OK, so far it looks like cost of membership is one factor. With all the shooting events that the ORA puts on every year, and if you can get out to shoot all of these, the cost of membership is cheap. You wouldn't join a Golf Club for $1000 a year if you only played twice a year. You do not have to jump right into competition off the start. In fact we even allow you to shoot alongside during a Competition, without paying the full fee.
The cost of the ammo is relevent to how much shooting you do. Practice days cost you ammo and a few bucks ($15-20) for a target puller for the day. Travel to and from the range seems to be one point, no only with distance but $$$ for fuel. All the more reason to get a few friends involved to help defray these cost. I travel with 3 other shooters. Two of them start in Windsor, pick me up near Chatham and then pick up another guy in London and head to Winona, Borden or Ottawa for a shoot. Sometimes this is only a one day shoot, sometimes up to 10 days. Travel time for the guys from Windsor to Borden is 5 hours each way.
If you think these shooters are stuffy and stick to their own, my little group range in age from 24-73 years of age. Stop in for a cocktail after the shooting is finished for the day, I am sure we can keep you entertained. Bring a bottle of Rum and you will have friends for life
There also seems to be a fear of DND ranges or the people that look after them, and not wanting to look out of place or be singled out. A few things here to avoid this. Contact the orginizer for the day or another member and let them know you would like to come out. This way he is prepared for you. Follow everyone elses lead and ask questions whenever in doubt. If you would like to have someone coach you, just ask.
The RSO for the day, you might think is a prick. However it is his job to ensure a safe range. Cut him some slack and he will gladly cut you some, as long as safety is not an issue.
The cost of match "entry fees" are another thing that was mentioned. Things you have to remember about these fees. It pays for the Range Officer, insurance, target faces, wind flags and Butt Markers, helmuts and prizes. The orginization makes very little profit after all these are factored in.
Not knowing about the shoots are a crock of sh*t. Some are advertised here and all are on the PRA web pages, you just have to look for them and plan ahead. If BR is something that might peak your interest there are a bunch of BR guys on this list. PM them, I am sure they can point you in the right direction for their matches.
While some people have stated shooting is slow and boring need to get out for some long range matches when the wind is making 6-8 minutes changes or even quick 2-3 minute change will get you pulling your hair out. A 1 minute change can throw you into the 4 ring.
Service Conditions and Precision Matches will throw another wrinkle into shooting that may be more appealing to some looking for more excitement and a faster pace.
Others can care less about competition and how they stack up against other shooters. Great, get out and challenge youself. See if you can shoot better this time out then what you did last time.
The whole point of all this is to get out and shoot regardless of what type of shooting you do. No matter if it is BR, TR, F Class or seeing how well your hunting rifle or old .303 can do.
Maybe the whole competition thing is not you bag, but if you get out and shoot a few long range matches or pratices, sooner or later you might want to give it a go.
