Newbie from Orange County

[Nis14]

[9Cal_OC]

Take a basic pistol course. There are many instructors in OC that offer such course and more.

[redfield96]

http://fastoc.com/

They have good programs and instruction.

[ysr_racer]

Wednesday night steel match at Prado Olympic, 3rd Wednesday of the month.

You'll need a gun, three mags, holster, mag pouches, 150 rounds of ammo, ear and eye protection, a chair and $30 bucks.

https://practiscore.com/prg-wed-night-steel-6-17-2020/register

https://www.PRGSoCal.com

PRG hosts Weds Night Steel every 3rd weds of the month, and a full 7 stage USPSA match every first Sunday of the month. For club info and the USPSA matches, please go to http://www.prg-ipsc.com and follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

View Squadding

General match, with the following divisions:
Open, Limited, Limited 10, Production, Carry Optics, Revolver, PCC, Single Stack, Rimfire Pistol Optics, Rimfire Pistol Iron, Rimfire Rifle Optics, Rimfire Rifle Iron

Price:
$30

[ysr_racer]

[Spicoli]

Pala Reservation near temecula has USPSA matches 2 times a month and steel matches every 5th Saturday.
Matches are under “LDF” on practiscore.

[rodralig]

So I’ve been shooting at the range for the last 6 months and I’m looking to step it up a notch. Are there any events in the area that would be good for a beginner?

Maybe you can start with CA-IDPA Shooters on certain weekends in Prado (Chino Hills)?

Compared to USPSA - less round count, less running, and you follow the stage description. Simple and straightforward...

Here is a video of my 2nd IDPA match, way back in 2017. One year after I started with firearms, so, should be OK for what you are looking for...




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[ysr_racer]

Maybe you can start with CA-IDPA Shooters on certain weekends in Prado (Chino Hills)?

Compared to USPSA - less round count, less running, and you follow the stage description. Simple and straightforward...

Here is a video of my 2nd IDPA match, way back in 2017. One year after I started with firearms, so, should be OK for what you are looking for...




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Agreed, IDPA is a great entry into competition shooting.

[Nis14]

Couple Questions:

Regarding IPSC:

- Are the stages sequential or can I just jump in middle? Meaning do I have to show up at 4pm on the dot?

- I have a teen nephew who would like to try out action shooting. He’s been to the range with me and his father numerous times. Is this something he can participate in?

- Are there any prerequisites for participating in the event?

I think IPSC sounds like great stepping stone to IDPA.

[Rez805]

Couple Questions:

Regarding IPSC:

- Are the stages sequential or can I just jump in middle? Meaning do I have to show up at 4pm on the dot?
The vast majority of matches are sequential, but your starting point is based on your squad. You'll stick with your squad for the match. The match will likely have a normal start time and "day of the month" (e.g, my range hosts a USPSA match on the 2nd Saturday of every month starting at 8AM). Regardless of the start time, you'll want to arrive early and, especially for your first match, reach out to the director(s) and let them know that you're a first timer.
You can find matches at https://practiscore.com/search/matches
Some ranges do have open squadding, but they're kind of rare and not always a guarantee of a quick match (bottlenecks happen).

- I have a teen nephew who would like to try out action shooting. He’s been to the range with me and his father numerous times. Is this something he can participate in?
Juniors are welcome. It's no different than for an adult: safety is the top priority. Movement is going to happen in most action pistol competitions. Some here have recommended Steel Challenge (or something similar) as a starting point for competition as there is only movement on one stage and it's not much, just one box to another.

- Are there any prerequisites for participating in the event?
Safety. Taking some sort of class that covers the various aspects of safety is a good start. Most match directors can point you in a good direction. Ditto for members here. Equipment requirements vary by competition. Ideally you'll have enough mags to complete a stage (e.g., I shoot production in USPSA and I have 5 on my belt and 1 in my gun). Most matches will post an estimate or recommendation. You can also make general assumptions. For example: USPSA usually caps each stage at 32 rounds (yes, there are exceptions and outlaw matches). If the USPSA match has 6 field courses with 32 rounds, then the minimum round count is 192 rounds provided that you don't take any makeup shots. So, 250 might be a good idea--you'll probably find a use for any remaining ammunition anyway).
Downloading a copy of the rulebook is a good idea, but some of the topics will seem a bit esoteric at first. The scoring system is helpful to know along with gear placement.
There are several videos out there that are helpful for learning the game, but don't misconstrue it for general safety training.

I think IPSC sounds like great stepping stone to IDPA.
Reverse that. Or don't. I mean it's up to you. Personally, I started in IDPA and ended up shooting USPSA more often.

Replies are in the quote.

[ysr_racer]

I think IPSC sounds like great stepping stone to IDPA.

Other way around. IDPA has more straightforward stages than USPSA (IPSC).

USPSA is the big dog.

[SG29736]

Shooting at most club requires a time commitment. Almost all clubs depend on volunteers to set up and run the matches. When finished you usually should stay and help tear down the stages. During the match you help tape targets and reset steel. You are usually in a squad and move from stage to stage with that squad. Some clubs will give stage designers a free match but usually most of the others helping to setup have paid to shoot like everyone else.
Call the match director if possible and they can tell you their requirements. Matches are a lot of fun but take a lot of work to put on.

[Nis14]

Wow thanks for the quick replies.

Quick question can you share guns at the match. Both my nephew and his father want to tag along. But they only have one gun. Can they switch off somewhere or is that a safety violation of some sort?

I’m not lending out my guns ever.....

[rodralig]

Wow thanks for the quick replies.

Quick question can you share guns at the match. Both my nephew and his father want to tag along. But they only have one gun. Can they switch off somewhere or is that a safety violation of some sort?

I’m not lending out my guns ever.....

I believe that there are no rules prohibiting the sharing of guns as there is a safety table. But again, best to check with the MD (Match Director)...


I would guess (could be wrong) - I don't think your nephew and his father will only be sharing the gun BUT the gear as well? Holster and magazine pouches, right?


Regardless, I will strongly recommend against it. Especially for new shooters. Lots of information to take in your first action shooting match, and there is an inherent risk. One pistol may work, but switching out gears after every stage? Too much. As a first time action shooter, safety should be the priority NOT logistics.

Also, if you are NOT shooting - you should either be reloading your magazines and/or having to help tape the targets.


BTW, here is a nice video to check (the 'Humble Marksman' is a Master class shooter in USPSA). Why don't you, your nephew and his father check it out for the moment?





Have fun! Shoot straight! Stay safe!





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[Nis14]

Other way around. IDPA has more straightforward stages than USPSA (IPSC).

USPSA is the big dog.

Sorry I didn’t mean to offend. I was referring to the Weds Night Steel in particular. Judging by the video that was posted it seemed pretty straight forward. I did join the IG account and that looked much more advanced.



Either way I’m super excited. And as for the youngin, observing for the first event sounds like a plan. And it gives his dad and excuse to get another firearm, haha