Getting bored shooting at the range?

[eflatminor]

For those in SoCal, consider the steel challange

I shoot 5-6 IPSC matches per month and have recently started shooting the Steel Challange. It's a BLAST! Also, while shooting IPSC won't really help you get good at Steel Challange (it won't hurt certainly), shooting Steel Challange will help tremendously in your IPSC skills. Indexing your whole body, quick target acquisition and transition are part of what the Steel Challange teaches you. Also, there is less running than in IPSC, which is great for beginners or anyone that has any sort of physical imparment.

The next Steel Challange match is at Raahauge's in Corona on July 12. Starts about 8:00am. You can shoot with your standard IPSC rig or bring a .22. With a .22 you won't use a holster; you'll just start from the ready position. My lady never shoots IPSC but she shoots her .22 at the Steel Challange every time. It's a very family friendly match whereas IPSC is a little more intense.

Anyway, I hope you check out the Steel Challange.

[Frostbite]

I was with you until you said we'd need 150-200 rounds of ammunition. That's unpossible!

[Gary13]

I have not read the other websites yet, but a quick question. How many mag's do you need for most of these matches? I have 4 now for my Ruger 22/45, do I need more?

[Fjold]

I have not read the other websites yet, but a quick question. How many mag's do you need for most of these matches? I have 4 now for my Ruger 22/45, do I need more?

For IPSC/USPSA the minimum caliber is 9mm and generally they say to have at least 4 magazines. For the Steel Challenge 22 matches I don't know.

[kmca]

For IPSC/USPSA the minimum caliber is 9mm and generally they say to have at least 4 magazines. For the Steel Challenge 22 matches I don't know.

For steel challenge, you run 5 strings per stage, so I would suggest at least 5. If your local club will let you run a 22 in run and gun matches, I would have at least 4. BTW, speed reloading with a 22 is not pretty.
Edit to add: You're probably good with the 4. I'm sure someone will volunteer to load a mag while you're shooting.

[JTROKS]

Steel challenge formats aren't as popular up norCal as in soCal, I'm hoping Richmond Hotshots will set up one.

[CHS]

For steel challenge, you run 5 strings per stage, so I would suggest at least 5. If your local club will let you run a 22 in run and gun matches, I would have at least 4. BTW, speed reloading with a 22 is not pretty.
Edit to add: You're probably good with the 4. I'm sure someone will volunteer to load a mag while you're shooting.

For Steel Madness (SSA), 4 mags should be ok. 5 would be better.

When running my AR-22 I use 25rd Black Dog Mag's, and rarely have to use a 2nd mag on a stage. The only exception is sometimes there are mandatory mag changes, in which case I use my 15rd'er shorties and carry 3-4.

[Greg-Dawg]

All you guys who regularly shoot at regular ranges are you getting bored standing there shooting one shot every 2-3 seconds at a stationary target?

How do you improve your shooting skills? How do you make it more fun and more realistic?

Think about competing in an USPSA/IDPA match.

+1 IDPA.

Or what about signing up for a self defense handgun class so you can go to the range with a purpose?

[kmca]

Steel challenge formats aren't as popular up norCal as in soCal, I'm hoping Richmond Hotshots will set up one.

Sacramento runs Steel Challenge matches on the 3rd Sunday from March thru October, except August which is on the second Sunday.

I know it's a long way for you, but Mariposa has a Steel Challenge match every 2nd Sunday of the month. There's also a 2nd Saturday of the month match that I could tell you about, if you're interested.

[GoodEyeSniper]

Some of this stuff must be sinking in.. We're as busy as we've ever been at the Richmond Hotshots range. Last month we had a match with over 90 (!!) shooters.. On a nice day with no other major matches in the region, we hover around 55-70 ish shooters.. the 90+ match was surprising. Imagine 5 squads of 18... (We only have 5 bays). I couldn't believe that we were done by about 3:30.

I think Richmond is the nearest location to me. Do they have the beginning classes that you're supposed to take, or can you just show up and do it?

1st and 3rd sundays of the month, correct?

[walter]

i go to jackson arms where rapid fire is allowed so that helps.. its less boring if you go with a couple girls

[Gary13]

For IPSC/USPSA the minimum caliber is 9mm and generally they say to have at least 4 magazines. For the Steel Challenge 22 matches I don't know.

Well, there is another reason why I want a 9mm.....thanks, wonder if the wife will go with that.....

Actually, does 38 work as well, or only 9mm? Do most use 9mm? I want to get a 1911 one day, but think 45 might get expensive since I don't plan on reloading.

[rivviepop]

Steel challenge formats aren't as popular up norCal as in soCal, I'm hoping Richmond Hotshots will set up one.

We just shot one 2 weeks ago! (or was it 3?) But you're right, it's only once a year. (we had a good time)

[SCMA-1]

I think Richmond is the nearest location to me. Do they have the beginning classes that you're supposed to take, or can you just show up and do it?

1st and 3rd sundays of the month, correct?

No classes are necessary; learn as you participate. Of course, you should already be fairly proficient in basic gun handling, safety and marksmanship.

SCMA-1

[rivviepop]

Why is it at a disadvantage though? Scored differently than 9mm? Plus shorter barrel? Not really sure how any of that works.

(re 40 vs 9, etc)

Yes, a 38 is fine to use -- sargenv is a big revolver shooter and I try it a lot too, you need to shoot 158 +P though in order to make the minimum threshold (a by-the-book 158 load isn't enough). Shooting a revolver is, to me, a lot of fun but a lot more challenging than a semiauto at our club matches due to target arrays (many stage setups like to put 7 or 8 shots in one location). You do a lot more reloading of course.

In both IDPA and USPSA Production (which is the best place to start, no "gear race" like other divisions) there is no Minor & Major based scoring; it's only Minor. Shooting a factory 40 S&W round (which is usually a 175,00 to 185,000 power factor) is an extreme disadvantage when you're competing against 38sp and 9mm shooters using a 135,000-ish (factory loads) power factor. The minimum load is a 125,000 (muzzle velocity * bullet grain) -- the only way 40 S&W works here is if you hand load them down. One of the guys we shoot with has his own minor load 40 in a Glock 35 that has less recoil than most 9mm. sargenv here even makes his own lead bullets now for handloads.

The other issue then, coupled with the snappy recoil of a 40 S&W, is your compact frame CZ. Shooting them myself I know how much muzzle flip they have even at 9mm, I can only imagine how much more with 40 S&W it will be -- this makes your second shot on paper (followup double-tap shot) really hard to control quickly. But, as you point out you will definitely become much, much better at your recoil and trigger control and front sight use if you do decide to use that gun. You'll be manhandling that gun the whole match keeping it under control.

Anyways don't let it discourage you -- just grab your gear, find a match and go have fun. I'm by no means a great shooter but I have a good time every match, practice my skills and just try to be better. You spend only 7 minutes shooting and 5hrs, 53mins helping out and talking with everyone.