Starting to get interested in IDPA, or something similar. Maybe even 3-gun.

Where would I begin to look into something like that?

I know there are a few of you that do, but beyond those few are there a lot of guys on here that are into that?

try one of our local matches at millican and see how you like it. a3g.tamu.edu has a lot of valuable info if you're looking to get into competition shooting

Where are you located? Here's a map with most of the practical shooting matches, (IDPA, USPSA, 3-Gun, Steel Challenge, etc)
Texas Ranges with Practical Shooting Competitions

If you or anyone else is close to Houston and wants to shoot let me know, I just finished my own personal range near Waller and will be out there practicing most weekends from here on out when I'm not at a major match.

I'd start with an IDPA or USPSA match just due to simplicity. 3-Gun matches are run very similar but the difficulty level is higher so as a first time shooter I'd start with a pistol only match.

For USPSA or IDPA match show up with a handgun, (unloaded in a case), magazines (min. 3 IDPA, 4 USPSA), magazine pouches, ammo (min. 100 for an IDPA match, 200 USPSA, you probably won't shoot that much but it's better to have extra than run out), eye protection, ear protection, and if IDPA bring some type of vest or loose fitting jacket/shirt for concealment. Show up to the match 30 minutes or so early, figure out who is in charge and let them know it is your first match. From there they should tell you everything you need to know. Most clubs are very new shooter friendly.

Check out some videos on Youtube first to get an idea what to expect as far as stages go.

[This message has been edited by lexofer (edited 2/6/2013 3:53p).]

What about long range shooting? Any advice on that?

I am a member at this range south of Dallas. They have IDPA and 3-gun matches monthly. Great instructors and a fun place to shoot.

Len Baxley (range owner) is a 2 time IDPA National Champion and 1 time IDPA International Champion. He is a great instructor if you really want to learn how to shoot.

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Texas Defensive Shooting Academy

http://www.tdsa.net

Best contact info on www.uspsa.org under club locator for Texas or at http://www.dfwshooters.org/forum

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Great information guys thanks.

I'm in CS.

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Len Baxley (range owner)

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Here's a long but interesting story about him. From what I've read he's still a convicted felon and can not possess a firearm which makes being a firearms instructor an interesting occupation for him.

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try one of our local matches at millican and see how you like it. a3g.tamu.edu has a lot of valuable info if you're looking to get into competition shooting

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Email sent.

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What about long range shooting? Any advice on that?

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Bluto,

I used to shoot high power rifle and F-Class a few years back. Both are shot at the Juliff range south of Houston, among other locations. I have participated in the events at Bayou Rifles and know it is a first class group of shooters there.

Here is a link to a calendar of high power matches in the Houston area. The calendar is complete with locations, maps, links, etc.

www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=houstonareahp%40gmail.com&ctz=America/Chicago

If you are interested in getting started, my recommendation is to go to one of the listed matches and talk to the match director. He'll let you know what your options are. You'll probably get some good info from watching the competitors and talking to them in their downtime.

Let me warn you, it is very addicting. Lots of luck.


[This message has been edited by HuntingGMan (edited 2/6/2013 6:45p).]

[This message has been edited by HuntingGMan (edited 2/6/2013 6:46p).]

Thanks. I'm on the waiting list at Bayou Rifle club. Do you have to be a member to go to the matches?

Check out CCC3G.com as well as cccpistol.com for local matches toward Millican. The guys at Champion are knowledgeable & shoot out there quite a bit.
Also check out Brazosland Pistoleros. They shoot out at Gunsmoke on a Sunday & sometimes do a night match the night before. Each are a great time.
Everyone at both places are very safe, nice & want you to enjoy your firearm.

Lex, can you send my your contact info? My email is in my profile.

I have been going to brazosland pistoleros. They usually have 2 stages in the woods and like you to either help setup or tear down. They follow uspsa rules, no cover garment like required by IDPA. I think matches are the last sunday of each month, bur check the website for sure.

[This message has been edited by jabberwalkie09 (edited 2/6/2013 8:44p).]

E-mail sent, AggieMarine.

I have a lot of info targeted at new shooters on my web page ( I am the Presidente of the Brazosland Pistoloeros).

www.brazoslandpistoleros.com

Read through that and you will have a better understanding of what you need to know.

Basically you need a belt holster that covers the trigger guard on your pistol and a way to carry 3 to 4 mags (even if thats just in your pocket.)

You wouldnt go to a golf course and expect to play a round with Tiger the first time out, so don't put that pressure on yourself when you start shooting either. I tell all new shooters at my matches (and I have been running these things for a long time including the LaRue 3Gun that was the largest 3Gun match EVER held) that two things are certain...you WILL have fun, and you WONT win the match. So dont try, just work on getting better.

It takes a year or more to get fairly good, and you are shooting against many folks with 30 years experience. I also coach the Corps of Cadets Marksmanship Unit and even practicing twice a week it takes my cadets 6 months to really start understanding and processing the basics.

Karl Rehn at KR Training also offers a one day intro to competition class. If you take it you will be way ahead in learning what you need to know.

lexofet- that story is from 06. he's been teaching army special forces and local swat crews for the last couple years. I'm pretty sure they would have checked his background.....

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Do you have to be a member to go to the matches?

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You do not have to be a member to attend the matches at Bayou Rifles. Although I was not a member (it was a four hour drive for me to get to the range), I made sure to work my tail off down in the pits. Work hard at setup and teardown and your presence will be appreciated by all.

KLOL
See the posts here by "Arrowhead" He was the TDSA Director of Operations and says:

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By the way... Yes, Len is felon. So F'ing What! What is your real problem BILL? If LEO/MIL and many civies do not have a problem learning from Len... then there is not a problem. He is not in the "POSSESSION" of a firearm at any time.

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I'm not saying he's a bad person or a bad instructor, I've never met him even though I go to competitive shooting matches all over Texas. I do have some friends that shoot matches up at TDSA. I was just pointing out his background so people can make an informed decision about whom they go to. I also find his to be an interesting story.

[This message has been edited by lexofer (edited 2/6/2013 11:04p).]