Clean a target? Get over it...

When does a person finally get over the "excitement" of cleaning a target?      All that adrenalin sure can mess up the next target...

I'm in Expert class and my expectation is that I SHOULD be cleaning targets every now and then, especially in Timed and some Rapid.  I used to collect every one of my 100 scores and take them home to hang on the fridge door.      (I'm kidding.  Maybe...)

I still haven't cleaned a Slow target, but I'm sneakin' up on it.  A few 99s hanging on my gun room wall.   

When you can truly convince yourself that a 100 is your normal result!  When you no longer hope to shoot a 100 but know you can shoot a 100.
Positive thinking goes a long way in bullseye.

Scott

in my experience, about 3 years. I finally made a specific goal for myself to clean 2 targets in a row. It still took me about a year to accomplish.

I visualized shooting good strings and feeling more confident with each great shot. I told myself "good shooting breeds more good shots."

While shooting next to Col. Alan Bacon many times, I scored many, many of his clean targets. Once when he shot a 10x timed fire and he casually stapled a new center right over the top I said "aren't you going to save that?", he said "no because I plan on doing another one very soon." Always the cool, calm and professional Marine Corps Officer.

I still make a point to save all my 100s, but when I do, I'll write the date/location/gun/load/match-target on it, then fold it up and stuff it in my gunbox. Out of sight, out of mind - next target.

Back it up with another.

I've shoot many 100's and a few 100-10x, but only one 100-zero-x!

Dave C.

Yeah a 100-0x would be a keeper.  I've collected several clean targets.  Only one 10x.  Still working on the clean slow fire.  I'll get there.

I cut them out and paste them on my gun safe, reminds me that a clean is something that i do and can do more of

Would someone pleeeze send me one of their clean targets.  Mine with powder burns on them are not too convincing.

beeser wrote:Would someone pleeeze send me one of their clean targets.  Mine with powder burns on them are not too convincing.

Double them up before you shoot...

Ed Hall wrote:

beeser wrote:Would someone pleeeze send me one of their clean targets.  Mine with powder burns on them are not too convincing.

Double them up before you shoot...

:-)

I have no idea when it is time to stop saving clean targets. I pin them to my shop wall and the really neat ones I file in the gun room because it reminds me what I can/should/want to do every time. And some times they are worth saving just so you can post them here.


Beezer this is for you. Just copy and send to the printer.

OldMaster65 wrote:
Beezer this is for you. Just copy and send to the printer.

Sure, why not.  That's as close as I'll likely get to one like that.  Nice shootin'!

marlin1881 wrote:When does a person finally get over the "excitement" of cleaning a target?      All that adrenalin sure can mess up the next target...

I have been shooting for 28 years and when I get there I will let you know. Keeps me going back for more.

Butch Powell used his cleans, lots of them at 50 yds, folded as book markers.

Terry, I seem to remember you stapling over your 50 yard clean at Pensacola the 1st time you broke 2650

Sure did.

Heck.  I saved my 94 HB(230 Sie, 4.8 TG) SF.  It's on the shelf somewhere.    Haven't looked at it in years    Thanks for reminding me.

I only have one clean rimfire and one clean centerfire, so far in 9mm.  I will keep the first one with the new .45.  The decision is easy when you only have one of each.  Maybe I will have a stack some day.  I did shoot a 98-5x yesterday with a borrowed gun on a windy day, LOL.  

Joe

I had one target all in the black at my first match. I was thinking of saving it, but then thought..."Dude.... you have shot all those others off in left field... this one was luck of the draw. When you earn it, you can keep it! "

Never consider a great achievement as just luck.  Your subconscious is always listening and if you tell it you aren't that good, it will see that you meet your self-image.  The instances when we shine are to show us something, to see if it is wanted and to point out what we are capable of.  To shoot them regularly, believe that you shoot them regularly and use your new visual aid to help.

I know I posted earlier on this OP but I had another thought on the subject yesterday. I think the scores that you keep and save are very subjective to your personal condition. I know that 40 years ago I would have stapled a new center right over the top of a 97 slow fire. Now, at 65 with failing eyes, bad hip and lets face it shaky hands a 97 looks pretty good. I almost stapled over the target but changed my mind. I think that every person has their own point for when they keep and save a target. I am thinking now that it might be a long time in the future before I quit saving that "one" target that makes me feel good.


CCI SV  paper

Awwww man...after my 9th shot of indoor slowfire .22 at the Wisconsin State Pistol Championship this weekend. I was working on a 98---big frickin hole in the 10 ring and freaked out and shot a 6....

If it makes you feel better Rob I will mention what happened the rest of the NMC. I was so stoked after the slow fire I was certain I was going to post a great score....Nope, shot a 91 timed fire. That pretty much ruined the great score part. Settled down and fired a 99 rapid. Adrenalin does strange things to all shooters.