Practical shooting is an exciting and rewarding pastime. Organized practical shooting competitions under the auspices of USPSA, IDPA, NRA and other organizations are designed to appeal to shooters of all levels, from novice to expert. If you take time to learn the basic rules, feel confident handling a handgun, and are willing to put in the effort to practice and improve, you will have a great time, gain self-confidence, and make new friends. At most local competitions, there is at least one person who is just getting started. You can rest assured that match organizers and competitors will make sure you feel comfortable participating in your first match, will explain the rules, give you pointers, and provide you with ample opportunities to learn. By practicing in matches alongside experienced competitors, you will quickly understand the mechanics of competitions, learn the etiquette, and get the feel for what to do to ensure your own and others’ safety.
How do you get started? First, it goes without saying that, to participate in shooting competitions in New York, you need to legally own a handgun by obtaining an handgun permit. You cannot borrow someone else's handgun to participate, nor can you rent it during competition events. You do not need a carry permit as long as the competition takes place at an established gun range.
Because competitions are high-paced events, it is important to feel comfortable and confident with the handgun that you will use to participate in matches. We highly recommend taking the NRA Basic Pistol Course to learn about basic safety rules and other aspects of shooting and handling a handgun. Even if you do not end up participating in competitions, the importance of taking a course with an instructor in a controlled environment in an organized setting cannot be overstated.
You have to keep in mind that all handgun practical shooting competitions involve drawing a handgun from a holster. Therefore, before you start competing, you need access to a range that allows you to practice drawing from a holster to live fire. Most indoor ranges in New York do not allow drawing practice, especially unsupervised (with some exceptions). There are indoor ranges that offer drawing classes, but they are very few and far between. Most holster drawing practice happens at outdoor ranges in designated areas and usually during non-public sessions. One can argue that you can practice drawing while dry-firing at home, and of course you should do that – all experienced competitors do -- but there is simply no substitute for drawing practice followed by live firing before participating in your first competition.
Joining an outdoor range gun club and participating in its activities is usually the best way to get started in competitive practical shooting. Many established gun clubs organize so-called Level I competitions at their ranges. Members of gun clubs have many opportunities to practice before matches, by polishing their drawing skills, learning the layout of the range, rubbing shoulders with experienced shooters and competitors, discussing and helping to set up stages, observing other shooters’ equipment, and doing timed exercises with others. Many gun clubs provide opportunities to their members to participate in practice matches before scheduled competitions.
Before participating in a match (USPSA, Steel Challenge, IDPA or the like), you will need to familiarize yourself with basic rules that apply to the particular match you would like to participate in. The official rules are voluminous and complex, but you do not need to learn them by heart. Many rules apply to match organizers more than competitors; those can be studied later. It is definitely very helpful to watch instructional videos on the internet that describe shooting competitions and what to expect. There are also many videos shot by competitors using POV cameras; they could be very helpful and entertaining. Just don’t feel intimidated!
The next thing to decide is what division you would like to participate in. Usually, new shooters begin in the production division, which allows the use of off-the-shelf, unmodified handguns, as long as these handguns are on the approved “production” list. As you progress with competing, you may become interested in other divisions, of which you can learn by reading numerous guides and official rules and observe other competitors.
Do not dwell on the equipment in the beginning. All you need is a handgun, a belt with a competition-style holster that allows for quick draw, up to five magazines (usually, you would not use more than four magazines per stage), magazine pouches attached to the belt, ammo (200-250 rounds per match max, usually less), hearing and eye protection. Read the rules about what equipment is allowed, and talk to members and competitors at the club. Do not buy expensive equipment until you have gotten a taste of what competitions are like. You may settle on a different division, which would call for different equipment, etc. Start with basic good quality range ammo – the one you train with. Soon, you will start feeling the confidence to experiment and upgrade.
You will find matches in your area on Practicescore.com. There, you can register for matches and select your squad (the group of shooters with whom you will progress through the match); sometimes, you can pre-pay for matches. Practicescore is the official way of keeping scores. You have to register on the respective association’s websites (i.e., USPSA.org and IDPA.com) and apply for membership to be able to qualify for classifications and move up the ranks. You can also find matches by viewing calendars on websites of local gun clubs – you might be able to enter a match by contacting the match organizers directly. GunsportsNY also publishes upcoming match information as well as registration links.
During the competition day, wear comfortable clothes. Make sure you have plenty of water and snacks. Competition days can be long and exhausting. While waiting for your turn, take the opportunity to observe, mingle with fellow competitors, help with taping targets, and enjoy the event. Let people know you are new, asq questions, let experienced shooters give you pointers and explain what is going on. Even if you finish early, stick around until the end of the match to help with breaking the stages – it is good etiquette.
Stay safe, do not endanger others, follow instructions on safety and operational issues, and enjoy your match experience!
