Protocall_Design
Member
Don't forget Steel Challenge. It's a non run and gun game that helps you learn to shoot well with whatever handgun you have.
What group do I want to join....
- Thread starter rwsmith
- Start date
Whatever discipline you choose, there will be those there to have fun and those there to win no matter what.
I shoot IPSC (Classic Division) to get better at shooting. As a result I admit I get competitive, especially at multi day Level II and III matches. I check out who is in my grade before the match begins, keep half an eye on how they are shooting and check how I am shooting against them when the daily stage results are put up. But I don’t talk about how well, or how badly, I am doing compared to others in my grade. I accept “good shooting/stage” compliments with a “thanks” and give the same comments when appropriate.
Some I shoot with are real competition focused. We have a rule, only the next shooter on the line to do a walk through while targets are being scored and reset. There are a few so focused on winning that they jump the que four or five shooters ahead. When they get in front of me for a walk through I am now asking them “Are you shooting this stage next? I thought I was after XXXX”. There is room for competition but there is no room for rudness.
There is a group of 4 or 5 of us in the same grade/division who shoot most matches together. It is a friendly bunch who loan each other ammo, spare parts and even at times spare guns.
I shoot CAS for fun. Unfortunately there are some even in CAS who are so competitive they will resort to any advantage. Ruger Vaquero’s rule instead of Colt clones as they can be set up to be “faster”, and .38 Special chambered guns shooting 100 gn bullets loaded to just over power factor (one even denied knowing there was a PF requirement when his .38 rounds failed to drop a plate calibrated for .22RF).
Most social CAS shooters shoot .44/40 or .45 Colt and are there to have fun. They are the ones I like to shoot with.
I recently shot my first Wild Bunch match and learnt a lot. There were one or two who commented that the M ‘12’s were shooting faster than the ‘97’s, but the rules round the guns (1911 .45, 12 gauge pump and a lever action rifle over 40 calibre) mean most are shooting from a position of equal equipment.
In every discipline there are those that will break the rules to their advantage hoping that others do not realise what they are doing. At my last Level II IPSC match we had a RM who attend at the start and said that any illegal equipment would be acted on appropriately. There were several shooter who disappeared and came back with their belts/holsters/mag carriers modified from how they usually wear them. I found myself promoted to squad leader and main R/O and when the RM saw I had added a couple of extra range commands he just quietly spoke to me between shooters and set me right (I was also wearing my pistol while acting as R/O, something that I hadn’t realised was discouraged).
And then there are those that argue every adverse call from the R/O. One shooter I know requests at least 1 “disputed” target be pulled each match day. He has several times been given a warning for un sportsman like behaviour and it is only a matter of time before he is DQ’d for it. I was once disqualified from a two day Level II comp on the second to last stage when I had a pistol malfunction (the sear spring had been lightened a bit too much in an attempt to lighten the trigger pull and the hammer followed the slide forward when I reloaded from slide lock, causing the pistol to discharge. I have since had the hammer/sear/disconnector and sear spring replaced and worked on properly). At the next competition I simply quietly told the R/O who had DQ’d me that I had discovered the gun problem and fixed it. He was horrified when he realised it was a repeatable gun fault not a handling fault but as I said to him, he made the call as he saw it and that was the end of the matter.
No matter what discipline you choose there will be someone who will act in a way you sid not expect. Just remember there are only two rules.
Have fun and the only score you have to beat is your last one.
I shoot IPSC (Classic Division) to get better at shooting. As a result I admit I get competitive, especially at multi day Level II and III matches. I check out who is in my grade before the match begins, keep half an eye on how they are shooting and check how I am shooting against them when the daily stage results are put up. But I don’t talk about how well, or how badly, I am doing compared to others in my grade. I accept “good shooting/stage” compliments with a “thanks” and give the same comments when appropriate.
Some I shoot with are real competition focused. We have a rule, only the next shooter on the line to do a walk through while targets are being scored and reset. There are a few so focused on winning that they jump the que four or five shooters ahead. When they get in front of me for a walk through I am now asking them “Are you shooting this stage next? I thought I was after XXXX”. There is room for competition but there is no room for rudness.
There is a group of 4 or 5 of us in the same grade/division who shoot most matches together. It is a friendly bunch who loan each other ammo, spare parts and even at times spare guns.
I shoot CAS for fun. Unfortunately there are some even in CAS who are so competitive they will resort to any advantage. Ruger Vaquero’s rule instead of Colt clones as they can be set up to be “faster”, and .38 Special chambered guns shooting 100 gn bullets loaded to just over power factor (one even denied knowing there was a PF requirement when his .38 rounds failed to drop a plate calibrated for .22RF).
Most social CAS shooters shoot .44/40 or .45 Colt and are there to have fun. They are the ones I like to shoot with.
I recently shot my first Wild Bunch match and learnt a lot. There were one or two who commented that the M ‘12’s were shooting faster than the ‘97’s, but the rules round the guns (1911 .45, 12 gauge pump and a lever action rifle over 40 calibre) mean most are shooting from a position of equal equipment.
In every discipline there are those that will break the rules to their advantage hoping that others do not realise what they are doing. At my last Level II IPSC match we had a RM who attend at the start and said that any illegal equipment would be acted on appropriately. There were several shooter who disappeared and came back with their belts/holsters/mag carriers modified from how they usually wear them. I found myself promoted to squad leader and main R/O and when the RM saw I had added a couple of extra range commands he just quietly spoke to me between shooters and set me right (I was also wearing my pistol while acting as R/O, something that I hadn’t realised was discouraged).
And then there are those that argue every adverse call from the R/O. One shooter I know requests at least 1 “disputed” target be pulled each match day. He has several times been given a warning for un sportsman like behaviour and it is only a matter of time before he is DQ’d for it. I was once disqualified from a two day Level II comp on the second to last stage when I had a pistol malfunction (the sear spring had been lightened a bit too much in an attempt to lighten the trigger pull and the hammer followed the slide forward when I reloaded from slide lock, causing the pistol to discharge. I have since had the hammer/sear/disconnector and sear spring replaced and worked on properly). At the next competition I simply quietly told the R/O who had DQ’d me that I had discovered the gun problem and fixed it. He was horrified when he realised it was a repeatable gun fault not a handling fault but as I said to him, he made the call as he saw it and that was the end of the matter.
No matter what discipline you choose there will be someone who will act in a way you sid not expect. Just remember there are only two rules.
Have fun and the only score you have to beat is your last one.
Last edited:
angryelf22
Member
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2017
- Messages
- 53
- Reaction score
- 41
I have shot IDPA but haven’t gotten around to trying any others. Like some others have said it’s the people, who generally compete in most of the other matches around. A few are really great, laid back, helpful with rules, techniques, etc. But the rest are a mix of big egos, militia members, and people who look like they have no business even owning a pistol (unsafe). And everyone out there is eyeing everyone else up and down with a sneer of derision, nobody talks to anyone else except their own few friends. It makes for a very insular atmosphere and in turn makes it very unwelcoming to new shooters.
I like the concept of IDPA, and it’s super easy to learn and relatively inexpensive to participate, but I wish it was more fun. I’d be at every match if it was.
I like the concept of IDPA, and it’s super easy to learn and relatively inexpensive to participate, but I wish it was more fun. I’d be at every match if it was.
OP
Words well taken......
Thanks for the warning. I'll make sure that I'm there only for me and I don't intend to compete with anyone but me. Shooting, improving my shooting and hopefully meeting some people to hang out with.
I don't even want to 'walk the course' or do anything that will give me an advantage, but shoot like I would have to in a real shooting situation.
If the matches are held at the Palmetto Gun Club, I know that they don't tolerate breaking rules or not being safe at all times. One warning is all you get. I know maybe other officials will be involved but the philosophy there is really strict. Kinda like an S&W forum at a shooting range.
Thanks for the warning. I'll make sure that I'm there only for me and I don't intend to compete with anyone but me. Shooting, improving my shooting and hopefully meeting some people to hang out with.
I don't even want to 'walk the course' or do anything that will give me an advantage, but shoot like I would have to in a real shooting situation.
If the matches are held at the Palmetto Gun Club, I know that they don't tolerate breaking rules or not being safe at all times. One warning is all you get. I know maybe other officials will be involved but the philosophy there is really strict. Kinda like an S&W forum at a shooting range.
Johnrh
Member
I shoot Garand Matchs, Service Rifle, CMP sporter (now that's fun), rimfire benchrest and IDPA. Like others, I shoot IDPA for me. Is it a gamer sport now, more or less. Just ignore the game part and shoot and have fun. I've moved more into BR as shooting the rifle matches is getting harder and harder to get into and out of position at my age (73). Ok, I just can't get up anymore, I can get down somewhat. When i have to go into sitting I usually fall backwards. I tried USPSA and for me it was too much but that too is fun. May try that again. In IDPA and USPSA I don't run to the next spot, I just walk fast. Go out and watch them all and see what you might like.
I tried USPSA and for me it was too much but that too is fun. May try that again. In IDPA and USPSA I don't run to the next spot, I just walk fast. Go out and watch them all and see what you might like.I am a newcomer to it but I recommend IHMSA. There is a club at Patrick, SC which is not too far from you that runs matches, I think the second Saturday of each month.
I have only been to a few matches, one there and a couple in GA, and I am not good at that game but it is as much fun as anything can be. I did not know much about it, but just showed up and guys sort of appeared out of nowhere to help with all aspects of the game.
Everyone was friendly and courteous and safe. I don't know how regularly I will compete because it is a 3 1/2 hour drive each way for me, but it is a real hoot. I don't have any specialized equipment. I just use my stock 686 (but with a reflex red dot) and maybe the others are laughing at how bad I shoot, but I can't hear them cause I am busy laughing at how much fun it is.
I have only been to a few matches, one there and a couple in GA, and I am not good at that game but it is as much fun as anything can be. I did not know much about it, but just showed up and guys sort of appeared out of nowhere to help with all aspects of the game.
Everyone was friendly and courteous and safe. I don't know how regularly I will compete because it is a 3 1/2 hour drive each way for me, but it is a real hoot. I don't have any specialized equipment. I just use my stock 686 (but with a reflex red dot) and maybe the others are laughing at how bad I shoot, but I can't hear them cause I am busy laughing at how much fun it is.
Can we have an update on your decision?
This is of course one man's opinion and I have my likes and biases but in IDPA there is usually only 1 way to shoot the course and if you don't walk it and have a plan yer gonna have a tough time. The walk thru will not give you any kind of advantage, not walking it will give you a disadvantage. Nor will IDPA in general help you hone your carry skills in any real meaningful way. Sorry if that offends some but there it is.
Others may disagree and that's ok I have thick skin but unless you see progress over the months then you probably will lose interest. Sure there are some who do it just for the social aspect and that is fine, if you fall into that category then pick one cof and have at it.
Between USPSA and IDPA as far as moving is concerned they are both similar you do have to move. With IDPA you have a cover garment and the stages are usually shorter, USPSA rewards the shooter that has speed. Both of them have a large number of rules, IDPA is in theory simplier as far as rules are concerned but a lot of IDPA rules are just plain dumb. For me uspsa is much more enjoyable and more of a challenge. But again that is just my opinion.
I would not write off steel challenge due to the distance. It is true that some of the targets are out there, but those are large targets and you just have to hit it, a hit is a hit. Two (2) steel challenge stages (Outer Limits and Speed Option) have targets at 35 yards (105') but the targets are 18x24" so they are big.
I've tried them all in addition ICORE but not cowboy action. I'm a USPSA and IDPA RO and as far as IDPA I shoot a yearly classifier and keep my RO cert up to date that is all I do there. To be honest I don't shoot a lot of USPSA either instead I shoot steel challenge and/or wildcat steel/falling steel. I have terrible eyesight and I'm past 60 this is my second year steel challenge and I'm close to being classified an A shooter. Anything you do will be a lot of work to become good at it. I have made the commitment to myself to make Master class in Steel Challenge by the end of the 2019 season.
As another poster said well, what you do can depend a lot on what kind of gear you already have. In that respect IDPA will probably have a less expensive cost to start. If you try USPSA you can shoot in limited division with a production gun and load to your magazines capacity which should allow you to go with 3 magazines to start. You will however get creamed but it should be at this point just for fun and to see what it's all about. The beginner tends to get creamed anyway. Personally I would rather come in dead last (and I have) and not commit a safety violation (which is easy to do) than get DQed my first match or do something that might give me a bad reputation. I shot maybe 6 matches my first year and got DQed, it stung so much that I almost gave up handguns. I didn't shoot anything for about 6 weeks and didn't enter a match for almost a year. Once I got done pouting, I decided to learn from my errors and worked very hard during that year off to fully understand what I was doing wrong and how to correct it.
I have never shot at Palmetto but even all the way up here in the NE that club has a great reputation. They usually run the SC steel challenge state championship match. They didn't this year due to construction which was disappointing because I was planning on going to it this year, unable to make it to the rescheduled and relocated venue.
I shoot steel challenge with men that are 20 years older than me, have worse eyesight and bad knees and hips. Everyone has fun in steel challenge. True some of them shot other things, IDPA mainly because in IDPA you can keep your head above water easier if you are accurate but slow, in USPSA you can shoot all As but if you are slow you will get whalloped. Nothing is perfect on this world so just pick something and get to it.
......snip.....
I don't even want to 'walk the course' or do anything that will give me an advantage, but shoot like I would have to in a real shooting situation.
If the matches are held at the Palmetto Gun Club, I know that they don't tolerate breaking rules or not being safe at all times. One warning is all you get. I know maybe other officials will be involved but the philosophy there is really strict. Kinda like an S&W forum at a shooting range.
This is of course one man's opinion and I have my likes and biases but in IDPA there is usually only 1 way to shoot the course and if you don't walk it and have a plan yer gonna have a tough time. The walk thru will not give you any kind of advantage, not walking it will give you a disadvantage. Nor will IDPA in general help you hone your carry skills in any real meaningful way. Sorry if that offends some but there it is.
Others may disagree and that's ok I have thick skin but unless you see progress over the months then you probably will lose interest. Sure there are some who do it just for the social aspect and that is fine, if you fall into that category then pick one cof and have at it.
Between USPSA and IDPA as far as moving is concerned they are both similar you do have to move. With IDPA you have a cover garment and the stages are usually shorter, USPSA rewards the shooter that has speed. Both of them have a large number of rules, IDPA is in theory simplier as far as rules are concerned but a lot of IDPA rules are just plain dumb. For me uspsa is much more enjoyable and more of a challenge. But again that is just my opinion.
I would not write off steel challenge due to the distance. It is true that some of the targets are out there, but those are large targets and you just have to hit it, a hit is a hit. Two (2) steel challenge stages (Outer Limits and Speed Option) have targets at 35 yards (105') but the targets are 18x24" so they are big.
I've tried them all in addition ICORE but not cowboy action. I'm a USPSA and IDPA RO and as far as IDPA I shoot a yearly classifier and keep my RO cert up to date that is all I do there. To be honest I don't shoot a lot of USPSA either instead I shoot steel challenge and/or wildcat steel/falling steel. I have terrible eyesight and I'm past 60 this is my second year steel challenge and I'm close to being classified an A shooter. Anything you do will be a lot of work to become good at it. I have made the commitment to myself to make Master class in Steel Challenge by the end of the 2019 season.
As another poster said well, what you do can depend a lot on what kind of gear you already have. In that respect IDPA will probably have a less expensive cost to start. If you try USPSA you can shoot in limited division with a production gun and load to your magazines capacity which should allow you to go with 3 magazines to start. You will however get creamed but it should be at this point just for fun and to see what it's all about. The beginner tends to get creamed anyway. Personally I would rather come in dead last (and I have) and not commit a safety violation (which is easy to do) than get DQed my first match or do something that might give me a bad reputation. I shot maybe 6 matches my first year and got DQed, it stung so much that I almost gave up handguns. I didn't shoot anything for about 6 weeks and didn't enter a match for almost a year. Once I got done pouting, I decided to learn from my errors and worked very hard during that year off to fully understand what I was doing wrong and how to correct it.
I have never shot at Palmetto but even all the way up here in the NE that club has a great reputation. They usually run the SC steel challenge state championship match. They didn't this year due to construction which was disappointing because I was planning on going to it this year, unable to make it to the rescheduled and relocated venue.
I shoot steel challenge with men that are 20 years older than me, have worse eyesight and bad knees and hips. Everyone has fun in steel challenge. True some of them shot other things, IDPA mainly because in IDPA you can keep your head above water easier if you are accurate but slow, in USPSA you can shoot all As but if you are slow you will get whalloped. Nothing is perfect on this world so just pick something and get to it.
Last edited:
fredj338
Member
If you are a defensive minded shooter, then idpa is a good place to practice. If you just like to shoot a lot, run & gun, the uspsa will be your ticket. For me, I really don't enjoy shooting 40rd + stages in a 10rd mag state, I also ccw, so idpa suits me better.
Last edited:
Another possibility is club matches.
My local club has many different matches every month.
Something for everyone.
Shotgun, rifle, pistol, rimfires, black Powder, 3-gun, 2-gun, military rifle, archery.
Plus indoor 22 matches.
Check your local clubs (if there are any) you may be surprised by their offerings.
Nice thing is that these aren't equipment races, either. Run what you brung.
My local club has many different matches every month.
Something for everyone.
Shotgun, rifle, pistol, rimfires, black Powder, 3-gun, 2-gun, military rifle, archery.
Plus indoor 22 matches.
Check your local clubs (if there are any) you may be surprised by their offerings.
Nice thing is that these aren't equipment races, either. Run what you brung.
Similar threads
