Shoot your first match.

[Schippergreg]

To anyone who is considering shooting in a match at a local range or any sort of competition, jump in and do it. Contact your local match directors and get whatever info they can help you with. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. You’re not gonna walk in and dominate your competitors, everyone starts at the bottom, there’s no shame in that. This is my second year shooting short range benchrest and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’ve made a lot of great friends and learned more than I can apply, shot some great groups and shot some horrible ones. I’m not sure about other disciplines but 90% of the guys I’ve met in matches would do whatever they can to help a new guy out. If anyone has any questions feel free to message me. Jump in and do it.

 

[Jimbag]

This is the truth. I jumped into a regional TR match with a used rifle and just enough load development to get going. I learned a TON, and had the opportunity to shoot and chat with some great competitors. Had no expectations except to learn. The folks I met were super helpful and really encouraging. Best thing I could have done.

 

[jackieschmidt]

We have a thriving Club Match Program at The Tomball Gun Club in Tomball Texas.

We encourage any one that has a Rifle to come out and shoot our Matchs.

As a NBRSA Mentor, I and many of my friends are always willing to help fellow shooters with any knowledge we have.

Regardless of what level you are at, always have fun.

 

[JMayo]

I'm having a blast shooting competition.
i know a 1000 guys i wouldn't know if it weren't for shooting club, ibs & ubr competition.
It's an exercise in relationships for sure. Majority are good ppl, including me sometime !
It's really the only time I'm around a bunch of ppl. Beats watching tv, hunting & fishing alone !

 

[K22]

Good advice - I got into competitive pistol shooting in the 70's and while I had a fair amount of success, the real joy was developing some great friendships and the comradery with my pistol team members.

For a beginner, my best advice is to enjoy the journey and don't get hung up of scores or become obsessed with equipment. With decent equipment, the more you practice the better you'll become. As you become more proficient you can gradually upgrade equipment.

 

[Schippergreg]

We have a thriving Club Match Program at The Tomball Gun Club in Tomball Texas.

We encourage any one that has a Rifle to come out and shoot our Matchs.

As a NBRSA Mentor, I and many of my friends are always willing to help fellow shooters with any knowledge we have.

Regardless of what level you are at, always have fun.

Good advice - I got into competitive pistol shooting in the 70's and while I had a fair amount of success, the real joy was developing some great friendships and the comradery with my pistol team members.

For a beginner, my best advice is to enjoy the journey and don't get hung up of scores or become obsessed with equipment. With decent equipment, the more you practice the better you'll become. As you become more proficient you can gradually upgrade equipment.

Well said. Decent equipment and practice will get you far. It seems like it’s an equipment race to some. I don’t believe that a person can buy their way to the top.

 

[Bronsin]

I agree! Just started shooting matches this year and it's been great. I certainly would encourage anyone else to get involved as well.

 

[K22]

Well said. Decent equipment and practice will get you far. It seems like it’s an equipment race to some. I don’t believe that a person can buy their way to the top.

Yes, I seen a hundred times when I competed. Guys trying to buy their way to the top. It doesn't work that way.

We had a guy in our club who was affluent and bought the best pistols and ammo money could buy but just wouldn't put in the time to master the fundamentals and practice. He never made our "Gold" Team, the top five shooters and only occasionally barely made our "Blue" team, second five best shooters. Being Army trained in competitive shooting, I offered to coach him, but he just would put in the work. He was miserable, frustrated and quit.

 

[hpshooter]

To anyone who is considering shooting in a match at a local range or any sort of competition, jump in and do it. Contact your local match directors and get whatever info they can help you with. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. You’re not gonna walk in and dominate your competitors, everyone starts at the bottom, there’s no shame in that. This is my second year shooting short range benchrest and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’ve made a lot of great friends and learned more than I can apply, shot some great groups and shot some horrible ones. I’m not sure about other disciplines but 90% of the guys I’ve met in matches would do whatever they can to help a new guy out. If anyone has any questions feel free to message me. Jump in and do it.

Competitive shooters are in the minority at most clubs but generally are the most giving and helpful people in the membership. We will lend equipment, give coaching and counsel to new shooters and always encourage casual shooters who inquire about matches to come out and watch and participate if they want to give it a try.

Many of my strongest friendships were forged on the firing line and in the pits, wouldn't trade the experience for any amount of money.

 

[Dkk37058]

I’ve been shooting competition since 1990
Started across the course and then F class when it started.
It’s so true that people will go out of their way to help others and I have also.
I started out without much and have bought a little at a time to help me it doesn’t take a lot to get going.
To me it isn’t about winning it’s the fellowship of like minded people and the fun of the sport.
I have gotten a lot of other people into the sport and also encourage anyone to try it out.
If you enjoy to shoot competitive shooting will take your enjoyment to the next level

 

[D Coots]

I'd say your 6th place finish in the Hv200 and 18th in the Hv Grand was pretty good shooting for a guy in his second year Greg.

Especially at the Nationals against those guys.

Congratulations

Later
Dave

 

[blfuller123]

Going to make shooting my first match a goal for the new year. There is a long range close by that I got on their event distribution list that seems pretty active and did join TSRA.

 

[Schippergreg]

I'd say your 6th place finish in the Hv200 and 18th in the Hv Grand was pretty good shooting for a guy in his second year Greg.

Especially at the Nationals against those guys.

Congratulations

Later
Dave

Coming from a guy that shot the only teen agg in the heavy grand and unless I’m mistaken, made the world team again, that means a lot. Thanks and congratulations Dave.

 

[DHall_37]

I’m trying to get into the competitive shooting world at a local range I want to join. They have a modified rim fire silhouette match I’d like to try with my CZ Model 2.

I’ve learned a lot from you guys!