BobS761

Oh well, there is always another match. Plus I learned something. B

My favorite, attributed to The Duke, "Life is hard, it's even harder if you're stupid".

I wear glasses, and I have to take them off to read. Actually, things are fairly fuzzy with them out to maybe a little more than an arms length. And guess whats at the end of my arm? So, since I can see fairly well without glasses, or at least the targets are still defined in my vision, I'm going to try regular shooting glasses to see if the front sight clears up. Maybe even a little invisible tape as well since I'm stupid cross eye dominant. At my level it won't hurt my scores and may even help. Like I said, I can see the center of a sign, just not what it says so well! B

I shot my first match in Limited. Loaded up the mags, hosed away, and had a great time. But after the first stage, I discovered I still need to plan a little, and change mags at least once. From that I learned, I really enjoyed the planning and mag changes, so next match was Production for me. I'm no expert, as my third match is Saturday, but my goal is to learn and have a good, safe time. It really doesn't matter which class I'm in competiton wise, as I'm sure to be at the bottom of the food chain for quite a while. I am the foundation stone on which the "support class" is built! I think it is more important just to get out and shoot, learn to be safe, steal all the best shooters techniques, and have a good time doing it! B

When I shot High Power Rifle, I could tell where almost every slow fire shot hit, from 200 to 600 yards. I would practice by dry firing standing offhand while aiming at, of all things, a screw in a light switch plate, and callling it. I think this was one of the first things I learned. I'm really struggling with fixed sights on my pistol, and it's probably a mental block. In my mind, my gun will not shoot straight until I can absolutely zero it with an adjustable sight. Reality is, it probably is zeroed, and my inch or two left is me. I think when I get past this, the shot calling will come. B

+1000

This may be really a dumb thing to ask, but I have seen guide rods seemingly designed to add some weight to the business end, and yet also I've seen what looks like lightening ports on the slides. Maybe different approaches for different length pistols? Surely one wouldn't do both on the same gun. Just wondering... Thanks, B

Shooting 2 XDm 40's 4.5" barrel, and an XD Tactical, all bone stock, in production. My goal is making 135-145 PF, for all three. Don't want to get crazy here. Thanks, B

That is AWESOME! LOL, I remember thanking my dad for teaching me to clean rifles while in basic! B

I know it was just a fun show, and really didn't mean anything, but good grief, how can any judge score a western horse over a gaited horse in a gaited class? Drives me nuts!!! Not to mention blowing the confidence of kids preparing for district and state competition....

Yes, XDm 40. Going to contact Dawson tomorrow. Thanks, Bob

Bob, the seating die determines the depth the bullet is pushed into the cartridge case - the OAL. Very important function ... When you find a load recommendation, it is always x grains powder, x grains bullet at x OAL - if you change nothing but the OAL, you can affect the velocity/pressure/accuracy of the load. I am paying particular attention to OAL, checking powder drops, and such. We want to eventually make minor loads, but during the learning phase, I'm going to stick to published guidelines. Next batch, my plan is simply to pick a combination that has a lower velocity, and see how that works. My dad is scared to death we may have a squib, so he is very reluctant to drop below a minimum recommended charge. Again, good stuff! Thanks for helping the beginner! Bob

I'm using the dreaded Lee Loadmaster. 1 Universal decapper, 2 sizing, 3 flow through powder and flaring, 4 seating, 5 factory crimp. I think I need to bone up on the seating die function before things begin in earnest. Thanks for all the input! B

I've done a search and researched different sight options, and kind of know what I would like. Here is the problem, there are not really any gunsmiths in my area, and no way to try or even look at different sight setups. I have no confidence in my factory sights. I like the looks of Dawson adjustable rear with a green FO front blade. I guess my question is, since I have to send the pistol off, are there any FFL issues? Also, does one send the whole firearm or just the slide? And lastly, are there different notch and blade width options, as well as sight height? Thanks, B

Does the seating die remove the flare? We really are all about avoiding kabooms!!! Thanks, B

When I was around 8, We lived on an Army post. Dad was a paratrooper, and brought home what is called an extraction chute. Looked just the right size for me to follow in dads footsteps, so, after climbing to the garage roof, grabbing the shroud lines in my chubby fingers, and leaping, I made my first and only parachute jump. Sorta..... At least I didn't break anything. B

Last night I made a test run on some .40 SW. Home cast bullets, averaging 183 grains, WSF powder at 5.5 grains, and OAL of 1.127. I'm also using a Lee Factory Crimp die, set up to the mfg. instructions, but really I have no idea if it crimps or not. Side by side comparison with factory ammo, they look the same. Since I'm new at this, right now my goal is to make safe loads, and not minor PF. With that in mind, any comments? Last bit of info, shooting XDm 40 and XD 40 Tactical, bone stock. I just aquired a chrono and case guage as well. Thanks, B

The match went fairly well for me. I practiced the "flip" for hours and actually managed to execute it a few times. Other times I don't even know what I did! Of course I made plenty of mistakes, and the COF was more challenging this time, but all in all a really fun day. I have no confidence in the factory sights, so some new ones are on tap before next month. I think I'm going with fiber optic front and adjustable rear. Over the next month I'm going to work on really seeing the target and smoth trigger squeeze. I really pull off on my second shot. See ya'll out there! (Ya'll is a generic Kentucky term meaning a group of individuals, BTW. I do wear shoes and have all my teeth. ) B

Welcome, I'm pretty new here too, but everyone here is VERY helpful as well as nice! By all means, try out ORPCI. Great group! B

I'm struggling with the mag release as well. I decided if the "flip" is good enough for the pros, it's good enough for me. While practicing last night, I estimate I had a clean release a pathetic 70% of the time. But, hey, I'm new. It will come. Now my son, on the other hand, has hands so big I think he may be able to pull the trigger with his thumb B

I suppose I'll practice the flip technique. Mostly was worried about developing bad habits. Eventhough I'm older, (50), I'm a blank slate when it comes to handguns. I can hit well, but not really fast. I fall back into high power rifle mode, and that is probably what I'm going to have the most trouble with. You know, the old sight picture, breath control, trigger squeeze routine. Practice and muscle memory will eventually take care of the reloads, draws, and such. I think the most fun aspect of this type of shooting, besides getting to expend plenty of rounds, is the stage breakdown. I'm really looking foward to shooting production just for the reloads! Thanks, B

You bet! Thanks for the offer! Shoot me a PM and we will get together. B

So, I have aquired some more gear, namely some mags and mag pouches, been practicing reloads, dryfire concentrating on trigger squeeze, moving safely while keeping finger out of trigger guard, and aquiring sight picture. Last match I was painfully slow, (sorry guys), but my focus was to complete the stage safely, as well as learn the ropes. This time I'm going to try to shoot a little faster, and not worry so much about the perfect dead center shot. Any tips? Now what concerns me. It's easier for me to hit the mag release with my weak hand. I don't like to change my grip on the strong hand, because either my hand is too small or grip too large for my thumb to reach the release without moving my grip. Don't want to use my index finger as I'm trying to make sure it doesn't get in the trigger guard. Is this going to be a bad habit? Shooting XDm 40 in production, with the small backstrap. Thanks, B

I'm glad mine is still here and God Bless all of them! Happy Mother's Day!!!!

Don't hate life so much that there is no room for love. Really, I don't know how I come up with this stuff! B