TargetTalk

Experience

I try hard to learn from others experience… because mine seems to hurt so much.

My first USA Shooting match went well. I had a great time. I did well but... about the only thing I learned was that Woburn air pistol matches are well run and the range has great lighting; much better lighting than my home range.

Then I was invited to a practice match at MIT. Things did not go well. We where doing five on a target and I was averaging 44/50. I was trying to keep a positive attitude and do the right thing as Coach Derr had instructed me a few days before. And I was happy with my form. But every time that target came my way…

Then Coach Hart pulled me off the line. He was very positive. The first thing he said was “you’re shooting tight groups”. The second thing he said was “wouldn’t you rather hit the bulls?”- experience was slapping me in the head. I hadn’t noticed my groups where tight (tight for me anyways).

Then he gave me some free experience. “The light here is different than at your house. You have to adjust you sights”. I had no idea. I had used the sighting targets just to free up and practice my routine.

Then I started thinking… what else have I missed? There was a huge bulge under my front foot. And my target height was adjustable and it was way too low. I hadn’t noticed any of this. Oh well… it was a practice match

I adjusted and started shooting well (for me). I ended with a 534 in the practice match, 15 points lower than my first match at Woburn, but with much more experience!

I’ve paid a much higher price for experience in the past 

Thanks,
Vin

With each match- you will gain lots of awareness, As you continue the awareness will come easier.

vin wrote:Then he gave me some free experience. “The light here is different than at your house. You have to adjust you sights”. I had no idea. I had used the sighting targets just to free up and practice my routine.
Vin

You'd be amazed at how many experienced shooters ignore this advice or refuse to adjust their sights. Coaching and training should help you evaluate yourself so that when you come to the matches you know exactly what to do, what to expect and how to get the best out of each occasion.

Rob.

Rob,
After Coach Hart straight me out I was still too scared to adjust my sights at the match. So I changed my hold. Now I'm practicing "sighting in" at home.

I have gotten quite a few emails about Coach Hart. Everyone recommends him highly. Wish I was a student MIT! But I am friends with Eddie Huo, Coach Harts assistant and he has been a huge help to Mary and I. He has come over to our home range and helped a lot.

Mary and I are having a great time and are looking forward to the next match!

Thanks,
Vin

Why be scared to adjust sights? The knobs move for a good reason!! Use the knowledge and make it your friend! Crank those sights randomly practice sighting in. Get used to it & confident.

Vin:

The issue of when and why to adjust yoiur sights is actually a lot more complicated (and yes, there are "two sides" to the issue!).

I'm glad you resolved your underlying technique issues without masking them with a (maybe not needed?) sight adjustment.

Shots falling either off call or off desired mean aim point (center of wobble area) frequently 9not always) indicate a "process issue."

The "process issue" *could* be a radical change in lighting conditions, eye fatigue, etc. OR something you are doing differently with your grip, trigger, shot process, etc.

FP570 makes the best comment- become aware of what your "desired" process is. Become aware of what the "right" technique is- and become aware of and sensitive to deviations from that "right" process.

"That's where the money is . . . "

A good rule of thumb is...if you are shooting tight groups that are simply in the wromg position, the adjust your sights . However, if your groups are not tight, then all the sight adjustment in the world will not correct poor technique.

Thanks for all the help!
I've been practicing sighting in and I feel much more comfortable about it.
Thanks again,
Vin