Over the last 10 years I have seen a lack of people showing up as new shooters to matches. Yes, each match gets one or ten a year but not huge waves. Let me educate you all on some of (my facts) aka not 100% based on data about shooting matches that I have seen.
1. The match director wants to grow his match, so he and the staff want you to come. (if its a business or a way the gun club bring in funds (THEY WANT YOU))
2. At every match 90% of the shooters are not good shooters at all. these people are having fun, if you join in the game, you move them up in ranking. So they WANT YOU TO SHOOT so they have a higher ranking!!
3. EVERYONE was the new guy, everyone knows what its like to be the NEW GUY so you are among fellow people that understand and want to help you!
4. No one but you cares about your score, think about it. The other shooters are focused on their score not yours, so do not feel like everyone is watching you.
5. Many ranges have strict range rules. During a match you follow the course layout, you get to do unique acts like drawing from the holster, run around with a loaded gun, shoot in rapid fire!!!
6. You will not win, so that pressure is now gone.
7. You will meet people from all walks of life, doing all kinds of work. I can not tell you how many times this has helped me. You can meet a auto mechanic, a house painter, a banker, a candle stick maker. These other shooters become your go-to guy / gal to save money and get a job done right by someone you TRUST. BTW, the conversations at the house are EPIC!! you show off your new gun to the banker in the living room!! (done it)
8. If you want to do something with you children or child its a great way to spend the day. The phones get put down, you can talk strategy, learn how your child figures out puzzles, have something to talk about all week long and experience together.
9. If you are divorced with children this can turn in to the EVENT of the month to take them too. I have seen this happen alot. The child looks forward to that unique match with mom or dad that might be a 180 from the other parent.
10. Its about having fun. Quit being a weak adult, no one is going to laugh at you, no one will make fun of you. Its not a gear race, its not a event that people look down on others when you go. Every match I have ever been to people help each other out with. Most of the time if you do not have a piece of kit or the correct gun they will let you barrow one.
Go get some trigger time at the local matches. I do not want to see the sport die, and it will if no new blood is flowing in.
John
1. The match director wants to grow his match, so he and the staff want you to come. (if its a business or a way the gun club bring in funds (THEY WANT YOU))
2. At every match 90% of the shooters are not good shooters at all. these people are having fun, if you join in the game, you move them up in ranking. So they WANT YOU TO SHOOT so they have a higher ranking!!
3. EVERYONE was the new guy, everyone knows what its like to be the NEW GUY so you are among fellow people that understand and want to help you!
4. No one but you cares about your score, think about it. The other shooters are focused on their score not yours, so do not feel like everyone is watching you.
5. Many ranges have strict range rules. During a match you follow the course layout, you get to do unique acts like drawing from the holster, run around with a loaded gun, shoot in rapid fire!!!
6. You will not win, so that pressure is now gone.
7. You will meet people from all walks of life, doing all kinds of work. I can not tell you how many times this has helped me. You can meet a auto mechanic, a house painter, a banker, a candle stick maker. These other shooters become your go-to guy / gal to save money and get a job done right by someone you TRUST. BTW, the conversations at the house are EPIC!! you show off your new gun to the banker in the living room!! (done it)
8. If you want to do something with you children or child its a great way to spend the day. The phones get put down, you can talk strategy, learn how your child figures out puzzles, have something to talk about all week long and experience together.
9. If you are divorced with children this can turn in to the EVENT of the month to take them too. I have seen this happen alot. The child looks forward to that unique match with mom or dad that might be a 180 from the other parent.
10. Its about having fun. Quit being a weak adult, no one is going to laugh at you, no one will make fun of you. Its not a gear race, its not a event that people look down on others when you go. Every match I have ever been to people help each other out with. Most of the time if you do not have a piece of kit or the correct gun they will let you barrow one.
Go get some trigger time at the local matches. I do not want to see the sport die, and it will if no new blood is flowing in.
John
