Info on Volunteer Rifle & Pistol Club or ORSA

[JReedEsq]

Does anyone know about this club in North Knoxville?

I'm curious about the "Zombie Shoot" on October 30th.

Volunteer Rifle & Pistol Club

I've just been shooting a few years. I've done a couple of brief training classes, no competition shooting, and I wonder if this is a beginner friendly event.

The other thing I'm considering is checking out an IDPA match at ORSA. I understand that they are at 10:00 the first Saturday of every month? Can anyone tell me how long you are usually there? I've got so many other obligations that I don't see myself becoming a regular, but I'd still like to check out one or the other. I'm just interested in having fun with my regular carry gun. Will there be other guys just using their regular equipment trying to get some practical training outdoors or will it be full of guys with race guns that don't want to deal with an inexperienced shooter asking too many questions?

[JReedEsq]

OK so maybe I should have posted this thread in the "tactics and training" section since that's really the perspective I'm coming from....

Second question: Anyone do any IDPA or IDPA style shooting as a substitute for or supplement to training classes etc...? I'd really like to do a training class for pistol, the AR-15 that I put together but never shoot, or even with my shotgun. Unfortunately, with 2 small kids, a business and other hobbies, I'm not sure when I could get to one. Especially not the $500, gone all weekend, out-of-town variety. Surely someone else out there faces this delima? I had just started to get into good cycling shape when I was involved in an accident that put my back and left shoulder in a bad bad place. Since mountain biking is out for a while, this fall seems to be a good time for me to shoot some.

[Garufa]

I would give my money to ORSA. Was a member of VPRC for two years and all that got me was in the John Sevier range without having to pay and discounted sporting clays. The range rules there are still what they are. When renewed that second year it took literally 6 weeks to get my renenal "card" (new sticker for electronic gate key).

There was zero communication from that club to me. No emails, schedules or anything. Yes, I could have gone to the monthly meetings but I would expect a little more.

I am not a member of ORSA (yet) but have shot in several CMP matches out there and had a great time. Seems like an all around good bunch out there.

Edited October 10, 2011 by Garufa

[Bubba0031]

ORSA is a great organization. I am a member but due to being caretaker for both eldery parents I seldom attend. The IDPA matches run about 3 hours. They usually have 5 or 6 stages and the round count per stage is about 12 to 18 (you normally have to reload).

[wcsc12]

Does anyone know about this club in North Knoxville?

I'm curious about the "Zombie Shoot" on October 30th.

Volunteer Rifle & Pistol Club

I've just been shooting a few years. I've done a couple of brief training classes, no competition shooting, and I wonder if this is a beginner friendly event.

The other thing I'm considering is checking out an IDPA match at ORSA. I understand that they are at 10:00 the first Saturday of every month? Can anyone tell me how long you are usually there? I've got so many other obligations that I don't see myself becoming a regular, but I'd still like to check out one or the other. I'm just interested in having fun with my regular carry gun. Will there be other guys just using their regular equipment trying to get some practical training outdoors or will it be full of guys with race guns that don't want to deal with an inexperienced shooter asking too many questions?

I have one of their brochures and a guy I work with is a member. I'll tell you this much though. They shoot out of the John Sevier Hunter Education Center on Rifle Range Rd and it's a bloody bench shooting range. No matter what you shoot on Tuesday and Thursday, it must be shot from a sitting position. Wasn't a fan of that. The guy I work with says that on Sunday, you can shoot from a standing position with pistols and shotguns but I've never been so I don't really have any comment.

Edited October 12, 2011 by wcsc12

[peejman]

My experience with ORSA is limited, but all good. I'm not a member but would like to join when time allows.

[JReedEsq]

PJ- As a Dad of two small kids, I certainly understand what you mean by "when time allows". I'm probably not planning to join right now... Just thinking about checking out watching or participating in one of the IDPA matches on a Saturday. Notice I didn't say "competing". I just bought a membership to Coal Creek since I live in West Knoxville. Squeezing in there once every couple of weeks or so is probably about all I expect to have time for in the near future.

[peejman]

I think IDPA sounds like great fun as well, but I simply don't have the time. I've heard from others that they welcome spectators, though I can't point you toward the proper contact person. I feel sure there's a few ORSA IDPA'ers here.

I have two little ones as well and I'm doing good if I get to shoot every couple months.

[Guest DaG]

Just remember guys there are other action pistol venues other than IDPA. USPSA,Steel Challenge and of course 3Gun. I wouldn't get caught up in the term of "training" when shootin IDPA. Remember, if it has a scoresheet, it's a game. (thread drift off) For the money, you can't beat ORSA. We have had folks come in to shoot matches and ask if the membership fees are $500.00 . When they find out it's $120.00 a yr they just can't believe it. Also, you don't have the guys dressed in orange standing over you brow beating you because you just rapid fired while you were sitting. I went to JS once and stood up while shooting shotgun (didn't know)and literally thought I was gonna get escorted to the gate. ORSA does not have RO's. You are expected to police yourself on the various ranges when it comes to safety. For the money, it's the best thing around in E. TN. YMMV

DaG

[JReedEsq]

Three gun looks super fun, but IDPA is less equipment specific so it seems the logical thing to try first.

[chances R]

Good thing about JSR is that it is inside the City Limits, and if it were not for the TWRA taking it over, would probably been shut down. Bad thing is the overbearing RSOs. Not that they don't have some responsibility and headaches dealing with the general public, but some have forgotten how to do so in a calm, professional and helpful way. No use joining the VRPC to use the range; just pay TWRA the nominal range fee and go. Still a decent place to sight in rifles. The best thing about it is the Pistol program. Good folks there and very friendly. Just consult the VRPC monthly newsletter to see schedule and show up whatever interests you.

[A.J. Holst]

After checking out their (ORSA) website, they host all kinds of events throughout the month.

The only one I could participate in would be the 3-gun Event, as it falls on a Sunday and I work 6 days / week.

I was going to check it out, but I haven't had the time to sight in my rifle AND am waiting on a new recoil spring, hence the "was"

I would encourage any considering to go not just observe, but be prepared to participate.

What have to you got to lose? NOTHING. Thus far it's the most fun I have shooting my pistol!

While it is competition shooting, as a newbie, I figure I am competing against my self for my first few times out so I am not concerned where I place in competition.

Even if I am dead last, I have a starting point to improve from.

Best I can tell from the ORSA website, you don't need to be a member, you can "pay-as-you-go" with slightly increased non-member event fees.

Wish we had something like this in Seymour...

[Mrgreenmachine]

Go and watch any of the Action events at ORSA. There is something every saturday and 3 gun on the third sunday. Spectators are always welcome. Every one of the events welcomes new comers. Run what you brung!

[Magiccarpetrides]

The gates are open for the events so you can come spectate or join in....last time I went they all but begged me to shoot with em...guess it was a slow day lol.

Orsa is an awesome deal for $120.00

I havent been there long enough to sponsor anyone, but if you wanna join up they will accept your NRA membership as a sponsor(thats what I did).

[Mike.357]

The gates are open for the events so you can come spectate or join in....last time I went they all but begged me to shoot with em...guess it was a slow day lol.

obviously, and you are to shy to mention it but the saw your awesomeness.