IDPA matches. Had some fun but what killed it for me was some of the people. Snide remarks and petty arguments seemed to be part of the match. And I can't tell you how many times I wanted to scream "get on with it! Glock is not looking at you to join their team!".
The guy that ran the matches quit and there was a 6 month or so gap between matches. Me and my son started shooting sporting clays and are now seriously hooked.
My club also has SASS, the cowboy action shooting. I've met most and they seem far more laid back than the IDPA. Cosplay is not my thing though.
Bowling pin matches! Lots of fun, simple rules and they generally attract a laid back crowd. My most favorite thing to do with a handgun.
I know there's quite a few gun clubs down there. Look into what they offer and think about joining one. The yearly fee for my club is about what 4 indoor range trips would be. A bargain when you consider what's available.
 
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CAME CLOSE TO THAT ONE.

Salty RI said:
Look funny and wear the cowboy hat, that looks like it would be a lot of fun.

Sent from my LGL52VL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Got as far as the name before realizing the cost of the costume & leather alone. Too many SASS police & taking things/themselves SO seriously. IMO Bowling pin & steel challenge are about the most laid back, down to earth groups. FOR SHEER FUN with luck/chance playing a major role, BOWLING PIN.
 
I have an itch to try SASS. Met the gentleman that runs the closest club. He says they are pretty laid back about the costume stuff. BTW, I do have the cowboy hat and don't look too bad in it. He said they have few serious competiters but most shoot for fun. Will have to go and at least watch and see what I think about it.
 
I’ve shot IDPA for a while and it’s OK I guess. The rules are nit-picky and they change too damn often. I shoot for fun but you just about need a rule book and attorney if you’re serious about it.

I’m ramping up with my limited time to get back to IHMSA. I prefer the camaraderie and more laid back atmosphere, plus the satisfaction of hearing a boom followed by the clang of steel.

As someone mentioned, I just dont like the people that much in IDPA. The MD is a jerk and everything is rush rush, which it sort of had to be, I guess. Maybe I should get back to it. I seemed to be spawning a revolver renaissance. Ironically, here in Cowtown, there seems to be almost zero interest in revolver competition. The nearest ICORE is almost 4 hours away.
 
Hi RW,
I would let the gear that you already have guide you. While we always look for reasons to buy a new gun, they are getting too expensive!

CMP matches - honestly, short of the offerings at Camp Perry, I don't see their matches offered at clubs in my area, so that would redirect my consideration. Check their rules for offered events.

NRA matches - mostly you are looking at precision matches unless you consider action pistol or 3 gun matches. For poor eyesight, you could look into F class matches, but how deep you go depends on how deep your pockets are. Three gun 2700 precision matches might be up your alley, rimfire, centerfire and 45 can be fired with just a 22 and a 45.

IDPA, IPSC, and USPSA require just one gun and leather, which you are probably equipped for already.The down side for me is the need for fast movement (leg injuries).

GSSF matches - like the above matches, but the shooter is stationary, but you must use a Glock. Matches run $30 a match, but they have cash prizes (paid Lewis style) and guns are prizes, but not just to the top scorers.

PPC matches - if you have a club that welcomes civilians, all you need is a DA handgun and acceptable leather.

SAS - intriguing, but you need at least one acceptable single action revolver and a period acceptable rifle and shotgun plus costume.

Trap and skeet - for me a nice change of pace, but it is getting expensive.

Honestly, I can't really make a recommendation since I don't know what is of interest to you.

Ed
 
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I've got an idea...

yeti said:
Seems you are leaning towards USPSA & IDPA. I like both, but definitely prefer USPSA because of a typically longer CoF, higher round counts per (32 v. 18 for IDPA) and freedom to use different sequence. Both are good just different.
What pistol(s)? Need 4-5 mags for USPSA and 3 for IDPA (minimum).


I have never tried SASS, but it seems like it would be fun. The wardrobe thing is maybe a bit much for me. I relent on the vest and understand the reasoning, but SASS is a whole different level.
Click to expand...

I like vests and I could get by in a bowler hat. Bowlers were as popular as cowboy hats to people didn't spend a lot of time outdoors. More the 'townie' type.

famous western lawmen - Google Search
 
Now THAT bothers me...

nachogrande said:
...Too many SASS police & taking things/themselves SO seriously...
Click to expand...

... I think 'reenactments' have value, but some aren't playing roles as much as they are 'living' it.:)

BTW: That's one deciding factor......I ain't got much money.:eek:

No I don't expect people to choose for me. I just want to know what's out there and what people think.:)

I hear people talking about silhouettes and steel and pins and all kinds of IDPMs and BURDs and right now I don't know what they really involve.
 
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IDPA Started off with the right idea, but has morphed into what it did not want to be in the beginning, a game. Anytime you keep score it turns into a game. IDPA matches can vary in quality and attitude due to the people that put them on.

My mindset was shoot what you carry. You carry a J Frame 90% of the time? Shoot the darn J frame! Leave the tricked out 1911 in the safe or shoot it at an IPSC match.

I was a range officer and helped run matches for a few years, but decided to go back to having fun and just be a participant.

I have shot informal matches that are defense oriented and they are my favorite.
 
Over the last 40 years I have tried nearly all of them. Bullseye, HighPower Rifle, Smallbore Rifle, USPSA, Bowling Pins, Metallic Silhouette, Trap Skeet, Sporting Clays. I was an NRA Cert Instructor, pistol & Rifle, USPSA Cert Range Officer. I handload all my rifle, pistol, & shotgun rounds. At my age, USPSA is out, and I still shoot bullseye and trap & skeet.

I started with shooting after 10-15 years of tournament archery.

As a side diversion, I liked fly fishing and built my own rods and tied my own fly's.

But I do still shoot a bullseye league in the winter (.22 indoor), and shoot trap or skeet weekly.
 
Go with IDPA. You already have the gear, its great practice for those who conceal carry and its a lot of fun! :D
Don't worry about being a serious competitor. I don't. Too old and slow to worry over scores. :rolleyes: I just do it for fun. ;)
 
Have you ever shot any black powder muzzle loaders? I shoot with the North-South Skirmish Association. We wear Civil War uniforms and shoot breakable targets at 50 and 100 yards with rifle muskets. Firearms range from revolvers and single shot pistols to rifles and rifle muskets to smoothbore muskets. Ranges vary according to the arm used. Then, there are also artillery matches using mortars and cannon.

PM me if you are interested. :)
 
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