Why do you shoot matches?

[selurcspi]

I do it because it's fun, fun, fun. And because I'm too cheap to get "real" training.

As far as 'being competitive', my goal is usually just to beat somebody, anybody.

what ya talking about you always win your class... Sandbagger

Except in July!

[Pat Cannon]

I do it because it's fun, fun, fun. And because I'm too cheap to get "real" training.
As far as 'being competitive', my goal is usually just to beat somebody, anybody.

what ya talking about you always win your class... Sandbagger

Except in July!

Hey, that's still my goal, it's just a little easier in July!

[westhope]

I plan on having my latest version of a "Tueller Drill" at the FR&PC IDPA match tonight as an additional, optional stage if the weather holds and I feel good.

Some of you may have shot an earlier version I made. I want to test my latest version.

[westhope]

Here is my latest version of my "Tueller Drill" prop we shot last night at FR&PC IDPA match. Note the head shot with a 45 ACP. This should end the 9 mm vs. 45 ACP battle. Start hand gripping gun. Five (5) rounds loaded. Draw when target starts to move. Travels 21 feet in 1.5 seconds and disappears.

Click on the image to run video.

[Humphrey Bogart]

If you search youtube you'll find some other examples.

[bpacman]

So what is with the hand on the gun start position? Making it too easy.

Bp

[Pat Cannon]

So what is with the hand on the gun start position? Making it too easy.

Bp

Ha, try it before you say that. I hit it four out of five, If I'd had to reach for the gun I bet it would've been more like one.

[XDM45]

So what is with the hand on the gun start position? Making it too easy.

Bp

Ha, try it before you say that. I hit it four out of five, If I'd had to reach for the gun I bet it would've been more like one.

So how does that play out in a real-world situation? You can't walk around with your hand on your gun.....

[westhope]

Next week will be hands relaxed at side.

[TH3180]

So what is with the hand on the gun start position? Making it too easy.

Bp

Ha, try it before you say that. I hit it four out of five, If I'd had to reach for the gun I bet it would've been more like one.

So how does that play out in a real-world situation? You can't walk around with your hand on your gun.....

Do you train with eye and ear protection?

[XDM45]

Do you train with eye and ear protection?

I think if it's a real-world situation, my eyes and ears will just have to deal.... that's different than being able to hit the target more times with your hand starting out on the gun vs. not. I guess it depends on your goal.... mine is self-defense, so it's not practical to walk around with your hand on a gun... now if my goal was only target shooting, then yes, hand on the gun starting out is fine.

I would practice with self-defense in mind vs. just target shooting, but to each their own.

[westhope]

Its called "Situational Awareness". If you see a potential threat, you plan an action to respond. That may include gripping a holstered gun, drawing only when the threat further escalates.

[brado]

Its called "Situational Awareness". If you see a potential threat, you plan an action to respond. That may include gripping a holstered gun, drawing only when the threat further escalates.

[XDM45]

Its called "Situational Awareness". If you see a potential threat, you plan an action to respond. That may include gripping a holstered gun, drawing only when the threat further escalates.

I can see that, however, I think there's also the other side of the coin where if you are putting your hand on your weapon "just in case" in public, that could also be a problem..... Not arguing, just saying there's the other side of the coin as well.

[EJSG19]

I was a little skeptical before my first match of any sort. Much like i was before i took any defensive firearm class.

In both cases I was eating humble pie after attending. The biggest advantage i gained from either was simply having my abilities put into perspective. No i was not the worst, and i certainly was not the best. But i knew for sure that practicing by myself wasnt cutting it. I was perfectly content with my "skills" when shooting on my own. I was SO glad I didnt continue to be content with that.

PTC type folks tend to be the personality that tells themselves they have things under control, or whatever they do themselves is best. Dangerous thoughts for preparing to defend yourself from the unknown.

Otherwise, its fun, simple as that. No matter if you compete against the others, or just try to better your own performance. Either way it is beneficial. I hadnt even tried shooting as fast, because i thought i was already fast as is. WRONG i was!!! So, for nay sayers, try it and see, you may be doing yourself a favor. The ammo and equipment cost is pretty small, often time its stuff you should have anyway (several magazines for example). Most events are only 150 rounds and often less. Thats less than a good range session for me for round count. Lots worse ways to blow money (smoking, beer, brass pole joints, all come to mind however alluring).

You will see what good technique is for drawing, grip, timing, movement, etc. These are things you dont get from reading books or "trusting your own judgement". Events, matches and classes completely changed my idea of what my proficiency ought to be. That is IMO huge.