how do i get started

[llROMULOXll]

I'm 21 years old.I have shot with my dad my whole life.i would like to know how do i get in to competitive practical shooting.I have a 1999 swith&wesson model 41 with no modifications its a 5.5 bull barrel and about 2lb trigger pull.I also have a 2010 10-22 made by K.I.D.it has a 16.5in barrel with a lever clip release, and a 2 stage trigger first is 1lb the second is 1.5lb the barrel and receiver are threaded together and the sight rail and receiver are one solid piece. Just wanted yall to no what i have to work with. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to start in practical speed. I'd like to get in to silhouette speed and slow fire timed to rapid.Also does any one know any leagues i live near Pittsburgh please help thank you

[boats]

We shoot NRA rules Silhouette, It's a different game than the one you are looking for.

Might try a web search for IDPA. They don't have a rimfire match but often the local clubs will run some speed steel matches for rifles and pistols non sanctioned. Our club does have rimfire matches on the clock. I think USPSA does have rimfire matches for speed shooting. Google either one for a run down on how the matches go.

Boats

[CZforlife]

Well, for starters I do believer the Nationals arent to far away for pittsburg. And the 10/22 would be fine for standerd class.

FYI The nationals are the biggest silhouette match in the country.

[jneihouse]

Sounds like the 10-22 is set up for Sportsman's Team Challenge...

Kitty

[Another Dang 9]

You may want to see how small the targets are before you try and blaze away. The chicken is not much bigger than a silver dollar. The 10/22 is a fine rifle but you will want to use a bolt gun real quick for this game. Pa has a lot of clubs that shoot silhouette. More than most states I would say. Look to the Shooting Sports USA on line magazine to see whats happening in your area.

[Innocent]

Baby Huey...THe Southern Nationals have had more shooters than the NRA nationals for several years now.

Mary

[CZforlife]

Ok the second largest I think

[CZforlife]

Guys I know you guys look and say oh 10/22, but if its a KIDD, you can expect it to shoot probably just aswell as a bolt action if not better than some. Just my opinion as Ive been working on a ruger build myself. Eventully maybe a 1712 but your KIDD 10/22 is more than enough to get started.

[JDBraddy]

Hi,
I just got started myself. I also have similar equipment, unmodified S&W 41 and I have a Volquarzen Custom built on 10/22 design, but I also have a Kimber 82 bolt action. Even though the Volquarzen will outshoot the Kimber on paper, I chose to use the Kimber because it's stock design and increadible trigger lend themselves better to shooting offhand. I Google'd Metallic Silhouette in my area (I live in San Antonio so I searched for "Metallic Silhouette in San Antonio") and the search returned the website of the Central Texas Siletua Association, http://silhouette-texas.us/default.html I explored the links on the site, noted the match dates and times from the calendar, and emailed the contact person or match director for the next match. He replied via email with an invitation to attend, directions where to go, and advice on what to bring and how to prepare. I followed his directions and advice, arrived at the match a little early, introduced myself and made it known I was a first time shooter. I was walked through the process of signing up, given a safty briefing and tour of the range, then was paired with the match director, who coached and kept an eye on me, as I shot my first match. I had a fun safe day, enjoyed myself, met lots of nice folks, and hope to do it again soon.

[Innocent]

JD and Rom...glad to see some Smith 41 shooters around, they are great guns. JD, you may want to try a bunch of ammo in the Kimber 82, they are notorious for being VERY ammo (even down to lot number) specific. Also, actually have two locals here that had to secure the forend to the barrel (not let it free float) to tighten the group up. Yes, a 10/22 customized has won the nationals....but for the amount spent in customizing (and the shooter is good with anything), you can spend less on a CZ or even Annie 64 and get the same accuracy. And BTW Lawton has not shot that 10/22 in a match since he won the nationals with it. Great squirrel rifle.

Mary

[atomicbrh]

I remember when Lawton's Nationals win with the 10/22 started a short lived 10/22 fad. Lots of folks had Briley build a 10/22 with a Kidd trigger for them after that. I did not bite on that fad. I think Lawton's purpose with this rifle was to take advantage of wind lulls and shoot very quickly during short lulls. Was that around 2001 or 2002?

Bobby R. Huddleston

[Bob259]

I remember when Lawton's Nationals win with the 10/22 started a short lived 10/22 fad. Lots of folks had Briley build a 10/22 with a Kidd trigger for them after that. I did not bite on that fad. I think Lawton's purpose with this rifle was to take advantage of wind lulls and shoot very quickly during short lulls. Was that around 2001 or 2002?

Bobby R. Huddleston

Yes Bobby, I believe it was around that time, maybe a year or two earlier. It sure was a sweet looking rifle and fun watching him shoot it. It also goes to prove the point that it doesn't matter what the rifle is, it's the 'SHOOTER' that wins the match. You take Troy, Cathy, Augustin, Tony or any of these caliber shooters and give them a old JC Higgins and they will still beat the majority of the shooters. It's how bad you want it and how much you are willing to practice, practice, practice that wins the matches, not the tool. We have an old farmer in the winter Sporterifle league that has his old JC Higgins, rusted wood chuck rifle that he uses and has shot 300's out of 300 on a regular basis.

[Innocent]

Know and be comfortable with your equipment...
Innocent Mary