Sports and Competition Shooting
The use of competitive firearms use, commonly known as shooting sports has widely gained popularity not only in the United States, but also worldwide. Not long ago, the use of competitive arms was structured towards a gentlemanly value of sportsmanship where competitors had fixed targets, which they were shooting at. However, modern firearms competitions have become more complicated, exciting and adrenaline-bound. They are full of challenging obstacles and are accompanied by difficult shots, which in essence, are structured to test the shooters' abilities, experience and above all, their composure in using firearms. One of the best parts of competitive firearms use is that anyone is eligible to compete as it does not call for the need of any special equipment, but only your prowess in using firearms. All you are required to do is to know most of the shooting styles and rules used in shooting competitions, as well as how and where to get started. Here are the basics of competitive use of firearms.
What do You Need to Compete?
After registering at the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) or at the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC), you will be required to collect the basic and simple competition materials. You will be required to be in possession of a semi-automatic rifle, a pump or semi-automatic shotgun and a semi-automatic or revolver pistol. With different competitions requiring a minimum caliber of each weapon, you may be required to be in possession of different firearms, but this will depend on your budget and how much you are willing to invest on shooting sports. Again, do not forget that you will need magazines for your pistol, rifle and shotgun. It is essential to arm yourself with quality magazines that will not come short when you are already in competition, a scenario that can be embarrassing and possibly cost you some precious time. Last, but not least, you need to find a way of carrying all your competition equipment around. This is at the backdrop of the fact that modern firearm competitions is all about moving and shooting the given target. For instance, you need to find a way of easily accessing spare magazines while competing, as well as a way to carry your firearm while competing. Using a chest rig or a belt are some of the available options to choose from.
Competition Divisions
For a fair shooting sportsmanship, competitive firearms sports are divided into divisions based on the type of equipment used. Just to give a typical example, a gigantic and powerful rifle would not be in competition with an iron sight shotgun or different hand guns. The entry level of firearms competition is commonly known as limited. It requires the use of light firearms. Competitors can be allowed to have unmagnified optic on the rifle with no bipods and no detachable magazines. This division is exciting and more fun to compete in.
Another division is the tactical division, which is the most popular and stiffest competition. It allows for the use of magnified optic on the rifle. Another division is the Heavy Metal division, which allows for the use of gigantic and heavy firearms. When it comes to score, competitive firearms use revolves around a combination of time, accuracy and the deduction of procedural targets. It is highly advisable to converse yourself with applicable rules and regulations that are used in shooting competitions.