AusPPC

A good point was made about trigger actuation in 'action' matches, which is a specific application. For faster splits and a faster reset, I'd probably agree using the pad works. When I shoot IPSC and the targets are close, then the pad works and I'll sometimes use it. For the precision type matches, for me personally, I absolutely get better results using the crease of my finger. When there is time to stage (or at least not rush) the trigger and the 10 ring is small, using the crease gives me smooth and linear control over the trigger stroke. The heavier or less tuned the trigger, the more this holds true. Toolguy had a good summary - dry fire at a blank wall and use whatever method minimises sight wobble.

Excellent advice there from Toolguy (that I need to follow a bit more myself). You definitely want to engage the trigger with the first crease of your index finger. I gave up on shooting revolver in the early days because I used the pad of my finger (like I was 'taught' from all the auto shooters) and could never get rid of the left-to-right wobble, especially in rapid fire. Don't worry about not being at 90 degrees between your hand and the trigger, there will always be (and kind of has to be) a bit of an angle. The curved shape of the trigger provides some compensation.

Welcome. I just came back from a holiday in Rome, so much history. Despite the restrictions it's good to see pistol shooting still alive and well there. Good luck with your loading bench, you will spend a lot of time in front of it!

Had to send a S&W 686-6 back due to a barrel that was misaligned to the frame.

I took up IPSC Revolver this year, coming from Production. Yep, very different beast to shooting an auto in terms of cadence. The long reset of the trigger is one of the biggest differences. In the early days you're eyes want to transition off the target to the next one because they've been trained that the shot should have already broken. "Shooting blind" is the result. I actually got into IPSC Revolver in the hope it would help my PPC shooting, but 10 months later the jury is still out. Trigger rhythm is very different between the matches.

PPC continues to be shot at most pistol clubs here in Australia (either under the international WA1500 format, or the national Service Pistol format), and is my favourite match. All the other comments regarding the importance of trigger control are spot on, as between 26% to 32% of the total score is taken at 50 yards there is zero room for bad habit to achieve a credible score. It's worth bench testing whatever handgun you're going to use to ensure it will group at 50 yards, this will save frustration and de-motivation later if you're not getting the results you expect. It took me a few years to find the optimum positions for each stage, like how to mount the barricade, how to brace the revolver when sitting, or how to reliably shoot unsighted (our national version requires shooting 'instinctively' at 7 yards). I'm still experimenting and will no doubt improve those positions again. It's common for newbie PPC shooters to look very awkward when they shoot and struggle accordingly, due to most of the positions being un-natural and requiring you to find the best fit with your own physique. Lighting is also a big factor for me in terms of score from 25 yards and out, but as you can't really control that it pays to learn to adapt. Having good sights improves consistency. In my humble opinion PPC is one of the most well-rounded of all the matches and apart from being a great challenge can help improve whatever other matches you shoot.

This will do the same thing. It's all where you mount the trigger switch. I do more brass processing than anything, so I wanted to know how many cases dropped through the collator. Indeed, the location of the switch is critical, and given all the movement that's going on over several thousand repititions, it has to be durable too. I saw someone else make a collator counter like yours (I think the video is on Youtube), but he spliced into the existing factory microswitch (that shuts the collator off when the drop tube is full) to trigger his counter. As there is mains electricity somewhere inside there I'm not game to try and replicate his effort, your parallel approach seems a fair bit safer.

I'm currently building a round counter for a Hornady LNL that will count completed rounds only, not press cycles. It's a fun project.

Welcome Haldo from a (new) fellow Sydney-sider! Very envious that you are freed from the constraints of work to focus on shooting.

Hi Toolguy, Many thanks! Early on in my PPC career I ignored some of the advice of the "old time" members of the club, and regretted doing so within a year. Scores jumped up as soon as I followed their tips. We are lucky to have some of the worlds best PPC WA1500 shooters right here in Australia. When they speak, the smarter amongst us listen.

Hey mate, I'm from Sydney. How about yourself?

G'day, A new member here from Australia (yes we can still own centrefire handguns in this country). I primarily compete in PPC matches (Service Pistol / WA1500) but also regularly shoot IPSC. My current goal path is in achieving A-grade / Master-grade status, and towards that end I've made investments in improved gear, reloading volume, books, DVD's, study of sport psychology, score tracking, keeping a performance journal and competing in every open tournament I can across the state. This forum seems like the best place to share ideas with other competitors as I go along that journey. Look forward to chatting! AusPPC