Where to start? Cleveland area

[sureshot88]

Ok so im not exactly an entry-level shooter however I have really expanded my interest in shooting and the sport all together. I was wondering if anybody could suggest some courses or something that I could start off doing. I am located in Cleveland and would love to eventually get into some kind of competition shooting down the road. I know practice is a huge part but attempting to get a stall at Stonewall on the weekend is almost impossible any more. Are there certain classes I should be on the lookout for? My CCW class packet same with some NRA shooting badge achievement book and this is what actually sparked up my thinking of how I could eventually obtain some of these.

[BobK]

My CCW class packet same with some NRA shooting badge achievement book and this is what actually sparked up my thinking of how I could eventually obtain some of these.

My NRA Basic Pistol class also provided one of those pamphlets. It is for the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program program.

When I was shooting every week with the OSU Pistol Club at the OSU Range, kb8dnr and I went through that program simply as a fun way to have a goal each shooting session. We had a good time progressing through the Pistol Qualification course and the Light Rifle Qualification course.

You don't need to be super experienced to find a local IDPA club. Just show up and try it out. For me, it is a lot more fun that simply shooting bullseyes. All you need to try it out is a safe functioning handgun (9mm or larger), 3 magazines, a belt holster, eyes and ears. A double mag pouch is recommended. IPDA Clubs will typically have a "new shooter" safety orientation before the match and you would need to show up early for that. For more information, check out the International Defensive Pistol Association website for club listings and the rule book.

[58duck]

if you're interested in learning competition shooting, look into:

http://www.frankgarciausa.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

take a class offered by Manny Bragg. might not be the cheapest way to start, but you will learn a lot of good shooting techniques and tricks from one of the top USPSA shooters in the country.

[dl1911]

North Olmsted Sportman's Club hold IDPA practice every Friday evening at 7:00. Some very experienced and good shooters there and they're always willing to give advice. Have learned quite a few things from the people there over the last few years. If you're interested in shooting IDPA, just go to a match. This Sunday there's one at Youngstown Rifle and PIstol. About an hour drive from Cleveland (I live in Old Brooklyn). Ashland Lake Gun Club also has an IDPA match once a month. You mentioned Stonewall, 3rd Saturday of every month at 5:30 there's an IDPA/USPSAish match there (BASS, Back Alley Shooting Society). Both IDPA & USPSA have rulebooks posted on their websites. In addition, there's an intro of sorts at http://www.defensivepistol.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

I started just by going to a match in Circleville at PCSI three years ago and had a blast. Don't be afraid to just go to a match and shoot it. Let the people know when you sign in that it's your first time and you'll likely find many people willing to help out. Spectators are always welcome as long as they have ear and eye protection. Youngstown uses a shotgun start so you'd be free to come out to the match, watch a few people, and then sign-in if you feel like starting. Read through the rulebook ahead of time, pay attention to what other people are doing, demonstrate safe handling skills and you'll do great.

[TSiWRX]

I'm also looking to get into the competition side of things, later this year.

For the past year-and-a-half of or so, it's been all "tacticool," mainly because I have zero LE/military background - I figured that if I were going to be using a firearm to defend either myself or my loved ones, I'd better get some training so that I can honestly say to myself that I've at least tried to do it right. With that said

http://www.ohioccwforums.org/viewtopic. ... g#p4070540" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

^ You'll find some good links, in that thread.

[dl1911]

I'm also looking to get into the competition side of things, later this year.

I'd recommend starting now. Come October things start winding down. Pretty sure Youngstown Rifle & Pistol's last IDPA match is September. If nothing else, it will get you used to drawing from a holster and engaging multiple targets. I've always found people there to be friendly and helpful as well. Okay, so it doesn't hurt that it's a lot of fun as well! I didn't start until June 3 years ago and hated how few times I was able to shoot a match before things closed up for the winter.

[sureshot88]

Thanks for the suggestions. My only problem is I work nights during the week and my job loves to through random overtime requirements out because they think it's funny to ruin their employee's personal lives. I looked at the place in North Olmsted and the issue would be the whole time frame. I guess I'll have to keep an eye out and attempt to at least attend a few events just to see what its all about.

[dl1911]

Most club matches are on Saturday or Sunday morning. As I mentioned, I should be out at Youngstown Rifle & Pistol tomorrow morning around 10:00 for their match. Will be shooting either a .45 Kimber SIS Pro or a 10mm Eclipse. Haven't decided yet. Likely to have a Tripp JMB hat and meeting up with a couple as well as having someone with me. Bring your gear though. The person I'm bringing is from Illinois. Last few times here we went to the range. This time it'll be to shoot IDPA. All skill levels are welcome as long as safe handling is observed. Anything from .38/9mm on up, 3 magazines or speedloaders, magazine carrier, strong side hip holster, cover garment (old button shirt works fine). No problem sheparding another person through IDPA.

[TSiWRX]

^ Thank you for that honest advice dl1911.

As I've said to many friends who've tried to get me to "start NOW," a big problem is my schedule. Our weekends, be it family plans or individuals', are literally scheduled out months in advance, and I found that I wanted/needed to compete rather late this spring.

I'm getting out there, for sure, though!

[sureshot88]

Like I said previously its not the matter of wanting to do it or the drive out to a location, its finding the time. Currently, I have to find a way to fit in 15 hours of overtime between today and next Sunday on top of my regular 40hr work week and doing my homework (working on Bachelor's). I would love to meet some people who are just as enthused in guns as myself so I can further my knowledge and learn from the experienced bunch. I will definitely be sticking around for awhile (signed up for the student donation, (sorry i'm funding school on my own)). I am sure eventually I will find the time to come out to some events. Especially if there are any biker cruises or anything of that nature as I ride a street bike myself.

[58duck]

. . . Our weekends, be it family plans or individuals', are literally scheduled out months in advance, . . .

once you do USPSA and/or IDPA, you'll find a way to clear your schedule . . .

[TSiWRX]

^ Oh, I'm sure.

The reason I'm so sure about it is because just after a small taste at Vogel's class (the class was ostensibly "defensive pistol" oriented, but due to the class population, it ended with more of a gaming twist, with Vogel setting up a small "stage" for us to run), I became instantly hooked.

Seriously - would I like to perform well? Certainly, I won't deny that.

But that's not really my true goal.

My goal is to become better at running the gun: become a faster and more efficient shooter. And it really was seeing the competition shooters at Vogel's class (not Vogel himself, as he's on a totally different plane of existence! ) that really opened my eyes to just what competition can do for me, in that respect.

To have the pressure of the clock. To be able to quantitate my performance. That's really my goal.

[Jake]

FWIW, we try to run year round, 3rd and 5th Thursday @ 6pm.
New and experienced shooters welcome to this "competitive" yet informal event.
http://www.salemhuntingclub.com/concealedcarryshoot.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[TSiWRX]

^ The reason why I haven't gotten out to y'all is simple : my wife's "long day" is Thursday. She's sometimes in clinic until 6....

There's a possibility that'll change this year, though.

When Anna starts shooting, though, I'll be there for sure!

[Jake]

Did mention we have a daycare service to watch your kids while you shoot?
No??


Good, we don't actually have one.