Bear1142

Singlestack, Congratulations, I look forward to seeing you do it in person this month. I'll be dragging out my 35 after the Cherokee match this weekend. Looks like I'll have to get in some practice so I don't get completely pounded by you. How's the limited gun practice coming along? Erik

Flex, Regarding your thoughts on visual patience and "why" we don't find the center of the target instead of brown, I think there are two reasons and they are interrelated. One is physical and one is mental. I'll start with the physical. As much as we try, through all our technique and technology to get absolute consistancy from our guns, we don't and can't. It's impossible. I noticed a problem when I would practice my mid-range targets (13-20 yds.). I have always felt this distance is what separates the men from the boys, and appropriately, I expend a large part of my practice sessions to really mastering this distance with respect to engagement speed, splits, accuracy, and transitions, but I digress. I think there are many factors that influence this problem and not all happen on each incident. Did you ever notice an occasional anomaly in the cycling and tracking of your gun? I noticed in these mid-ranges that I would get an occasional "Where the hell did that come from" moment. Either the front sight tracked higher than normal, or it didn't return all the way back to its start point, or at the end of it's arc of recoil it settled back down to the far right in the rear notch instead of centered, or it just recoiled harder and disturbed my rhythem. Several things may have caused this; each it's own event, or combinations of events to produce the anomaly. Did I relax my grip just enough to change the rythem of the gun without perceiving the change in grip strength? Did I get the high side of the varience in a powder charge that changed the rythem? Was my balance slightly off? Did I cant the gun just enought to affect the tracking, but not enough to notice the cant? Did I breathe in instead of breathing out or vice versa. I don't know exactly what causes it or I could fix it. Maybe it's just the Chaos Theory working on a very micro scale, I don't know. I do know when you combine this with the second problem, the mental part, you end up with the observed results. I think the second problem is mindset. As much as we tell ourselves to shoot A's, either consciously of sub-consciously, we realize that a certain number of C hits are acceptable and to a degree even necessary to win. There is a balance between speed and accuracy. We have the ability to shoot all "A's" , but we recognize that a few faster C's are okay and even required to win. When this mindset is coupled with the occasional mechanical anomaly, we settle for the C and move on. Beware of being too dominant or micromanaging the gun. Although its a movie quote, I think it applies. "Let go of your feelings and use the Force." Sometimes you just have to take what the gun gives you and keep hammering away. Erik

I'm at 37,000 with my Aftec, no problems yet. I hope it continues to hold. Erik

Flex, I'm not sure if you already do this, but bear with me. Try shooting Production for about two weeks in the middle of the season or when you have your largest time gap between majors. I found that shooting minor and having to score a very high percentage of "A"'s forced me to shoot the way you described above. I didn't notice any change on targets from about 12 yards and farther, it was the closer ones. I knew I had to get the maximum number of A's inside 12 yards and I found myself taking the time to firm up that sight picture/alignment before I broke the shot. It might have only taken an extra tenth or two, but this is what I needed to see to know I had the A. This doesn't work if you just try to shoot A's with your hi-cap gun. You know you have extra rounds if you make a bad shot and you don't quit get the effect. Those 10 rd. mags really force you to take good shots. Try shooting production and keep up with the Limited class guys. If you can make the same hit factor as the limited guys while shooting in production, you'll really be shooting well. Take your G-35 and shoot production. It really help me with my visual patience in what I normally considered my hosing distance (less than 7 yds.). I had some of my best matches (locally) for the next two months after shooting in Production at the FGN last year. I intend on doing it again this year to really evaluate the benefits. Erik

For limited, I'm on the pistol grip side. It helps your recoil management and shot recovery. I've never had a problem with the pistol grip getting in the way of reloads or any tactical applications. Erik

Erik, I've used Star bullets for many years and haven't had any issues. I never noticed any accuracy difference between Star & Zero's. Both worked well. Erik

One of the reasons I didn't specify draws or starting positions is because I wanted to focus on actual shooting drills. I can work on various draws and reloads in my dry fire rountines. I wanted to focus on stuff you can only get when the gun goes bang. Erik, Do you have a set way of setting up your partials on the el prez, or do you just use the drill as a base and vary it up. I guess what I'm curious about is, do you vary the partials to make the shots easier of more difficult if you detect a deficiency in your shooting and what is your decision process for making the specific change? Erik

As I have stated in earlier posts on various topics, I consider it critical to my shooting skills to have a core group of fundamentals that I practice at every session, irrespective of my current performance. What core skills do you consider critical enough to practice every live fire session and why? I've listed a few of mine below. These are done everytime, without fail. Warm-up & Cool down (first and last shooting drill) 5 shots at 7, 15, 25, and 50 (if available)- no time limit, tightest group possible - Used to confirm sights, basic fundamentals (trigger control, sight picture, etc..), and basically to feel the gun shoot and recoil. Triples 3 shot groups at 10-15 yards, 2-3 targets- normal engagement speeds - Used to enhance second shot fundamentals (sight picture, tracking, follow- through, calling the shot) Bill Drills 6 shot drill- normal engagement speeds - Used to enhance speed work, overall gun setup, tracking, preventing trigger freeze. Strong/ Weak hand 2 shot groups- normal engagement speeds While this may seem like a lot, depending on what I'm working on they might only be 1 or 2 magazines worth, but they always are in the session. I consider these my core drills that always need to be performed. Which ones do you consider your critical core drills. Erik

Here's a couple pics (hopefully) of my 308. May even give MOR a try with it. Erik

No need to lock it, I think I have the answer I'm looking for. Thanks to all for the help. Erik

Hello all, Which manufacturer of primers is generally recognized as having the most sensitivity/easiest to detonate? In particular, standard small pistol primers. Thanks. Erik

Liota, I think you've raised some good points. You need to have a training routine that contributes to your overall health irrespective of shooting or any other sports. The key is to find exercises that promote overall health, but also have applications to shooting. To properly address all the areas your interested in, flexibility, strength, stamina, balance is going to take a good cross-training approach. Keep in mind I'm not a professional trainer, so consulting a trainer at your local gym might provides some better insights. I'm going to address each of the issues independently. Flexibility- stretching and/or Yoga. I'm going to dedicate at least 30-45 min/ twice a week just to the stretching/yoga routine, in addition to my usual stretching routine before workouts. Strength- Pretty simple, if you want to get stronger, you gotta push weight. The bigger issue is, do you want to get stronger and add strength, or just tone up what you have. The general rule is to add mass and strength- high weight/low repetitions. For tone or muscle cut- low weight/ high reps. Stamina- Most any Cardiovascular exercise for 20-30 mins, 3 times a week will increase your stamina. Balance- The yoga will help with it, and their are some sports that put an emphasis on it. You'll have to find something that suits you. As a sort-of example, here's what I intend to do this off season. I'll be working out lifting weight, so that takes care of my strength. The Yoga/stretching is for my flexibility. For my stamina I'll be doing some running and other exercises, but the sport that I highly recommed and one the best ways to improve you shooting skills is basketball. I feel it's one of the best off season workouts you can do. It's nothing but short bursts of speed, starting and stopping, multiple changes in direction, combined with a high degree of hand-eye coordination during movement. These skill are all very important to an IPSC shooter. Best of all, it doesn't take much equipment. You don't even need a ball. Just go to the basketball court at your fitness center or the county recreation center. You can probably check out a ball or just jump in a pick-up game. Some other activities that are similar are racquetball and tennis. Hope all this ranting helps. Good shooting. Erik

SherlockWV, While I like to complain about being an old man, truth is I'm fast approaching 35. Depending on your perspective, I'm either a young whippersnapper or a responsible mature adult. Neither of which, I'm very fond of. After a fairly athletic life which encompassed various sports, martial arts, weightlifting, law enforcement, etc.., I've noticed a serious deficiency. Its the root of 90% of all injuries and long term health issues. It's the erosion of your flexibility. As you get older your muscles lose flexibility. Think about the most common injuries people sustain, a pulled muscle, neck injuries, lower back, hamstrings, etc.., they all can be prevented with an appropriate stretching program. The most ironic thing about your flexibility is that is probably the easiest thing to work on. I have decided to swallow my pride and in the spirit of the BE forum, open my mind. I'm going to start taking Yoga classes. They offer a once a week session at my place of employment. I will be the only man in the class. When I consider how it will help my overall health and my shooting in particular, I'm excited about my new off-season program. Consider all those low ports/ barrels/ under the 2x4/ off balance shooting positions we encounter. Getting into those shooting positions fast and efficiently can only help my scores. Having flexibility will help me be a better shooter and a healthier person. I'm willing to swallow a little personal pride and ego for that. I think you should inquire with your personal physician or trainer about a good flexibility program tailored to your specific needs and always remember to get a good stretch before you perform any physical exertion, including shooting. Good luck. Erik

Bucky, So your the one who left the door to hell open. I was trying to find the responsible party to tell them to close the door, all the heat was getting out. 2nd Hottest match I ever shot. Erik

BillL223, I used to zero at 300, but I'm currently playing with a 275 zero (69 gr). I use a 16" barrel and it puts me about +4" @ 100, +4" @ 200, and -2" @ 300. Since I don't expect to call a 2" shot at 300, I just hold center mass. Erik

Cy, I carry 5, but the last two are a PITA to get to for me. I use single holders for each mag. Erik

Erik, A few thoughts for you. First, Phil is indeed using 200's. As of the this years Nationals, he was still using AA#2, but I think he's going to switch to N320, but don't hold me to that. I also use 200's, but I think it depends on your particular limited gun setup. I have a standard profile slide that has been lightened so it cycles pretty fast. The 200's let me shoot a slightly softer load with a fast cycling slide. Personally, I feel its the best of both worlds. If your limited gun is similar to your open gun (the supertanker), I would imagine it might feel a little sluggish if you go to the 200's, but I think you can play with the powders and spring rates to get the PF you want with the "feel" you're looking for. As you lamented, it does mean another complete round of testing. Erik

Hey! what about my time?

Rocket, Two thoughts came to mind while reading about your plateau problems (Even though you seemed to have worked through them). I'm a very strong proponent of treating what we do as a sport and not a hobby, although it can be both. Maintaining the sport mindset for me helps me focus on where I want to go and how to get there (mentally, physically, and spiritually). First, top professionals (pick any sport) don't get to where they are in spite of the fundamentals, its their dedication to the fundamentals that makes them professionals. Once again, pick any sport, preferably one you were involved in at some point in your life. The first couple of things you'd do after stretching and warming up were your skills drills. Be it throwing, catching, hand-offs, dribbling, etc.. I don't think you'll ever go wrong by continuing to work on your fundamentals, regardless of how your performance as a whole is progressing. The second point, which has already been brought up is to take a break. All sports have an off-season. For me, its from about now to around February. While I still go to the range and shoot, I don't actively practice. I shoot my other guns for fun or just an excuse to break out an old friend and clean it. The great thing is I still get work at the fundamentals of sight, grip, stance, tracking, etc.., even though I'm not practicing. By the time February rolls around, I'm refreshed from my break and eager to get practicing for the new season. Take a break, I'm sure you deserve it. Erik

Even, Phil shoots a long dust cover, standard slide, Bull barrel, STI. He does indeed have a 3lb. trigger, but thats because he rides the trigger and will cause the gun to double if its any lighter. Erik

Movement in general. Most people take it for granted. Its common knowledge there are proper ways to enter/exit a box, but its so much more than that. There's lead steps, cross steps, drag steps, shuffle steps, half steps, weight transfer, open stances, closed stances, hip orientation, etc..., none of this takes into account the range/weather conditions or footware. Erik Warren could probably tell you how many times I slipped and slid around the Open Nationals stages. I didn't have the proper shoes for the terrain. It cost me so much time across the match I couldn't begin to add it up. Shooters don't think twice about breaking down reloads or draws into the "N"th degree to try to save a 1/4 second, but most of them take movement for granted because we've be doing it our entire lives. For example, I don't have to shoot faster than you on a stage to win. All I have to do is beat you to a box by a second and I'll win, all else being equal. Conversely, you have to push your shooting skills harder to catch me. This also increases your chances of making mistakes, making it that much easier for me to win. Take some of your critical thinking skills and start breaking down your physical movement in all aspects of your shooting. You will save seconds, not just fractions without ever having to pull the trigger any faster.

Ron, Congratulations, I hope it works for you. If you are able, can you post a picture. I'd like to see exactly where you polished. Thanks, Erik

Well, thanks for the words of encouragement. I guess misery does love company. Angus, Thanks for the tip, but I purposely leave the edge of my slide sharp for that very reason. If I get too close to the slide, I get one hell of a paper cut to remind me to get away from the slide. Usually only takes one time before I'm cured for a long time. Nolan, Sorry to hear your still having problems. Are you using Armscor brass? Erik

I agree with Kellyn that personal preference is going to dictate an individuals setup. As stated in other topics and I appreciate I'm in the minority compared to all the other top dogs, I prefer the 16" barrels to 20" ones (limited) for all the reasons people like light or heavy limited pistols. I find the vast majority of our rifle stages are 100 yds. and closer with many stages being 25 yards or less. Look at this years Nationals. 1 long range stage, 3 close range stages with 2 of them having the furthest shot being about 20 yards. The 2 close-in ones involved many windows, ports, and corners to negotiate. A smaller, lighter rifle manuvers easier. Once again, this is personal preference. Todd S. pushed that big, heavy AR-10 around pretty fast, but I'm betting he could have gone even faster with lighter set-up, but I wouldn't presume to speak for TGO(3 gun ). The last stage was the standards. I don't consider the standards to be a "real" stage. Don't get me wrong, the are usually very difficult, but they are more skills intensive and don't have very much movement or stategy to them. Kellyn is again correct that the AK's don't have the reach of an AR, Although in all fairness, they were never designed to. Soviet Military doctrine at the time of the developement of the AK emphasized massed area fire, not individual targets, with a maximum engagement range of 300 meters. It wasn't a 1 on 1, let's see who's more accurate. It was, my 10 guys are all going to fire a whole lot in your direction as we charge. Eventually somebody will hit you, but I digress. Most of the modern AK's inaccuracy is due to ammo. Good, modern AK's can display some surprising accuracy, but you'll have to work a lot harder than the AR guys to get it. Carlos, Yes I did have the Ghengis for a while, but eventually sold it. 2 main reasons. First and most importantly, Mig brought it to my attention (after he encouraged me to get it ), that the 5.45 round is not legal in USPSA. 3 guns rules state a minimum caliber of .22, but is commonly interpreted to be .224. The 5.45x39 is actually a .221. I think you'd have to get a ruling from Amidon before it's used. Secondly, I could only get the mags to feed reliably with 27 rounds. I could get 29 in some, but then reliability was an issue. As you can imagine, you can't give up 3 rounds to everyone else. Not to mention 13 rds, if they're using 40 rd. mags. As with other 16" barrels, you have to check your ammo. Some ammo will not make minor. There was some 68gr. ammo around for a while that made it comfortably, but I haven't seen that in a while. Despite these issues, I did like the round. Its got better ballistics over 55gr. 223 loads and shoots softer. I was really surprised at just how soft it was out of the AR and a comp would make it a dream. For USPSA, there's no real advantage to using the 47. You can't make major and theres more recoil to deal with. Out past 200 yards, the 47 has a rainbow trajectory that makes it very impractical to use. Stay with the 74. Erik

Carlos, You might just have a "lemon". I tried all different types of ammo and couldn't get the problem to go away. I've pretty much given up on a solution and moved on. I'm starting to really like the long slides for production. (Glock 34/35 and the long slide Springfield XD's.) Erik