RAP

That’s a good question. I wish I would have thought of doing that. I believe at some point they will replace the older style CB with the new ones. Until then l will keep sending it in each time it goes down. At some point I think they will get tired of fixing it and upgrade. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I just got my repaired DPP back last night (AD). They replaced the circuit board with the original style. We’ll see how many rounds I’ll get out of it this go around. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

7.7.2019 It's a month since I've taken the time to post in my Diary and a lot of stuff has happened. I took a Ben Stoeger class June 3 & 4th at Green Valley. It was one of the best things I could have done to help me break out of my slump. Ben broke down my shooting and gave me structured training techniques to help improve my training. I have dry fried as much as I could. Not as much as I wanted, but my work travel schedule has been brutal so dry fire has been sporadic. Live fire has been the same, sporadic. But this is because of weather. We have had our share of rain around here. Between work and rain I haven't shot a match since June 8th. I'm happy to say that changed today. I shot at CAPS (Lefthanders) today. I haven't shot at this club over a year which is a shame. These guys put on a really good match. Today was no disappointment. All things considered I am pretty happy with my performance. I finished 3rd out of 17 shooters in Catty Optics. 16th out of 76 shooters overall. This match had 7 stages with a classifier. My squad started on stage 3. Stage 3 - 26 rounds. 22 A's and 4 C's, time 14.20. My issue was simple, I was slow. My stage plan was good, execution was good as far as shooting goes. I was tepid and didn't push myself as hard as I should have. Stage 4 - Classifier 18-07 Didn't You Send the Mailman. 5 A's, 1 C, time 5.95 HF 4.7089. Nothing dramatic on this one, other than I blew my reload. I literally jammed my magazine into the my hand missing the mag opening completely. Probably cost me a second or two. The good was getting out of the chair quickly gun on target and transitions. Stage 5 - 20 rounds all steel: time 18.98. I had 3 make up shots. My problem was my slow footwork. This stage was very muddy. I did not explode or really hustle to between positions and the result of this is I was 2.5 seconds slower then the fastest shooter. I was too concerned about slipping in the mud. Stage 6 - 20 rounds. 11 A's, 8 C's and 1 D, time 14.21. This stage was an unloaded start. My biggest issue is too many Charlies and 1 lushly miss (D). I did slip on this stage when I exploded to the second position. When I set my left foot to slowdown as I was entering the position my foot slipped causing me too lose balance resulting in a few lost seconds. It's just part of the game..... Stage 7 - 22 rounds 10 paper 2 steel. 12 A's, 9 C's, 1 D, time 17.48. This was a challenging stage. I struggled getting my stage plan solidified and this cost me time which turned into rushing my shots resulting in poor hits. I hesitated on 2 of the positions because my stage plan was nonexistence thus gobbling up precious time. Stage 1 - 31 rounds 15 paper 1 steel. 22 A's and 9 C's, time 20.95. This stage started off really rough. First position I had 4 paper and the one piece of steel. 2 of the paper targets where fairly close, 5 yards. The remaining 2 paper and 1 steel was at 20 yards. I took too much time on this position I wanted to ensure I got my hits at distance. I rand the remainder of the stage very well. I executed fairly well shooting into and out of each remaining position. Stage 2 23 rounds 10 paper 3 steel 1 swinger. Time 15.13. This was my worst stage of the day. This stage required all magazines to start on the barrels. I was very happy that I recently practiced starts with magazines on table. I also worked on grabbing 2 magazines at once stuffing one in a mag pouch and the other into the gun. This went very well. I was able to execute this and get a shot on the steel to activate the swinger quickly. My movement was quick and my one reload was really fast and smooth. But, I forgot one target. It was an easy target, I just forgot it. So I ended up wrecking a really good run with 2 Mikes and a failure to engage the target. Lots of stuff to work on. One thing sticks out. Stage planning. I need to get better and shooting more matches will certainly help. I also, saw another weakness I haven't really worked on and that is distant change up. I need to incorporate distance shooting with transitions. The cool A ha moment happened on stage 2. The practice with unloaded starts including "all magazines on table/barrel paid off. It's always cool to see your practice really pay off.

I’ll follow up Tuesday when the new/repaired dot arrives. I’m very curious what is coming. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

In April I sent my first DPP in for repair. Leupold replaced the board, no mention of battery contact. I reinstalled the repaired DPP and put about 3,000 rounds through it before the dot started fading and disappear while shooting. Turns out the battery contact was slipping. I sent the dot back to Leupold for repair. They received the dot June 29th and July 2nd I received a shipping notification. I don’t know if the dot was repaired or replaced. I’ll find out next Tuesday when I get it. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Below is my load with Sport Pistol. My load is 3.2 grains SP, Winchester SPP, 147 cast Hitek coated and sized to .357”. I shot this while sighting in my new TP9Sfx. All 4 shots measured 1.5” at 20 yards. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

For competition I shoot a custom built 2011 for Limited and a Canik TP9Sfx for Carry Optics. I carry a performance center Shield in 9mm. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I am really liking my Canik TP9Sfx. I bought it because I wanted a back up gun and I was very curious about them. After my first time shooting it, the Canik became my primary gun and my CZ is my back up. Now I only have about 5,000 rounds (give or take a couple hundred). The pistol has been very reliable and accurate. The only upgrades I have done to date is put a Freedom Smith Racer trigger, Sprinco recoil spring and a lighter striker spring. I think the striker spring is a Newton 29? The pistol has been very reliable and accurate.

A couple years ago I did a test comparing magneto speed to my traditional chronograph. The velocity difference was somewhere in the neighborhood of 10-15 feet difference. Nothing I worried about.

I have the CZ P09 Kadet. So far it’s been reliable even with the cheap bulk 22 ammo. If you have put a lighter hammer spring in you can run into problems with light strikes. Outside of this I haven’t had any reliability issues. Also, like most 22’s I’ve owned it’s sensitive to ammo for accuracy. Better the quality of ammo the better accuracy. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

6.2.2019 This week I managed to get 3 dry fire practice session in and a live fire practice in today with some friends. My dry fire practice this week surrounded some basics. I worked on transitions, reloads and movement. My goal was to push myself until my wheels fell off. I believe I accomplished this each practice session. Today we started practice with Rob Leatham's drill. I like this drill to help "tune up" my draw, grip and trigger pulls. I managed to get 6 shots in 3 seconds in a decent group. Next we did the transition drill from Charlie Perez. Setting up 4 targets at 7 yards. My splits were .20 - .23 seconds and transitions were in the .25 seconds average range. Pretty much same as last time I did this drill. I then pushed and really drove the gun until accuracy started suffering. Next we worked on shooting into and out of positions. I really struggled with this drill. I just couldn't get my foot work going. I think I was going into the shooting position to "hot". Need to learn to start slowing down as I approach to set myself up better. 3rd drill was shooting while moving left to right and right to left. Wow I really sucked today. Of course it's not something I practice regularly. More like very infrequently. However, It was a very good and was a good tune up for Ben Stoeger's class we are taking June 3rd & June 4th.

I can appreciate your concern. I have been loading for 25 years using CCI, Federal, Winchester, Remington and other brands as well. I have no idea how many 10’s of thousands of rounds I have loaded over the years. I have had 2 primer detonations. First was CCI large Pistol primer and the second one was early last year with a Winchester small Pistol primer. This was on 2 different presses and priming systems. My advice is don’t force a primer when seating it. If it takes more than “normal” force stop and check why it’s taking more than normal force. Correct what needs corrected and move on. When you start loading pay attention to how the primer feels when seating them. In a short time you’ll develop a feel for normal and what’s not normal. Secondly, clean your primer system including your primer tubes every couple thousand rounds. I just cleaned mine yesterday pushing an alcohol pad through the ID of my primer tubes (the alcohol pads came out yellow from primer dust) and wiped off my transfer bar. And last but certainly not least; wear safety glasses. Reloading is a fun and safe hobby. Establish a safe routine and pay attention to the details. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I have used Energizers and Duracell batteries in my DPP. I have not noticed a difference between the two brands. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Too old!? I was 50 when I started shooting USPSA. That was 4 years ago. I love to compete and I’m having loads of fun. I wish I would have started earlier. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

5.26.2019 Shot at Arnold Gun Club today. As expected they put on a very good match. Stages were challenging and fun. However, it was a very interesting day as well. Match director had sent an email out earlier last week asking for help with RO's. The squad I was on only had one person capable of RO duties and score keeping. That happened to be me. Thankfully a couple friends stepped in and helped and one of the newer shooters stepped in and helped with the scoring tablet. We had a total of 4 experienced shooters on the squad. Everyone one else was either brand new or had shot 1-2 matches. So it was a very busy match for me. But I enjoyed the match and really had good time helping the new shooters have a safe enjoyable experience. Now lets get on with my mediocre performance. I took 3rd in Carry Optics. I simply had too many mental mistakes that cost me time. For the match I had 100 A's: 22 C's: 1D: 2 M's: with a total time of 127 seconds. The winner of my division had 107 A's: 14 C's: 3 D's: 1 M: with a total time of 113 seconds. Stage 1 for us was 3rd stage of the match "sweet spot". 22 A's, 5 C's, time 29.47 4.2416 HF. I was satisfied with my hits but not with my stage execution. My plan was solid but wow, I couldn't put myself in the right position to save my butt. I found myself constantly adjusting my position in order to shoot the targets thus costing me precious time. Stage 4 was the classifier 18-04 Didn't you send the Mailman. Well, I don't know what to say. All I needed to do was get up out of a chair and step into the shooting box and shoot; simple. This was my best stage and won this one. 6 A's 5.87 seconds. 5.1107 HF. I guess I was somewhat fortunate as the shooter before me had a squib and that gave me sometime to get my head in the game while the other RO was off helping the shooter. When I shot it felt like I was going very slow. I had no idea I had shot 86.43%. I thought I had shot a solid B because it felt so slow. I'm sure there is a lesson in there. Stage 5 Back & Forth. 9 A's, 7 C's, 1 D time 23.36: 2.8682 HF. I took second on this stage. This stage was an interesting and very fun stage. You started with your unloaded gun on a barrel to either your right or left. Your starting magazine had to be on the opposite barrel. Your first shot had to come from the mag on the barrel. So at the beep you either ran and grabbed the mag and then ran to your gun or vice versa. The Barrels were outside the shooting area as well. My accuracy on this stage was lack luster at best. However, I at least didn't hit any of the no-shoots behind the steel. Stage 6 Minion Mayhem. This is were I got my first of 2 mikes. 25 A's, 4 C's, 1 M, time 32.95 for a 3.8543 HF. On this stage we had 3 separate shooting areas. Only in 1 shooting area did you need to be in 2 positions because of a "hidden steel target". But I decided I needed to cost myself time by creating 2 additional shooting positions because as I moved from position to position I would find myself having to adjust myself so I could shoot all the available targets. And to throw salt in the wound my time entered was wrong. My actual time was 28.xx seconds not 32.95. Oh well it's my fault for not verifying the entries on the tablet. Stage 1 The Slump. 19 A's 4 C's, 1 M, time 16.84 for a 5.7601 HF. This stage was set up to shoot starting on the right or left side. You had 3 shooting positions with 4 targets each. The key to success on this stage was never stopping in each position. You had opportunity to shoot into and out of each position keeping your body moving. Something I did pretty well; except for the 1 Mike. My take away is I called my Mike. But, I was out of position far enough I felt the time to get back into position to make up the Mike I would lose more points from the additional time. I haven't calculated my hit factor if I would have made up the shot. I think I could have made it up within 2 seconds, but I'm not sure that either. Stage 2 Don't lean on Me. 19 A's, 2 C's, time 19.43 for a HF of 5.1981. This was my best stage outside of the classifier. I at least finished strong and took this stage in CO. The challenge of this stage was the head shots. A lot of guys had misses on these. But, I still had a brain fart and had to adjust myself in one position and of course it cost me. Outside of that little mishap my stage plan was solid and I gave respect to the tough shots and blasted away at the close targets. I had good movement into and out of each position. Executing my stage plan was a real struggle and certainly cost me time. But, time to put this behind me and now I am looking forward to the Ben Stoeger class June 3rd & 4th.

5.25.2019 Tonight was a dry fire night with a focus on reloading while moving and static. I stated off with 2 shooting positions 7 yards apart. I would move left to right practicing getting my reload done and on target as soon as I am in position. This took some time to get the technique figured out. When I did things seemed to fall into place weather going left to right or vice versa. I set up my timer with a par time of 1.10 seconds and practiced standing reloads. I found my technique was lacking. I was dropping the gun down to much causing me to miss the reload. I back tracked and did Burkett drill to get the technique firmed up. Doing this helped tremendously. I have a match tomorrow at Arnold provided the weather cooperates. It will be my first match in a month.

5.24.2019 Today I took a 1/2 day vacation and spent it on the range with my good friend Nick getting in some good live fire practice. It's always good training with friends and I seem to get more out of the practice then by myself. Today we worked on transitions, reloads, strong and weak hand shooting and Rob Latham's drill on steel target. We set the par time at 3 seconds and quickly realized my grip had gotten lazy. Next we did the transition drill from Charlie Perez. We set up 4 targets at 7 yards. We shot T1 - T4 twice establishing a baseline of time. My splits were .20 - .23 seconds and transitions were .25 seconds average. Nick really benefitted from this drill cutting his transitions times in half. Nick really worked hard and did great job improving. We also performed the "swing drill" from Charlie. This drill really seems to help drive the gun and shoot faster once on target. We also mixed up the transition drill by going from T1 - T3 and T3 - T1. We finished up this drill by goin from T1 - T3 back to T2 and finish on T4. Next we moved to reloads, strong & weak hand shooting. We decided to set up 18-06 - For That Day. This classifier has a 15 yard bill drill on T1 (zebra target) reload and shoot strong hand only onto T3 which has a no shoot at 15 yards. String 2 has draw fire 3 shots freestyle reload and shoot 3 shots weak hand all from 15 yards. It's a tough little classifier. I was happy with my reload times and the accuracy of my strong and weak hand shooting. My biggest issue was T1. I couldn't seem to keep 6 shots in the A zone. Every time I shot T1 I would have a mike. I need to work on this. I believe my lack of a solid grip is the culprit.

5.19.2019 Today I managed to have some free time to get out to the range for some live fire practice. I haven't shot a match this month because of family obligations (Son getting married). My dry fire practice has been very hit & miss. My work travel schedule has been brutal and doesn't show and slowing down for the near future. Since my last post I installed a Freedom Smith Racer trigger on my TP9sfx. This trigger works as advertised and I am very happy with it. I feel it was a good investment. Today I worked on transitions, reloads, strong and weak hand shooting. I started off with a drill I saw here on BE by Charlie Perez. Thank you Charlie for a tough, efficient and fun drill. I followed his video and set up 4 targets at 7 yards. (I think Charlie had them set at 5).I shot T1 - T4 twice establishing a baseline of time. My splits were .20 - .23 seconds and transitions were .32 - .35 seconds. Goal was to get my sports and transition time the same. Which I managed to accomplish on my last 3 runs with very good hits, I would drop 1 A for a C. I also performed the "swing drill" Charlie demonstrated. This drill was surprisingly tough and took me several tries before I felt I was getting somewhat proficient. I also mixed up the transition drill by going from T1 - T3 and T3 - T1. I decided to kick it up at the end and have some fun by goin from T1 - T3 back to T2 and finish on T4, etc. I finished up the practice with some reloads, strong & weak hand shooting. I decided to start with a draw fire freestyle reload and transition to strong or weak hand shooting. for the most part I was happy with my reload times and the accuracy of my strong and weak hand shooting. My biggest hiccup was getting used to the new trigger with my weak hand. It took a few tries before I was comfortable shooting weak hand with the trigger. My issue was not getting my weak hand trigger finger on the trigger properly to disengage the safety shoe. Very happy with todays practice. I am hoping my travels will slowdown to a more normal pace allowing me to focus on more dry fire practices.

I don’t think you have anything to be concerned about. A few years ago I stopped by Missouri Bullet Co. to pick up some lead ingots and Bullets. They are very nice people and gave me a tour of their operation. I saw several large containers of Bullets that could easily weigh 500 pounds. They don’t have problems with deformation. BTW Missouri Bullets has a very clean and organized operation. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That’s cool! I had 6 months of Physical Therapy after surgery. I had an awesome Surgeon and Physical Therapist. PT is amazing. I learned a lot about how the body works and the importance of strength and flexibility. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Curious, did you have surgery or Physical Therapy for your knee? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I size all my 9mm Bullets .357”. I have never encountered a problem them. In my experience Cast Bullets perform better when they are sizes .002” over. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Listening to Alice and Chains on Lithium channel on SirusXM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

My first DPP lasted just shy of 18,000 rounds before I sent it in for repairs. It was mounted on a CZ P09 with milled slide. Second DPP is still going strong, not nearly as many rounds as my first one yet. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I tore my Patella tendon last year and lost most of season. My right knee will get very stiff. I workout so I incorporate flexibility exercises into my workout routines. This helps keep me flexible. However, if I’m really stiff I will do the following stretches outside of my exercise days as well. Standing hamstring stretch, figure four, 90/90 stretch, butterfly stretch, knee to chest stretch, standing quad stretch, extended puppy pose and knee to chest. Keep in mind when you damage tour knee you also effect other body parts as well such as your hips and lower back. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk