Distinguished Expert - .44 Magnum

[alfsauve]

I'll be the first to admit, the test isn't that hard.  It's no where near as hard as even middle ranks IPSC, IHMSA or Bulllseye.  But still, I'm just a little proud today.

While you can do the entire NRA Marksmanship program on your own, our range offered a deal that for a small fee, they would provide everything and handle all the paper work as well as witness the DE test.    I can easily shoot the course of fire with a .22lr, but I thought for a challenge and the bragging rights I'd do it with my .44 Magnum.   (One result of owning a progressive is you tend to have lots of fairly inexpensive ammo on hand.)

The final stage took some concentration but I made it last night.



They used the D2 (or AP2) which is the smaller of the NRA action targets.  Here is a picture of one of the last six targets.




So be on notice, this isn't any ordinary Ex sPert (ex=has been; spert=drip under pressure) you're dealing with, but a Distinguished one.

[BAC]

Congratulations Alf!  As soon as I can come up with something clever to say to explain dis-ting-quished, I'll get back to you.   

[MikeBjerum]

I track this for our local league, and it is not as easy as you try to make us believe Alf!

Congrats on the accomplishment!

[tombogan03884]

Ever since the first avatar we knew you were distinguished.
Now you're an an expert at it 
Good for you.
What exactly does the whole course involve ?

[Hazcat]

Ever since the first avatar we knew you were distinguished.
Now you're an an expert at it 
Good for you.
What exactly does the whole course involve ?

My question, too.

[Sponsor]

[MikeBjerum]

Tom & Haz - I have the NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program handbook right here on my desk, and I can type the rules and requirements:

Distinguished Expert
(Multiple Target Event)*
Firing for the Distinguished Expert rating must be witnessed by an NRA member (with current ID number), or an NRA Instructor or coach (with current ID number).

Position:  Standing, ready, with two hands; strong hand and weak hand stages.

Distance:  15 feet D-2 target  or 30 feet D-1 target

Target:  D-1 or D-2 precision target (tombstone target - the same as used in Bianchi Cup)

Target Setup:
D-1:  Three targets hung with the top edges of the target approximately six feet above ground level and not more than one foot apart from edge to edge.

D-2:  Three targets hung with the top edges of the targets approximately eye level and not more than six inches apart edge to edge.

This event is conducted in four stages.  The four stages must be completed ikn the same session to qualify as one completed course of fire.

Stage 1:  Two shots at each target, using two hands in 10 seconds.
Stage 2:  Two shots at each target, using strong hand only in 10 seconds.
Stage 3:  Two shots at each target, using the weak hand only in 10 seconds.
Stage 4:  Two shots at center target, two rounds at left target, two rounds at right target using two hands in 10 seconds.

A total of 24 rounds.  Possible score:  240.  (Five-shot revolvers may fire one round at each target, in five seconds, then repeat, for a total of 24 rounds.  Possible score of 240.)

Rating Requirement:  Three times over the course with a minimum score of 168, and three times over the course with a minimum score of 192.  The number of courses does not have to be fired in succession or on the same day.

Note on target scoring:

10 points - ten ring and X ring
8 points - outer ring
5 points - any place else on paper

It looks like Alf's target has 24 holes in it - making some assumptions on good grouping:
3 x 5 = 15
3 x 8 = 24
18 x 10 = 180
Total target score = 219

If this is any indication of your ability with a .44 magnum, which it is, you need to tuck the humble away and puff a little more!


*The Marksman First Class is a Slow Fire Event and the Expert is an Ambidextrous Event

[MikeBjerum]

Congrats again Alf!

Shooting qualification is one of the things I enjoy about shooting sports.  It is all about my skill and how I am improving.  It is totally subjective, and it is controlled to the point that I have no one but myself to blame.  It is also me against a consistent standard that is used worldwide.

Anyone that thinks qualifications in any area is easy should give it a try!

Get that patch on your vest quick, and wear it with pride!

[tt11758]

As I said on FB:  You da MAN, Alf!!

[Hazcat]

Thanks M58 and GOOD JOB ALF!

[alfsauve]

That must be some other program or an older version:

Here's the link to the current rules:    A little easier since it's only 5 shots in 10 seconds.

AP-1 (D-1) at 10 yds or AP-2 (D-2) at 5 yds

Stage 1: 5 rounds, strong side, 2 hands in 10 seconds.
Stage 2: 5 rounds, strong side, 1 hand in 10 seconds.
Stage 3: 5 rounds, weak side, 2 hands in 10 seconds.
Stage 4: 5 rounds, weak side, 1 hand in 10 seconds.

Rating Requirement: Three times over the course with a minimum
score of 145, and three times over the course with a minimum score
of 170.