spook

Jack, don't you think that the top shooters that win the big matches (not just stages) do so because they remain in their "safe zone" longest of all shooters? I agree with you that this game remains a mind game whether you're a D-class or a GM. I think that most top shooters are pretty relaxed when they shoot, and if they're not, I believe they would be better if they were relaxed. When I look at Eric Grauffel's or Rob Leatham's scores, the first thing I notice is that they are in the top 10 on just about every stage and do not drop any points at all. Pushing yourself in practice is one thing, but in a match it's just time to give a solid performance.

Break/beat someTHING. Preferably something inexpensive. Then send the gun back and get it fixed. Key here: vent big time , but do the right thing rationally. The gun will be OK. Goosfraba

Easily. I think fast Bill Drills are more of an Ego-trip/boost than anything else, which is fine. Of course, it can also be a great learning tool. The question to me would be: "why do I want to shoot a 1.5s Bill Drill?" I'd rather be able to do 1.67 consistently (BTW, 1.67 is smokin' bro), then to pull off a 1.49 once.

I agree with the rest here. Use a chrono. I went by the book (also VVN320, 4.7 behind a 230) a couple of years ago and ended up shooting minor (~158PF) Load velocities are VERY gun specific.

This is exactly what I do (an BTW also what Saul told ME ) I can't image Saul telling you to ALWAYS go for the Alpha, even at high risk targets with iron sights.

HOLY....CRAP....!!!!! Glad no one got hurt. Major f\/(!ng bummer for your friend.

I've spent some time on this myself. What I found is that you definately need to dryfire that revolver a LOT. But in live fire the most important thing for trigger speed is to let everything control recoil of the gun EXCEPT your trigger finger.

Nice going bro!

I think that's a very logical conclusion.

Isn't a Glock striker partially cocked when the gun is in ready condition? If so, I'd say a Glock would fall under 8.1.2.1 rather than 8.1.2.2 Can you see where that rule fails if a Glock is always partially cocked in ready condition?

Again with the feelings. Feel free to quit this discussion. I am not trying to win anything here. I want some insight on these rules. Sky, Vince asked the question I've been looking for. If the competitor's gun is in compliance with the rule 8.1.2, the gun fits. If some people have a problem with that, the rule needs to be edited and re-written. Don't you think? Something like: 8.1.2.2 “Double action” – chamber loaded, hammer fully down or de-cocked, slide fully forward

Arvid, Yoda and GvU are discussing the size of the box and tolerances etc. Those subjects are clear to me and IMO have nothing to do with the subject. The core question here is: "Is a gun in ready condition (ex. 8.1.2.1) when the slide is moved back so little, that the gun could still fire?" If the question can be answered with a yes, then the gun fits the box and if the answer is no, it doesn't. It is that simple. BUT, if an RO, be it you, me Yoda or Vince will start interpreting rules their own way, things will get unfair. If I would have accepted a gun like that and you wouldn't, that would be unfair. If RM 1 on match 1 would have accepted it and RM 2 on match 2 wouldn't, it would not be fair. I'll make it very simple. Can you give me one rule or argument extracted from the rulebook (no personal opinions and/or interpretations) that says why the shooter should have been moved to open?

This is exactly what I would not accept. D2 item 16 refers to 8.1.2.1 and the gun was in that condition. Those are the facts. Leave out interpetations when they go against your gutfeeling. That's what rules are for. If a rule states a gun must comply in three ways and it does, then why would you think up another condition so the gun fails the test? First thing they taught me in Law school is to ditch the gut feelings when it comes to rule based decisions. Especially when the rules are clear. But it did fit

Vince, exactly. What I thought was: "As long as the rule on this is not clear, I'd give the shooter the benefit of the doubt". An out of battery gun, not ready to fire obviously does not comply. Garfield, very nice, so if your my RO, your going to move me to open, because you find that the gun is unreasonably large? No offense, but I'd like facts and rules from an RO, not opinions. And if you were going to give me an opinion, please put some aguments there to back it up. Anywho, the shooter took some material off the back of the magwell and it now fits the box even better

A friend of mine was put back to Open division after his standard gun did not fit the box according to the RO. The slide of his Glock35 had to be moved back juuust a millimeter to fit. The gun was still in battery and could be fired if loaded. The box rule states that a Standard gun should fit the box in ready condition (according to 8.1 that is). So I checked 8.1.2.1 (which is the category a Glock would be in in Standard I think) and it says: Camber loaded, hammer cocked, safety on, is the ready condition. IMO, the gun still fitted, even if the slide was moved back just a millimeter, because it still was loaded (obviously the chambr was not because of safety), and it still was cocked and had a mag inserted. Opinions?

LOL, that cracked me up Ron. The days of serious relationships and lots of getting laid were the times I bitched the most

Ditto on what Kathy and Nik said

Happy Birthdays dudes

Ray, I think we'll meet at a match someday. I'm only 25 and intend to keep IPSC in my life for a looooong time

Thanks Vince, Finally some clarity on the matter. Ray, I didn't shoot those matches. I shot the Czech Nationals 2003. I'll be shooting the EC 2004 in Czech this summer.

Exactly. I shoot IPSC only and I do understand that some USPSA guys don't see why there should be that many short courses. True, you cannot win a match by winning a short course, but you sure as hell can lose one by screwing up. Short courses are less forgiving than long courses. That's what I like about them and others hate I have seen the USPSA Nats DVD and the thing that caught my attention was the lack of "weird" shooting positions. No very low ports or extreme barricades. No things to carry around while you're shooting "forcing" you to shoot weak or strong hand, but mandatory strong hand stages instead.

I've had the same thing happen to me in a match in the Czech republic. In C2 situations we had to remove all ammo from the cylinder. In the Netherlands, I can just load it up. Another option to me would seem to place a moonclip (or loose rounds) and leave the top chamber empty? I hope Vince will share his unlimited knowledge with us

TL, I think the effect of shooting with one hand or two is more dramatic. If I had a choice, I'd shoot the long range targets with two eyes open. What I'm saying is that to some people shooting long range with two eyes open is more difficult than to others. And if you can't do it, that doesn't mean you cannot become as good as the others who can. It has more to do with comfort than results. Or to return a question: If you had one free arm and the other tied behind your back, would you shoot using one or two hands?

Shooting with one eye closed seems to work for Eric Grauffel. It all comes down to personal preference. Sure, I taught myself to shoot with both eyes open at distances up to 15m, but beyond that, and on tight shots, I'll close one eye as soon as I see the front sight in conjunction with the target. If I don't do that I'll see two targets and don't know where the bullet will go. I don't like taping one eye, because (for me) it gets in the way of moving fast and agressive (no depth perception etc.). Like I said...personal preference. And don't let anyone tell you that you can't become a good shooter if you can't shoot with both eyes open.

Dang, I wish I could shoot an IDPA match over there some time. I'd shoot it in Jackass Partyboy outfit. Or in drag. Just to balance it out a little. Also very cool are the pink/purple camo pattern clothes. And be sure to kick their asses in it.