First Tactical Pistol Match

[alfsauve]

Okay, I finally did it.   My first real tactical match...USPSA.

I've shot in a couple of bowling pin matches, and in some .22 tin can matches.  I've shot numerous informal target/bullseye matches.  I've shot reduced high power and even a round of skeet.  I've shot IHMSA for several years, but this was my first by-gosh, from the holster, practical pistol match.   First re-load during a match under pressure.

Fun?   Yes.
Score?  Low. (not last but pretty close)
DQ?  NO!
Warnings?  NONE!

The later two where among my primary goals.  To demonstrate (prove to myself) that I had good handling techniques under pressure.   Not once did I get a "Trigger" or a "Muzzle".   My only "reminder" was in the safe area, where I was reminded to drop the striker before holstering my weapon.

My biggest fear were the steel poppers.  I mean everyone knows if you hit them or not.  Of the 6 poppers we engaged over the 3 stages, I only needed 7 shots.  I was pleased.  I really hadn't sighted this gun in for anything over about 7 yds.

My RO, who is one of the local top guns and the stage designer, even complimented me on my accuracy.

What killed me?   Minor caliber didn't help.   Six procedure penalties---ouch.  AND OF COURSE NERVES.  Not smooth at all.

What helped?   Practice, practice, practice.   I have a Pact club timer and I practice dry fire drawing and shooting each night.  50 times minimum.  I also practiced tactical (with retention) magazine changes.  (Imagine my surprise when they told me we could drop our mags.  Threw me off some....I had a routine)  But I also put in 500 rds over the last 4 weeks.   Most of it, draw, fire two, change mag, fire two, change mag, fire two.   I'd break it up with some draw and fire 3 sets of doubles.   All of this helped.  Not once did I fail to fully seat the magazine, nor did I even fumble with the mags.   

Watching all the shooting shows helped as well.   I knew a lot of what to expect and plan for.  (Thanks, Michael.)

I've been greatly influenced by the book "Outliers"  in which the author makes a case for 10,000 hours of practice to be come "pro level" at any skill.    I think for shooting this might translate into 10,000 rounds of ammo.


Looking forward to going back.  BUT first another 500 rds of practice.

[tombogan03884]

GOOD FOR YOU ALF !!
I'm looking forward to the day circumstances allow me to try some competition.

[fightingquaker13]

GOOD FOR YOU ALF !!
I'm looking forward to the day circumstances allow me to try some competition.

Right there with you. Not only does it seem like a blast, but it could keep you alive. There's this old qoute that says the Romans were so succesful becase "Their drills were bloodless battles and their battles bloody drills". Moving, noise, distractions, drawing and holstering, mag changes, there is no substitute. Congrats.
FQ13

[twyacht]

Congratulations on your first match.

Keep this up and you'll be an under a minute, minuteman.

[tombogan03884]

Right there with you. Not only does it seem like a blast, but it could keep you alive. There's this old qoute that says the Romans were so succesful becase "Their drills were bloodless battles and their battles bloody drills". Moving, noise, distractions, drawing and holstering, mag changes, there is no substitute. Congrats.
FQ13

Many think that competition is worthless as training. I have to point out though that while it may not be life or death, you are still under time pressure, while practicing skills like moving, and weapons handling, while still maintaining accuracy.

[Sponsor]

[1911 Junkie]

The first match is always the hardest, now you're an expert.  

Keep practicing and going to matches but make sure you keep it fun and try not to get caught up in the "gaming" of it.

[Hazcat]

Good job, Alf!

[MikeBjerum]

Way to go Alf!  Shoot and enjoy and shoot some more - That is the name of the game.

[Kid Shelleen]

Congratulations Alf,

A great way to celebrate your birthday. I believe that you should try something new every year (doesn't usually work out that way), but you my friend did it. Way to go!!!

[ellis4538]

Alf, good job.  I remember my first match over 25 years ago...I was hooked (and still am) right then!

Richard