Clay1

This is it boys: http://www.leupold.com/products/tactical_p..._Mark_4_CQT.htm

I didn't take that one too personally - he made himself very clear with the big "wink". No problems on my end. Yesterday I shot a match at a club that recently went from IDPA to USPSA. It was their first USPSA match. It was a grand time and personally, I like USPSA better (higher round counts and shot 'em as you see 'em stages). The truth is I am probably looking for the gun to solve a lacking of solid technique when the gun has to go to slide lock in IDPA. Much prefer it not going to slide lock in USPSA as well. Rick

Yes, I know. I happen to shoot the one and only true practical handgun game around known as uspsa and then I shoot the OTHER one that few on this board seem to recognize (idpa). For me - trigger time is trigger time and the more matches that I shoot and experience the better off I will be. In that OTHER game, we need to shoot to slide lock per the COF on many occations. I was the same way with shotguns. There were skeet specialist, trap guys, sporting clays afficinados, live bird pigeon blaster etc. I had the philosophy that if it flys I should be able to hit it with some mastery of the gun. My goal is (I am not close by the way) that if you shoot it with a handgun, I should be able to play and do reasonably well. Just one boys way of thinking of things. In the big scheme of things that means nothing at all. Rick

One comment on seating mags with some force. On my Glock 34 if I seat the mag on a mag change with some force the slide drops automatically. I wish that I could get it to do it 100% of the time but at this point it is probably close to 75% successful. Anyone know how to make this a 100% occurance?

Chills, I understand about the 1000 what ifs. One of them could be that you get involved and get killed at worst, end up in jail and leave your family to fend for themselves is probable and at best spend lots of money on lawyers. It's not the movies and shooting at another man when you aren't directly threatened won't end up being COOL.

I've been doing some research on the web and have found some amazing reviews of a new light called the L4. It is in the same price bracket as the M2. The L4 doesn't have the shooting grip but the performance is fantastic. Anyone using a M2 do you think the extra few dollars are worth it over the Z2 or current C2? 5 to 10 years down the road no one is going to remember another $50. Love to hear more info along with the why you chose another light. Thanks all for the comments so far.

Just finished reading it all the way through for the first time, but made it part of the way through before. My first attempt didn't go so well. A little off of topic, but I have been watching Matt Burket videos again and seeing things in the this viewing that didn't click in the first half doz times through them too. It's nice when you have invested in one of these training aids and it just keeps giving.

Did a search under Surefire and found a couple people talking about the new X200 but didn't find anything on a hand held light. Am considering one of the following: C2, Z2, or M2. Could use a push in the right direction. Have a Streamlight M3X for a weapon mounted light already, but am interested in a hand held in addition to the weapon mounted light. The one recharable on the maybe list is a Streamlight Strion. If this needs to go in a different board feel free to move this where you think it should go. IDPA night shoots won't allow weapon mounted lights (goofy as hell, but that's the rules). Thanks Rick

Duane, I knew that you knew that but the comments were geared toward those that are going where the hell did this speed reload thing come from because it isn't listed under the reload section in the new rule book just the glossary. I think some like to see what is actually written in the actual rule book instead of someone's take on what they think that it means. I like the cut and paste feature. I didn't like how long the last post was but wanted to post the complete section instead of what I thought was important. Sorry for the long one. Until next time. Rick

This is the whole section from the new rules: "Appendix TWO - Approved IDPA Reloads Failure to do an IDPA approved reload will result in a three (3) second procedural penalty per infraction. Failure to do the reload specified by the CoF will result in a three (3) second procedural penalty or an FTDR. Failure to properly stow a partial magazine or live ammunition after a Tactical Reload or Reload with Retention prior to firing the first shot after the reload, will incur a procedural penalty. Tactical Reloads and Reloads with Retention are interchangeable. See glossary for further details. When no specific type of reload is specified, any approved reload may be done at the shooter’s discretion. Malfunction Clearing Exception: When clearing a malfunction, the magazine or speedloader that may have caused the malfunction does not need to be retained by the shooter and will incur no penalty. Approved IDPA reloads: Tactical Reload Tactical Reload (Tac-Load) is recharging the gun during a lull in the action by: A. Drawing a spare magazine prior to the ejection of the partial magazine from the gun. B. Dropping the partial magazine from the gun. C. Inserting the spare magazine into the gun. D. Stowing the partial magazine properly (See “proper magazine retention” in the glossary). NOTE: Should the CoF call for a Tac-Load and the magazine is empty while a round remains in the chamber, the empty magazine must be retained. NOTE: HQ urges course designers to draft scenario courses that do not require tac-loads or reloads with retention to be performed “on the clock”. Reload with Retention (RWR) Reload with Retention (RWR) is recharging the gun during a lull in the action by: A. Dropping the partial magazine from the gun. B. Stowing the partial magazine properly (See “proper magazine retention” in the glossary). C. Drawing a spare magazine. D. Inserting the spare magazine into the gun. NOTE: Should the CoF call for a Reload with Retention and the magazine is empty while a round remains in the chamber, the empty magazine must be retained. NOTE: HQ urges course designers to draft scenario courses that do not require tac-loads or reloads with retention to be performed “on the clock”. Slide-Lock (Emergency) Reload Slide-Lock (Emergency) Reload is recharging the gun when it is completely empty by: A. Dropping the empty magazine. B. Drawing a spare magazine. C. Inserting the spare magazine into the gun. D. Racking the slide or hitting the slide release button. NOTE: The slide does not lock back on some guns. In that case, the shooter will have to rack the slide. This is not grounds for a procedural penalty. NOTE: Reloads may only begin when the shooter is fully behind cover and will be deemed completed when the fresh magazine is seated and the slide is fully forward or the cylinder is closed. (See Appendix THREE – Cover) Intentional “round dumping” to gain a competitive advantage will result in a twenty (20) second FTDR penalty. A good example is firing extra rounds from a position in the open so you will be at slide lock and thus reload on the way to cover. Courses should be designed with specific reload points behind cover in mind. Once behind cover, a competitor may move behind cover while reloading. If a competitor shoots to slide lock with targets still remaining to be engaged from a specific firing point, the competitor does NOT have to duck behind cover while reloading, if you are using cover adequately while firing it will also be adequate cover while reloading. Keeping an eye on your threat zone while reloading is a sound tactic in the real world. For IDPA purposes, contestants may replace the magazine in their pistol with a fully loaded one while the pistol remains in the holster as long as they are facing down range and the range is clear. It is highly recommended that contestants become comfortable with performing either a Tactical Reload or a Reload with Retention between strings of fire as they re-charge their pistols." Then in Appendix 11 under Glossary it states: "Reload: A method of recharging the gun. There are three (3) types of reloads allowed in IDPA. See “Reload, Slide Lock”, “Reload, Tactical (Tac-Load)” and “Reload with Retention” for further details. A shooter is deemed loaded and may move from a position of cover ONLY when the fresh magazine is FULLY-SEATED and the slide is closed or revolver cylinder is closed. Reload, Speed or Slide Down: Recharging the gun when there is a round in the chamber by: Dropping the partial magazine on the ground. Drawing a spare magazine. Inserting the spare magazine into the gun. Leaving the partial or empty magazine behind. NOTE: There is NO provision for the speed reload in IDPA competition." Yes, Duane no speed reload in IDPA. I shoot both sports and practice both. I guess that I should have said that I practice every reload except a tactical reload since it isn't required ANYWHERE any longer and is only an option. Rick

I no longer practice a true tactical reload. I only do three types of reloads what IDPA calls a speed reload in the book or an USPSA reload in which rounds are dropped on the ground, an emergency reload or slide lock reload and a RWR. Those are going to get you through what you need to get through and quit fumbling with the mags.

Gabe, thanks for the link on the flipping the round. Jim Lynch's explaination and pictures really added some meat to the discussion. What surprises me is that I have been to many matches and no one has ever mentioned this. I'm an SO and nothing was ever brought up in the training for that either. I know that many on this board don't like to repeat discussions that have gone on before, but bringing these types of things to the light every once in a while sure does help all of us newbies. Look back at your last match. Of all of the competitors you see how many of them are relatively new? How many have less than two seasons under their belt? It's good to go over this stuff once in a while. Thanks for the link Gabe. So now that you have stopped flipping - how do you grab the slide?

Reloads for me have finally started to come together and that wasn't always the case. Practice them over and over and see what you get for times. That doesn't mean do 3 or 4 and then move on to something else. Brian and Matt explain these things better than I but I will try and go through my reload sequence. One of the things that I read on this forum that really dropped my time was to go for the new mag NOW! I use to push the mag release as the first order of priority, but now I start to move my weak hand first. There really isn't a first and then do something else, but the focus on moving my weak hand cut tenths off of my reloading times. The "in your face" reload for me takes the gun from the firing position and moves it back to my solar plexis. My strong arm just folds at the elbow and the elbow rests against my rib cag which stabilizes the gun which is canted so that I can see the inside of the mag well. When you insert the new mag into the well look at the inside of the mag well until the mag is in - not just a glimpse, but rather look at what you are trying to hit. Many speak of "looking" the magazine in. Put a little focus on going for the new mag NOW and report back - I think that you will be pleasantly surprised. Good luck. Rick

Glock24shooter, if you like that kind of paint scheme you need a nice blade to go along with that. Check out the Dalton series of knives. They use similar patterns for the scales (handles) on many of their knives. Check out their big ass assasin: http://mywebpages.comcast.net/km4yk/redass1.jpg The battledragon is also a sweetheart: http://mywebpages.comcast.net/km4yk/bdred.jpg Hope that the links work. Rick

Ben, Don't tell anyone that I daydream - it sounds so much more professional to visualize.

Sounds like good things happen to those that deserve it. Congrats again - it's nice to hear that hard work does pay off. Rick

Congrats man - that's really cool. Did you shoot pistol before this or did you just buy a gun and start and have this kind of success. Also what do you attribute it to? How many rounds in 5 months etc. No where near an A shooter and bought the gun in Dec ( about the same time ) have had some tremendous improvements but not like yours. So lay out the road map and tell us how you did it. Thanks Rick

Thanks all for the input - I'll change my own routine some, thanks for sharing. Rick

The 1967 date wouldn't surprise me at all. This just wasn't some urban ledgend but rather a case study that most people that took psych 101 had as part of their intro to psych. I do agree that physical practice and visualization go together. My comments were that if you can't get to the range as often as you should at least think about the process of shooting in as much proper detail as possible and some gains can still be made. Rick

Shred, that reference from was the college days 20+ years ago. Like I said - statistically insignificant outcome difference between the two groups. The point is that visualization can and does help with outcomes. Also ripping and gripping can develop some nasty habbits, but visualization only focuses on perfect technique if you understand what perfect is to begin with. Don't get me wrong guys, I'm not into all the mumbo jumbo stuff even with the psych degree, the point is that the process doesn't hurt a damn thing. Multiply times per day along with shorter durration also beats one period of longer duration. So frequent daydreaming that is focused with great detail has a place in many of our training routines. Just the thoughts of a C class shooter who is trying to get better so don't put too much weight into my thought patterns. But for me, it seems to be helping me in the right direction.

Congrats Tank. Glad that a couple of things are falling together for you. It sure is a lot more fun with a little knowledge than just struggling. I will be on Matt's waiting list for Vol 7 on how to practice. Watched for the Nth time last night "How to Shoot Faster - Vol 4". Great stuff. Bluntly though I would start at the begining and get 1-3 on the two disk set first. Short basketball story on visualization. Two groups of kids A & B. Both groups were shown the proper technique to shoot freethrows. Group A was allow to practice on an actual court and shoot as many baskets as possible. Group B wasn't allowed to touch a basketball but was rather directed to think about the technique and visualize how it is to be done. When both groups were allowed back on the court which group shot better freethrows? It is an old study but my recollection says that the group that just visualized shot as well as the group that practiced. Statistically insignificant difference. So why the basketball reference and how can that relate to shooting. I've been reading Brian Enos' book and visualizing daily without as much range time as I would like. I'm getting better. I think, eat, sleep and even while working think of shooting and technique. I'm faster and better than ever. Don't get me wrong, you still have to actually shoot and get familiar with your weapon but there are times when you can take three minues and just visualize the sights on a target with all of the detail that you can muster concerning stance, grip, trigger control and see the sights lift as the trigger breaks that perfect shot. If you can't shoot think of it in detail - might surprise yourself. Rick

I have decided to just stay with the Blazer ammo and work on technique instead of reloading. The cost savings for me is not worth the extra effort. Notice that I did say :"FOR ME". Maybe my opinion will change at one point, but with the cost of ammo what it is, I am happy to shoot the Blazers. Rick

One of the G34's is sprung with a 13# ISMI and the other G34 is sprung with a 12 # Wolf ( has a Novak full length SS Guide rod and the ISMI spring doesn't have enough diameter). Must be a whimp because just thumb and forfinger can be done, but not easily. I also see that if in Aug and sweating like crazy will never work.

Everyone has there own routine I understand this. I have also shot a number of matches this year so it isn't my first match. I am also a SO, so I do understand the proceedure. What I am looking for is how do you unload and show clear at the command? I would like to cycle my Glock 34 the same all of the time so that I get use to a proper way and that is how I do it. I prefer palm down, over the top of the slide and grip with four fingers on one side of the slide and thumb on the other. I feel that this is the best way to not only clear the gun but also the proper technique for a tap, rack, bang in case of a feeding problem of any type. My concern is that the chamber is not easily seen with my whole hand in the way for the SO that is running the station. Some times I thumb and index finger the rear serrations from the back of the slide which I feel is best for the SO but not for me as a shooter. I also see Matt Burkett in his videos rack the slide from the front of the slide by hooking his week hand thumb over top of the slide and manipulating it that way. He is shooting an STI with serration there and my Glock 34 doesn't have serrations in that location and I don't like the concept of having to rely on grip tape for slide manipulation. What is your technique and why? Do you also had a way to keep the round in the gun off of the ground or do you just let it fall? I see some SOs like to catch it, I let it fall if I an the SO. I would like to hear from shooters and SOs/ROs. Thanks everyone. Rick

Ben, in Brian's book he writes of 5 different types of sight focus. Until I read this section I kept thinking "what are these guys talking about seeing the sight lift out of a 4 yard target I don't see such a thing". In Brian book a type one or two focus you will not see the sight lift out of the notch. That is my take on his writing. In a type one you are focused on where you are hitting and the range is relatively short. This shot is almost just indexed and your awareness of the front sight is no where close to what it will be as compared to shoot a set of standards at 15 or 20 yards. Someone can chime in and tell me that I am all wet, but that is what I came away with after reading this section. Currious if others see the sight lift on a type one or two focus?