cody6477

Sometimes I'll see another shooter take a different approach to a portion of the course, one that I can integrate into my plan in a useful way. On the other hand, if it means a whole different plan for the course I'm not likely to make that much of a change. Part of it is staying within myself, knowing what I can execute effectively (and safely).

I could RO my daughter without being nervous about it. My wife is another matter entirely. Give her credit, though, if she deserved a DQ she would expect me to do it.

I learned early on as a marathon runner that you NEVER eat anything, wear anything or do anything new on race day. If you didn't do it in practice/training, don't do it that day. Took that with me to shooting - nothing on match day I haven't used or done before.

Stoeger's Holster Hanger has worked well for me as an offset. I use it with a Bladetech holster. Much better than the Bladetech drop offset thing, which actually positioned the gun too far from the belt (illegal in USPSA)

I tried the tungsten carbide insert for the stock guide rod and it reduced the flip of my 5.25/9mm but it was too heavy to be legal. The solid stainless guide rod is supposed to be legal for weight, a little lighter, and in the little bit of time with I've had with it I think it is helpful.

Appreciate all the suggestions. I almost always shoot with a buddy with more experience than me and it's helpful to map out the stage with him. I still forget stuff once in a while and my plan still evaporates once in a while, but with practice I'm getting better at executing a more or less rational and effective plan. In the local clubs where I mostly shoot it is pretty much understood that the shooter on deck is exempted from pasting and such to get ready.

In answer to the question is there such a thing as practice fatigue, I think there can be. Maybe two kinds. One is when you're tired or get tired during practice and start messing up. might be just as well to pack it in instead of "practicing" bad technique. The other is when you get burned out, maybe just trying too hard or making every trip to the range too intense/too long, etc. Not having fun. It's hard to fit practice in when you have family and work and other things to do, so much (maybe all?)of the time you have for recreation and relaxation is being spent in that practice. Everybody has the challenge of balancing everything and it's possible to get worn out.

My strong thumb is pretty much right there (if it doesn't go back into battery by itself, which happens a good percentage of the time). Flicking it with my thumb doesn't seem like a more demanding motor skill than the (gross?) motor skill of going for the slide with my weak hand.

I got certified for pretty much the same reasons as Parallax. I also ran into the same situation of being the one RO with a bunch of unknowns and newbies while several ROs shot together. Credit my match director at that club, who recognized it before I said anything and made sure to spread the work around. Still, sometimes you just have to be assertive and speak up - assertive doesn't mean being confrontational, just bringing it up without being apologetic or accusatory. We usually have people picking up their share of the work and everybody wanting everybody to have a decent experience, but if you have people not appreciating your efforts then back off.

You rocked those stars, my man!

Only shooting for a couple of years but got started almost immediately in USPSA. Took the RO course last year and have dabbled some in stage design this year - even had a couple of my stages used in local club matches. Looking forward to meeting people, getting ideas, and learning lots of stuff.