Trudging The Road To "C" Class

[Lifeislarge]

I've been shooting USPSA now for about 10 months. I started off using a borrowed gun, rig, and gear. I almost got DQ'd the first few matches I shot (I was only shooting one local club match a month) and then I finally DID get DQ'd. I wasn't terrible, but clearly I wasn't good. I had to start somewhere. I never had the opportunity to shoot anything until a couple of years ago and when I did, became an immediate firearms aficionado. When I added a competitive element to the mix, it was all over for me.

A couple months ago, I was blessed with the purchase of my STI Edge, and with it came an increased fervor for the sport. Suddenly I wasn't driving a stock Chevete and running 23 second quarter miles. I had a race car. Trouble is, I still don't really know how to drive. I paid my dues at the USPSA, and then made the mistake of shooting an all classifier match a few weeks ago. Thee good news is that they don't have an "E" class.

When I was in high school, I got a lot of D's. Not from a lack of intelligence, but from a total lack of effort. I already had my future planned, and there was no seat for algebra on the bus. I was okay with D's. D's meant I would graduate. Fast forward and today, D is simply not acceptable. Somewhere along the way through my adulthood, I became competitive; in business, in sport and in just about every facet of life. The problem is, outside of business, I'm still a pretty lazy and lackadaisical guy when it comes to practice. I'll go through a presentation until I've got it wired, but recommend I go hit balls at the range, or run around the house dry firing, and I'll say "you've got to be kidding me."

I guess what I am trying to accomplish here is a paradigm shift. I WANT to be a better competitor. I want to grow in this sport, and essentially, I want to grow as a man. I want to want to practice, and need to learn a different set of behaviors and learn some discipline. I love to shoot matches, but practice, not so much. I bought a reloader, and I'll eventually figure it out. I don't have a membership at a range yet, but plan on it eventually. For now, I've resolved to shoot more matches.

This is why I've chosen to trudge the road to "C" class. I really don't believe that I have what it takes to get to Master, or even "A". But who knows, maybe once I've achieved my goal to make "C", with some new habits and a mentor or two, I might find something in myself that I've held deep all these years. Last summer I rode a water slide for 29.5 hours to win a contest. I learned a lot about myself during that experience and perhaps I can channel some of that resolve into my shooting. For now though, I've got a match to shoot Saturday, and who knows, I may just see some improvement there.

[Jammer1911]

Good luck and welcome to the awesome world of competitive shooting. I have the discipline and resolve to practice, unfortunately I have advanced so far at work that I don't get home early enough to practice. I am up at 0400, out the door at 0500 at work by 0600 and not home till close to 1900. My secratary would think I was crazy if she peeked in my office at luch and saw my Airgunning (With no gun) and doing eyesight execises from Mike Seeklanders program. Saturdays are for club matches and Sundays belong to my bride. Solid C shooter in SS and trying to climb. So good luck.

[Chris iliff]

Well, good luck.

It actually don't take much. You'd be surprised at how much you'll improve with very little effort. Say, like, 30 minutes of structured dryfire a couple times a week and a match on the weekend.

Get Anderson's books and do it.

[MattYvip]

+1 on Chris's post. I'm a C class SS shooter and a bottom of the barrell B class in Lim/Lim 10.

If you shoot as many matches as you can, and dry fire (both Mr. Anderson and Seeklander have great programs) you'll advance quickly.

As an example, I got my buddy from work into shooting recently. So far he's only shot one match but he placed 13 of 22 in Limited (which I thought was pretty darn good, my first matches I counted how many I was from the bottom not middle or top) and he was worried about DQing and everything you listed (as far as "wanting to want to practice" ect...).

My advice to him was (and remember my opinion and $5 will get you a cup of Joe at your favorite seattle based coffee shop) is to shoot for points. Speed will come. I'm not the best shot or competitor so take my two cents with a grain of salt. But also remember zero divided by anything is still zero.

You can always add speed later but I'd say learn the accuracy first. I'm sure they're are a bunch who will have differing opinions and they are right if what they do works for them.

Edited August 27, 2012 by MattYvip

[Lifeislarge]

Well, I shot my match yesterday and had some highs, and some lows. I still don't know the overall results, but I placed 3rd on one stage and 5th on another out of the 12 shooting Limited Major. Two stages I blew with mikes and one I screwed the pooch on the texas star. The classifier "Bang and Clang" was a simple stage with 4 poppers and a paper target in the middle, which I shot in decent time but miked the paper once. Guess I'll be a D for a little while longer.

One of the guys on my squad, a solid A class in limited asked to shoot my gun, and was missing poppers from seven yards. Turns out that I may have messed up my rear sight when I peened the pin in place before the match. Going to the range tomorrow to sight it in, and am meeting the same guy there to get some tips. It's a crappy indoor range with poor light and I think 15 yards max, but at this point I'll take what I can get. I know that I have it in me to be proficient, just need to learn to be consistent. It'll be interesting to see if my sights really are buggered or if there's something else I need to address. I'll post tomorrow after the range, and hopefully by then the overall results will be available.

I really wish I could get some practice on the damn texas star. I shot it better yesterday than I ever have, but there's still a lot of room for improvement. It was a pretty easy star as it was only a few yards away. There are so many factors that can really mess up a stage, and I'm hoping I can take the gun out of the equation tomorrow. I still have some tuning that can be done, and when I start loading (another saga in itself), I'll be able to dial it in even better. I have two weeks until my next match so I can practice a bit without any real urgency. May even go to the library this week and see what they have for reading material. Next I have to figure out the best way to mount my GoPro to get some video in first person. I'd like to see just how shaky I am and also how I'm dealing with recoil. Ah well, one shot at a time.

[MattYvip]

You'r location says Jacskonville... Do you shoot with SEPSA? Just curious as I used to shoot there years ago.

I'm sure you're doing fine, fist off getting the gun sighted in will be a big help. Secondly don't be so hard on yourself. Finally slow down about 1-2% see what you need to in your sights and then break the shot. There are a lot of shooters (myself included) who worry to much about speed. You gotta shoot for points... People will say it's a game of speed, but if you look at the way it's scored 0 divided by anything is still 0. When you get to where you're shooting 85% or higher of all match points, then turn up the speed for a while. When you get back up to 85% with the increase in speed, speed up more.

Thats just my humble opinion/advice (though I don't always follow it myself). Keep your chin up and have fun (thats the most important thing).

[Lifeislarge]

I went to the range this morning, and to my dismay, sights were perfect so it's all on me. BUT, I did have a good time and my friend gave me some good pointers, the main one being to remain teachable. This is probably one of my strongest attributes. One of the best things he showed me was to use a cadence on long shot strings, rather than trying to "double tap" each target and move on. Grover said that if I can learn some rhythm, my transitions will be a lot better. I shot well today, out to 15 yards. I felt relaxed and was able to groove multiple rounds with good control over recoil. Still no overall results from ATTAC on Saturday.

Matt, I haven't shot SEPSA yet, but certainly plan to . I am shooting SAPSA and the ATTAC matches monthly now. I need to start reloading to stay on top of the ammo I'm expending at all these matches. Call in to Mr. Enos to get that started. With any luck I'll be able to shoot SEPSA next month. Three matches a month is fun, but I may have to pare it back a bit to keep the GF happy, not that she has a problem with my obsession (she finds it sexy ) Guess I'll start some dry firing drills this week (reluctantly) and see what happens next match.

[MattYvip]

Cool Beans. I shot SAPSA several times (St. Augustine right?) though it's been quite a while. Good luck in your endeavours and keep us posted on your performance! I'm gonna start my trudge to the next class as well. Take care

[Hi-Power Jack]

I went to the range this morning, and to my dismay, sights were perfect

Life, two thoughts:

1. Dot Torture Drill - on line.

2. Take a 1-2 day class with any Master - Dave Pruitt or Manny Bragg are Great.

Good luck.

[Lifeislarge]

I went to the range this morning, and to my dismay, sights were perfect

Life, two thoughts:

1. Dot Torture Drill - on line.

2. Take a 1-2 day class with any Master - Dave Pruitt or Manny Bragg are Great.

Good luck.

Yikes!!! The Dot Torture Drill is aptly named. Just looking at all those dots made my eyes spin I would love to spend a couple days training with a pro but unfortunately I'm too busy allocating funds to starting a new business, shooting matches, getting my reloading setup set up, and eating, in that order. I've been down to Frostproof, and it's a really nice facility with a good reputation. I think my girl would definitely prefer a cruise to a weekend down there though. Drats On the bucket list though....

[Hi-Power Jack]

If you don't want to spend the money, two thoughts:

1. Dot torture drill is FREE - you won't believe how valuable that is to improving

2. wait for a group class for a 1-2 day course - lots cheaper, usually.

If you can do only one - Dot Torture is GREAT

[a matt]

SEPSA is one of the strongest clubs in the southeast still going strong thanks to Nelson, Bruce and the guys. It is also the friendliest club I have shot at. We drive 2 hours to shoot the monthly match. Come see you will understand. They shoot the 2nd sat of the month. First time is free. www.SEPSA.com

[Lifeislarge]

I have heard good things about SEPSA and have plans to attend. I wanted to go this month but by the time I'd freed up my day it was too late to go I practiced with Grover Robinson on Monday and he alluded strongly to me that I should go. Great guy, maybe you know him. I'm trying to expand my horizons to the point where I won't feel like a stranger if I decide to shoot one of the bigger matches in the area. So far the local community has been great, but with matches being monthly at the clubs I go to, it's hard to get to know people with limited interaction. Maybe I'll see you in a couple of weeks, I'll be the guy with the gun and the belt wearing a hat and sunglasses

[Lifeislarge]

Crap. Why can't these local matches post their results in a timely manner??? I know how I did amongst the folks shooting Limited Major, but dang it, I want to know the OVERALL results. SAPSA didn't bother posting ANY results for July, and now I have nothing yet for last Saturday. I think I might feel better if I go out and buy a new gun. Thinking of a Sig 938 Nightmare. Then I'll have an excuse to go shooting. I have a shitload of 9mm just rotting away in the closet. I don't really like shooting my 709, but run a box through it fairly regular. I think that shooting a "mini 1911" would benefit my competitive program. Haven't practiced since Monday. No dry fire, no mag changes, no draws. But I've read a lot on here if that counts for anything. No match this weekend.

[Anopsis]

Too bad you're not in my neck of the woods; I post match results same day.

The one thing I have to offer is look for ways to eliminate wasted movement and speed up your actions before speeding up your shots.

My splits are really good, but I suffer overall because I move too slowly though the course. I don't mean target transition - I mean reloads, getting moving after engaging an array, etc. Physical training would help me a great deal, but I seem to be too lazy to work out!

[Ricky316]

You got to practice if you do have time to go to the range dry fire dry fire dry fire

[Lifeislarge]

I would welcome anyone on this forum to give me shit and hold me accountable if I keep blowing off practice. My best friend and shooting buddy has been languishing in C class for two years. He refuses to practice. I hope God blesses me with a mentor. I really want to succeed. You guys are an awesome group, and I really am grateful to have found this place. Thanks for everything thus far.

[Matt Griffin]

I dunno man, my question is, "why can't you shoot as well as the best?"

If you're not interested in pushing it all the way, then just stay a club shooter and find another hobby. If you don't feel the need to excel (and thus to study and practice) then maybe shooting isn't for you. I hope that doesn't sound too harsh but it's a pretty accurate reflection of what it takes to get to Master, at least. We may not be NBA-level phenoms but you can't wander your way into an Area championship.

[a matt]

I know Grover he has one fast trigger finger. Great guy. He shot my 6" after a match we were squaded together one Saturday.

+1 Matt Griffin. You can't just say it . You must do it, and do it hard!

Edited August 31, 2012 by a matt

[mattwaage]

Sounds like you are burned out...

We get a nice break up here called winter to let the last season soak in.

Im not sure what Matt griffin is getting at or if its a joke or not? I sure hope so. Shooting is for everyone. I encourage everyone I meet to come shoot club matches with me. Or just screw around in the yard. Alot of people do come and enjoy it alot. But that doesnt mean that they all go home and practice dry firing for 6 hours in the mirror while wearing a beanie. They come, pay their money, enjoy themselves, and shoot. Should I go tell them they are out of the cool kids shooting club, its not for them?

Everyone has a different level of involvement that is usually directly relate to their class. If you want it you can have it. Unless a shark bites off your trigger finger.

[Lifeislarge]

I went up to Fernandina today and shot the SEPSA match for the first time. Have to say they put on a first class event. 5 stages, no classifier. A lot of movement and a good mix of paper and steel. I shot dismally today, placing 13th out of 16 in Limited. I didn't shoot bad per se, but was distracted and made some pretty stupid mistakes. Missed targets, forgot targets, walked by and had to return to targets, etc.

The good news is that I've seemingly been a klutz all day so maybe it just wasn't a good day to shoot. I took video of two stages with my GoPro Arm Cam and on both, the evidence is clear that I need to plan my stage better. My gun is steady with good control over recoil, my grip is good and my mag changes were fast and secure. I can hit alphas at any distance, if I shoot slow. The first shot always hits an A, the second not so much. Steel can still be weird if I have to move then engage.

I think I may have found my mentor though, a solid A class who's been in the game a long time, and is winning with two hip replacements and two bad knees. Proof that youth has nothing to do with this game. Grover nearly blew his hand off today clearing his gun after a stage. The round dropped and was set of by the ejector. Luckily no more damage than a bad cut and bruising to the web of his hand which my buddy stitched up after the match. Grover shot the rest of the stages wounded and bleeding; that's some tough shit!!!

So this leaves me with a bit of a conundrum. I obviously need to learn to plan my stages better, pay attention and slow down I need to practice moving and shooting, and practice practicing. AARRGGGHHH!!!! this sucks. I'm starting to wonder if my ADD ADHD is preventing me from concentrating for the full extent of a stage. I was one of the original Beta Ritalin kids so I know I've got it and I've got it bad.

Anyways, here is my video that I shot today. Feel free to critique at your leisure, I have thick skin.

[Noximus03]

I was there Saturday and on your squad. I think that you beat yourself up a little more than you need to. Don't misunderstand. I get it...I have no worse critic on me than myself. I think that if you can manage to put yourself into a regimen with the old rule "train like you fight" rule at the top of the list, you can do more than you think.

[Lifeislarge]

Got the overall results this evening, and I placed 43rd out of 55 shooters. Guess that's better than 55th. Interesting to see how many "C" class guys were in the top 10. More than I would have expected. I've been told to focus only on those shooting in my division, Limited Major. I suppose I should really be focusing on what I'M doing, and let the results fall where they may. I have some actual practice planned for this week, at an actual range with actual targets and a guy who actually knows how to compete. Looking forward to ironing out some of the more costly errors. Just having some trigger time outside of the timer has to help. We're going to work on movement, and transitions. Stoked to have not only the opportunity to practice, but to also hang with a new friend.

[mattwaage]

eh I shot the wisconsin sectional today and I was awful. oh well. Time for winter break haha. Gotta let everything soak in from the season.

[Lifeislarge]

eh I shot the wisconsin sectional today and I was awful. oh well. Time for winter break haha. Gotta let everything soak in from the season.

Hey, my goal is to only shoot a shitty match now and again. Been watching the videos I took this weekend and it's really becoming apparent to me that spending more time doing walk throughs will help me to run a smoother stage with less F*#K moments. Typically I'll walk a stage once or twice and think "Okay, there, there, there, there, there. Got it." Obviously not....

Gotta say, I don't know how you guys up north do it. We're just swinging into our busy season down here. I would hate to have to put the guns, golf clubs, motorcycles and surfboards away every year for the winter. Been there done that and no amount of winter sports makes it any better. I love the hot weather, can tolerate the cool weather, but when it gets cold, I turn into a bear. The only problem is that it costs a lot more to shoot 36 matches a year plus practice.