Come shoot a match for the first time!

PhillipeC · Jan 27, 2025

What's up, fellow members!

A tad bit over a year ago I ventured myself into the competition shooting world, precisely at Practical Pistol on Douglas Ridge Rifle Club and I'm coming here today to invite more people to do the same. Throughout this year and a half of shooting, I was able to bring a few people to participate and some of them really got into it.
Before shooting my first match I thought I was a good shot and I was quickly humbled when the timer went off and despite the few jitters and anxiety on the first few matches, I always had a great time.
Winter months are, like the match director says, for the true warriors as attendance is really low and everybody prefers to stay warm and dry on their Saturday mornings but the few of us that are always there, can help you out.
First Saturday of every month, which if you are reading this today, 01/27, is this next Saturday and I will be there, so, if you've been contemplating going to your first match, signup on Practiscore and reach out. I can help out while you are there!

What you need to compete:
- Gun
- OWB holster
- 2-3 extra mags
- 250 rounds of ammo.

As others helped me, I'm here to help if people have questions and if you want to have an idea of how a stage looks like, here's one of my videos:

Staccato P with @UnderworldArms Basilisk

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/lcDxwxg3WOU?feature=share

spookshack · Jan 27, 2025

I was introduced to competitive shooting by a fellow member here on the forum about 8-9 years ago. In that time, I myself have introduced many to the joys of competitive shooting (specifically speed steel matches at TCGC and ARPC). Lots of good people at the various matches/disciplines to get you squared away.

While my work schedule has greatly reduced the matches I can shoot, I still enjoy helping/mentoring new shooters when I can. Come on out, you'll be glad you did!

OregonRider · Jan 27, 2025

PhillipeC said:
Douglas Ridge Rifle Club

Where is that?

spookshack · Jan 27, 2025

Portland Metro Area.

phidelt208 · Jan 27, 2025

OregonRider said:
Where is that?

I noticed you were in Springfield,
There are three excellent matches at Izaak Walton in Eugene if you're looking for something a little closer to home.
Their benefit matches this weekend
https://practiscore.com/eugene-izaak-walton-league-february-steel-benefit-match/register

PM if you have any questions.

oremike · Jan 27, 2025

I shot the Benefit Steel Match at Izaak Walton last month and had fun. I will probably miss this next one due to feeling under the weather but do plan on being a regular competitor.

TTSX · Jan 27, 2025

phidelt208 said:
I noticed you were in Springfield,
There are three excellent matches at Izack Walton in Eugene if you're looking for something a little closer to home.
Their benefit matches this weekend
https://practiscore.com/eugene-izaak-walton-league-february-steel-benefit-match/register

PM if you have any questions.

What? Already?? I haven't shot a single round since last match. Jiminy crickets I'm gonna be rusty

Forester · Jan 28, 2025

PhillipeC said:
What's up, fellow members!

A tad bit over a year ago I ventured myself into the competition shooting world, precisely at Practical Pistol on Douglas Ridge Rifle Club and I'm coming here today to invite more people to do the same. Throughout this year and a half of shooting, I was able to bring a few people to participate and some of them really got into it.
Before shooting my first match I thought I was a good shot and I was quickly humbled when the timer went off and despite the few jitters and anxiety on the first few matches, I always had a great time.
Winter months are, like the match director says, for the true warriors as attendance is really low and everybody prefers to stay warm and dry on their Saturday mornings but the few of us that are always there, can help you out.
First Saturday of every month, which if you are reading this today, 01/27, is this next Saturday and I will be there, so, if you've been contemplating going to your first match, signup on Practiscore and reach out. I can help out while you are there!

What you need to compete:
- Gun
- OWB holster
- 2-3 extra mags
- 250 rounds of ammo.

As others helped me, I'm here to help if people have questions and if you want to have an idea of how a stage looks like, here's one of my videos:

Staccato P with @UnderworldArms Basilisk

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/lcDxwxg3WOU?feature=share

Excellent idea

1911Fanatic · Jan 29, 2025

I would, but doc says I'm gonna feel like

for probably another six months. At least we can see an end to it now. It's been going on for 7 years.

PhillipeC · Jan 29, 2025

1911Fanatic said:
I would, but doc says I'm gonna feel like for probably another six months. At least we can see an end to it now. It's been going on for 7 years.

I'll expect you there in 6 months then!

when_DM_smiles · Jan 29, 2025

Nice work on the spinners with a pistol! Lots of great clubs and matches in the PDX-to-Eugene and beyond area. Check out Practiscore or the local clubs' website for schedules - usually something going on every weekend somewhere. At every 1st time match I've attended locally, the match directors and squad-mates have been awesome!

PhillipeC · Jan 29, 2025

when_DM_smiles said:
Nice work on the spinners with a pistol! Lots of great clubs and matches in the PDX-to-Eugene and beyond area. Check out Practiscore or the local clubs' website for schedules - usually something going on every weekend somewhere. At every 1st time match I've attended locally, the match directors and squad-mates have been awesome!

Thanks! Yup! Same experience as mine! Always a great crowd and a great time!

AKlivin · Jan 30, 2025

I am game!

Edit: I may not actually be able to make this if it runs until 5PM due to a schedule conflict. However, I am planning on shooting my first match at the Dundee Practical Shooters event on Feb 22nd. If folks have any experience(s) there or are planning on attending I'd love to hear about it.

Thanks for the public invitation!

PhillipeC · Jan 30, 2025

AKlivin said:
I am game!

Edit: I may not actually be able to make this if it runs until 5PM due to a schedule conflict. However, I am planning on shooting my first match at the Dundee Practical Shooters event on Feb 22nd. If folks have any experience(s) there or are planning on attending I'd love to hear about it.

Thanks for the public invitation!

Usually it doesn't go past 2-3pm. Good stuff! Been to Dundee and it was great!

spookshack · Jan 30, 2025

There's also speed steel at TCGC this Sunday.

spookshack · Feb 1, 2025

Best of luck to any newbs making it out to the match today at DRRC. Be sure to post an update on how it went.

oremike · Feb 2, 2025

Well, how'd it go?

TTSX · Feb 2, 2025

oremike said:
Well, how'd it go?

I was rusty. Placed 13 out of 25 overall, didn't fully seat a mag, couldn't find the dot on my optic... Miscounted rounds left in my mag and had to reload for my very last shot of the match. Otherwise went great, we missed ya this time around.

oremike · Feb 2, 2025

TTSX said:
I was rusty. Placed 13 out of 25 overall, didn't fully seat a mag, couldn't find the dot on my optic... Miscounted rounds left in my mag and had to reload for my very last shot of the match. Otherwise went great, we missed ya this time around.

I'm sure it was fun. I had a reaction to a medicine change that left me weak and unable to eat solid foods for a couple weeks. I'm doing better now that we got a handle on what was going on. Might even go shoot my shotgun on Wednesday.