Ok, in Part 1, I discussed some of the shooting matches that are available in Eastern North Carolina, and some good holsters to use for competition. In Part 2, I’m going to talk about some things that you need to know before heading out, and shooting your first match.

First things first. Safety is always #1. Ranges that host matches will always be a “cold range” meaning that everyone’s guns will be unloaded, and holstered at all times. Some ranges have different rules about when, and where you can handle your pistol. It is always a safe bet to leave your unloaded, cased (or bagged) pistol in your car, and ask where the safe area is when registering for the match.

Whether the range has a designated safe area, or if the safe area is at your vehicle, there are a couple things that I will address. Never, ever, load [...]