The process is very easy and the clubs welcome new shooters!
Firstly, check Hawaii Practical Shooters and/or Mid Pacific Pistol League's websites to find a "101 Class," or "101" date. (There is also the Honolulu Rhat Rhat Boyz club, but they do not run 101 Classes.)
Match dates can be found here: http://www.hawaiipracticalshooters.org/schedule
And here: http://www.mppl.net/schedule2014.php
HPS and MPPL are on Face Book too. So you can check that out if you want to.
If you intend to do a 101 Class please show up early, around 8:00-8:15. The class covers the basics of USPSA... nothing too hard or difficult but it is mandatory for first time USPSA shooters. If anyone is interested in doing a 101 Class you can let me know and I can contact HPS or MPPL to let them know you are planning on doing a 101 Class!
The absolute minimum you need is a pistol, holster, mag pouches, 5 mags, and 200 rounds (Typically matches don't run much longer than 150 rounds, but its good to have extra). Its also a good idea to pack a lunch and some snacks, water or Gatorade, SUNSCREEN and a hat. There can also be lots of standing, so bring a folding chair if you so desire. And of course, eye and ear protection is mandatory.
Cost for non-club members is $20.00 a match.
I think that covers everything.... And if you have any USPSA or match related questions feel free to ask! I'd be happy to answer them for you!
For the MPPL 101 class, there is no match registration fee, and you are not required to be an MPPL or USPSA member to attend. You'll be sitting at the building listening to the training while the other participants set up the stages. So come early (8:30-ish) to make sure you don't miss the start. My beginner class started at 9:00, and the shooting started a little after 10:00.
After your 101 class, if you plan to keep attending matches, you should go online and join USPSA. Then, at your first MPPL/USPSA qualifier match, bring your membership fee to join the MPPL. MPPL prorates the membership dues which renew every December. I just joined this month, so membership was $15 for the remainder of 2014 which I think included my NRA-member's discount. They have a paper attached to the bucket they collect the money in with the prorated membership costs.
USPSA is $40 per year regular rate. You can find the various options here:
https://www.uspsa.org/uspsa-join-renew.phpThe USPSA handbook comes with your paid membership, so no need to buy one. Plus the handbook is available for download for free.
And, if you're an NRA member, you get a $25 discount off the annual MPPL membership fee.
Here's the IPSC 101 class sign up form:
http://www.mppl.net/forms/IPSC_101_Registration_Form.pdfAnd here's the MPPL membership form:
http://www.mppl.net/forms/2009-Membership-Application-r4.pdfBottom line for the 101 class:
- Fill out the IPSC 101 registration form and mail/EMail it a couple of days ahead of the match date.
- If you joined the USPSA and/or NRA before the class, give your membership ID numbers on the application.
- Don't worry about membership fees or match fees. The first one is free (Just like crack!!:
)
- Follow the 101 class Sign-up Form's Instructions on what to bring:
REQUIREMENTS:
• Paper and pen
• Eye and ear protection
• Safe handgun (9mm or larger caliber)
• Safe holster and belt
• Magazines/speedloaders (3-4 recommended)
• 150 rounds of ammunition
• Willingness to learn and have fun safely
As suggested, 5-6 mags would be better, and 200 rounds of ammo. Sometimes the activators for the moving targets malfunction and you have to start the stage over. If that happens, you might go through an extra 20 rounds for that stage.
You can park really close to the shooting area, so extra ammo and gear, food & drinks, etc. can be left in the vehicles. Some bring wagons, umbrellas (shade is non-existent), coolers, chairs, and anything else to be comfortable. I was outside from 8:15 to 2:45 on a day that almost broke the 1996 record high temp! Plan accordingly.
The day is basically spent reloading mags, taping holes in targets, resetting steel-targets & moving-target activators, watching everyone else in your squad shoot, and talking story.
The main thing for 101 beginners is:
- Pay close attention to the safety rules, such as when and where you can uncase/case guns, when you can load your gun, etc.
If you don't follow the rules, you'll be disqualified for the remainder of the match. There are a few rules so critical they can get you sent home if you fail to follow them.
One example: if you fumble and drop a loaded pistol while shooting, you'll get a "Did Not Finish" (DNF) score for that and all stages you haven't shot yet. You can stay and watch/tape/help out, but your shooting for the match is over at that point.
- Ask questions if you are unsure of the requirements of each stage. You'll be asked if you have any questions when it is your turn. Take that opportunity to ask if unsure.
- Watch the others shoot. You need to plan which order to shoot the targets and when to reload as you go.
- TAKE AS MUCH TIME AS YOU NEED. As a 101 beginner, you aren't there to win. You're there to learn. It's better you hit all the targets you can and run each stage safely than to go as fast as you can.
- Look up the rules for the different classes of pistols and ammo. Most new shooters just use a standard off-the-shelf pistol which puts them in "Production" class. If you add any additional features like mag wells, you may find yourself competing against the big boys in the "Open" class.
Here's a list of Production guns approved for USPSA competitions:
http://www.uspsa.org/uspsa-NROI-production-gunlist.phpBTW, I'm just a beginner. I went to the 101 class in April and my first classifier in Sept.
Take advantage of the info at the links I posted. Those have pretty much everything you will need to learn in the beginning.
Also, you can email mppl@hawaii.rr.com with any questions you might have.
Good luck, and enjoy!!
Poll