Competition Spectating?

[PdxPanhandler]

Hi Guys,

I am interested in learning more about competition shooting. Seems like most of the events are at Clubs which require membership. Is it possible to go watch an event if I am not a member at the club the event is occurring? What is the etiquette for something like this?

Thanks in advance!

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[phidelt208]

I'm not sure which matches require membership.
Most of the pistol matches do not require membership and you can definitely go watch.
If you reach out to the match director, they can give you more details.
Lots of information can be found via practiscore.
https://practiscore.com/search/matches

 

[ron]

Contact the match director. Most matches at DRRC and TCGC are open to the public.
They will tell you how to get access to the range.

Calendar | Tri-County Gun Club

tcgc.org

https://www.ossa.org/uploads/2/5/3/2/25326702/2025_highpower_schedule_version_1.pdf

 

[Pepe-lepew]

Skip spectating, it is a waste of your time. Over the many years of running different matches, I could count the number of people on one hand that came to a match and watched and then came back later to participate.
People that contact me and get info on the basics they need then show up and shoot the match usually always return a few times if not make it a new part of their shooting hobby.
If your considering competitions, don't fall into the misconceptions people get about it. First it is competitive. No, most shooters are there to have fun and don't care how their score stacks up and usually the top shooters are the most friendly. Second, you need the guns and gear everyone is using. No, most of the time something in your gun safe will work for a gun. Many sports, other shooters or clubs have loaner equipment or match directors have suggestions what to use to get started you already have at home.

 

[ilikegunspdx]

You might find this video helpful:

View: https://youtu.be/nnepKzeSxxU?si=U9G5zD419SRmqFEg

 

[spookshack]

Hi Guys,

I am interested in learning more about competition shooting. Seems like most of the events are at Clubs which require membership. Is it possible to go watch an event if I am not a member at the club the event is occurring? What is the etiquette for something like this?

Thanks in advance!

There are a ton of different types of competitive shooting. Do you have a particular discipline you are interested in? Narrowing it down will help us, help you.

My area of expertise is speed steel. Others are more well-versed in USPSA, IDPA, and even three gun. No matter which discipline you decide to start with 1st, odds are there'll be someone here that has done it and can help you through it.

While contacting a match director and inquiring about spectating is the best course of action, another option is to arrange a meet up with a member here that is actually shooting the match you are interested in. They'll be able to explain everything to you vs you observing on your own.

I'll also add that you need to be honest with your shooting skills. Are you comfortable drawing from a holster, doing mag changes on the fly, shooting with your support hand, shooting around barricades, or shooting with a cover garment on? Accuracy is important too.You can expend a lot of ammo on missed shots if you don't have acceptable accuracy. The above examples pertain to USPA, IPA, etc. Other matches might be different.

Also, once you've selected a match that you want to shoot, I highly recommend reading up on the rules at the particular club where that match being held. Club rules, and match rules are not always the same. Take Tri-County gun club for instance. They have a strict no muzzle over the berm rule that in of itself is perfectly legal within the rules of USPSA. However, club rules trump match rules in this particular instance. Luckily, there are members here that are also members at a lot of the local gun clubs and are well-versed in the rules pf said clubs and can get you dialed in before hand.

Lastly, with regard to the above shooting disciplines, speed steel is going to be the least intimidating. Less rules, simple layout, and no running and gunning. When I started out, I found it very beneficial with doing speed steel first. Others, on the other hand may elect to jump right into USPSA as their first match. There's no right or wrong. Just depends on your comfort level.

Finally, there is a wealth of competitive knowledge here on the forum. Just pick our brains. We're more than happy to pass it along what we know or what we have learned.

 

[stick655]

When I first retired and moved to Southern Oregon I participated in my first USPSA match completely unaware of what to expect. At the time, having just moved from Camp Pendleton in SoCal, I only had (2) 10 round pistol mags and I was using my Glock 26 with some cheap kydex OTW holster and no mag carrier. Total rookie moves right? Mostly I was there to get practice drawing and shooting and having to reload, which was awesome to be able to do in a safe environment. What I discovered was that everyone was so friendly and helpful (not unusual for our crowd but still refreshing) that I had a great time with no pressure. Someone loaned me a mag carrier to use for the day, and there was another back to back course of fire that would have been easy enough if I'd had more than two mags, but someone else filled my empty mags while I was shooting just to help me out. Overall an awesome experience. I'm excited to get back in it, or some speed steel I think would be fun. Regardless what you try, if you keep your mind open and leave the ego at the door, it'll be fun no matter what.

 

[PdxPanhandler]

Thanks all for the input … greatly appreciated!

I think my reality is that I've never seriously considered entering a comp and in terms of skills I believe I'd say I'm a complete amateur, I've been shooting pistols, rifles, trap/skeet for 15 years or so, never really practiced drawing as I've never owned a holster until now(concealed carry is not something I'm interested in).

I've watched some YouTube vids which make it look pretty fun and a good training experience. I will watch the one above that @ilikegunspdx posted up. hopefully as spring is here I'll be able to join a club to try out some "action shooting", I'm currently on the waitlist at Tri-County.

I think I need to learn more about the differences between Speed Steel, USPSA, and IDPA and whatnot, 3 Gun seems super fun but I only have an Over/Under for Trap/Skeet

. I think I'm more of crawl before I can learn to walk kind of guy and don't want to blow a bunch of money on a hobby that I may not be able to commit fully.

 

[spookshack]

While I'm sure there are some exceptions, but nearly all the matches at the local clubs (TCGC, DRRC, ARPC, etc) are open to non members for shooting matches.

I and everyone of my squad buddies run rimfire for Speed Steel. Cheap to shoot and no holster needed for pistol. Only centerfire pistols/revolvers are required to use a holster. Everything else starts at the low ready.

I'll be shooting speed steel matches in April at TCGC (1st Sun of the month) and also at ARPC (4th Sun of the month). If you'd like to see what speed steel is all about, send me a PM and we can go from there. Speed steel is a good gateway match to other competitive disciplines.

 

[spookshack]

Here is just a sample of some of stages that we shoot at our matches at TCGC and ARPC.

 

[HighlandLofts]

Check out the local COWBOY SHOOTS.

 

[bpyycpyy]

You might check these guys out (not sure if they have anything near you). Have buddy who joined and has a lot of fun and claims to be learning a lot from it. The nice thing is that you don't need a lot of expensive stuff and/or experience to be part of it. From their webpage:

"What Gear Do I Need?

You need a safe handgun (Semi-auto or revolver, .22 or larger), a spare magazine or speed loader and about 100 rounds of ammunition.

If not using a holster, you will also need a gun case or range bag to carry the gun in when you're not shooting."

About Action Shooting International | ASI USA

Learn about Action Shooting International | ASI USA, our mission, and how we promote competitive shooting sports across the USA for all skill levels.

asi-usa.org

 

[dangerranger60]

Looking at Tri County's Callander it shows the USPC does setup on Saturday and has a match on Sunday. I would bet if you give a little time setting up on Sat, the match director would give you some private time to help get you set up for the Sunday match. Its also a great way to meet those in charge when they have time to walk you through the sport. They can also put you with an experienced shooter to help on match day. again on a day when things are moving slower. It lets them put you with a shooter that is familiar with your gun, may have a spare holster or extra mags, and can coach you as they go along.
One other thing, How ever that first match goes hang your score above your bench at home. and when you can beat that score, hang your new score over that first. that way you are only competing with yourself. At the end of the year, you will see your progression. Good Luck DR

 

[SiGmA_X]

Thanks all for the input … greatly appreciated!

I think my reality is that I've never seriously considered entering a comp and in terms of skills I believe I'd say I'm a complete amateur, I've been shooting pistols, rifles, trap/skeet for 15 years or so, never really practiced drawing as I've never owned a holster until now(concealed carry is not something I'm interested in).

I've watched some YouTube vids which make it look pretty fun and a good training experience. I will watch the one above that @ilikegunspdx posted up. hopefully as spring is here I'll be able to join a club to try out some "action shooting", I'm currently on the waitlist at Tri-County.

I think I need to learn more about the differences between Speed Steel, USPSA, and IDPA and whatnot, 3 Gun seems super fun but I only have an Over/Under for Trap/Skeet

. I think I'm more of crawl before I can learn to walk kind of guy and don't want to blow a bunch of money on a hobby that I may not be able to commit fully.

I had only drawn from a class some dozens (maybe a couple hundred, IDK, I didn't count drills...) of times across two days (a couple of classes) before I jumped into USPSA as a complete newb. I'd say just go do it. You don't need to worry about your gear fitting a specific division, as long as you have a couple of mag pouches and a Kydex holster, you're going to be good to go. I woudl suggest a rigid belt, but you don't have to get too particular until you want to later - one buddy is using an airsoft belt (with his raced out shadow2, etc, lol). If you need to buy a new holster, CompTac and BladeTech make some affordable ones that will give you years of service.

The only thing you need to do is listen to commands, be safe with where you point your gun (no drawing to make ready before you clearly hear the command, no breaking the 180, etc), and help reset the stage / paste targets.

You're going to find your squadmates very inviting to new shooters. We're always happy to have new folk join up. We normally run new people last or close to last on each stage so they can watch lots of other people do it, less so for how to shoot the stage and more so for how to safely do the things.

You're going to be wondering why you waited so long once you go do it - I know I sure was!

 

[Papercidal]

This little guide will give you enough information to get through your first match safely without having to go home early beyond that let someone know you are new and they will help you get through.

USPSA Safety Brief – Columbia Cascade

columbia-cascade.org

 

[spookshack]

The above link is spot on! I would add that while I'm firmly in the "run what you brung" camp, please make sure your gun is reliable. It can really be a buzzkill if you are a new competitor (it can sap the fun out of your match real quick). So bring a reliable gun and set yourself up for sucsess.

Also, make a list of the required things to bring to the match. Double and triple check it the night before the match and before leaving to the match. You'll thank me later. Get plenty of rest the night before the match and give yourself plenty of time to get to the club/range
where the match is being held just in case you get lost or experience traffic related issues.

Extra batteries for your optic. Gun/belt/holster
and ammo. Mags and mag holders. Eye and ear pro. Suitable clothing for the weather you will be encountering at the match.

If it's a warm/hot day, stay hydrated and use plenty of sunscreen. . A small chair can be useful if you are not accustomed to standing for a few hours and raingear if it is or will be raining. A snack or two can come in handy also.

Remember, attitude is everything and carry yourself accordingly. In the unfortunate event of a DQ be sure to get clarification from the RO or match director as to what actually lead to the DQ. Be polite. Most match directors will let you stay and watch or even participate in the non shooting activities such as taping targets etc.

I have seen folks get DG'ed and due to their argumentative/disrespectful attitude, were escorted from the match and never invited back by the MD. On the other hand, I've seen MD's go above and beyond to show, teach and correct the disqualifying actions of the participant, due to their sincere/ polite attitude and willingness to take the corrective action needed on their part, were welcomed back to a future match.

Lastly, there is no such thing as a dumb question. If something is not clear or you find yourself confused, just ask! A lot of us here on the forum take pride in making sure that anyone new to shooting competitions that they have a safe, fun and positive experience at their first match! So what are you waiting for, get out there and spread those freedom seeds. Heck, you just might surprise yourself!

 

[Gr8jake82]

Hi Guys,

I am interested in learning more about competition shooting. Seems like most of the events are at Clubs which require membership. Is it possible to go watch an event if I am not a member at the club the event is occurring? What is the etiquette for something like this?

Thanks in advance!

Same, I've always been interested but never really had the time to dedicate..

 

[mattig]

Love this channel. I thought it was a bit more informative than Charlie's vid:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZcrJfJaS_k

 

[etavan]

just sign up and shoot. We don't bite