How do you get into competition shooting?

[Kappy]

I've been wanting to get into competition shooting. My local range has a pistol league for .22lr only, but I want to get into something with centerfire and I have NO experience. I just want to get a small taste of it... or at least find out what such a competition entails...

Right now the only thing I have to shoot in such a competition is a cz75b in .40sw.

So... what am I looking at?

[bigfelipe]

Well, get yourself a good full size 9mm for starters. Can't go wrong with the Glock 17. I say that not only because they're great guns and I'm Glock bias, but that would allow you to shoot in GSSF. Your CZ will work fine too though, but you'll find it easier to compete with a 9mm.

Next find a competition to check out. There's a GSSF shoot in Richmond, CA in August and one in Piru in November. Your local range most likely hosts some sort of events like IDPA. Google them and check out their site. There are a number of groups. See what grabs your attention. I like the stock stuff. Race guns are too expensive for my tastes( and I'm not that good )

[CQB]

Contact the International Defensive Pistol Association. Show up at your first match about an hour early and attend the safety class for new shooters that one of the Range Officers is sure to put on. It's easy and you'll be fine. The hardest part of shooting in your first match is remembering the target sequences you're supposed to be shooting at.

If you want to start out really really easy, then, get involved with GSSF. I attended my first GSSF match last month. It was so ridiculously easy that I quickly became bored and doubt that I'll ever attend another. (Unless I just want to talk with the guys!)

[Kappy]

Why a 9 over a .40? Cost of ammo?

[Kappy]

I'd consider the GSSF, but I don't want to buy a Glock. I've got what I want for a centerfire pistol. My concern is that it's a bit heavy for a continual carry, but when you consider that it just sits on your hip... it isn't so serious.

[Matt]

I'd say the reason would be cost, recoil, and capacity. Though with IDPA I think you need to do tactical reloads... not sure though.

[Kappy]

Well, with my reloads, there is very little recoil and my CZ holds 10 rounds (max in Kalifornia). Plus... when I reload, it might actually cost me less to shoot .40 than .22.

[Matt]

Fair enough, control would be the last real reason that I can think of.

What are CCW laws in Cali, anyway? Can you carry? If so, how many rounds? Just curious.

[Kappy]

Well... that's an interesting question. Our laws are kind of krazy and interpretation is in the eye of the LEO.

Our open carry law, for instance, is that you can open carry all you want BUT it has to be unloaded. Since the magazine counts towards being part of the gun, the smart money is on keeping your mag unloaded and (I guess) carrying the ammo loose in your pocket.

Even transporting firearms is an iffy proposition, which is part of why I got my CCW. The smart money there is to keep your guns unloaded and locked in a container in your trunk. The ammo should then be transported in the cab. Does the ammo need to be locked up? Who knows?

That being said, your question concerned CCW:
1. I have a CCW.
2. I can carry any of the pistols noted on my CCW (identified by serial number).
3. My CCW only has a maximum of three slots. Since I only have two pistols, I'm not worried, but there are some who fret about not being able to carry whatever they want. I can carry all three at the same time, if I like.
4. I can carry ALL the ammo I want. If I want to push a flat of black talons around on a cart, I can do that.
5. I can carry as many magazines as I like as well.
6. The gun must be concealed at all times. Drawing it had better be because I intend to save my life. Now... as long as it's covered, I don't think printing is an issue.
7. Can't carry in federal areas (post office, court, etc.).
8. If a business owner asks me to leave because he is alerted to the fact that I'm strapped, I have to leave.
9. Car carry is legal only with a CCW. If I drive somewhere and forget my gun in the car but my wife gets pulled over and they find the gun there, she's in MAJOR trouble.
10. If you're caught in a bar or other establishment which is primarily intended to sell alcohol WITH your gun, they pull the CCW.
11. Being caught doing anything illegal while carrying results in major trouble.
12. The CCW is issued at the sheriff's discretion. There are many sheriffs who do not issue. The Sacramento sheriff supposedly only issues to folks who are his good buddy (good enough to contribute to his campaigns). Orange County has a famously horrible harpy of a sheriff who is pulling CCW's and reviewing their "good cause" because she's new to the job. My Sutter County sheriff is a good guy. My "good cause" was two words long: "self defense."
13. Sheriffs can only issue to someone who establishes that their primary residency is in the county under the sheriff's control.
14. (Because 13 is unlucky) There is a great site for folks who someday might run across this thread: CalCCW.

[Matt]

If you had a flat of black talons, you should sell them to 1911 shooter