And some occasionally asked ones
also...
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What is Practical Shooting?
Practical Shooting is a game played with handguns. It
began in the US and today is practiced in more than 60
countries.
GPSL is a local club, affiliated with the United
States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA).
The USPSA is a non-profit organization which is the
organizing body for the sport of practical shooting in
the United States.
The USPSA is affiliated with the International
Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) which is the
governing body for the sport on a worldwide basis. |
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How do
you play this game?
Basically, the shooter shoots at a series of paper
and/or steel targets with a handgun to score points.
The targets are artfully arranged all around the range,
sometimes partially obscured by barriers, bales, barrels
or other props. This is called the "course of
fire".
Sometimes the targets move; sometimes the shooter moves;
sometimes both move; sometimes neither.
The time the shooter takes to complete the course of
fire ("stage") is measured to 100'th of a
second.
The winner of the stage is the shooter with the highest
"hit factor".
The hit factor is calculated as: hit factor = score /
time
The winner of the stage is awarded the maximum number of
points possible for that stage. Other shooters are
awarded points in proportion to their hit factor
compared to that of the winner.
A match consists of one or more stages.
The winner of a match is the shooter
who accumulates the highest number of points
aggregated over all the stages.
That's all there is to it. Click here and see
how its done. |
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Come on, surely there's more to
it than that?
You are correct. I left out the bits about no-shoot
targets; Comstock,
Virginia and fixed-time stages; Major
and Minor power factor; Divisions,
classifications, and
categories; state
matches, national matches and world matches. I didn't
even mention 3-Gun competitions using handgun, rifle and
shotgun. Nor did I tell you about reloading your own
ammo or becoming your own gunsmith so as to fine-tune
your gun. Nor even becoming a Range Officer, Chief Range
Officer or Match Director.
But if you want to know all about these things, you need
to start with the Basics. Suffice
it to say that there is a whole lot more you can
participate in than just punching holes in paper. You
can start reading about it here. |
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Isn't it rather dangerous with
20 or so people running around shooting at things?
No, its not the wild west. Only ONE person EVER has a
loaded gun at any one time, and then ONLY, at the
EXPLICIT command of the range officer (RO).
When a shooter is called to the starting position by the
RO, the RO verifies that everybody else is behind the
shooter, ensures that the shooter is comfortable with
the stage directions, and only then gives permission for
the shooter to load the gun, and begin shooting. The RO
accompanies the shooter and is there to ensure that
safety rules are followed at all times while shooting
the stage. The RO is also on hand to give advice and
assistance if needed to the novice shooter.
GPSL takes pride in our safety record. We have never had
a firearm related injury and we want to keep it that
way. Understanding and following the basic gun safety
rules is a must. Shooters new to GPSL whether
experienced or not are required to go through a “New
Shooters Safety Briefing” before their first GPSL
match. Read our Safety Rules. |
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Wow! That sounds exciting. Can
I give it a try?
Of course you can! Didn't you read the link on the main
page for New Shooters? Go
back and do it right now. We'll wait here. |
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What is the profile of the
typical shooter?
At the typical GPSL match, the majority of competitors
are adult males, but women and kids are encouraged to
participate. While everyone shoots the same stage, there
are separate competitive categories
for female, junior (under 21), senior (over 50) and
super-senior (over 60). This is a great sport for the
whole family! At GPSL we have them all. Our members
come from all walks of life and from across the
socio-economic spectrum. |
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What does everyone wear at
GPSL?
One great thing about the Practical Shooting sport is
that no special clothing is required compared to many
other sports. At our club match, which is at an indoor
range, folks usually turn up in casual attire. Being an
indoor range it is subject to accumulated powder
residues and so is not what you would call clean; you
would be advised not to wear your best summer whites. It
also tends to be cool in winter and warm in summer;
dress accordingly. You might want to consider wearing
shoes that provide good traction. |
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Is USPSA competition a good way
to train for defensive or "combat" shooting?
USPSA/IPSC Practical Shooting has its roots in defensive
or combat training, but it has evolved into a pure sport
and is referred to as a "game" by
participants. We are not "training" to shoot
anything except our paper and steel targets -- no more
than an Olympic javelin thrower is training to storm the
walls of Troy. It's a sport, like golf or Winston Cup
racing. You will develop valuable gun handling
skills, but if you want "combat" training,
check out a training facility like Thunder
Ranch, Front
Sight, Gunsite,
or Blackwater.
You could also read the Handguns Magazine article
"Compete
to Live".
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What is IDPA and how does it
differ from USPSA Practical Shooting?
Find the authoritative answers to your questions about
IDPA on their official
website. The International Defensive Pistol
Association was created by several founders of USPSA who
felt that USPSA Practical Shooting had strayed too far
from its original concept of practice or training for
defensive handgun use to more of a pure sport or
"game" requiring overly specialized equipment
and technique. IDPA has classes for different types of
handguns, but electronic sights, compensators, and a
number of other "race gun" features are
specifically banned. Approved carry-type holsters are
listed in the IDPA rulebook, "speed-rigs" are
not allowed. Match stages are typically shorter and less
complex than you'll find at a USPSA match and the
scenarios are intended to more closely represent
"real world" situations. Development of
concealment and use of cover technique is emphasized. |
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How will I know I'm ready to
shoot a match? I feel a bit intimidated and don't want
to embarrass myself.
If you have or can borrow suitable
gear and can exercise SAFE GUN HANDLING -- you're
ready now! The Grand Masters of the sport had to start
somewhere. Fact is, the atmosphere of camaraderie and
friendliness is second to no other sport: experienced
competitors offer advice, encouragement, and moral
support to new shooters. WE WANT NEW SHOOTERS. No one
expects you to be competitive, so don't worry about it
-- just be safe. And don't make the mistake of saying,
"...I just need to practice for another couple
months..." and miss out on a ton of fun. |
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I'm middle-aged and overweight
so I can't run very well. How can I compete with a
teenager?
Everything else being equal, the competitor who can run
faster will win a big field stage that requires a lot of
movement between shooting positions. Accomplished IPSC
shooters develop other skills which are far more
important than raw speed. The ability to develop an
effective "plan" for shooting a stage and to
execute it without mistakes, and the mastery of basic
shooting fundamentals such as target acquisition,
trigger control, etc. are more important than running
speed. |
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I don't know anyone at the
club, how will I know what to do and where to go?
Here's how it works: show up at Bull's-Eye
around 6:00 p.m any Wednesday evening.
We gather in a room above the shop before the evening's
shoot. The entrance is through a door to the right of
the shop's main window as you face it. There will be a
sign saying "GPSL"; just come up the stairs
and you will find us.
DO NOT come in wearing, carrying or
bagging a loaded gun.
There will be folks milling around usually wearing
holstered but UNLOADED handguns. Introduce yourself to
the guy behind the table taking money and explain that
it's your first visit. Someone will take you under their
wing and show you the ropes including giving you a
safety briefing.
If you have brought your own gun LEAVE IT IN THE
BAG UNLOADED until you have had the safety
briefing. If you would like to borrow a gun, then
someone will usually have a spare rig to use. However,
it would be best to contact
a club officer beforehand so that we can make sure.
If you just want to watch the first time, that is OK as
well; just introduce yourself and we will take care of
you.
Around 7:00pm we go into one of the two ranges at the
side of the shop and start the evening's shooting. We
take over one entire range, the other remains available
for the general public. There are usually anywhere from
20-35 shooters and we shoot 2-4 stages of around 6-30
rounds each. By about 9:30 we clear up and usually a
group goes out for food, refreshment and the social
hour. You will be welcome to join us for that also. Then
you have to go home.
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Can I rent a gun at the gun
shop to use?
Unfortunately not. They do rent guns to use for
"normal" range shooting -- standing behind the
bench shooting at targets in your lane -- but do not
want them used for our style of shooting. If you are new
to shooting, you could rent a gun and shoot it on the
adjacent range to the one we take over. One of our
members will be happy to show you how it works. You can
rent ear and eye protection which you will need to shoot
with us. |
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That was FUN!! What do I need
to do to get started?
You may be able to borrow a rig the first few times you
come, but sooner or later you will need your own rig.
The most important part of that is, of course, the gun.
Talk to the other shooters, check out the guns for sale
in the shop, check the information you will find on the
web. Then decide what is best for you. One of the
Glock models, for
instance G34
(9mm) or G35
(.40S&W), are popular and competitive in this
sport as well as being relatively inexpensive, simple to
operate and reliable. One of the various '1911' style
handguns are also common and competitive; check out Kimber,
Para-Ordnance,
Springfield
Armory, STI,
SVI
and host of others.
You will also need a holster and 4-5 magazines. Again,
study the other shooters, and ask questions. Take a look
at the Gear section to
see what some of our members use.
Remember, that not all guns and gear are optimum for
this sport. That's why there is such a wide choice. Use
your power of choice wisely.
You will also want to join GPSL as a member ($40 per
year) and USPSA
($40 per year). If you are not already, you should also join
the NRA which strives to protect our right to own
handguns. |
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Where else can I shoot like
this around here?
Within about an hour's drive of downtown Atlanta are
several other IPSC clubs. Each of these puts on a great
6-stage match once a month, at which GPSL members
usually make up to 15-20% of the attendance. These are
outdoor matches, rain or shine; shooting starts around
10am and finishes around 2pm. There are other indoor
clubs meeting weekly. See the table on our home
page.
For something a bit different, Griffin
Gun Club puts on a Steel Challenge match the 1st
Saturday of every month. Good practice in drawing,
target acquisition and accuracy.
So, you can be shooting an organized match locally every
weekend of the month, except for the occasional 5th
weekend. |
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I've never even thought about
buying a gun before. What's the process?
Go to your local gun shop (e.g. Bull's-Eye). Choose
your firearm. Fill in a form declaring your
soundness of mind etc. Pay the man a few dollars for the
"instant" background check. Then, if you do
not come back negative, pay for the gun and take it
home.
This gets somewhat more complicated and tedious if
you are not a US Citizen or resident alien but is still
possible. Essentially, you first have to qualify for,
apply for, pay for, take a test for and finally receive
a Georgia
State Hunting License. This can take an extra month
or so.
Check out the ATF
FAQ for all the details.
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Don't you need some sort of
license to get a gun?
Not in Georgia. You do need to be cleared by the instant
background check system at the time of purchase.
However, you may want to apply for a Georgia Firearms
License, also known as a Conceal/Carry Permit, CCW,
Pistol Packing Permit, etc. This is not required to
purchase, own or use a firearm, or keep one in your
place of business, home or vehicle, but is required to
lawfully have a gun about your person in many other
places.
Even if you never intend to carry a gun about your
person anywhere other than at an IPSC match, having a
Firearms License can simplify the life of an IPSC
shooter by reducing the number of places or ways you
cannot lawfully have a gun and ammo in your possession.
Thus, transporting your equipment to matches becomes
easier. It also makes travel to out-of-state matches
easier in states with reciprocity for CCW recognition.
Georgia is a "Shall Issue" state for CCW
meaning that if you apply and do not fall under specific
exclusionary rules, the state must issue a permit. It is
not required that you show any "need". It
takes about 3 months from application to receipt. Start
now; you don't need a gun to apply.
The Georgia Firearm Owners Defense League (GFODL)
has compiled a handy reference of the process for
acquiring a Georgia State firearms license and the laws
surrounding firearms carry in Georgia. They are also
working to rationalize the patchwork of Georgia state
laws. The primary compiler of the information also
maintains the Georgia information on Packing.org.
See Packing.org
for a description of the legal landscape surrounding
firearms licensing state by state. And the references
to local county procedures for firearms license
application.
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I don't have/want to buy a
fancy "race gun" or "speed rig"--
how can I be competitive?
If you're just starting, you could have world-class
equipment and you'd still get smoked -- by some old fat
guy wearing coveralls shooting a rusty mil-spec .45.
Just use the gear you have (or can borrow) and see if
you like the sport. Then you can think about upgrading
equipment. The fun comes from developing and improving
your shooting skills, not from frittering over equipment
-- not that there's anything wrong with that!
There are two USPSA
Divisions which are specifically geared towards
"stock" equipment without any fancy stuff:
'Production' - which includes your standard GLOCK, SIG,
S&W modern double-action, safe-action, or
double-action/single-action gun; and, 'Single-Stack' for
those who prefer a standard 1911-style single-action
(Kimber, Springfield Armory, etc).
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I
don't have any gun now, and don't know much about guns;
give me some clues as to what I should consider.
First question: why do you want a gun now? Is the sport
the driving issue, or, have you decided to become a
gun-owner and the sport looks like a fun thing to do
and/or a useful skill to acquire once you have one? A
compact "carry" gun is less optimum for the
sport than a full-size gun. However, you can still have
fun shooting your carry gun in IPSC. However, it will be
a bit more difficult to carry your IPSC
'Open' gun.
Is operating cost a major concern? For instance, a
.45 cal handgun certainly packs a wallop but will cost
nearly twice as much per round as a 9mm to shoot. Are
you more interested in cost or wallop? Bear in mind that
you improve with practice and you have to shoot lots of
rounds to practice.
You will want to choose a gun with at least a 10-round
magazine. Some of the compact guns take 7-8 rounds which
will leave you at a bit of a disadvantage on many IPSC
stages.
Some GPSL members have discovered IPSC, decided it was
for them and immediately invested in a top-of-the-line
competition rig (starting from about $1,500-$2,000) --
quite a deal compared to a bass boat. Others, have
started with a more modest investment (about $500-$600)
and traded-up over time.
If cost is an issue, a lightly used gun is going to be a
better deal than a new one. Check out the gun
shops listed in 'Resources'. Sign up on the GPSL
Trading Post.
If you are looking for a compromise, multi-purpose,
starter gun then the Glock
G17(9mm) fits the bill; about an inch shorter and
more suitable to "carry" than the G34
(9 mm) and perhaps easier to locate a good used one
at around $450-$500. Add a $25 Kydex holster, a $20
Kydex magazine holder, $40 for 2 more magazines, a
strong belt and you should be ready to go. You would
normally want to shoot the G17 in the 'Production'
division. You could shoot in 'Limited-10' but
would be at a scoring disadvantage as the 9mm
scores as 'Minor' which places a premium on
accuracy.
Chris is a Master class shooter in the club; check
out his gear; he shoots a G34(9mm) in Production, a
G35(.40S&W) in both Limited 10 and Limited, and an
STI '1911' in Open -- although this is a 9mm, he loads
it to Major power
factor.
For more opinions check out here
and here
on Hi
Powers and Handguns; bearing in mind that these
opinions are not specifically aimed at handguns suited
for IPSC but may give you background and information on
firearms in general on which to build your personal
decision. An important take-away is that "it
depends on what you want". Check the GPSL
Forum; ask questions.
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Stop! My head is
exploding with all the jargon. What does it all mean?
Check out our Glossary. |
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Where can I find out still
more?
You could start with GPSL's very own Resource
List. |
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Material for this FAQ was derived, in part,
from http://www.gunracer.com/faqs.htm |
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