HEAVY556

I think once someone has the basic fundamentals and safety aspects learned, random more closely resembles what IPSC is and could help a lot. We do a lot of basic movements the same in a stage, but the order and frequency is shuffled. This would train your brain a little more to be prepared for random events.

I wouldnt try stopping at the buzzer. You will start to anticipate it and stop early and you are pulling your focus off were it should be. There is a video of Rob Leatham at the Shot Show demoing the draw and he said at the 0.60 sec par time, he was able to tell if he made it for sure without the pistol firing and registering on the clock. Ive never been able to tell "officially" that I have made it at that speed either, but with regular practice my times for that drill in live fire have dropped into the high 0.6, low 0.7 range.

I switched from a major 1911 to minor, and where I saw the gains were in how I attacked the stage. I had more rounds that didnt beat me up as much. It may be all in my head, but it worked. My scores improved. I switched back at practice for fun and the difference between the two was drastic once used to minor.

Track the front sight. Doesn't matter how fast your finger moves if the gun isn't pointed where it needs to be.

Eric makes it work one way, Leatham does it just as fast another. Train, train, train. I think if you are new you could pick one way and go at it. If you are already used to a method, it may take longer and cause problems to re-learn a new technique.

Whatever time you use don't get used to it. Once you can perform the task at that speed every time, drop the time and push harder.

There is a video on YouTube with Jerry Miculek where he talks about grip. He mentioned that your weak hand should be tired after 200-250 rounds of practice. The more consistent my grip and first shots are, the more I'm using my hands equally together. Remember, you are controlling and directing an explosion. Any technique works when you have time, but in a match time is against you.

Fast splits are pointless if the rounds don't hit the target where you want. Being capable of those numbers should only be thought of as another tool in your bag. They don't win matches or gun fights on their own.

I was taught by my trainer that during dry fire I should focus on speed over sight picture. Now that isn't to say I don't check on where the gun ends up, but it isn't my primary focus. Slowly through repetition I was landing closer on target over time. I was using a 0.80 par time and now I'm down to 0.50. Now I'm beginning to see the sights at that speed. A 1.25 first shot used to be a big deal, now 0.90 is operating speed. The whole intent was to push my mechanical speed in practice so during a match I took a little more time to see the front sight and I'm not much slower than full speed.

I have assumed it has helped me. It doesn't happen as much anymore. I will catch myself doing it once in a while. For some reason I just start paying attention to the trigger and not the sights. I really wonder if its from shooting rifles so much off a bench. The rest is basically doing all the hard work and the only thing left is the trigger.

I've noticed while shooting many different firearms but especially my 1911 that firing the first shot usually gives me a hick-up. Its mainly when I am focusing on the gun that it happens. Once I get rolling or if I ignore it all together, I don't have a problem. I assumed I was anticipating recoil. Anyone ever have the same problem?