OK so I got an invite to a match but I have never been to one or competed in one so my question is would it be better for me to go and watch or is one for those things I should just jump into. I'm leaning more to watch get an idea for everything that is going on.
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watch or just do it
- Thread starter snowdin5000
- Start date
I'd kind of like to get started too and was wondering the same thing. I literally have no idea how they are ran or what the rules are. I think I would be better off to watch and get a feel for it. or else I'd prolly make a complete ass of myself.
As long as you are being safe the worst thing that could happen is you might miss a few more times than the other guys. Shooting matches are a learning curve, might as well learn and have fun at the same time.
Absolutely jump in head first. I've had friends that I could not convince to compete instead of watching and I think that it turns them off because just watching can get boring after the initial hour. I've yet to compete in a new style of competition where the experienced shooters were not very helpful to any new shooters.
Unless the match director doesn't let you go home if you don't hit all the targets, go as a competitor. Safety safety safety, that is all that counts at end of the day. You go and you are safe, you will have fun and others will too. Tell folks it is your first time out and 9 out of 10 folks will try and help you, or so it has been my experience. Good luck, be safe, learn some stuff and have fun.
The only way to learn is to actually do it. This is in regards to shooting, gear, etc. You won't realize what gear you need (are missing) until you shoot a match. You won't learn what you need to improve on until you shoot a match. Watching others do it, you won't learn any of this stuff. We all started somewhere and even when learning, well you're always learning but even when starting out, people were always eager to help out. Good RO's will be a bit more patient, other shooters will help you along the way etc.
Seriously, don't think about it. Just go for it, you'll have a blast.
On that note I'm heading out the door to go to JC Steel!
Seriously, don't think about it. Just go for it, you'll have a blast.
On that note I'm heading out the door to go to JC Steel!
Jump in head first. Most places are going to ask if any new or first time shooters are in the mist. Let it be known that it is your first time out and they will help you thru the match. Mostly they will make sure you are safe and runs are on target. If your not on target you may be asked to remove your gear from the firing line but this is for safety not to make you look bad. I've been there! Just get out and shoot if your gear is not in order for the match you notice it. One thing you can do before you go is make sure you have dope out to the ranges you will be shooting and that you can get out that far in your adjustments.
You usually will never regret shooting in a comp even if you come in dead last because you always will learn more by doing than watching, however you will regret spending the whole time watching and wishing you could be shooting when you don't enter. I know this because I made the mistake of only spectating at the first comp I went to and although it was fun I spent the whole time wishing I had paid the money and entered. This wasn't too long ago either (actually Sept last year) and my first real lrg comp will be SH Cup this year.
Absolutely zero reason to sit on the sidelines. Get in the game! As others stated, you will meet some of the best people at matches and most folks will go way out of their way to help.
Mark
Mark
I say jump in also. I have shoot many many times but until you are in the moment and under stress, you will never learn what your weak points are. I had no problem hitting steel on the range but when put under a time limit I learned I am way too fast on the trigger. The matched allowed 1 minute for 3 shots and I was shooting all 3 in 30 seconds and missing. I have sinced worked on the problem and I will be trying it again in a couple of weeks. Just do it, you won't regret it.
Just jump right in. That is a great way to learn. You will be glad you did. If you just went to watch, you will be kicking yourself in the ass because you are not shooting. Don't be afraid to ask questions at a match either. Everyone there will be glad to help and point you in the right direction. I found that all the guys at the matches are down to earth and are awesome people. You still have the serious shooters but do not let that bother you. They too will be glad to give you pointers.
Let us know what you decided to do and if you shoot, let us know how you did.
Let us know what you decided to do and if you shoot, let us know how you did.
You guys are pretty convincing. I've wanted to learn how to compete in these matches too. Are there local matches and where do you find them or do you just head to the big ones that you see on this forum?
Shoot it.
BUT, do yourself a favor.
Know your zero.
Demonstrate safe gun handling.
Embrace the suck. Have FUN.
Send them
BUT, do yourself a favor.
Know your zero.
Demonstrate safe gun handling.
Embrace the suck. Have FUN.
Send them
One question I have to ask is how much will this match run you in funds. Here in Colorado we have a pretty cool match in Raton NM. You need 60 rounds to shoot it, a night in a hotel, $30 entry fee and gas to get there. It runs me about $150 bucks, no big deal to dive in head first like I did a few years ago. I'll be heading to Oklahoma in a week for shoot for the green. That match is $225-250 (cant remember) $120 for 2 nights in a hotel,$200 in gas and 250 rounds. So we are looking at $600 total for this match. This is just food for thought.... I completely agree with Desert_308, know your zero and make sure you have verified dope. Everything else is a chance to learn something.
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