From Argentina

Hi there, happy to participate. We are a group of BE shooters from Argentina and we wonder if there might be any way for us to participate in a match. We aren't members of NRA . So I don't know..
Thanks in Advance. 
Greetings from Argentina!!

Welcome to the forum.  You can participate in nra matches without being a member but your challenge will be to find one. I’m not sure what matches are held outside the USA so hopefully someone will be along that knows more than I do about that.


Good luck.
John

Thanks John!! We would travel up to the States if regulations permit us foreigners to actually participate. There would be some issues about guns I guess ...cause we won't be able to get 'em up to de plane...It would be easier to find some friends to borrow from them....

There are several folks from other countries who compete at the big matches in July each year (notably at the CMP Camp Perry Nationals).

A very good start might be to participate in a postal league (shoot the targets at your club in Argentina). There are many "postal" matches or leagues, usually proceeding through the winter. Notably the Inland Empire 22 league:-

https://ierpa.postalleague.com/

https://www.netcompetitor.com/

I believe that some clubs from British Columbia, Canada have/are participate in IERPA, so I imagine they would welcome participation from Argentina. Suggest that you contact the organizers and ask.

I believe that New Jersey has very active winter postal leagues too, probably other states / associations. No doubt someone more knowledgeable that me will speak up.

As for bringing guns into the USA and competing in the summer, as far as I know, it is quite possible to do that, but you would need to consult your Border Control agency in Argentina and also the USA ATF Bureau and Border Control to determine what the rules and regulations are. I know that the very experienced folks at Pardini USA often assist foreign teams visiting the USA for ISSF and Olympic style matches - suggest that you contact them and get some advice.

You also need to identify calibers / matches you want to shoot.  We normally shoot three courses - 22LR, centerfire (can be anything from 32 ACP to 45 ACP and between, but many use 45ACP) and then 45ACP.  In addition to that we shoot Service Pistol matches - predominantly 9mm and 45 ACP with iron sights, and revolver matches with 38 WC/SPL.  If you intent to shoot anything other than 22LR, you need to make provisions for ammunition.

During month of July we shoot four major competitions of the year, Tripple Crown in OH (Cardinal, Canton, Camp Perry) and then NRA Nationals in Camp Atterburry.

With that said, I'll be happy to help with 22LR / 45ACP guns / ammo for one shooter, maybe two.  I need to know well ahead of time, so I can load enough 45 ammo. 

AP

I know that there have been shooters/teams that came from Puerto Rico as well as Australia that have shot at our national matches at Camp Perry. I don’t know much about the regulations of getting your own guns back and forth so that would require some research on your part.  The Australians used guns that were borrowed from shooters here so that would be an option.  That end of June/first part of July has 4 different championship caliber matches that you can attend that are all reasonably close together. I hope you guys can plan your trip and join us.

John

Well thanks a lot folks, and I' ll do my research about regulations and hopefully find the way around to go!!

To participate in NRA matches, the NRA will accept membership in your home country’s shooting organization.  

As for importing your guns, I strongly suggest that you work with Polaris Logistics.  They will get the import permits and deal with all the hassle.  After a 12+ hour flight it can be a nightmare if some official decides to go rogue.  http://www.polaris-logistics.com/

IIRC the Southern Indiana R&P members would host the Australians at Camp Perry. The Hoosiers would share guns and maybe ammo (don’t know details), get huts close to each other.  That way the Aussies didn’t have to risk transporting guns.  I think the dread pirate C19 put the kibosh on that.  I’ll see if I can get them to respond to this thread.  Might be able to put together some club sponsorships for our brothers from the other America?  We have a little time, but not a lot ;’)

John Dervis wrote:I know that there have been shooters/teams that came from Puerto Rico as well as Australia that have shot at our national matches at Camp Perry. I don’t know much about the regulations of getting your own guns back and forth so that would require some research on your part.  The Australians used guns that were borrowed from shooters here so that would be an option.  That end of June/first part of July has 4 different championship caliber matches that you can attend that are all reasonably close together. I hope you guys can plan your trip and join us.

John

Of course Puerto Rico, being a territory of the United States, would have fewer restrictions than foreign nations. The Puerto Rican National Guard used to shoot at Camp Perry. I don't know if they still do.