The Importance of Outlaw Shooting Competition

I’ve never been a big competitor, but I have dabbled in a variety of competitive shooting bodies for nearly a decade. These include IDPA, USPSA, GSSF, Steel Challenge, SASS, and 3-Gun to name a few. Some have been more fun than others, but each has taught me something valuable. However, I don’t think that these organizations are the be-all-end-all of competition shooting. While some are quick to poo-poo this, I think “outlaw” shooting matches are incredible important to the shooting sports. Let me tell you why.

My Introduction to Shooting Competition

My introduction to competitive shooting wasn’t as glamorous as some, but it certainly taught me a lot. A one-day, pistol competition had us shooting a local law enforcement course of fire, with proceeds going to charity. I knew I’d do well, I was the best shooter I knew, and I was ready for glory. By the end of the first stage I had eaten the entirety of the humble pie. With distances out to 35 yards, par times, and holster starts, I was way in over my head. Up to now, I’d never shot past seven yards, and I’d never drawn a live pistol before. My nylon universal holster and SIG P320 with no safety devices weren’t inspiring confidence. Missing about half of my shots from poor fundamentals and shaking hands, I was very near the bottom of the barrel. This day was a watershed moment for me as a shooter.

Back in the Saddle

I wouldn’t shoot another match for a few years, this time jumping into a Summer league at a local range. These were head-to-head contests, with no divisions based upon skill or equipment. Best man wins and moves forward, with losers heading home or watching their betters. I’d grown a lot by this point, but was still more green than I knew. Despite this, I usually managed to knock out a shooter or two before being bested. One week we did a bowling pin shoot, with me winning a few rounds using a Model 10 versus others with modern striker guns.

I loved these weekly matches, and looked forward to them like a kid waiting for Summer Break. The people were usually fun, and courses of fire were interesting without being complex, and a couple of wins helped keep me interested. It was here that I first learned of USPSA and 3-Gun, which I began participating in immediately after this league’s conclusion.

The Big Leagues

It was at this point I began to scoff outlaw matches. If it wasn’t a sanctioned body, then what was the point? Even though I was a D/C class shooter, I couldn’t see any benefit to matches outside of these very specific rules. I learned a ton from watching an participating in a variety of formats, both from watching better shooters and doing the work myself. Outside of a few regional matches, I turned my nose up to outlaw shooting for several years.

Outlaw

Finally in late 2022 I jumped into a local outlaw match put on by one of my IDPA clubs. This was a low-light match using IDPA rules, and I was eager to get some range time after dark. Fast forward about 18 months and I start shooting in bi-monthly outlaw steel match. These are head-to-head, double elimination brackets, with no gear requirements or divisions. A simple premise, and one that has become some of the most fun I’ve had with a gun in my hand.

These series have completely changed my opinion on outlaw matches. I still get the benefits of competition, but the option to run non-standard gear, work different skills, and be in a more relaxed environment has been great. Over the years I’ve seen a lot of people turned away or turned off by USPSA, IDPA, and other matches, but I regularly see newbies enjoying themselves and returning to these outlaw matches. Nobody here is trying to be the next Ben Stoeger, so the environment is far more welcoming and gamer-centric procedural errors are few and far between.

This isn’t to say that the organized competition bodies are a bad thing. I still enjoy IDPA and Steel Challenge on occasion. They’re just not the only solution to scratching the competition itch.

Wrapping Up The Importance of Outlaw Shooting Competition

If you’ve never given outlaw competition shooting a chance, you should reconsider. These matches were great for introducing me to the competitive scene, and have done an incredible job at reinvigorating my enthusiasm for competition. With shooters from the novice to Grand Master level in attendance, there’s something for people of all skills. Go find an outlaw shooting match and sign up, I think you’ll be glad you did.

Support My Work

If you made it this far, thanks for reading! Writing isn’t my full-time profession, and nearly everything I do comes out of my own pocket. Between ammunition, tuition, range fees and more, expenses add up fast. If you like what I have to offer, consider making a donation to my Patreon. Every bit helps bring more work like this to you, and contributes to shortened timelines or more in-depth work on my part. You’ll also have more direct access to me, offering suggestions for future projects, looking behind the scenes, and getting early access to some content. You can find my Patreon >>HERE<<