Joining IDPA and USPSA

I'm just wondering what most of the forum shooters prefer. Do you just show up and shoot a match or two and never join the clubs or what? Many small clubs don't care if you join, just that you show up and shoot. They sort of hope you will join at a later date. The clubs really do like new shooters!

But let me tell you, joining right away is the way to go. Not only are you exhibiting an strong positive desire to be involved in the sport, but you immediately start getting treated like a family member. - You're One of the guys!

That's an invaluable feeling and a very powerful connection with the other members of the club. Of course you may be asked to help with set up and tear down of the stages, but that's how you start to understasnd the design element of the shooting sports. Thats hou you understand what's going on.
If you like to shoot competitively, Join a club today. And shoot often.
Regards,
Mystro

Yup, that's the best plan I know. The "local" clubs I know of are IDPA and they let you shoot the first match free if you join IDPA. Since IDPA lets the local club have some of the $$ for joining it works out.

Helping out with the taping, clean-up, etc is THE way to go. Not only do you get to prove your value but you probably pick up more friends and advice than if you left early. Personally I think it gives you a competative edge too. You get more time and more hands on at the stages so when you're shooting them you have more of a feel for it.

ciao!

leam

My shooting interests are geared toward the USPSA style. In fact a negative about IDPA (for me) is you have to join the organization. Why? It's a game/sport. Pay your entry fee, be competitive, help the SRO's as needed and move onto the fun part. That's my preference to the sport.

I like USPSA better than IDPA primarily because the rd count is higher in USPSA. I like to shoot, the more the better. IDPA limits courses of fire to 18 rds. and you can only put 11 rounds in your handgun - 1 in the chamber and mags can be only 10 each. I routinely see courses of fire in USPSA with round counts in the 30's and since these courses are usually Comstock count, you can make up shots. USPSA allows all the bulllets you can fit in mags up to 140 mm in limited and 170 mm in open.
I shoot IDPA as well. IDPA has more realistic scenarios and emphasizes the proper use of cover a good deal more than USPSA does. For me, though, the round count paves the way to my preference.

I am seriously considering hooking up with these guys. Always wanted to give IPSC (or something like it) a try, and this looks like an informal group of people that like to have fun with handguns without being to serious about the competition thing. I like that.

I’m all for finding excuses for shooting, and the Mrs. wants to give it a try as well. Sounds like a winner to me.

Het Blastard,:smt071
What part of the country are you in?
We have plenty of clubs and places to shoot around Tampa Bay.
If you're headed this way let me know.
Regards,
Mystro

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Blastard

I’m all for finding excuses for shooting, and the Mrs. wants to give it a try as well. Sounds like a winner to me.

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The Babe is working on shooting as well. She uses a .22 but isn't yet comfortable with recoil. My next step is to down-load my .45 and see if she likes that. Given her comeptative nature she'll overcome it one day. I'm just helping her try out new ways to get there. Sadly, she'll probably beat me once she does...

Good luck with your shooting!

leam

I shot in 2 IPSC/USPSA matches then joined the club they were held at. I agree that if you have the fun you should also share the load.

Sam