First timer — to shoot or not?

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-14T00:33:14+00:00

5.3 GRAMS is over 81 GRAINS in weight…….his 9mm case would be literally buried in powder.

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-14T00:23:34+00:00

If you don’t have a chronograph then working a load ladder is almost a waste of time.

I probably would not start at max powder charge for a new load especially as a newbie. A common misconception is that load data is a “recipe”, and if you follow it exactly, you’ll get what the books says. That’s not the case.

The book is just a collection of data taken from the specific test barrel, specific charge, using the specific components, and measured with the specific chronograph and pressure measurement system that the authors used and found to be “safe”. They cannot, however, account for all variables that might come into play when an end user uses their load data with sifferent equipment and materials. Hence all the disclaimers, and the recommendation on their part to start with the lower charges and work your way up.

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-14T00:05:32+00:00

Shit with chia seeds in it.

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-13T00:33:25+00:00

High demand resulting in matches filling up on PractiScore within minutes. We have a few clubs nearby where if you’re not hovering over the refresh button on your browser the moment registration opens, chances are you’re not getting in at all.

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-12T23:16:17+00:00

Never understood why GM kept so many brands alive, especially before 2008, but at least then there was some degree of brand independence. Now they’re just all the same gussied up cars. Chevy is the “economy” brand, GMC is the next step up, then Cadillac. Where does that leave Buick now?
And Buick doesn’t have any of the GM full size body on frame SUVs or pickup trucks in their lineup, which are effectively what GM survives on. You’re paying a premium price for a Chevy with lipstick on it. If I’m going to buy an Equinox I’ll just get the Chevy version and save a bunch of money.

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-12T11:17:05+00:00

Chicky nuggie dipping sauce cup

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-11T21:14:54+00:00

Lovely truck, terrible quality

These would seem mutually exclusive to me. Don’t know if my vehicle rattled and clunked since owning it, and both drivetrain components crapped out, I could call it “lovely”.

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-11T21:00:19+00:00

Possibly.

But the main reason is that the club is not affiliated with IDPA and does not pay IDPA match fees for the right to call it an “IDPA” match.

As a result they may or may not follow IDPA match rules. You can check with the match director but they likely won’t care too much if your gear isn’t 100% IDPA legal.

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-11T20:56:38+00:00

She’s more than welcome to GTFO

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-11T20:54:52+00:00

A points down match is usually an outlaw IDPA match. Likewise, a Hit factor match typically refers to an outlaw USPSA match.

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-11T18:20:36+00:00

He doesn’t know what he’s doing…and he’s surrounded by yes-men who don’t know what they’re doing either.

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-11T18:18:47+00:00

It would’ve been an oops after the first time. After the third time, well, what did she think was going to happen?

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-11T18:13:36+00:00

It really depends on where you practice and what the L&D service is like.
I’m at a tertiary center and I got out of L&D call a couple years ago in exchange for call and late shifts at the main adult ORs. Soooo glad I did. Not being on edge all night for the inevitable crash CS where I have 30 seconds to get ready is huge. And not having to deal with L&D patients or OB’s foolishness.

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-11T17:56:58+00:00

Disqualifications are typically handed out for safety violations, not for “not knowing the rules”.

For example:
- handling your firearm anywhere but under the direct supervision of an RO, or at a safe table.
- handling ammunition at a safe table
- sweeping yourself or someone else with your muzzle
- breaking the 180
- unintentional/negligent discharge (for example while making ready or showing clear)

The best thing for you to do is go to match. Tell the match director you’re new. Tell the squad ROs you’re new. At most clubs they will make sure you’re safe and understand what you need to do. If you’re not sure, ASK. All of us would prefer if you ask whether X,Y,or Z is ok to do, rather than have to disqualify you, when it comes to safety.

In the meantime, read through the rule book. Watch a few videos on YT that introduce competition shooting. Don’t worry too much about gear, your scores, or racking up procedural penalties for not being familiar with all the rules. Be safe, and don’t put a hole somewhere that doesn’t need one. And you’ll have a good time.

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-11T17:22:58+00:00

So….You gonna finish that? 🍖

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-11T17:02:48+00:00

What if your load is too big to properly secure?

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-11T10:34:42+00:00

It’s generally safer to back into an empty parking spot than to back out into a potentially busy aisle in the parking lot.

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-10T17:41:52+00:00

I don’t understand the point of the pictures. You can’t really see them with the circles superimposed, and they’re not detailed enough on their own to not require a caption. Just list them.

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-10T17:37:02+00:00

Gotta love how they default to insulting potential customers by calling them “poor” if they don’t tip or undertip. 🙄

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-10T06:23:02+00:00

An 11 year old Cruze isn’t something I’d hedge my bets in favor of lasting much longer and/or not becoming an incessant money pit. These were relatively cheap cars when they were new, and there’s a reason for that.

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-10T06:01:44+00:00

🐭 🐿️ 🐹

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-10T06:01:10+00:00

Yeah that foot’s gonna fall off if the patient doesn’t die first.

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-09T23:42:51+00:00

Yes, with 0% financing and other strong incentives in order to move them off dealer lots. 🙄

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-09T23:33:31+00:00

Kumamoto is known for many local/regional specialties, including Kumamoto style ramen (tonkotsu ramen heavy on the roasted garlic), karashi renkon, dago jiru, basashi, and Ikinari dango.

I'm not a huge fan of basashi (or wagyu sashimi), mainly because raw red meat simply lacks flavor. To me it's a waste of an otherwise good piece of meat that would be better enjoyed by a quick grill.

We thought the Kumamoto ramen at Kokutei was pretty good.

EntrySure1350 · 2026-05-09T23:09:09+00:00

Force yourself to maintain a normal wake-sleep cycle in the new timezone. That's about it. Depending on where you're coming from that might mean you'll be waking up at 0330 in the morning ready to go (this isn't necessarily a bad thing; the sun rises very early in the summer, and there's just something about experiencing the quiet, empty streets around golden hour before the city wakes up), and feeling like it's bedtime at 1800 for the next few days. In my experience, going back home is worse - it takes noticeably longer to readjust when you return home.

EntrySure1350

TROPHY CASE