Thanks for the replay's every one. I have always wanted to get into shooting but have a long way to go. The only handgun I have is a Mark I .22LR. And I know thats not going to get me anywhere except proper form. Thanks Jarlath for the break down. I think I might be leaning more towards IPSC.
Not a problem.
If you are serious about getting into action shooting sports, you will also need to look at getting into reloading (if you are not already).
Make sure you buy reloading equipment that is acceptable to you and the sport you intend to compete in.
Examples of major events in the disciplines:
IDPA: A 3 day competition may have 15 stages and a round count of 270 (max of 18 required rounds per stage). 300+ competitors.
IPSC: A 4 day competition may have 35 stages and a minimum round count of 600. 700+ competitors.
Practice sessions add in as well (from those I know anyways...)
IDPA: 30-100 rounds in training nights
ISPC: 150+ rounds in training nights
You will want to guage how much time you want to devote to reloading versus how much the equipment will cost. (Not including components for cartidges)
Examples:
Lee Pro-100 (Basic) $225 and can load 150-300 rounds an hour (my guess)
Dillion 650 is (Basic) $525 and can load 500-800 rounds an hour (my guess)
Add on accessories like case feeders and bullet feeders and the equipment can get $1000+ for 1200+ rounds per hour.
Obviously actual expenditure of rounds is completely up to the shooter. I do ODPL and I doubt I shoot off 3000 rounds a year. I know an IPSC shooter and he cranks off 20000+ annually.
