I have been looking to get into competitive shooting but now that I am done with school (for now) I actually have some spare time that I can utilize for this. Can somebody help get me pointed in the right direction? What clubs run events, what I need to sign up for and/or whom I need to qualify with in order to actually show up & be allowed to shoot?

I have a working brain, good eye & ear protection, and a good selection of tactical rifles, plus a Remington 870. I also have a gun belt with ammo pouches. I've got a .22LR Conversion kit for the AR's so I'm also good for rimfire matches. I won't have a handgun until my pistol permit application is processed & approved, but I've got my pennies saved away for a Glock 19 as soon as that occurs.

Anything I need to do, or need to know about?

I am aware that the Pine Barrens range has competitions but I am not a member and I don't know what the deal with shooting there is. The Pine Barrens range is about a mile from my house...

You're definetly in the right forum for it! Keep an eye out for upcoming events at this section of the forum. I just came back from a fun pistol caliber match at the Pine Barrens(LIPSA.US). You don't have to be a member to join these matches. The year is winding down but it will pick up again next year. The events include shotgun, .22 , pistol and, when you get your pistol license-3 gun.. which is fun but taxing to carry all your gear plus ammo. In the meantime go to the range and enjoy shooting your firearms. You can call it practice, I just call it fun. Freeport also has monthly IDPA matches and IDPA matches. You may want to familiarize yourself with the rulebook and scoring. Your Glock would be in production class in IPSC and Stock Service Pistol in IDPA.  Enjoy!!

Check our calendar too :)

Thanks guys!

next time I will bring my eyes & ears.
it's a bummer I missed the rimfire match, I have a .22LR kit for my AR15.

edit again: Shoot! I just bought an M1 Carbine, but it won't be here for another couple of days. At least I am further prepared for the 2010 season!

edit again, again: It would help if I updated my own calendar, the match was TODAY! haha I am getting ahead of myself.

Jefe,

whatever you do,  don't let yourself get drafted by the bench-rest militia.  Go outthere and compete.  Learn some real tactics by doing it.  ;) .... 100 - 200 yards is not going to do much for you in a shtf scenario... No matter what the bench-rest militia would claim.

for Pine Barrens go to:

http://www.lipsa.us

for schedule of matches.  I think all is done as far as rifle competition goes.  I believe there is a steal pistol match and an ipsc pistol match left in the calendar.  You don't have to be a member to shoot at this matches.  They are open to the public.  They are ussually $20 dollars unless is an special event.  They have all you need to know in their website.  

You also may want to look into an Appleseed Shoot. I know your first thought may be that's not what I'm looking for. Before you cross it off check out the Appleseed Forum on this site. These shoots will teach you techniques that will help you at any shooting event. There's also an air of competition involved. You have to score at least 210 to get your "Rifleman Patch".
Give it a look. They are fun.