Why You Should Shoot Competitively
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to talk about why you should shoot competitively. Our goal with this blog post is to outline the benefits one will get when they become involved in shooting competitively. Without further ado, let’s go over why you should shoot competitively.
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What is Competitive Shooting?
Like the name suggests, competitive shooting is the act of shooting in a competitive setting. Various factors such as accuracy, time, hit percentage, and more will contribute to one’s scoring in these competitions. Within the realm of competition shooting, there exist many shooting disciplines and styles of competitions. Prominent forms of competition such as IDPA, USPSA, and IPSC along with various shotgun, rifle, and multigun matches draw in many competitors from various backgrounds. These types of competitions range from formal matches ad national and international levels to casual weekend events. Simply put, the world of competition shooting is wide and one will be able to find the right match for them.
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Stay on Top of Your Skills
Shooting is an incredibly perishable skill. If one does not frequently hone their skills, they will degrade over time. By engaging in a frequent or moderate competition schedule, one will be able to stay on top of their skills. One can also retain their skills by shooting at the range, but by engaging in competition, one will inevitably be held to higher standards. While cultivating one’s shooting skills is certainly going to be a heavy investment of time and ammo, it will certainly be worth it when you are able to perform and shoot optimally.
Shooting Competitively Allows You to Actually Run Your Gear
In a competition setting, one will be able to run their gear and firearms on the clock and for a score. By running one’s gear and kit under competition conditions, one may find deficiencies and inefficiencies with their setup. Simply put, one will not recognize their true needs and the shortcomings of their setup until they actually try running their gear. One may find that they need to adjust the position of magazine pouches, holster placement and orientation, sling setup, and more when actually running a competition. All in all, one will be able to utilize competition shooting to determine whether or not their setup is optimal or needs adjustment. By engaging in competition, one can essentially vet their gear and verify that it is good to go and optimal for their use cases.
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Competitive Shooting Provides Metrics
If you engage in competitive shooting, you will be able to establish metrics of your performance. With this data, you will be able to gauge your performance and see what you are good at and what you need to improve on. One may find that they need to work on magazine changes, tracking sporting clays, or controlling their breath in precision shooting matches. Invaluable data regarding one’s shooting ability and potential can be gleaned from shooting in a competition setting.
When engaged in a competition, one will be provided with scoring information regarding their performance. This information can range from things such as one’s times, hit percentage, and overall standing among those competing in their division. With these metrics, one essentially has a report card of their performance at the match. One can take this information and seek to improve their performance in future matches and competitions.
At home, one may find that things such as their reloads and presentation seem good to go only to find that they are lacking when the pressure of competition is applied. Simply put, one will not know what they need to improve on until they find out what is lacking. When factors such as scoring and time are added, one may find that certain skills are poor when any stress or urgency is present. One can take this information and work specifically on improving and building their weaker skills. Cultivating and practicing these skills can be done at range outings and at other matches. All in all, one can utilize matches to gauge their performance and guide their personal development, ensuring that one efficiently builds their skills.
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Many Competitions for Many Shooters
There are many types of shooting competitions, allowing shooters to find a shooting discipline or match type which best suits them. Competitions for firearms such as pistols, rifles, and shotguns exist, allowing shooters to focus their attention on a single firearm type which interests them. Multigun competitions such as Two Gun and Three Gun combinations also exist, allowing shooters to utilize multiple firearms in a match setting. Additionally, rimfire specific matches also exist if one wanted to compete with firearms in calibers such as .22 Long Rifle or .17 HMR. Shooters with niche interests, such as vintage military service rifles, are even supported by matches such as those offered by the Civilian Marksmanship Program and other organizations emphasizing service rifles. Precision rifle shooting competitions are also incredibly popular and task competitors with making accurate shots on far targets. All in all, with the wide range of shooting competitions and matches out there, one will certainly be able to find an enjoyable discipline which suits their preferences and interests.
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Network With Other Shooters
By engaging in competitive shooting, one will inevitably encounter other shooters. This provides one with the opportunity to network among like-minded shooters and develop a sense of camaraderie. Additionally, by networking with other shooters, one can build friendships and find people to shoot with. Like-minded shooters can keep each other accountable with their performance and practice, much akin to members of a sports team.
How To Get Started?
An easy way to get involved in competitive shooting is to see if any of the ranges near you host matches. This information can usually be obtained from a representative of the range or on the facility’s website. Often times, some ranges may feature match calendars in which they outline the upcoming matches they are hosting. Additionally, one can utilize resources such as Practiscore, The Civilian Marksmanship Program, Scorechaser, and National Rifle League (rimfire) to name a few. One can utilize these resources and more to find a match which is appropriate for their location, preferences, and interests.
The act of shooting in your first competition may seem daunting. During your first competitive shooting endeavor, your main focus should be on safely completing the match as best you can. Don’t get caught up too much on scoring and times, it is your first outing and there will be plenty of time and room for improvement. Once you safely complete your first match, you will have more confidence and a better understanding of what it is like to compete.
Multiple divisions, leagues, and types of matches exist, allowing new competitors to find an accommodating discipline which suits them best. Some ranges and match organizations will even offer introductory courses for those new to competition shooting. For example, the Practical Shooting Starter Course (PSSC) found at Rio Salado Sportsman’s Club is a course designed for those new to competition.
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Conclusion
All in all, a shooter will benefit greatly from engaging in competition shooting. From being able to gauge their skills, find out what they need to improve on, and meet like minded shooters, competition shooting is an excellent thing for shooters to become involved in. We here at True Shot Ammo carry a wide variety of ammunition well-suited to competition. Regardless of your shooting discipline, our vast inventory of ammo will have you covered. Whether you are after some 12 gauge, 5.56x45mm NATO, 9mm Luger, .22 Long Rifle, or something else, we have got you covered. As always, happy shooting.
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One Response
I wish the so-called “shooting community” could get along. USPSA thinks that they are right and everyone else is wrong. The same can be said for IPSC, IDPA, and all the rest. It is just not enjoyable any longer. Thirty or forty years ago maybe, but not now. For those that enjoy it, drive on.