Match attendance, web sight, what else to fix?

[SigsRule]

Getting back to the original point of this thread, getting more shooters out. I'm a consultant and also travel a lot. I'm either returning from a trip or stuck in some ungodly place over the weekend many of the 2nd Saturdays so I've missed more matches than I've made. The April match was my first in a long time. I have slightly more flexibility now and hope to make more in the future. Now to the suggestions.

1) I personally hope to shoot at home more often and will always try to talk my shooting friends into coming along. If everybody did that the attendance should go up.

2) For newbies, I suggest that you point them to one of the excellent books on tactical shooting. The one by Gabe Suarez gives step by step instructions for practicing presenting from a draw, dry fire practice, etc. I followed the instructions and did a lot of dry fire practice before my 2nd and subsequent matches. It removed a lot of apprehension about gun handling and looking like a dufuss. The other thing is shooting your first match in a very friendly enviornment. I was lucky in shooting my first match in that kind of environment in Houston before I discovered FRIDPA. From what I've seen, our matches at CCCSC are also that kind of environment.

3) I think posting pictures is a wonderful idea. As a semi-professional photographer with a digital camera and a lot of lenses, I'd be glad to take pictures at our matches (the ones I'm able to attend) for the website.

4) Along the same lines, a short video showing an average shooter completing a simple stage would also help beginners get over the initial apprehension.

I'm thinking about shooting IPSC just to get more trigger time, but I'm having the same apprehension because I just don't know - how it differs from IDPA, what the rules are, who the shooters are, etc. It's easy to see how a beginner would be terrified unless they're dragged to a IDPA match by a fellow shooter.

Ray

[Mule]

I got the second of Gabe's books, it IS a great help! I wish I had it before the first match, but that's ok.

I like SigsRule's idea of a video too.
From my perspective, that would give a lot of uncertain people a big boost in confidence for that first shoot. There is no longer a mystery.

I've said it before, but it's worth repeating. The CCCS group was very friendly, helpful and understanding.
Greg

[newracer]

One thing that would be helpful is putting the class schedule up front. I've a few friends who were interested up until I told them about the required class, which we could never find.

I still cannot find info on the class. [poke]

[Hoser]

I still cannot find info on the class.

What exactly would you like to know? You have come to the right place... For what its worth, the new shooters safety class is offered before every match as long as you tell us you are going to be there.

http://www.coloradoshooting.org/FRID...ewShooters.htm has a little tidbit about the class, but it does need updating. I will try and get our webmaster update it.

[newracer]

.... the new shooters safety class is offered before every match as long as you tell us you are going to be there.

That's exactly what I needed to know. Thanks.

[newracer]

How much ammo is used during a typical day?

[Hoser]

How much ammo is used during a typical day?

I recommend bringing no less than 150 rounds. You can always take it home if you dont use it.

Bring as many mags as you own. No less than three. The more you have, the easier it is. I bring a dozen and load them all up driving to the match. I usually dont have to deal with loading mags all day.

[SigsRule]

Gee, I can barely load my mags when sitting still, let alone driving. [roll]

I did get one of those loading tools and it helps a lot trying to cram that eight round into my Sig P220 magazines.

Seriously though, I have 11 magazines (I know it's a wierd number) and preload all of them before the match. At 8 rounds per magazine that's 88 rounds and it's rare that I have to load up any more during the match. Although, I'm pretty parsimonious about the number of rounds sent downrange unlike some of the shooters - I treat the shoots as practice for a real life encounter and don't want to waste any rounds.

[SigsRule]

Walking the talk, I'll be bringing a friend to the next Clear Creek match for his very first IDPA shoot. He'll need to attend the safety course that morning and we'll plan to be there at 0730.

[Hoser]

I will be at the Dean Williams Benefit Match at Highlands Ranch, otherwise I would be there.

Have fun, pet Mollie for me.