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Why do you compete?

Vurtne

Member
Messages
50
Had a good conversation with fellow competitors that come from all walks of life and everyone had a different answer than I expected.

For myself, I started this journey because a friend asked me to try it out with them. Shortly after I acquired my CCW I wanted to become more proficient and this seemed to be the best avenue for that growth. Still doing it today because the people I've met through this hobby are some of the best around (so many friendships made) and it's relatively inexpensive as hobbies go.

What are your goals and reasons for competing?
 
My main reason to compete would be having something to do after motorcycle racing
 
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I shoot really good at a static range. Wife told me to challenge myself, so I started USPSA competitions.
Ive shot 2 matches and well, im not good at it, at all, very humbling, but im trying.
It definitely challenges me, probably more than I would like it to, lol. Im not used to starting something new and just completely sucking at it.
 
I shoot really good at a static range. Wife told me to challenge myself, so I started USPSA competitions.
Ive shot 2 matches and well, im not good at it, at all, very humbling, but im trying.
It definitely challenges me, probably more than I would like it to, lol. Im not used to starting something new and just completely sucking at it.
Be brave enough to suck at something new. 😀
 
It’s fun. It’s A LOT of fun. Also, regularly setting and accomplishing new goals is very satisfying, as well. And it’s great to celebrate freedom with a hundred or so like-minded people every week. Did I mention it’s fun?
 
It’s fun. It’s A LOT of fun. Also, regularly setting and accomplishing new goals is very satisfying, as well. And it’s great to celebrate freedom with a hundred or so like-minded people every week. Did I mention it’s fun?
How should we start
 
How should we start
Come down to Linden next Sunday at 9:00 and check it out. There’s a match this Sunday at Oakdale, but that might be a little too far for you. If you like what you see, sign up for the next New To Competitive Shooting class (held once a month). They’ll go over everything you need to know and make sure you understand the safety aspects involved. I think you’ll need to set up a Practiscore account to register. Then get your gear together and sign up for either the fun shoot or regular match (or both) next month.

Once you’re on Practiscore, you can check out matches in Sacramento, Lincoln, El Dorado, and Yolo County, too. You are lucky enough to live in an area where you can shoot a different match every weekend.
 
Come down to Linden next Sunday at 9:00 and check it out. There’s a match this Sunday at Oakdale, but that might be a little too far for you. If you like what you see, sign up for the next New To Competitive Shooting class (held once a month). They’ll go over everything you need to know and make sure you understand the safety aspects involved. I think you’ll need to set up a Practiscore account to register. Then get your gear together and sign up for either the fun shoot or regular match (or both) next month.
Wow, of all the sundays in the month and year, it's my wife's birthday that weekend so I'll be flying to Catalina Island. Linden is not terribly far, it's been a while since I moved out of there!

I guess I need magazine holsters, I don't have any anymore.
 
Wow, of all the sundays in the month and year, it's my wife's birthday that weekend so I'll be flying to Catalina Island. Linden is not terribly far, it's been a while since I moved out of there!

I guess I need magazine holsters, I don't have any anymore.
Go check out a match anywhere when you have time. Start with Practiscore and see what’s going on near you. The bigger the match the better, so you can see the widest variety of divisions, skill levels, etc.
You can register here: https://practiscore.com/ Then select your area and see what’s out there.
 
Go check out a match anywhere when you have time. Start with Practiscore and see what’s going on near you. The bigger match, the better so you can see the widest variety of divisions, skill levels, etc.
You can register here: https://practiscore.com/
Will you be at this one? https://practiscore.com/lcsc-linden-uspsa-fun-match-08/register

What do I need other than my gun and belt

I don't have like a combat belt anymore, after I left the military in 2019 I think I lost it
 
Will you be at this one? https://practiscore.com/lcsc-linden-uspsa-fun-match-08/register

What do I need other than my gun and belt

I don't have like a combat belt anymore, after I left the military in 2019 I think I lost it
This is where you’ll need to start: https://practiscore.com/lcsc-new-to-competitive-shooting-07/register

They’ll check out your gear and tell you what you might need. Don’t buy a bunch of stuff until you figure out what you need to start. You’ll probably want to start replacing it as you get in deeper anyway. It’s a rabbit hole.

Go to a match anywhere and see what people are using. Talk to people and they can help get you dialed in with what you’ll need.
 
This is where you’ll need to start: https://practiscore.com/lcsc-new-to-competitive-shooting-07/register

They’ll check out your gear and tell you what you might need. Don’t buy a bunch of stuff until you figure out what you need to start. You’ll probably want to start replacing it as you get in deeper anyway. It’s a rabbit hole.

Go to a match anywhere and see what people are using. Talk to people and they can help get you dialed in with what you’ll need.
Thanks! I found this: https://uspsa.org/pages/getstarted?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Is this accurate?

"
Yes. You already own nearly everything. The main missing item is a usable magazine-pouch setup, and possibly a stiffer belt depending on how badly your Vedder OWB rig sags.


For your first match, bring:


  • Walther PDP Compact with RCR
  • Vedder LightDraw OWB holster
  • A rigid gun belt
  • Three magazine pouches
  • At least four magazines total; five is preferable
  • 200–250 rounds of reliable FMJ
  • Eye and ear protection
  • Chamber flag
  • Gun case or range bag
  • Water, food, sunscreen and a hat
  • Basic tools and spare optic battery

USPSA itself recommends around five magazines and belt-mounted magazine carriers for practical-shooting matches."
 
Thanks! I found this: https://uspsa.org/pages/getstarted?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Is this accurate?

"
Yes. You already own nearly everything. The main missing item is a usable magazine-pouch setup, and possibly a stiffer belt depending on how badly your Vedder OWB rig sags.


For your first match, bring:


  • Walther PDP Compact with RCR
  • Vedder LightDraw OWB holster
  • A rigid gun belt
  • Three magazine pouches
  • At least four magazines total; five is preferable
  • 200–250 rounds of reliable FMJ
  • Eye and ear protection
  • Chamber flag
  • Gun case or range bag
  • Water, food, sunscreen and a hat
  • Basic tools and spare optic battery

USPSA itself recommends around five magazines and belt-mounted magazine carriers for practical-shooting matches."
You won’t need a chamber flag unless you’re shooting PCC. Technically, you don’t even need mag pouches if you have accessible pockets. Go to YouTube and enter “Gear needed for USPSA” into the search bar. You’ll find several videos that will help.

Once you check out a match and then take an intro to competitive shooting class (a prerequisite for most clubs that host matches), you’ll have all the information you need to get started. Pay attention to what people have and ask questions. It may seem a little daunting now, but it is very doable as long as you’re safe and eager to pitch in and help out throughout the match. Trust me, you’ll be hooked after your first stage.
 
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I compete to crush my enemies, see them driven before me, and hear the lamentations of their women!

D class USPSA shooter, mid pack PRS
 
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