http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 4172517913
Holy crap, that's all I need to see! I'm definitely IN and would be happy if Ben's half-as-good at teaching as he is at shooting.
Competition Pistol Training Oct 19th
42 posts • Page 2 of 3 • 1, 2, 3
Re: Competition Pistol Training Oct 19th
by westberg on Fri Oct 03, 2008 8:10 pm
macphisto wrote:http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6310942714172517913
Holy crap, that's all I need to see! I'm definitely IN and would be happy if Ben's half-as-good at teaching as he is at shooting.
mac glad your able to make it. For anybody else considering there is only one spot left open as of tonight.
Re: Competition Pistol Training Oct 19th
by macphisto on Mon Oct 20, 2008 12:20 pm
Class Review
It was a long day of shooting and I'm sore today, but I couldn't be happier with the training I received yesterday. The Westbergs, mmcnx2, myself and two others were in attendance. Ben was every bit as great at teaching as he is at shooting and definitely didn't disappoint. He's an extremely humble guy (especially considering his superstar shooting ability), very patient, and presents the information in a really accessible way. He spent a lot of time working with us on an individual level. Those who needed help getting something right were shown how to do so in a kind, easy-to-follow, and non-condescending way. Those who had it down, like Mike Westberg, were encouraged to push it and go faster. Ben would regularly ask why we did something one way or another. Sometimes we knew, sometimes we didn't. He really got us thinking about how we approach and do things.
After a short briefing in which Ben said, "I've never taken a formal shooting class and I've never taught one...so this should be interesting," we started the day shooting a USPSA course of fire to get a baseline reading of our current ability. The stage was designed in such a way that there were many different methods to complete it; some better than others, but no right or wrong way. It featured seven paper targets at varying distances and angles, two steel pepper poppers, and ended with a Texas star, which can be incredibly fun or infuriatingly frustrating, but rarely both.
We then covered a variety of topics starting with the very basics such as grip, stance, effectively hitting the A-zone (or zero in IDPA), holster draws, and reloads. We then moved on to topics like movement, shooting from cover, shot calling (new to me), time-saving techniques, stage breakdown, and all kinds of other neat stuff. While it's difficult to process a day's worth of information and immediately apply everything, I left with a clear understanding of what I need to do in order to get to the next level in my shooting ability and performance.
We ended the day by shooting the same USPSA stage we had started with. Not surprisingly, everyone's times improved. I shaved nearly ten seconds off mine. Instant results are nice, but it's going to take a lot of practice to make it stick.
Ben has only been shooting since 2003. He made Master the first time he shot IDPA. I asked him about the training regimen that got him to, and allows him to maintain, his superior ability. He simply said, "One hour of dry fire practice every day." While I don't think I can make that kind of time commitment, it's not my goal to win a national title someday. However, I do plan to start doing a lot more practice off the range and apply what I've learned. I want to get better after all; that's the whole reason for taking a class like this.
If you want to improve or fine-tune your skills and ever get the opportunity to take a class from Ben, DO IT! I don't care who you are, he will make you better.
Pics and vids to come...
Check out Ben's site for more info: http://www.benstoeger.com
ETA: Ben placed 5th in his division at USPSA nationals two years ago, 3rd last year, and will likely take home the gold very soon. Go Ben!
It was a long day of shooting and I'm sore today, but I couldn't be happier with the training I received yesterday. The Westbergs, mmcnx2, myself and two others were in attendance. Ben was every bit as great at teaching as he is at shooting and definitely didn't disappoint. He's an extremely humble guy (especially considering his superstar shooting ability), very patient, and presents the information in a really accessible way. He spent a lot of time working with us on an individual level. Those who needed help getting something right were shown how to do so in a kind, easy-to-follow, and non-condescending way. Those who had it down, like Mike Westberg, were encouraged to push it and go faster. Ben would regularly ask why we did something one way or another. Sometimes we knew, sometimes we didn't. He really got us thinking about how we approach and do things.
After a short briefing in which Ben said, "I've never taken a formal shooting class and I've never taught one...so this should be interesting," we started the day shooting a USPSA course of fire to get a baseline reading of our current ability. The stage was designed in such a way that there were many different methods to complete it; some better than others, but no right or wrong way. It featured seven paper targets at varying distances and angles, two steel pepper poppers, and ended with a Texas star, which can be incredibly fun or infuriatingly frustrating, but rarely both.
We then covered a variety of topics starting with the very basics such as grip, stance, effectively hitting the A-zone (or zero in IDPA), holster draws, and reloads. We then moved on to topics like movement, shooting from cover, shot calling (new to me), time-saving techniques, stage breakdown, and all kinds of other neat stuff. While it's difficult to process a day's worth of information and immediately apply everything, I left with a clear understanding of what I need to do in order to get to the next level in my shooting ability and performance.
We ended the day by shooting the same USPSA stage we had started with. Not surprisingly, everyone's times improved. I shaved nearly ten seconds off mine. Instant results are nice, but it's going to take a lot of practice to make it stick.
Ben has only been shooting since 2003. He made Master the first time he shot IDPA. I asked him about the training regimen that got him to, and allows him to maintain, his superior ability. He simply said, "One hour of dry fire practice every day." While I don't think I can make that kind of time commitment, it's not my goal to win a national title someday. However, I do plan to start doing a lot more practice off the range and apply what I've learned. I want to get better after all; that's the whole reason for taking a class like this.
If you want to improve or fine-tune your skills and ever get the opportunity to take a class from Ben, DO IT! I don't care who you are, he will make you better.
Pics and vids to come...
Check out Ben's site for more info: http://www.benstoeger.com
ETA: Ben placed 5th in his division at USPSA nationals two years ago, 3rd last year, and will likely take home the gold very soon. Go Ben!
Last edited by macphisto on Mon Oct 20, 2008 3:19 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Re: Competition Pistol Training Oct 19th
by JoeH on Mon Oct 20, 2008 2:01 pm
Nice review, Mac. I wish that I could have made it.
Joe
Not a Glock Certified Armorer
Not a Glock Certified Armorer
Re: Competition Pistol Training Oct 19th
by westberg on Mon Oct 20, 2008 3:03 pm
Mac great review and pretty much covers our day. I did take a lot of pictures and video and while I had permission to take pictures of the other students I don't have permission to post their pictures.
We only had one stage setup as a IDPA stage, but it didn't matter because Ben was teaching us how to look at the stage to find the best way to run it or in other words to be efficient in our movements. He showed us that as far as shooting, between the holster draw and split times between shots we were all pretty close. Where all the time differences were in our inefficient movement thru the stage. I did have a personal accomplishment at the end of the day, I shot the Texas Star clean no misses and shot it as Ben recommended. This is the teaser, some of you already know the technique, but the rest will have to take his class.
When we finally left the range Ben was still going strong and I think would have stayed as long as we wanted. We had to get back to the cities, but we were wishing we had some time at the end of the day to talk to Ben. The three of us were very impressed with Ben, his class and his teaching style. I also want to thank Ronny and Lori Caspers who helped Ben and are top competitive shooters themselves. The range is beautiful, very well equipped and maintained. The only downside was the drive, next time we may make it a weekend trip.
I did ask Ben about holding a class in this area next spring and he would be interested. We would need to know the interest, figure out a range (hopefully one with props) and a good time to hold it. Instead of one day maybe it would be fun to have one day training and then the second setup as match, but being able to run the stages a couple of times. Let me know if your interested in a class in this area.
We only had one stage setup as a IDPA stage, but it didn't matter because Ben was teaching us how to look at the stage to find the best way to run it or in other words to be efficient in our movements. He showed us that as far as shooting, between the holster draw and split times between shots we were all pretty close. Where all the time differences were in our inefficient movement thru the stage. I did have a personal accomplishment at the end of the day, I shot the Texas Star clean no misses and shot it as Ben recommended. This is the teaser, some of you already know the technique, but the rest will have to take his class.
When we finally left the range Ben was still going strong and I think would have stayed as long as we wanted. We had to get back to the cities, but we were wishing we had some time at the end of the day to talk to Ben. The three of us were very impressed with Ben, his class and his teaching style. I also want to thank Ronny and Lori Caspers who helped Ben and are top competitive shooters themselves. The range is beautiful, very well equipped and maintained. The only downside was the drive, next time we may make it a weekend trip.
I did ask Ben about holding a class in this area next spring and he would be interested. We would need to know the interest, figure out a range (hopefully one with props) and a good time to hold it. Instead of one day maybe it would be fun to have one day training and then the second setup as match, but being able to run the stages a couple of times. Let me know if your interested in a class in this area.
- This is the test stage setup, we ran first thing and then at the end of the day
- Test Stage.JPG (36.08 KB) Viewed 2811 times
- Another stage setup
- IMG_0176.JPG (38.5 KB) Viewed 2821 times
- Mike
- IMG_0196.JPG (33.57 KB) Viewed 2828 times
- Dawn shooting a stage
- IMG_0204.JPG (38.62 KB) Viewed 2826 times
- Dawn shooting brass in the air
- IMG_0213.JPG (37.43 KB) Viewed 2817 times
Re: Competition Pistol Training Oct 19th
by macphisto on Mon Oct 20, 2008 3:26 pm
Ron, if you have any pics or vids of me, you have my permission to post them; embarrassing as they may be.
Re: Competition Pistol Training Oct 19th
by ttousi on Mon Oct 20, 2008 3:29 pm
macphisto wrote:Ron, if you have any pics or vids of me, you have my permission to post them; embarrassing as they may be.
spare us Ron....please
MN Permit Instructor
http://www.tomtgun.com
NRA Training Counselor/Instructor (Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Personal Protection)
DNR FAS Instructor
"I am not going to be intimidated by some punk with a moderator button."-darkwolf45
http://www.tomtgun.com
NRA Training Counselor/Instructor (Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Personal Protection)
DNR FAS Instructor
"I am not going to be intimidated by some punk with a moderator button."-darkwolf45
Re: Competition Pistol Training Oct 19th
by macphisto on Mon Oct 20, 2008 3:34 pm
ttousi wrote:macphisto wrote:Ron, if you have any pics or vids of me, you have my permission to post them; embarrassing as they may be.
spare us Ron....please
Rucker, your "mod" is bullying me!
Re: Competition Pistol Training Oct 19th
by westberg on Mon Oct 20, 2008 3:41 pm
macphisto wrote:Ron, if you have any pics or vids of me, you have my permission to post them; embarrassing as they may be.
ttousi wrote:macphisto wrote:Ron, if you have any pics or vids of me, you have my permission to post them; embarrassing as they may be.
spare us Ron....please
I have more video then pictures and the pictures are only of your back, sorry. Do the video have to go through Youtube to post on here?
- Mac's lightning draw
- IMG_0181.JPG (33.45 KB) Viewed 2785 times
- some smoke
- IMG_0188.JPG (33.85 KB) Viewed 2778 times
Re: Competition Pistol Training Oct 19th
by macphisto on Mon Oct 20, 2008 3:49 pm
westberg wrote:Do the video have to go through Youtube to post on here?
I don't know if they have to, but that's probably the best way to do it.
Re: Competition Pistol Training Oct 19th
by westberg on Mon Oct 20, 2008 4:49 pm
Thanks Rucker for help on getting me through this.
OK here is my second attempt and the test subject is Mac. This is a stage where we are moving between two shooting points using a soft exist and soft entrance.
The first shot you hear is from someone in a different part of the range.
OK here is my second attempt and the test subject is Mac. This is a stage where we are moving between two shooting points using a soft exist and soft entrance.
The first shot you hear is from someone in a different part of the range.
Re: Competition Pistol Training Oct 19th
by hammerbiker on Mon Oct 20, 2008 6:33 pm
westberg wrote:I did ask Ben about holding a class in this area next spring and he would be interested. We would need to know the interest, figure out a range (hopefully one with props) and a good time to hold it. Instead of one day maybe it would be fun to have one day training and then the second setup as match, but being able to run the stages a couple of times. Let me know if your interested in a class in this area.
Ron,
Nan and Myself would be interested
- hammerbiker
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Re: Competition Pistol Training Oct 19th
by westberg on Mon Oct 20, 2008 6:42 pm
hammerbiker wrote:westberg wrote:I did ask Ben about holding a class in this area next spring and he would be interested. We would need to know the interest, figure out a range (hopefully one with props) and a good time to hold it. Instead of one day maybe it would be fun to have one day training and then the second setup as match, but being able to run the stages a couple of times. Let me know if your interested in a class in this area.
Ron,
Nan and Myself would be interested
That's great, you will enjoy it. We will talk more about it. Did you make the match Sunday night?
Re: Competition Pistol Training Oct 19th
by macphisto on Tue Oct 21, 2008 6:58 pm
Okay, I'm finally getting some video uploaded. Here's one of Ben shooting better than most of us ever will:
Here's Mike Westberg not too far behind Ben on the same stage (his XD was giving him all kinds of problems throughout the day):
Here's me biffing it up. Had to reload from my back pocket to get the final plate on the star:
Here's Mike Westberg not too far behind Ben on the same stage (his XD was giving him all kinds of problems throughout the day):
Here's me biffing it up. Had to reload from my back pocket to get the final plate on the star:
Re: Competition Pistol Training Oct 19th
by westberg on Wed Oct 22, 2008 1:59 pm
It was a tough day on the XD's, Dawn's XD also went down for good on the last stage. It turns out the trigger bar broke, so it's on trip back to Springfield.
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