Trying out Practical Pistol

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rj ︈

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Howdy y'all,

I had planned to go to the practical pistol match at Tri-City Gun Club this weekend, but it was cancelled due to weather. Now that I'll have about a month to prepare for the next one, does anybody have tips for me before jumping into a competition for the first time?

I have shot quite a bit, and I'm confident in my gun handling, but never have been to an organized event. I am most comfortable with an appendix holster, so I'd like to try to get away with using that for the first couple events until I go out and buy a dedicated OWB holster for competition, if it is allowed.
 

Mad Professor

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Howdy y'all,

I had planned to go to the practical pistol match at Tri-City Gun Club this weekend, but it was cancelled due to weather. Now that I'll have about a month to prepare for the next one, does anybody have tips for me before jumping into a competition for the first time?

I have shot quite a bit, and I'm confident in my gun handling, but never have been to an organized event. I am most comfortable with an appendix holster, so I'd like to try to get away with using that for the first couple events until I go out and buy a dedicated OWB holster for competition, if it is allowed.

Try the GSSF practice match at OKC gun club next weekend. It’s shot from the low ready. I feel it is more new user friendly than most other disciplines. No holster is needed or recommended.


Here is a thread with more info.

https://www.okshooters.com/threads/gssf-style-practice-match.301290/

Tips
Appendix holster is allowed in USPSA limited division. Not carry optics or production. Tri-City used to allow it in Limited also. If it is your first competition, talk to the RO. I’d suggest you first show a clear firearm and slowly go through the draw and reholster process to his (and your) satisfaction before actually “make ready”. I’ve seen some do some really dangerous things with holsters, both strong side and appendix. The RO has a very limited view of your draw with an appendix holster. Going over it will increase the comfort for both of you.
 

thor447

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@Mad Professor is our resident expert on all things regarding shooting competitions. I'm in the same situation as you. Last month's GSSF practice match was the first organized shooting event that I ever attended. It was a lot of fun. I'm like you, and have many years of experience shooting, hunting, and practicing safe handling and operation of a firearm. I read the GSSF rules thoroughly before attending and knew what to expect, but I told the RO at each course (@Mad Professor included since he was an RO last month) that this was my first time at the plate. I following their instructions, which was very simple to do, and didn't do anything unless instructed to by the RO. The match was a lot of fun, and quite humbling in my case! I left with a sour taste in my mouth, only because I knew I could've done so much better. I wasn't last, but I sure wasn't first either. It was nice to see people of all skill levels there. I'll be back next week, work schedule allowing.
 

rj ︈

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Try the GSSF practice match at OKC gun club next weekend. It’s shot from the low ready. I feel it is more new user friendly than most other disciplines. No holster is needed or recommended.


Here is a thread with more info.

https://www.okshooters.com/threads/gssf-style-practice-match.301290/

Tips
Appendix holster is allowed in USPSA limited division. Not carry optics or production. Tri-City used to allow it in Limited also. If it is your first competition, talk to the RO. I’d suggest you first show a clear firearm and slowly go through the draw and reholster process to his (and your) satisfaction before actually “make ready”. I’ve seen some do some really dangerous things with holsters, both strong side and appendix. The RO has a very limited view of your draw with an appendix holster. Going over it will increase the comfort for both of you.
This looks awesome and I really appreciate the tips. I'll shoot the RO an email and chat with him beforehand. I have an RMR and an Apex trigger on my Glock 19 I'd like to use, so hopefully that isn't an issue.

@Mad Professor is our resident expert on all things regarding shooting competitions. I'm in the same situation as you. Last month's GSSF practice match was the first organized shooting event that I ever attended. It was a lot of fun. I'm like you, and have many years of experience shooting, hunting, and practicing safe handling and operation of a firearm. I read the GSSF rules thoroughly before attending and knew what to expect, but I told the RO at each course (@Mad Professor included since he was an RO last month) that this was my first time at the plate. I following their instructions, which was very simple to do, and didn't do anything unless instructed to by the RO. The match was a lot of fun, and quite humbling in my case! I left with a sour taste in my mouth, only because I knew I could've done so much better. I wasn't last, but I sure wasn't first either. It was nice to see people of all skill levels there. I'll be back next week, work schedule allowing.

I'm expecting to have a bit of a sour taste as well, knowing I could probably go faster. I can imagine the pressure of a buzzer and spectators will cause me to slow down. My main goal the first few times will be to stay safe and not get DQ'd! At least you'll know someone newer than you will be around next time!
 

thor447

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This looks awesome and I really appreciate the tips. I'll shoot the RO an email and chat with him beforehand. I have an RMR and an Apex trigger on my Glock 19 I'd like to use, so hopefully that isn't an issue.



I'm expecting to have a bit of a sour taste as well, knowing I could probably go faster. I can imagine the pressure of a buzzer and spectators will cause me to slow down. My main goal the first few times will be to stay safe and not get DQ'd! At least you'll know someone newer than you will be around next time!

With the mods on your G19, I believe you'd still be fine to shoot in the Unlimited division, but @Mad Professor could confirm.

My sour taste wasn't due to my speed, it was due to my accuracy, or lack thereof, mainly on the 25 yard targets. But you're right, that timer makes a huge difference. My follow up shots were rushed because I knew I was on the clock. Actually, probably all of my shots were a little rushed. Lesson learned.
 

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This looks awesome and I really appreciate the tips. I'll shoot the RO an email and chat with him beforehand. I have an RMR and an Apex trigger on my Glock 19 I'd like to use, so hopefully that isn't an issue.

It’s not a problem at all in the unlimited division. All of the guns in the unlimited division last time were similarly equipped. 34 with dot and trigger, Langdon 92 with dot, and a G22 with irons.

https://practiscore.com/okcgc-gssf-practice-match-january-2021/register

Signup will be available in the morning.
 

thor447

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oh, I think it will take a little more than one match to learn that lesson, lol!
Yeah, probably so. I think of it like when I used to compete in bowling tournaments ages ago. I've had a total of eleven 300 games in practice. I had multiple opportunities in leagues and tournaments, and actually choked in the 10th frame on 3 separate occasions. Nerves were going bonkers, and tons of people were watching. It took a long time for me to learn how to get out of my own head, and just roll like I would at practice. Finally, after about 10 years of competing, I had a 300 game in a tournament. There is definitely a mental block one has to get over, and I'm starting all over again here!
 

Gunbuffer

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Yeah, probably so. I think of it like when I used to compete in bowling tournaments ages ago. I've had a total of eleven 300 games in practice. I had multiple opportunities in leagues and tournaments, and actually choked in the 10th frame on 3 separate occasions. Nerves were going bonkers, and tons of people were watching. It took a long time for me to learn how to get out of my own head, and just roll like I would at practice. Finally, after about 10 years of competing, I had a 300 game in a tournament. There is definitely a mental block one has to get over, and I'm starting all over again here!
That kind of pressure will serve you well in practical shooting
 

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