Getting Started

[Sugarbug]

Just curious: how does one get started into the competition shooting? It's always been an interest of mine, but money/time is non-existent at the moment and I've only got a snub-nose S&W and a Kimber carry. Still, I would like to find out what I should do when the time does come. Another 2.5 years left of this degree, but always good to look forward to time to play.

 

[mike45]

There are many levels and it doesn't take alot to get started on a basic level. Just go to one of the matches around, be it USPSA, Steel Challenge, or ICORE, and watch and ask questions. We won't bite and you might find someone who will give you all the info you need. There is a match within an hour's drive almost any weekend from Kenner.

 

[TCKev]

Come on out and check us out, new shooters are always welcome. You can ask questions and figure out what division you might want to shoot in. Here's the site that has the schedule for the clubs.

http://lagator.org/Default.html

 

[cheese]

I've just started to shoot the "outlaw" Amite IDPA match. It's a great bunch of guys and very laid back atmosphere. Don't need a racegun - just your carry gun, 3 magazines, and about 120rds of ammo.

 

[Sugarbug]

Do you have a link to that, Cheese?

Thanks for the information, guys. It would definitely be easier to use my carry gun in it... certainly don't have the money for a racegun.

 

[TCKev]

That's why you need to come out there not all race guns. There are different divisions that all shoot a different gun type.
Open -dot sighted race gun typically the most expensive division
Limited -iron sighted race gun
Production -iron sights limited to 10+1 shooting Minor PF easiest division to shoot to start. Easiest for ammo Winchester White Box will get you started
Limited 10 -another 10+1 gun only you shoot Major PF
Single Stack -only 1911's shoots here 8+1 major PF
Revolver if you like this division we have Pro's that shoot for S&W that shoot at Southern Shooting

We have all kinds that come out to shoot, but you will not find a friendlier bunch of people. We are constantly promoting the sport

 

[scooterj]

That's why you need to come out there not all race guns. There are different divisions that all shoot a different gun type.
Open -dot sighted race gun typically the most expensive division
Limited -iron sighted race gun
Production -iron sights limited to 10+1 shooting Minor PF easiest division to shoot to start. Easiest for ammo Winchester White Box will get you started
Limited 10 -another 10+1 gun only you shoot Major PF
Single Stack -only 1911's shoots here 8+1 major PF
Revolver if you like this division we have Pro's that shoot for S&W that shoot at Southern Shooting

We have all kinds that come out to shoot, but you will not find a friendlier bunch of people. We are constantly promoting the sport

There's a few sponsored "Pros" in Limited, too

 

[Sugarbug]

Can you define major/minor PF?

 

[scooterj]

Can you define major/minor PF?

PF = power factor
PF = bullet weight (in grains) multiplied by velocity (in feet per second) divided by 1000
All divisions require a minimum pf of 125
major pf is 165 in all divisions except for Production. Production is scored minor at all times
major pf: A=5 B=4 C=4 D=2
minor pf: A=5 B=3 C=3 D=1
You basically get rewarded for shooting a hotter round.

 

[flamatrix99]

Thanks I never understood all that power factor stuff. I thought it had to do with caliber. Meaning 9mm was a minor caliber and 45 was major.

 

[Sugarbug]

PF = power factor
PF = bullet weight (in grains) multiplied by velocity (in feet per second) divided by 1000
All divisions require a minimum pf of 125
major pf is 165 in all divisions except for Production. Production is scored minor at all times
major pf: A=5 B=4 C=4 D=2
minor pf: A=5 B=3 C=3 D=1
You basically get rewarded for shooting a hotter round.

My carry is a Kimber Ultra Crimson Carry II with a 7+1 capacity. In the 1911 section, are you required to have the full size?

 

[scooterj]

My carry is a Kimber Ultra Crimson Carry II with a 7+1 capacity. In the 1911 section, are you required to have the full size?

no, but you can use full size mags so that you aren't at such a disadvantage when it comes to capacity

 

[Sugarbug]

Ah. That makes sense.

 

[cheese]

Do you have a link to that, Cheese?

Thanks for the information, guys. It would definitely be easier to use my carry gun in it... certainly don't have the money for a racegun.

http://www.lagator.org/TPS.html

http://www.bayoushooter.com/forums/showthread.php?71631-Tactical-match-this-coming-Saturday-at-Amite

The match in April has been cancelled, but March is still a go, depending on weather.