The Way Ahead

It would be great to hear the paths the masters here have taken in their shooting careers; where to start, what disciplines/pistols to pursue, what matches to build on, etc.  This may have been presented before; however, it's still a good opportunity to do some indirect mentoring to new shooters (and old!) in the audience.

Greetings,

When I started shooting competitively, I was introduced to a retired US Air Force Pistol shooter. We got along well and he became my coach.

Yes, the kind of Military coach that would bark at you "Call that shot!".

He is long gone now; but, his coaching helped me to move up in the classes rather quickly.

In summary, seek out a High Master or Master and ask them to coach you. Be prepared to "call your shots" and expend a lot of ammo.

Cheers,

Dave

Dave, out your way was a (tor)mentor of mine.  Art Sievers.  Harped on sight alignment and trigger control.  Long gone now too.

fc60 wrote:
Yes, the kind of Military coach that would bark at you "Call that shot!".

"Please, COME BACK!!"

Thanks guys for your comments!

I remember all too well the coaches from my military team days.  The greatest benefit for me was realizing 90% of my ability was mental and 10% was equipment/other.  Those coaches helped me quickly overcome blaming my pistol, ammo, weather, etc., for my bad practice days.  After that, I still had a long way to go!

Did any of you have a plan to achieve your high rankings, i.e., picking certain matches, sticking with particular pistols/calibers, etc.?

Get a copy of this manual and work through it chapter by chapter.  It’s how to train yourself.

http://www.distinguishedprecision.com/The-Progressive-Method-for-Precision-Pistol-A-Training-Plan-for-Bullseye-Pistol-Competitors-By-X-Count-Training-Systems-_p_2726.html

Greetings,

Thanks for reminding me of CDR Art Sievers.

He was very good at speaking, in a loud voice, while "nose-to-nose" with you during coaching.

He, at the time, was helping us with Service Rifle shooting.

Another great shooter long gone...

Starting to make me feel old...

Cheers,

Dave

Wobbley wrote:Get a copy of this manual and work through it chapter by chapter.  It’s how to train yourself.

http://www.distinguishedprecision.com/The-Progressive-Method-for-Precision-Pistol-A-Training-Plan-for-Bullseye-Pistol-Competitors-By-X-Count-Training-Systems-_p_2726.html

Thanks, Wobbley, I just ordered it!  It will be interesting to compare to my old copy of Gil Hebard's "Shooter's Treasury".

Wobbley wrote:Get a copy of this manual and work through it chapter by chapter.  It’s how to train yourself.

http://www.distinguishedprecision.com/The-Progressive-Method-for-Precision-Pistol-A-Training-Plan-for-Bullseye-Pistol-Competitors-By-X-Count-Training-Systems-_p_2726.html

Is it that good?  Wish they had a electronic version.

It sounds like they followed the USMC Pistol Team Workbook (<=link) with some added commentary it would be great if someone could compare the 2.

- Dave