Want to compete, not sure how

[MikeInSC]

Hello all,

Fairly new to the forum, tons of information from folks here that has been very helpful to say the least. I'm trying to get into competitive shooting; but not sure what/how to go about it. The last time I shot competitively was about 10 years ago and that was air rifle. In SC there aren't a whole lot of long distance ranges near where I'm at, so I am aware I'm going to have to travel. Just wondering what the difference classifications are and what would be a good entry point.
Thanks a ton,

Mike

[Topstrap]

Welcome,

There are so many types of "competitive" shooting competitions you might have to narrow it down some. Varies from very strict rules regarding equipment and shooting positions to pretty laid back precision long range steel plate shooting from any position you prefer. The one we go to shoots varying steel plates from 234 yards to 1000 yards and you can sit at a bench or lie prone, whatever you like best. Also have matches where you carry everything with you and shoot from varying positions that is mandated for that shot in a more tactical style match.

Figure out what you like best and then spend a bit of time on the NET to see what is close to you. It's hard to find ranges with the extended distances in some areas so they tend to have more bench rest or position style matches that use closer distances but lean more toward precision and disciplined styles for their course of fire.

Good luck in your search and hope you find a few matches close by. Glad to see you being able to get back into the sport.

Topstrap

[82boy]

The best thing to do, is find out what is going on close to your home. Go there see what they are doing, and if your interested in this type of shooting, make a friend, and use them as a mentor, ask them what is good and what is not.

As far as long range, there is very few shooters that live withen a few miles from a 600 or 1000 yard range. We drive between 4 to 6 hours one way to shoot 600 yards benchrest. If your considering benchrest check out the IBS web site and look at the clubs section and see what is close.
http://internationalbenchrest.com/ranges/usa_by_state.php

Then look at the NBRSA web site and go to clubs and again see what is close.
http://nbrsa.org/range_list

Put up threads on www.benchrestcentral.com (http://www.benchrestcentral.com) and www.6mmbr.com (http://www.6mmbr.com) asking doese any one know of a match near you . There may be an unsactioned or club match near you.

F class is getting big, check out the NRA web site, see if they know of any matchs near you.
http://home.nra.org/#/nraorg

Check at local gun shops, and ranges, and see if they have any local competition.
http://home.nra.org/#/nraorg

[JCalhoun]

In addition to benchrest you can check with the NRA competitions branch to see what interests you (pistol, highpower, silhouette, black powder, etc) and look at the CMP's website in regards to smallbore, mil-surp and other stuff. They will have listings of affiliated clubs as well.

[geargrinder]

You can also use the email match to practice and sharpen your skills.

[MikeInSC]

Thanks for all the input everyone. I actually linked up with an old friend who I haven't seen in eons, he's got me going down the road of NRA/CMP Service Rifle competitions. Really easy and (relatively) cheap for me to get into since I already have a MG AR-15 and the dies to reload for 223/5.56, plus its always nice to know someone there instead of being the "new guy" who just shows up. Before long I can see my "firearms addiction" turning into a "competition addiction" and eventually getting into F-Class... looks like an awesome time and a great way of showing off what you can do with builds/load development. Thanks again all!

[MikeInSC]

82boy... whats awesome about living in the coastal south east... no hills or mountains to compete with and I live in a pretty rural area. I have a few places on my family's farm where I can get out to 600 right now. If I can convince them to knock down a few trees I could get to 1k pretty easy without violating any of the USMC's guidelines for SDZ's... especially for 5.56 or .308, and keep all impacts on the property in swampland/untraveled ground. Very blessed/fortunate in regards to having a place to shoot. Down side is like you said to do it at an official range/in competition I'll have to drive a while. Set up to attend a match in April, 10 hour one way drive.

[6mmBR_Shooter]

Palmetto Gun club near Charleston has an 800yd rifle range. They've recently started shooting 800yard F class.
http://www.palmettogunclub.org/LRrifle/index.html

[Deerhunter 28]

TTT


PSE EVO 60 Lbs.
Blacked out

[MikeInSC]

Thanks for the tip on PGC, That's still a bit of a drive for me, but better than most others. Right now I'm set to compete in Quantico mid April and then looking at doing the Creedmoor Games in Camp Butner NC, but have to get enough work done front end to be able to swing both for the j-o-b. Thanks for the help guys, really appreciate it

[6mmBR_Shooter]

A couple of the guys from PGC compete at Butner pretty much every year. I was supposed to go with them and shoot last year, but unfortunately work got in the way.

With the range 60-90 minutes away from you it is a bit of a drive, but its only once a month. Being stuck down here with no guns makes it seem like a very small price to pay to me, but I've of course been having withdrawals for a while. I would say at least give it a shot once or twice and see what you think. If you don't have a competitive rifle, the match directors generally have an extra or know someone who does.

[Monkeymaster]

Topstrap,
What is the name or class that shoots steel plates at 243 to 1000 yds ?
Also, how many rounds would one shoot at this in 1 days compitition.
Don't mean to take over thread, just looking for a little more information.
Thanks