What you learned at your last match

[Navy joe]

Possibly one of the best threads at TFL, it stuck around for quite awhile.

Last match (Dec 7) I learned that real IPSC shooters will show up for a match even if an ice storm caused a statewide state of emergency and there is no power to run the scoring computer.

I also learned that when you set steel out over frozen mud the mud later thaws when the sun gets high.

The faster you think, the faster you'll shoot, have a plan. Better yet, try to remember it after the buzzer.

Also learned that the holidays suck, everyone talks about some "off-season" thingy and nobody is shooting.

[stellarpod]

I learned that I need to slow my pace until I hit the targets. THEN start moving the pace back up.

stellarpod

[Wakal]

I learned that you will only get your hardcore 20 shooters instead of the fair-weather 35 if you hold an IPSC match on the Sunday before Christmas.

I also learned that it takes me 9.02 seconds to put 2 rounds per Classic target in a 16-target array 5 yards from the shooting box.

I learned that a 1.25 reload sucks. But I knew that already.

I learned that an iron-sighted HBAR could keep up with a full-out AR racergun (racerifle?) out to 75-odd yards, but after that target aquisition was a mite slower.



Alex

[Correia]

Knee pads aren't just for wimps.

3 gun match. There was a movement stage. Pistol. 2 targets up close, engage on the move. Go behind cover. Engage 3 target at 25 yards. 3 shots on each.

I decided to save a WHOLE BUNCH of time, and just slide in behind the cover. The problem was that the ground there is shale gravel.

I ran the stage in 9 seconds. But it really really hurt.

I have an IDPA match Saturday. I'm looking forward to it.

[3 gun]

Speedloaders (no matter how much you practice) are no match for moon clips (with no practice).

[hansolo]

I am new to competition: so far, I have only completed three matches: "Intro" and "Stock Gun"(twice). One of the things I learned is I need to aquire many more magazines! I have a 9mm CZ with 10 rounders, so I don't need any more ammo for the stages, but, I was not used to dropping my mags in the dirt during reloads When shooting alone, I casually replace the empty into my belt mag holder and slowly insert another. To save seconds during matches, the mags hit the dirt and I'm a little anal regarding damaged mag lips and dirt in the mag. Other than that, I really have enjoyed the adrenaline rush and comraderie!

[Captal_de_Buch]

I'm currently "learning" Limited, after having got C class in Limited 10 and Production.

In my last match shooting Limited I learned:

1. 9mm in Limited is a real handicap, I'm using my Beretta 92, the only limited gun I have.

2. I need to slow down a little, until I get my hits up to mostly A's

3. I need a second job so I can afford a real Limited gun.

[another okie]

What I learned at the IDPA match in Tulsa yesterday:

1. I suck at reloads.
2. I suck shooting at 20 yards.
3. I'm not good enough to go fast yet.
4. Snow on gravel melts quicker than snow on grass. Why, I don't know.
5. A safari vest over a jacket looks really geeky.

[Jon Coppenbarger]

always take care of the stuff you need to take care of before you help everybody else.
coming off the rapid sitting in service rifle highpower knowing the 99 I just shot was low and then helped other folks and forgot to change my sights untill I looked in the spotting scope to see the damage in rapid prone.
and stop counting score in your head untill its all over with.

[piccolo]

I learned that I STILL can't hit a bull in the ass with a canoe paddle, but I'm getting a little better, though![]

[Don45cal]

I found that taking 1st place in your division feels great! Even if that division was unclassified!

[rick_reno]

I''ve been shooting a Pardini SP in a local bullseye league for over a year; I'd shot an old HS Victor and before that a Buckmark. I've used Aguila SV 22 LR ammo, from a rest it shot as well as Eley, RWS and better than Federal. The other night I tried some Eley Target Pistol (yellow box) - but not from the rest. I just shot some in the match. My score went up over 20 points. I'm not sure what else I can attribute the increase too - I was exhausted from blowing snow all day; got done 30 minutes before the match, grabbed my box and left. On the short drive to the range, I was sure today would not be one of my better days - and I shot the high score for the match and my personal best.
The recoil on these Pardini's is minimal anyway, but I think the recoil with the Eley is very quick and even.
So...I either need to keep blowing snow (which doesn't look like it'll be a problem) or I'll try some more Eley ammo.

[DAL]

I learned that I have a lock on last place that NO ONE ELSE is going to break.
DAL

[Daniel Flory]

I learned that I need to stop sucking at free pistol.

[mpthole]

IDPA for me. I learned that I have to practice my reloads more... make that a LOT more. ... and that slowing down a little makes for better hits. Always have to remember that one can't miss fast enough.

[PUMC_TomG]

I learned that going out late with rowdy Marine-types on a college campus is not a good way to make small groups at a inter-collegiate smallbore pistol match against REALLY serious competitors.

[Navy joe]

A thought for practicing reloads (since so many of us need more practice, myself included) without breaking the bank. The night before a range session I load about 8 or so mags w/ 1-5 rounds each. Next day I don't know how many are in what, just shoot and react to slide lock. For planning, you can load three in all, shoot 2, reload, shoot 3, reload, etc. Uses less ammo than just blasting away on full mags, makes you think too.

I also load empty cases at random the night before too, my guns usually feed them, but if not so much the better.
-Note to self-Make sure carry piece on range trip has more than 3 rds in it, no empties-
Great practice, but of course some wiseacre always has to say something about your unreliable Glock or "Oh, all them 1911's do that" They just don't get it.

Peanut gallery aside, both work great for practice.

[Gewehr98]

Can quite easily keep up with the M1 Garands in a John C. Garand Match, and even win the match!

(One of the last times that ever happened, now 1903's aren't even allowed to compete against the Garands)

[Tacblack]

I learned the same thing I learn at every IPSC and IDPA match, if I don't use pointie front sight thing every time I pull the trigger I will be mad later

[Correia]

I learned that a good, smart match director is worth their weight in gold. A mismanaged match will take years off your life. (last match, it took my squad 2 HOURS to shoot one stage). Average time was around 500 SECONDS per shooter for that one stage. Then the next stage average time was around 35 seconds per shooter. Can anybody say bottleneck?

[Gewehr98]

Both as an IPSC competitor, and an IPSC match director. One learns real quick which stage designs are do-able, and which are nightmares.

[echo3mike]

besides the fact that I really...need work?

My only HP match to date presented me with the fact that a center mass hold on a highpower target MIGHT not be the best method. My lowly 277 / 600 is offered as proof.

S.

[Shaughn Leayme]

Shooting full power ammuniiton at a bullseye type match isn't appreciated and then coming in second while using it was liked even less.

Did I mention that I was using a basically stock 1911.

[Gone]

I lurnt dat no 'murkin iz gunna beet a Cunuk. Evur.