The guy you don’t want to be

Published on April 16, 2025
Duration: 11:18

This video provides essential advice for new and veteran participants in competitive shooting sports like USPSA and IDPA. It emphasizes showing up with existing gear, focusing on the experience rather than winning, and fostering a welcoming environment for newcomers. The speaker, drawing on experience, also touches on constructive stage design and ethical scoring dispute resolution.

Quick Summary

For your first competitive shooting match, use your existing 9mm pistol, a trigger-guard-covering holster, and 3-4 magazines. Don't buy special gear; focus on the experience and learning. Most participants are focused on their own performance, so don't worry about being judged. Be welcoming to newcomers if you're experienced.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Don't Be This Guy
  2. 00:12USPSA and Competitive Shooting Overview
  3. 00:50Advice for New Shooters: Just Go Try a Match
  4. 01:03Essential Gear for Your First Match
  5. 01:31Flawed Thinking: Expecting to Crush Souls
  6. 01:52Nobody Else Cares How You Do
  7. 02:15Veteran Shooters: Be Welcoming to Newcomers
  8. 02:27YouTube vs. Real Match Etiquette
  9. 02:47Kenny's First Match: The Roland Special Glock
  10. 04:05Kenny's Journey into USPSA
  11. 04:34First Taste is Free: Let People Experience
  12. 04:44Stage Design: Constructive Criticism
  13. 05:05Personality Clashes in Stage Design
  14. 05:35The Joke of a Stage
  15. 05:43Stage Designer Openness
  16. 06:18Don't Be Too Clever in Stage Design
  17. 06:37Example: Headbox at 25 Yards
  18. 07:04Make Stages Interesting, Not Too Tough
  19. 07:33Ideal Stage Design: Variety is Key
  20. 08:02Arguing Scoring Calls: Earned Score Only
  21. 08:17The Swinger Double Joke
  22. 08:45Don't Be a Cheater
  23. 09:16When Targets Are Close: Overlaying Shots
  24. 09:56Arguing for the Score You Earned
  25. 10:07Housekeeping: USPSA and Action Shooting
  26. 10:19Final Advice: Just Go Try a Match
  27. 10:35Investing in Gear After Experience
  28. 11:14Conclusion: The Dude You Don't Want to Be

Frequently Asked Questions

What gear do I need for my first competitive shooting match?

For your first match, you primarily need a 9mm pistol with a holster that covers the trigger guard. Bring at least 3-4 magazines. You don't need to buy specialized gear; use what you have. Ensure your firearm is unloaded and in a case upon arrival.

How should I behave at my first competitive shooting match?

Focus on the experience and learning, not on winning or being judged. Most participants are focused on their own performance. Be open to learning the rules from others, and if you're an experienced shooter, be welcoming and avoid overwhelming newcomers.

What makes a good stage design in competitive shooting?

Good stage design is interesting and balanced, offering a variety of challenges like close and far targets, and some movement. Avoid making stages overly difficult, 'clever,' or designed to show participants something they've never seen before, as this often leads to poor experiences.

How should I handle scoring disputes with a Range Officer (RO)?

If you dispute a scoring call, argue for the score you genuinely earned. Do not attempt to cheat or argue for a score you did not achieve. Focus on the accuracy of the hit and the call made, rather than trying to manipulate the outcome.

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