New Members

GETTING STARTED

Step 1 - Find a Shooting Match

The first step is to find an IHMSA Shooting Match in your area to attend. To do this you need the name and phone number of the match director who runs the match you will attend. All IHMSA members get a monthly paper called the "IHMSA NEWS" which contains Match Schedules for the next couple of months. The match schedule provides the names and phone numbers of the match directors. The match director will give you dates and times of matches and travel directions.

You probably don't know an IHMSA member and so don't have access to the "IHMSA NEWS" but you can get the name and phone number of a match director from one of the IHMSA directors or officers. Some of these people have e-mail addresses if you would rather contact them by e-mail rather than phone.

Inside the U.S. first try contacting your State Director for match information. You can also contact your Regional Director for this information if you live within the U.S. or parts of Canada. Below is the list of IHMSA regions and the area that each covers to help you identify which IHMSA region that you reside in. Outside of the U.S. you should contact your Country Director for help. Finally you can contact one of the IHMSA Officers.

States In Each Region

Step 2 - Attend the Shooting Match

Even if you do not intend to shoot at this match you should bring hearing and eye protection with you. Sunglasses and ear plugs will do just fine. If you do intend to shoot discuss it with the match director before hand and he can let you know of additional equipment that you may need or want to have with you.

Once there, watch the shooting and see how it is done. You will likely have several questions after watching for even as little as 15 minutes or so. Talk with the match director and shooters. (Please don't bother the shooters who are currently on the line.) The match director may assign someone to explain the game and answer your questions.

The match director, often, will have spare rule books at the match and will be willing to give you one. You will see many different types of handguns at the match, some of which are very impressive. Don't let them intimidate you for this sport is broken into three separate games each with multiple categories. Each category is further broken down into classes. If you are a new shooter using an old .357 Mag revolver you will not be competing against that guy shooting the Buck Roger's special that never misses a target. You will be competing with others using like firearms and with a skill level similar to yours.

Step 3 - Shoot Down The Line

Take a gun down to the line and have a go at shooting. The rules allow each shooter to have a coach. It is highly recommended that the new shooter have an experienced shooter as a coach. Many of the people attending the match will be willing to coach for you. The match director can help you find one. The coach will help you with safety, technique, and advise you of where your shots are striking. The coach may also recommend sight adjustment changes and advise you of conditions such as wind speed and direction, changes in light level, and mirage.

It is a thrill to hit your first target. A warning to you, it is a lot of fun and you will be back to give it another try. Tremendous personal satisfaction can be achieved in your efforts to master this sport. See you at the Internationals (all our shooters are welcome) and safe shooting. If you need more help or information please feel free to ask. We like to help each other in this sport.

Step 4 - Become an IHMSA member

A special thanks to Jerold R. Thompson for his work and inspiration with this part of our web site. If you would like to contact him you can email him at jerryt@aros.net.