old shooter

This was my "haul" from my first major match. Notice the added "I" in IPSC.

I think I am going to use this on some practice I need to do with playing hammer-on's and pull-offs in rests on a 5-string. Stay with the movement/skill slowly without trying to up the tempo. And it should be real workable for the practical world as well. Viggen, As a 40+ year veteran on the 5 string, I can (somewhat) see how this is working. I really started playing flatpick guitar about a year ago. I had played for a number of years but finally got very serious. I had a hard time memorizing tunes earlier this year, and it took probably 2000 repetitions to "internalize" it. I think the neurons and transmitters have grown to a number that now makes it possible to learn a song (medium difficulty) with 300-500 repetitions. Alamo shooter, I know the information is not new, but the ability to prove it certainly is. When a neuron is transmitting an error in movement execution, the brain denies the cells in that transmitter calcium thereby reducing its ability to survive. This is a new development. And an fMRI machine that could see the electrical activity that is in response to motor function is another maching that is new. The article was not about learning per se, it is about learning motor functions, something not normally associated with ones ability in high school. Mike

Well, without getting too longwinded, the part that I found interesting it the part about learning a skilled action. Basically, it found it much better to practice a movement/skill slowly and correctly over and over. The speed will come after a sleep cycle. With each correct repetitoin, the synapses that send the correct message gets stronger, and in the cerebellum, uses a cell called purkinje to eliminate errors in movement. So it is very important to elliminate errors from the start otherwise you will cause your brain to see them as correct movements. They say that playing scales is a motor skill that is basically automatic and writing is another overlearned skill that doesn't tax the brain. I would bet a movement like drawing and firing a gun would fall closely along the same lines. I also found interesting, the role of mental repetition and how that improved motor skill. Man, I need to read this at least one more time. Mike

Ok, so I had a little senior moment and for the link.... http://www.newenglandconservatory.edu/stud...chbyGebrian.pdf NOW, check it out

Wow, I can't believe how long it has been since I have visited the board. I have been a little sidetracked this year with music, and my shooting has suffered. I ran across this paper about musicians, but somehow think that it directly relates to shooting. It is a little tedious to read, but well worth the time to get through it and understand what is happening. What do you think? MIke

DVC Jeff, There will never be another. We all owe you to some degree whether we agreed with you or not. We would never be where we are today without your hard work getting us started. Thanks Mike

In my Bedell shorty, the wwb loads are much softer and quieter, not to mention reduced blast, which I believe is the most intimidating thing to new shooters. I guess every gun is different, but minor 9mm are very close to .22 lr, at least in my gun. Mike

Jack, If the gun is for your 12 yr. old son, why not just let him shoot 9mm MINOR for a while. You could even load hot 9's, but short of major to slowly break him into the world of major. Wallmart 9mm ammo is very cheap. Mike

One thing seems clear. Everyone need to find out what works in their gun. I have had 3 case problems with my bedell shorty. I have had 2 case separations at the cannelure and both times it was with nickel brass. The most stupid thing that I did was to not catch a .380 case making its way through my loader and into my gun. It blew out, but was surprisingly unspectacular. I have reloaded several practice rounds more than once (full power) and just look to see if anything outwardly unusual is going on. I also think that seating the primer (rl 650) gives a good feedback as to the case quality. If the primer goes in too easy, it is a reject. I am entering my 3rd year with a major 9, and think it is as workable as any other caliber. I use trueblue, mixed cases, .355 bullets @ 1.16 and winchester small rifle primers. Mike

Like anything else, you need to see what works for you. The CCI's shoot very average in both my pistol and rifle. I like the Walmart Federal Lightening. At under a buck a box, the only thing that shoots better for me is the over $5.00 premium ammo. Mike

Ok, For the absolute best, go to Home Depot and go to the apliance department. Look for a refrigerator coil brush. It has a big end that easily cleans the mag body, and a smaller (about 3/4 inch) tip that you can use on the feedlips. The wooden handle is too long and will need to be cut down, but the price as I remember was under $5.00. Mike

+1 mike

I would keep in mind the fact that the 14 yr old had nothing to do with her present situation. She is from a broken home, and all her friends know. They also know that her once saintly mother is now shacking up. Where is the honor here. Mike

Some folks call it a Kaiser blade, but me, I call it a slingblade

And coming up next.....The names and addresses of all 5+ carat diamond owners who don't own a safe deposit box...... Mike