The Spirit Is Willing, But The Body Ain’t

USPSA has Senior 55-64 and Super Senior 65+ and IDPA has Senior and Distinguished Senior likewise.

Unfortunately you are scored just like the young whippersnappers by Division and Class.
Tough.
I shoot IDPA Distinguished Senior and watch the young whippersnappers passing me every month. I still do the best I can and have a good time.

There are 3 super seniors that I pretty regularly shoot with in USPSA. Sure, they're at a disadvantage on a field course where long runs are in order, but on the stand-there-and-shoot stuff - still most of a USPSA match - I've seen them beat the dickens out of a lot of 20-something flat-bellied "tactical" shooters.

One of them - an open shooter - pretty regularly finds ways to "defeat" stages by exchanging much longer/harder shots (which he can make) for not having to run as much. He'll use his open pistol like a rifle and take stuff from 50 or 75 yards rather than run. Pretty fun to watch him pull it off.

I gotten past caring what others think. Most folks are so worried about how they are doing that even when watching you they aren't that focused on your faults. It was liberating when I reached this point. Go out, have fun, and do the best you can. It beats sitting at home.

Here's a perfect example. I shoot in a weekly trap league and have been on the same team for two years. After shooting, we all look at the scores. I honestly don't know if the others hit 24 or 12 and they Are shooting one by one next to me.

I belong to a senior league at my gun club ( 65 and older ) WE have 5,000 members... its more fun and less testosterone... 6 weeks in one discipline...then a luncheon at the club's restaurant and awards...the next 6 week session is in another discipline..
we shoot, small bore rifle, air gun ( pistol and rifle ), table trap, skeet, trap, 22 pistol, black powder rifle. six weeks each highest three scores win... Anyone can shoot with a seniors membership card... you can make up a session any week in the competition.. Its all just fun.

Ya never know.. There was a "slow" old man that finished 6th overall at a match today. Spanked dozens upon dozens of them young wippersnappers, including myself.

My wife and I both shoot as Seniors in IDPA. We are in a group that is varied in ages and usually a small group of ladies shoot as well. I dont worry about getting beat by younger shooters, being half my age they better be shooting lights out.

I usually end up in the middle of the pack. The only thing that holds us back is the weather. Last Saturday it was over 105! It took the rest of the day and night to recover from the 5 hours in the heat.

Yeah we got started late in the shooting game, but even though I wont be #1 in the sport, it is just about the smartest thing ANYONE who owns firearms can do.

God forbid it comes to bear, I dont think the one breaking into my house has the experience when it comes to defense that we do.

btw, we never have to shoot in 105 weather again! We did it once, its not worth it. Its not a dry heat, its not a humid heat, its just frigging hot.

be safe

4 back surgeries have also slowed my roll a lot. My wife and I both shoot Steel Challenge matches now since there is no moving/running involved. Still get to compete on an even basis with everyone.

Later ... Larry S.

MislMan said:

4 back surgeries have also slowed my roll a lot. My wife and I both shoot Steel Challenge matches now since there is no moving/running involved. Still get to compete on an even basis with everyone.



Later ... Larry S.

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I have bad back issues that led to nerve damage in my legs. I've been left with partial paralysis. I can walk but I wear braces, it's not pretty.

I've switched to bullseye shooting mostly but I still do IDPA sometimes. I can't do the kneeling stuff and I'm slow, but I don't care, I have a good time.

A day at the range competing, even if you place dead last, beats any day sitting on a sofa watching tv.

Sheepdog1968 said:

A day at the range competing, even if you place dead last, beats any day sitting on a sofa watching tv.

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That's a fact. Just living isn't enough. You have to go out and LIVE!!

I shoot with a guy that placed second to Jerry Miculek. He is a Senior.

Us whipersnappers can learn a lot from you old farts!

A lot of times, the Seniors have better hits. It just happens that the whippersnapper types can move faster. That's all.

You can say that again.
Last Sunday IDPA I was tied for low points down, but way down the chart in the Slow As Christmas Category.

Saw-Bones said:

The indomitable human spirit… very motivational!!! After I hit the send button I’m out the door to my range to practice for the September IPSC/USPSA match.

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Tear it up!! Good luck in your match in September!

Don't forget about fun steel shoots, Steel Challenge, falling plate matches. none of which require much movement.