Do you compete, why not?

[Mr_Dunev]

I don't compete yet, but i went to watch my first IPDA this past saturday, and i am EXCITED to get started

[HighLander51]

ZombieTactics I'd be interested in knowing - especially from the IDPA folks - if you have any opinions regarding adding force-on-force to the mix?

Well rigging a stage for force on force is not as simple as it sounds. I know because I ran the Apple Valley IDPA from 1998 to 2005, and put on 2 State matches and a Regional. Of course you can't use real perps and simunitions, like in training, because the shooter has a real gun with real bullets. But we did alot of close quarter stuff like pushing off dummies, retreating to cover, using a knife up close, Tueler Drill, holding the baby, that sort of thing. The other issue in any competitive venue is that is needs to challenging yet entertaining. Not alot of shooters would sign up for a 14 round 6 stage match with 3 scenarios of not shooting.

SO, back to the OPs question, do you compete (if so why?), why not (if so, why not)....

Yes, I compete, since 1967 on an almost continues basis, less a stint in the Army in 1971, and 2.5 years off to finish college straight thru in 1978-1981. Why?, my first real job required me to carry a gun, USPS rural route mailman in the midwest, from 68 to 71, and I wanted to be as good as the best, or at least get close. Also I have a CCW, and have had for a very long time, and want to keep tuned up. Plus, I like competition shooting! It's fun, and you get to socialize with new shooters, and mess with your buddies. But I don't confuse competition with training. I also have been thru a number of gun fighting schools, simunitions and live fire simulators. I have only done a couple of edged weapons and force on force, because I always end up getting beat up (chronic osteo and psoriatic arthritis), injured and have to take a couple days of work. My plan is not to run, or fight, just be faster and more accurate.

So why don't more shooters compete? It's a great question. I have offered free matches, when I was the match director, or to pay for someones first time out at another club, no takers. I think you either start, jump in, never look back, or constantly make excuses as to why not............

So

[perpetual otter]

I have started to take training more seriously and I intend to start competing in IPSC and/or IDPA or maybe just 3Gun. I've heard doing something like GSSF is a good way to introduce oneself to competitions.

[HighLander51]

ArkinDomino, GSSF is a sort of 'static' competition, but nevertheless, a good start. Yes it is timed and scored, but there is no drawing from the holster, no movement, no transition, etc. Steel Challenge is actually better, and there are far more around locally. Before jumping to 3 gun, you need to get thru at least several dozen or more USPSA matches. Shooting a club level pistol match is like flying from Ontario to Phoenix, shooting a 3 gun is like flying from LAX to Zurich, and back, via Singapore..

[HighLander51]

kanikas,And let's not forget this IDPA video that I'm sure we've all seen. Since I found it on the internet, I am certain that it represents an even-handed, well-balanced approach to its subject matter.....

You should watch the one on "I want to shoot 3 Gun"

But we detract from the OP's question, kanikas, why do shoot competition? or not... Surely not just to make fun of your shooting buddies and completely destroy any self esteem they had left (right before their giant screw up which you immortalized on video).

[HK35]

I'd be interested in knowing - especially from the IDPA folks - if you have any opinions regarding adding force-on-force to the mix?

I suggest you try paint ball or airsoft for force on force engagements.

[five.five-six]

I am just too slow and not a very good shot

[Dirty506]

not enough opportunities in my area but they are fun when they come around

[kmca]

I am just too slow and not a very good shot

That's never stopped me

[jak77]

I just started shooting IDPA, been twice now at Piru. The only thing I can say is I LOVE it. Waaaaaaay more fun than going to a normal shooting range.

Im still a newbie, but I would recommend it to everyone. Everyone out there is super nice and friendly, ESPECIALLY if your a beginniner (like me ). Get out there and shoot, you'll enjoy the piss out of it.

[TMC]

I live in the bay area and I don't like waking up before noon on my days off.

If there were challenges that are both nearby and in evenings then I would be game...

If you join Diablo Rod and Gun Club in Concord you can shoot the Wednesday night steel matches. 3 Steel Challenge stages per night. All handguns welcome, even 22's! Good entry stuff because all the stages are shot from low ready, no holsters needed. Registration opens at 4:00 and closes at 7:00. Shooting starts at 4:00 and ends when the last person has finished.

http://www.diablorodandgun.com/

[eldonvieira]

In the Redding area Shasta Shooters puts on USPSA competitions the 2nd sat of the month. The first one is no charge after tat it depends if you are a member or not. They also do a Tue night steel match for $10 per gun.

[railroader]

I try and shoot at least one pistol match a month. As for the new guys just give it a try. It's much more fun than just punching paper. One match I have been to a few times that is good for new guys is the rockpile in Perris. It is $20 for the 1st gun and $5 more if you want to shoot a second time with a different gun. They even have a rimfire class so ammo cost isn't a big deal if that's what you shoot. Mark

[Peter.Steele]

But we detract from the OP's question, kanikas, why do shoot competition? or not... Surely not just to make fun of your shooting buddies and completely destroy any self esteem they had left (right before their giant screw up which you immortalized on video).

... although that is, in and of itself, a valid and worthy goal.

I am just too slow and not a very good shot

Try it anyway. I didn't think I was going to do well at all. My brother in law is the reigning 3-gun champ of his area (in a free state) and told me I'd better not come in last, or I'd get made fun of at Christmas for the next ten years. Out of the whole group there, you had maybe two or three guys - including me - that were not involved in Federal / State / County LE agencies or active duty infantry types.

I was dead solid positive that I'd come in last place. I didn't. I very much underestimated myself. This was the first time that I'd ever shot in competition, and the first time I'd even shot for score since 2003 when I got out of the Navy. I was solidly in the middle of the pack, and there were a couple screwups on my part that cost me probably almost a full minute or more. (I was using an unfamiliar pistol, and a couple times the magazines didn't fully seat, and on one stage we had to shoot from cover with a rifle at targets on both sides. I can't shoot a rifle right handed, due to being EXTREMELY left-eye dominant. Iron sights made that stage a serious pain in my keister, and cost me a lot of time.)

You're probably going to do better than you think you will. Just give it a try. Even if you suck at it ... well, you'll get better.

[Inkman]

October will be two years since i started and i definitely have no regrets.

After so many years standing and shooting on the public lines, Action/USPSA hooked me, but good. Can't even see the day coming when i might stop.

Have made a lot of friends in this sport and have done a bunch of traveling, just to shoot in new venues. Sooooooooo much fun that i am addicted and wish i could do it more than once a weekend.

Al