How to get started ?

thomas44 · 01-27-2009, 08:00 PM

I love going to the range and just shooting informally, but am considering getting started in pistol competition, maybe IPSC or IDPA. What's the difference between the two, and how do you get started ? What kind of firearms are recommended ? What style of shooting is involved in the SASS ?Slow fire, or what ? I don't think I want to get all cowboy'd up, but I love my single action revolvers !

pickenup · 01-27-2009, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thomas44

I love going to the range and just shooting informally, but am considering getting started in pistol competition, maybe IPSC or IDPA.

What's the difference between the two, and how do you get started ?

You could say the basic difference is that IPSC (USPSA) is an "offensive" style, and IDPA is a "defensive" style. IPSC is more run and gun, out in the open, with unlimited round count. IDPA is (almost always) from behind cover, and limits the number of rounds you can carry. To get started, see if there is a match in your area. You will have to attend a safety class with either group before you are allowed to participate. One class usually will work for both.

This might help.
USPSA
http://www.uspsa-area5.org/oh.html
IDPA
http://www.idpa.com/clublist.asp?state=OH

What kind of firearms are recommended ?

Semi-auto or revolver, 380 or larger. A holster, and a few magazine/speed loader holders, are the basics. IDPA has some special limitations on holsters, you might want to check if you have a question.

What style of shooting is involved in the SASS ?Slow fire, or what ? I don't think I want to get all cowboy'd up, but I love my single action revolvers !

Don't know much about SASS, maybe someone will be along that can help you.

thomas44 · 01-28-2009, 05:37 PM

Thanks for the info. I've been watching some vid's on youtube and the comp shooting looks like fun. I'm sure I would be really slow and really awful at first, but that's okay.

Shooter45 · 01-29-2009, 07:58 PM

Accuracy is key. Speed will come later. Make the competition fun for YOU and don't worry about winning or losing. Practice every chance you get to develope your technique and concentration. You should improve every match.

thomas44 · 02-03-2009, 08:24 PM

Thank you Shooter

chemfantry · 02-03-2009, 08:29 PM

i have shot in several, and one thing rings true every time. 99% of the competition will not ostracize, degrade or talk down to you. they will coach and help you. get basic gear within the rules and jump in to get your feet wet. you will not be disappointed.

Blackhawk Dave · 02-12-2009, 05:17 PM

Check out www.sassnet.com. It's the SASS website. Basically, you need a pair of single-action revolvers. Cimmaron makes a nice beginner gun. I shoot New Model Blackhawks, myself. You'll also need a lever-action rifle in pistol caliber, and a shotgun, pre-1900 (Coach, double-barrel, or pump). Clothing, just leather-soled boots (no treads), jeans, shirt and hat (no ball cap). Check out the pawn shops. There's some good groups up in the Ohio area.

Also on the Outdoor Channel, check out "Cowboys" on Wednesdays. It's about CAS.

hvacwizard24 · 09-14-2009, 09:07 PM

When I first started shooting IDPA i was nervous untill i realize that a lot of people that shoot IDPA are newbies to, or at least at one time

Instead of teasing me they taught me valuable fundamentals and techniques that would have cost me a mint from a private instructor!!!

01-27-2009, 08:00 PM	#1
thomas44 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 577	How to get started ? I love going to the range and just shooting informally, but am considering getting started in pistol competition, maybe IPSC or IDPA. What's the difference between the two, and how do you get started ? What kind of firearms are recommended ? What style of shooting is involved in the SASS ?Slow fire, or what ? I don't think I want to get all cowboy'd up, but I love my single action revolvers ! __________________ Change...it's all you'll have left in your pocket by 2013. -->

01-28-2009, 05:37 PM	#3
thomas44 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 577	Re: How to get started ? Thanks for the info. I've been watching some vid's on youtube and the comp shooting looks like fun. I'm sure I would be really slow and really awful at first, but that's okay. __________________ Change...it's all you'll have left in your pocket by 2013.

01-29-2009, 07:58 PM	#4
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,747	Re: How to get started ? Accuracy is key. Speed will come later. Make the competition fun for YOU and don't worry about winning or losing. Practice every chance you get to develope your technique and concentration. You should improve every match.

02-03-2009, 08:24 PM	#5
thomas44 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 577	Re: How to get started ? Thank you Shooter __________________ Change...it's all you'll have left in your pocket by 2013.

02-03-2009, 08:29 PM	#6
chemfantry V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ft. Campbell, KY Posts: 305	Re: How to get started ? i have shot in several, and one thing rings true every time. 99% of the competition will not ostracize, degrade or talk down to you. they will coach and help you. get basic gear within the rules and jump in to get your feet wet. you will not be disappointed. __________________ Sancte Michael Archangele, defende nos in proelio.

02-12-2009, 05:17 PM	#7
Blackhawk Dave Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Denton, TX Posts: 593	Re: How to get started ? Check out www.sassnet.com. It's the SASS website. Basically, you need a pair of single-action revolvers. Cimmaron makes a nice beginner gun. I shoot New Model Blackhawks, myself. You'll also need a lever-action rifle in pistol caliber, and a shotgun, pre-1900 (Coach, double-barrel, or pump). Clothing, just leather-soled boots (no treads), jeans, shirt and hat (no ball cap). Check out the pawn shops. There's some good groups up in the Ohio area. Also on the Outdoor Channel, check out "Cowboys" on Wednesdays. It's about CAS.

09-14-2009, 09:07 PM	#8
hvacwizard24 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Birmingham, Alabama Posts: 4	Re: How to get started ? When I first started shooting IDPA i was nervous untill i realize that a lot of people that shoot IDPA are newbies to, or at least at one time Instead of teasing me they taught me valuable fundamentals and techniques that would have cost me a mint from a private instructor!!!