Where to start

There are millions of gun owners out there and many that may want to start shooting practical competitions but don't know where to start or are overwhelmed by what it might take to start. In reality it is not that complicated, it just takes being safe and compitant with your handgun, and a willingness to have fun.

I found that for the newest of the new shooters IDPA is a little better but not everybody has an IDPA club nearby. USPSA/IPSC is also a great choice so don't be scared off by either.

Hopefully if you are looking at shooting sports you have a good understanding of gun safety, and the operation of our firearm. You don't have to be Annie Oakley but you should know the basics of your gun, how to shoot (sights/trigger) and safe handling. The rest will be a learning process once you get started.

Read the rulebook for USPSA and IDPA (yes that is the current one eventhough it says 2005) to figure out what the different divisions and classes are. This will give you an idea about where your current handgun or the one you have been looking to buy will put you or even if it is legal. They also cover the important aspects of teh saftey and range commands, these need to be understood and followed. Having a good understanding of the scoring is a plus but it can be a little confusing at first, epsecially if you are not seeing scored in person. Reading the rulebook is one of the most important first steps in getting started.

Equipment :

• I recommend starting with what you already know. Use the handgun you have and don't get suckered in by the allure of all the "race" guns you will see and hear about. Start with what you know, find the division it fits into and go have fun.

• You will need some spare magazines, speed loaders, or moon clips depending on you type of gun. The amount you will need is variable but for IDPA figure on at least 4 and for IPSC 5 or more would be preferable. You need to have enough to start with the gun loaded to division capacity, and have enough to reload during the course of fire (COF). In IDPA the COF limit is 18 rounds and in USPSA/IPSC it is 32.

• Holsters and Magazine holders are going to be a personal choice. I would say to start out with a basic kydex holster and mag pouch, use it for a while then decide what, if any, changes you want to make. You will need to be able to hold to spare magazines on your belt for IDPA and typically 4 or more in USPSA.

• Don't forget about good ear and eye protection. Being able to see the target clearly is obviously key to shooting well, but good ear protection that still enables you to hear the RO/SO commands is just as important.

After you have all that covered just find a nearby club and go have fun. Check out the IDPA and USPSA website for a list of clubs in your area. If you are nervous about shooting then just go and watch, help out setting up and taping targets, etc... so you can see how it all works. I can gurantee that you will meet a bunch of very helpful people that will be more than willing to answer any questions you have.

Have fun, and shoot safe.