Tim James

I save up magazines (periodicals) for 6-12 months and send them over using AnySoldier. Nothing special.

Were you wearing anything to indicate you were in the military while dealing with security? I'm surprised the supervisor came over and was so apologetic, especially since you weren't "respecting their authority," but maybe he didn't want to cause a scene with a soldier.

Steve, it sounds like you are starting to answer your own question. I fully support you getting whatever you want for any reason, but make sure you are honest with yourself! Forum posts won't be able to sway you one way or the other; you'll have to go shoot them both and think about what is important to you. In fact, that's what I did! I'm so smart!

Unless he's quaking with fear that some jerk is shaking his head at how "sad" it is that he can't hit anything! Not to pick on you, but it seems like a lot of experienced shooters lack sensitivity, tact, and communication skills when talking to newbies. I'm not talking about hand-holding, I'm talking about saying the wrong thing when genuinely trying to offer support. I ought to write an article on this for Front Sight.

Haha, that reminds me of the public service announcement they play at the stadium about not drinking too much: "No one likes a sloppy Gator!" Cracks me up every time.

I liked the weight and length of the Tactical slide mostly for new shooters. I think it's a little easier for them to handle and enjoy shooting a centerfire gun that way once they graduate from the .22. If I ever become an expert and want a new gun for Production, maybe I'd look at the Service or shoot a Glock or something. (This is not a "if I had to do it over" sentiment, beause I'm still happy with the criteria I used to select the XD Tactical.)

Cross-dominance: do a search, I may have commented on it on this board. I can't remember. Basically, what you'll find is about 20 different people saying "oh, this is exactly how to handle it." Then, since you're upset about it at the moment, you'll feel short-term relief that it's so easy to take care of. However, what you really need to do is compile a list of all the ways to get around this issue (shoot lefty, tape over your dominant eye, shoot with one eye, scoot the gun over, etc.) and find out what works for you.

Don't listen to these guys, Jason. They just want you to come out so they can beat you with their expensive guns!! Just kidding. Although on this subject sometimes I go against the conventional wisdom that goes against the conventional wisdom. In other words, you'll think it's natural that you need a fancy gun to show up and play. Then you come on here and everyone says "oh, just use what you have!" That's usually fine -- just like when some poseur doesn't want to come out and race because he wants to put more parts on his car; it doesn't really matter. Sometimes there are reasons to spend a little money or wait before getting serious. Take me, for instance. What a great example! I tried 3-gun a month ago and showed up with my 870, XD, and M1. It was cool and I'm glad I tried it, but shooting with the M1 every month just doesn't seem that "fun" to me. Due to our range facilities, most courses are close range hose fests. Even though I truly don't care about winning, I was getting a little bored with having to constantly reload and run around with that thing. Therefore, I've decided to spend my time elsewhere until I pick up a cheap AR-15. In summary, you need to take an honest look at what you're goals are. Just out to win? You should probably spend time practicing. Prefer to shoot with a fancy gun for fun? Then don't let anyone steer you away. I also have a rant prepared about how it's okay to modify your gun instead of buying more ammo even when you're a newbie. Most of the time new guys want to be competitive so the advice usually holds, but some of us don't care and just want to play with a sweet gun each month! I hope I don't get too many clueless comments about how the money was "wasted," but if I do, look for that rant soon.

Do a search for more advice, but what has helped me is shooting quickly into a berm. It's much easier to see the sight bouncing around. Especially if you use a .22! It's almost fun watching it.

New shooters I take out seem to do that a lot, and I can't figure out what's going on. I still do it some too I guess -- still working on my grip and platform, or whatever the ninja term is.

Brendan, I applaud you for brainstorming and trying to bring new shooters into the sport. Sometimes the experienced people forget about what it's like to be new, or they dismiss newbies by saying, "I got through it all okay, so why should anyone hold their hand?" New divisions are a touchy subject right now, so maybe your idea was doomed. Still, I'm glad to see someone setting aside the mystical journey of practical shooting for a minute to think about easy ways to bring new people in for a little casual fun!

Competing with the Springfield XD 45 maybe? Chris Keen: I too would like to see Glock make a reliable slim single-stack 9mm. When I was looking for a carry gun, I went with a Kahr P9 because it was the slimmest and lightest (I was new to concealed carry and wanted to make sure I always had it). The Internet crowd had me worried that it would be very unreliable, but it has been great so far (2 failures with WWB in 2500 rounds). That said, I wouldn't mind seeing Glock's "world famous" reliability in a useful carry gun I've read that Justin Moon at Kahr has some patents on a few things in the action that make their guns really slim, like the offset loading, but I'm sure Gaston can think of something.

A novice class/division would be a great idea, just like they do in SCCA autocross. If you're new to the sport, you run heads up against the other novices. You can play there a maximum of 3 times or get bumped out if you win it. I agree with shred, though, that it should be run-what-you-brung to simplify things. Just like driving ability is more important than your car when you're new to the sport, a good shooter will be able to beat the guy borrowing his friend's STI. And before the usual crowd comes in to complain that there wouldn't be enough people to break out novices: well, that's your job to invite some friends! Having a separate class or division is a good way to keep them there long enough to get involved.

The only cool scene was when the camera zoomed in on Urban's eye and then he stands up in a first-person view and realizes he is healed. The rest of the movie was pretty dumb (including the rest of the first-person part), but I thought that transition was kind of neat in a "let's get it on" kind of way, even if it turned out to be a letdown.

AikiDale got it. They both did the right thing given their information at the time. If the 92-year-old were still alive, I don't think she should have to face charges, just like the cops won't. Both parties acted as reasonable individuals would in this situation.The problem is in the system: having to knock down the door in drug raids so they can get the evidence before it's destroyed. That is what leads to these no-win situations.

Just checking. I think I need to get off the forums and go shoot! Carry on.

Just do like me: don't go to the mall, don't watch TV, and don't listen to random radio stations. Your life will be a lot less stressful! I vaguely recall seeing a Christmas display at Petsmart, but I struck that from my mind. Eric, please modify your season slightly: the day after Thanksgiving is for a full day of shooting with friends and family in sunny Florida; the day after that is the start of Christmas season.

I'm new to USPSA and would like to ask a question. I've noticed some posts on this forum scolding people for hiding in lesser divisions and stating that the winners in those lesser divisions (or the various categories like High Senior, etc.) don't deserve trophies or accolades because there are so many niches that it's easy to win. I've also seen statements that practical shooting is a competition sport, and it shouldn't be designed so that everyone is a winner. Is this the prevailing personality in USPSA, or is it just a few Type A bullies that want to belittle others? I've been told to just come shoot my own game and have a good time, but from some of the high-strung comments here it seems like that is looked down on. Thank God I haven't encountered any assholes like that at the local level, or I'd go find something else to do.

"Competition Dilution" No one liked my last thought puzzle, so I'll try a new one. This also hints at what AikiDale was talking about. In the long run, which would produce stronger competition at the national or local level? 1. Cutting the number of divisions to 2 or 3 -- just the basics. 2. Increasing the number of divisions by 2 or 3 -- with new divisions that tap into new markets. [EDIT]Gary caught me -- I wrote classes and meant divisions. Mixed up my hobbies

"Competition Dilution" I've asked this before. Could someone please explain to me how I can go to an autocross with 80 people and 25 classes and still have a good time? I usually race against 2 or 3 other people, most often my friends or relatives that I bring out. I still feel the competitive drive to get a few tenths to beat one other person. Why am I having a thrilling time without 20 people in my class? I can't believe I've brought up Ayn Rand twice in the last year, but this seems appropriate: "whenever you think you are facing a contradiction, check your premises."

Is there a post or summary on this forum about what happened in the 90s?? I'm already vaguely familiar with IDPA splitting away -- do you mean people left IPSC to go to IDPA, or did hordes leave practical shooting entirely? I've been reading this forum for months and haven't picked up these details yet. I guess it's time for a lengthy archive search.

I've only been involved in practical shooting for a few months, but I see this debate a lot. I have an honest question: what is the problem with more classes? Diluting competition, more work for the match directors? The reason I ask is that there are other male-dominated sports where lots of classes are used to equalize equipment, such as auto racing. SCCA autocross, for example, offers 30+ classes at local club races every week and it's no big deal. Is this just a case of practical shooters failing to get some perspective outside of their sport, or is there really a unique reason why classes should be kept to a minimum? Sorry if this touches off a heated debate or goes off topic. I'd just like to finally learn the answer for my own personal benefit.

I wonder if they will suddenly start selling parts after swearing that they'd never do it. Kind of like how they changed finishes recently after swearing there was no problem with the old one. I don't think it's likely, but I wouldn't be surprised if they pulled a move like that.

I usually celebrate by shooting my guns in the air.

If that were the case, you'd think USPSA shooters would be less concerned about class dilution! When we start talking about H-Limited, then I'd start worrying.