Advanced Marksmanship What did you do right

[Trapshooter12]

I'm not a rising Star in the Tactical world. I am more like a dim bulb in a closet someplace.

When I was shooting Trap a New Person would ask me what they were doing wrong and I would ask them what did you do right?
Most people don't have a clue what they are doing wrong when shooting but they can remember what they did right to hit their target. Once you start doing things the same way each time, what you did wrong shines like a beacon. Alot of people try to buy a win and spend tons of money on equipment, but can't shoot for shit. Practice, Practice, Practice.

Do you shoot the way you practice and practice the way you shoot? Many people will practice oneway and shoot another. Do the same in competition and in practice.

Go to competitions and compare yourself to other shooters. This gives you something to strive for.

 

[Topstrap]

Re: What did you do right

The way I look at it is I have one shot, I need to make it count for a hit at whatever distance whether it be practice or competition. I'm not a tactical type shooter but the distances they shoot is the nearest thing to what I enjoy doing so I can't make a recommendation on how to train for that style.

I shoot inferior type guns with inferior optics with stock crappy triggers but have really worked on technique and knowing my gun and ammo.

I view it kinda like when I'm bowling and it felt just right on release I can usually turn away and know it's a strike. Kinda reminds me of that when I get a good shot off right, just feels and looked right. Wind is a factor I can't control so if a shot is off due to wind I don't blame myself other than try to learn a bit more on how to dope it and make the next shot a hit.

Good quality practice practice practice preferrably with another shooter better than yourself always pays off. Pay attention to that hit and remember how everything felt and looked.

Topstrap

 

[Lindy]

Re: What did you do right

The best thing you can do right is to get some good training early. That way, in your practice you will be building good habits rather than bad ones.

I don't practice for competitions. I train for real-world events.

That means I shoot one load for one rifle. That means I don't use a rear bag. It means I spend little time prone, and a lot of time shooting off improvised supports. It means that I have my dope memorized, so that I can engage targets out to 600 yards without having to consult a chart. It means that I train to use holdovers and holdunders, so I can engage targets out to 600 yards without touching the scope. And it means I compensate for the wind using reticle holds, rather than dialing windage.

I use competitions to test those skills, without worrying about where I place in the competition.

That's my way. It isn't the only way.

 

[Graham]

Re: What did you do right

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Trapshooter12</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Go to competitions and compare yourself to other shooters. This gives you something to strive for. </div></div>When I was younger I used to go to (IPSC) competitions because I enjoyed the feeling of winning them. I was too naive to seek the enjoyment of a task hard enough that it places petty conflicts in perspective.

Today I compete because not doing so would be easier. I don't seek conflict, at work or otherwise, but if I did not train for it, in all its forms, I would be less prepared and less disciplined, both physically and mentally, in all the other things that I do.

Training for anything prepares you for everything. Match experience is a mindset, and as such the awareness it brings is a transferrable skill. A firefight, unexpected attack, or sudden hand-to-hand struggle, if greeted not with panic but welcomed with an open mind can become a compelling and insightful experience. With training and experience the insightful moments don’t arrive later as some sort of euphoric after-effect, they bloom in real-time as you need them during the fight. I guess it must be the same feeling that top athletes have when they enter ‘the zone’ and become the task - that fleeting mastery of the moment that separates amateurs from professionals.

 

[blklabs]

Re: What did you do right

Nicely said Graham.

 

[Lindy]

Re: What did you do right

Nicely said, indeed.

Graham: what is the source of your sig? If it's from a book, it might be something I'd like to read.

 

[Graham]

Re: What did you do right

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lindy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Graham: what is the source of your sig? If it's from a book, it might be something I'd like to read.</div></div>That's very nice to hear: One day I may have to write a book. That is, if I am permitted enough poetic license to describe experiences as meaningful to others when in truth they have no redeeming value.

 

[Lindy]

Re: What did you do right

If you write it, I will read it.

I'm not planning on writing one. Writing is hard work for not much money, and should only be undertaken if you have a personal compulsion to write.

And, at the moment, I have a personal compulsion to go take a nap.

Cheers!

 

[ponchair]

Re: What did you do right

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lindy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you write it, I will read it.

I'm not planning on writing one. Writing is hard work for not much money, and should only be undertaken if you have a personal compulsion to write.

And, at the moment, I have a personal compulsion to go take a nap.

Cheers!
</div></div>

Lindy,

Thank you for all of your input. I enjoy reading everything you post. Your input has substantially helped me become a better shooter.

Also, if you wrote a book on all that you know or want to share about marksmanship, I would buy it in a heartbeat.

 

[Lindy]

Re: What did you do right

Thanks, Nathan - now that I have spent 10 minutes watching your sig...

I prefer to do my writing on my web site, which is used by a lot of people including some military schoolhouses. I'm not in it for the money - there is no advertising on my site - and my intent is to distribute knowledge to the guys - and gals - on the sharp end of the spear.