Training Class or Competition

[SISIG]

To all seasoned been there done that guys, what is your progression do you just keep taking classes in multi level e.g.. novice to advance or do you start competing in IDPA/USPSA, Glock Sport etc.

I read somewhere that cost associated with competing is quite high. It dwarfs your handgun cost considering ammo,fees,time & travel and misc. expense.

On other note just take classes/courses to get better. What your take?

[Gryff]

Classes will not put the stress on you that exists in competition. Running in competition under a timer with the focus on performing as well as possible will introduce stress, tunnel vision, and reduction of fine motor skills in a consistent and regular manner. These are common responses to high-stress situations, and responses to which you should have exposure.

On the other hand, competition does NOT teach or reinforce proper defensive and tactical skills. Quite the contrary...competition rewards actions that would be exceptionally detrimental in a real fight.

The single biggest benefit from competition is that it hones your weapon-handling mechanics. Drawing, sight acquisition, trigger press under stress, target transitions, reloads, malfunction recovery...all vital skills that become second nature when you compete regularly. Being able to do these without conscious thought is an invaluable skill. But it is just important that if you carry a weapon for defense or part of your job, you need to balance competition with proper tactical training.

[prc77]

I enjoy both.

[9mmepiphany]

They each have their place. Think of classes as learning technique and competition as testing your ability to apply the techniques you've learned.

Classes are like trying to learn to drive a race car by just reading a book...it only takes you so far. Racing without learning technique is like thrashing around making crashing until you learn enough to get out of the way of other drivers.

My experience has taught me that a good foundation in skills/technique is needed before starting competition, but once you've started competiting, you'll exposed weaknesses which can only be addressed with more instruction

[Bobby Hated]

shoot USPSA: gun handling and marksmanship under stress

play paintball: use of cover, cutting off angles, snap shooting

watch Magpul videos: whatever they teach you in a class

[HighLander51]

I read somewhere that cost associated with competing is quite high. It dwarfs your handgun cost considering ammo,fees,time & travel and misc. expense.

If you have no competition or training experience, I would start with a training class, then go into competition. The expense is there either way, gun, holster, belt, extra mags, mag pouches, electric ears, ammo, gas, food...(don't cheap out on equipment) and good gear pretty much lasts forever. So a training class might burn 600 rounds in one day, and a competition match will burn 200 rounds per USPSA match. If you start with a Glock 17 and 5 mags, your total gear outlay will be about $1,000 (pre-panic prices). If you get into competition, you will start reloading anyway. Training costs are far higher than match costs, but you don't typically take a training class every weekend.

It's still far cheaper than golf, and a damn sight better use of the land.

[mixicus]

If you are new to shooting or haven't worked on anything but an indoor/static square range, take a class. In a basic/level 1, you'll learn/practice how to shoot faster than 1round/second accurately, work from a holster, reload, maybe move and shoot. You'll need to do those things safely in competition. Once you have an intro to that, USPSA/IDPA is a nice way to regularly practice running your gun.

Then depending on your goals, maybe another class when you hit a plateau or want to pick up a new skill/tactic. That direction will dictate what kind of class you should be looking at i.e. competition or 'tactical'.

As for cost, a Satruday USPSA match will take about 1/2 day and run me about $30 match fees, $8 in gas, $5 for a few tacos after and 150-200 rounds of ammo. In my area, I can do that just about every weekend if my scheduled allowed.

The costs vary a bit for a training class, on average...$200/day and 400-600 rounds. Gas and food depend on where the class is but I stick to commute distance classes.

[lincoln45]

They each have their place. Think of classes as learning technique and competition as testing your ability to apply the techniques you've learned.

Classes are like trying to learn to drive a race car by just reading a book...it only takes you so far. Racing without learning technique is like thrashing around making crashing until you learn enough to get out of the way of other drivers.

My experience has taught me that a good foundation in skills/technique is needed before starting competition, but once you've started competiting, you'll exposed weaknesses which can only be addressed with more instruction

well said

a good tactical class will teach you the basic HG skills including shoot an scoot very important in match PLAY, just keep in mind competition is a game

[Intimid8tor]

Part of it also comes to what you want to get out of the competition. Up to this point, I am resisting the option of building or buying competition specific equipment. I am never going to have the time to dedicate to be a top tier competitor. I use competition as a fun way to get more trigger time other than shooting at a static target. It also gives me a chance to make good friends, etc.

There's nothing wrong with going full tilt into competition and buying competition specific gear. My goal is to get better using the firearms I own and would most likely use in any scenario.

[Sofatactical]

OP:
It depends on your level of training/experience.
My personal observation is this: I see newbie competitors grossly under skilled in basic gun handling, safety and overall awareness of the fact they are running around with REAL guns and bullets.
Taking more than a few classes from a an outfit that has experience in both realms will help burn the concepts of safety and gun handling into you brain.
Those two things are a must, the rest can be worked on and improved along the
way.

[HighLander51]

I am resisting the option of building or buying competition specific equipment.

The fix is to compete with the same guns you carry....

[HighLander51]

OP:
I see newbie competitors grossly under skilled in basic gun handling, safety and overall awareness of the fact they are running around with REAL guns and bullets.

Yea, that's why I tell them don't point your gun at me. It takes a week off my life, and pretty much wrecks their day (nothing personal)

[Ric]

I bought a cz75sp-01 because I wanted to get into comp shooting.
I shoot at USI in concord.
Anyone willing to take me under their wing and show me the ropes?

[SISIG]

If you have no competition or training experience, I would start with a training class, then go into competition. The expense is there either way, gun, holster, belt, extra mags, mag pouches, electric ears, ammo, gas, food...(don't cheap out on equipment) and good gear pretty much lasts forever. So a training class might burn 600 rounds in one day, and a competition match will burn 200 rounds per USPSA match. If you start with a Glock 17 and 5 mags, your total gear outlay will be about $1,000 (pre-panic prices). If you get into competition, you will start reloading anyway. Training costs are far higher than match costs, but you don't typically take a training class every weekend.

It's still far cheaper than golf, and a damn sight better use of the land.

I have been doing this the last few months got my gear, saving ammo,posting some question here, then attended my first class last month and this July a full weekend of class/training.

I have slowly educating myself about reloading and getting supply one at a time.

After some classes in July I should at least be ready to take my first orientation of my chapter Action Pistol then I can shoot a match, that is how they required us, at least I wont be unsafe and embarrass myself.

I know when I took on this sport that I would at least go beyond static shooting. I got some stock pistol and plan on using this not interested in Race gun at all my goal is to at least be good/ very good with what I have. You all have provided insight into this sport that will be safe and enjoyable for years to come.

The stress of competition will expose and sharpen any skills I have learn and will continue to fine tune as I get better, that is why I'm not rushing to join any action pistol until I think my FUNDAMENTALS are solid, have been working diligently on my fundamentals and shot process and I have gotten a FEW aha! moment.

Any advice please keep it coming.

[SuperSet]

in Richmond, I'd highly recommend the intro to IPSC class. Someone from RRGC can confirm.