mark dye

Fri-Sun makes a lot more sense for most of us poor working slobs!!! Since we are on the subject of match format: I have been to 4 major matches so far this year (Fla Open, AR6, SC Section, & AR8). All of these matches have filled to capacity, and have boasted far higher attendencd than in previous years. In my opinion the largest reason for this change is that all offered shooting in a single day format. This is far easier on shooters, saving both time(vacation days) and dollars (allowing us to shoot more matches per year). If I want a sight seeing trip, I'll plan one. If I go somewhere to shoot I want to shoot hard, enjoy the comradarie of the other shooters, and go home! mark dye

I have experimented quite a bit with this. I spent a lot of time shooting the steel challenge courses with a variety of loads. I don't think it makes any difference whether I am shooting my .22 1911 conversion, minor 9mm loads, or .45 ball ammo at nearly 200 PF. My scores are essentially the same. The exception to this is that if I miss a plate, the "make-up" shot is considerably slower with a higher power factor. Since you are transitioning to a new target after each shot, I think that any negative effects of recoil are largely irrelevent. Mark Dye

I find that I shoot my best when squadded with a bunch of guys approximately my own level (high A or lower level M's). When shooting with much better shooters, I don't use their pace or cadence as a guideline, but I do find myself taking risks that I probably have no business taking. The best way for GM shooter to attack a stage may not always be the best strategy for all of us. I do however, learn a lot from shooting with the Big Dogs! Conversly, when squadded with lower level shooters than myself, I find myself getting "lazy" and not performing up to my potential. When shooting with a bunch of guys near my own ability level, the competition is much more intense and generally a lot more fun. Mark

hey guys, Excellent match! The stages, facility, staff, weather, and atmosphere were all wonderful! I have attended a lot of section matches in the last few years, and I have to say that this was one of the best! I would like to thank the staff, RO's, and stage designers for a job well done. Not to mention that this was a shooting range with indoor plumbing!!!! No need to use a Port-O-Let!!! Mark Dye

I am aware that there are a number of MOR (manually operated rifle) matches out there somewhere (aside from the side match at the 3-gun nationals). I've heard them called MOR, Sniper matches, precision rifle, etc. At any rate, does anyone know of a website where match info is posted? I realize that most of these matches are organized by small independent groups, and that there is no national organization as of yet. Unfortunately, I've been told that many of these matches are only open to law enforcement/military. I hear that they have great prizes and some very intense and creative stages. I know that Mike Voigt, Matt Burkett, Jim Clark Jr., and some other well known guys are playing these games. These matches sound like a blast! I just want to know where to find some (preferably on the east side of the Misissippi). Mark

i've used everything under the sun. Var-sol or mineral spirits used in a parts washer is my favorite. As for something that comes in an aerosol can, I use electric motor cleaner. The kind I'm using now is called Lektra-Clean. It is about $3 at Home Depot stores. Mark

As a guy who makes his living working on guns (though I don't work on 1911's much anymore), I'd encourage you to give it a try. Everybody has to build a "first gun". Gunsmithing is not brain surgery, but it does require a fair amount of specific knowledge and skill. Taking a class from someone who knows what they are doing would be a great way to start. That would shorten your learning curve tremendously. Check out the NRA short courses offered at several gunsmithing schools (like Montgomery Community College in NC). They usually offer a weekend length 1911 course taught by some experienced and well known guys. My best advice is not to be afraid to screw up a few parts while learning. No matter what they tell you, there is not a gunsmith out there who hasn't ruined some perfectly good parts along the way. The key is to bite the bullet and admit that you screwed up! Mark

I'd love to hear Dave's take on this thread. I have had several occasions to watch Sevigny shoot... last year at a couple of major matches, at club matches in Georgia, last weekend at the Fla. Open, and last night on Shooting USA on OLN. I noticed as you did that he extends his elbows further than most, making his stance look more rigid. He also seemed to have his elbows on pretty much the same plane as the gun (as opposed to below the gun). I also noticed that he pulls the gun just a bit when shooting on the move (I assume to help absorb some of the "bounce" from his steps). Whatever he does, it obviously works very well for him!!! I feel sure that amazing hand/eye coordination, strong work ethic and incredible trigger control are David Sevigny's REAL secrets to his success. That being said... you can bet that I'll be trying that stance in my next practice sesssion! If we are going to discuss an unusual shooting stance, let's talk about that Japanese guy who is so great at the Steel Challenge ( I think his name is Tetsu Sakai). His elbows are almost straight down and the gun only six inches or so in front of his face.

I'm not absolutely sure that TSA or the new IDSA will either fill any real niche. In the end, it all comes down to the shooting. It doesn't matter where they have to carry their holster, what they have to hide behind, what size box the gun fits in, or how the stage scenarion is read, TGO and Dave Sevigny would still kick our asses. I think we'd all be better in the long run if we quit whining about equipment rules and just became more proficient with whatever equipment we choose to use. That being said... tell me the rules and point me to the range!!! I'll shoot USPSA, IDPA, NRA action pistol, GSSF, TSA, IDSA or anything else that goes bang!!! I love to shoot, and am always looking for an excuse to do more of it. I wish the new organizations the best of luck, and look forward to shooting a match if one ever happens in my area!!!

just my two cents worth... one of the original selling points of the L10 division was that hi-cap mags were extremely expensive/unobtainable. With the dissolution of the 1994 Crime bill, this is no longer the case. Those guys plugging away with widebody guns in L10 would have no problem finding mags to shoot in Limited. I am opposed to creating a NEW division for SS shooters because the previously discussed dilution of the level of competition (if we have enough divisions, maybe even I could become a national champion). I believe that the sensible option would be to make L10 into a SS 8-round division but not restricted to 1911's (Sig 220's, S&W 1045's, etc. would be fine too). As noted before, almost every gun company on earth is now producing or plans to produce a single stack 1911. In my opinion, we simply can't afford to ignore that level of potential sponsorship for our shooters and matches. Just look at the number of new sponsorships which have resulted from the Production class (Glock, Sig, CZ all have sponsored shooters and regularly donate prizes to matches). I feel that the same phenomenon would occur if L10 became SS only. Para-Ord, STI, etc. who are already stellar sponsors make single stacks in addition to their widebodies. I don't feel that the change wuld hurt them at all, and might boost sales of SS models. Further, we have to consider new shooters. Almost every new shooter in USPSA stares with either a SS 1911 or a Glock. They may graduate to something else later, but that's where we generally all start. At our local club match yesterday, we had 40 shooters...16 of which shot SS 1911's. A quick poll told me that most of these guys were not USPSA members, had no current classification, and had never attended a major match. They simply felt that they didn't have the equipment to compete. We need to get these guys involved with USPSA and major matches without further dilluting our level of competition, while attracting new sponsors to our sport at the same time. Losing current L10 to a SS division might be a small price to pay. mark