Amazing Teen Girl Shooter!

[Sam1911]

Thanks for the advice Ithaca37. But I have another question: When you say training facilities, are you talking about facilities such as Thunder Ranch or Suarez International, or are you recommending facilities more local to my residence as a starting point?

Kind of depends on what you're looking for. If you want to jump for the best self-defense training you can get, then Thunder Ranch, Gunsite, Rangemaster, and some other schools -- or a number of respected traveling instructors we can recommend -- are the way to go. But that's not what you're watching Miss Tori do.

The other extreme would be to try to learn what she's doing by shooting bullseye or range plinking. That's starting a lot farther down the "bunny slope" than you need to.

If you want to learn the "basics" of running your handgun, working with a holster and other carry "gear," shooting on the move, reloading smoothly, shooting moving targets, working on a dynamic range, and those kinds of skills -- then a school isn't probably the first step.

You can move a long ways from where you are now, towards where you want to be, by meeting, practicing with, and competing with your local USPSA and IDPA clubs. The folks at most of those local clubs are some great people who love nothing more than helping a new shooter develop into a proficient handgunner.

If you were to practice and compete with a local group of competitive "practical" shooters for a year or two, (say about 10,000 rds. worth), you'd be in a much better position to decide whether you want to go to a "defensive" school or class, or a "competition" school or class, or if you are happy with your progress and just want to continue having a ball shooting with your local crew.

 

[Ithaca37]

Thanks for the advice Ithaca37. But I have another question: When you say training facilities, are you talking about facilities such as Thunder Ranch or Suarez International, or are you recommending facilities more local to my residence as a starting point?

That depends on your level of familiarity with handguns (or whatever weapon platform you are interested in), your budget, and what options you have near you. If you do not know anything about handguns, start with a basic class that will teach the fundamentals (not the NRA safety class, but something that almost exclusively range time). If you are already reasonably comfortable with basic target shooting, look for places that offer training that you are looking for (use of cover, fire and movement, etc.). You generally do not have to go to thunder ranch or a convicted criminal's school to find this type of training. These are big names in the industry, but quality training that is on par or better is available at many places across the country.

USPA, IDPA, etc. are games. You will not learn real world tactics there. This not to say the competitors are not highly skilled, but that games and practical tactics are two different things.

If you want to know how to use cover, fire and move, etc. and enhance your ability to effectively use your weapon in a firefight then seek training. If you want to game, get the basics of pistol shooting, then go play. Playing is the best way to get better.

 

[1KPerDay]

is the fact she's female relevant?

Yes. Let's not go overboard with the political correctness here. The fact that she's
1. a kid
2. a girl

is very relevant.

 

[Sam1911]

Ithaca37 is certainly correct in explaining the differences between "tactical" training and action pistol sports.

It is always wise, however, to make sure we first answer the question asked. In this case:

Question: How does one learn to shoot like that?

Shooting "like that" is not a skill set that Thunder Ranch, Insights, RangeMaster, and the other defensive schools and trainers are seeking to teach -- and a one, two, three-day or even one week course with them won't take you anywhere near that level of proficiency. If you're lucky and very attentive, you might learn how to practice to become very skilled -- or skilled enough to prepare you for the next level of training -- but the focus is still quite different.

If you want to learn to shoot "like that" the fastest way is to get to know the local action shooting competitors, train with them regularly, and start competing.

As Ithaca37 says, most astutely: "Playing is the best way to get better."

 

[mordechaianiliewicz]

Well, she's pretty damned good.

 

[NMGonzo]

Quick reload. She's already better than me. LOL

Girls are better shooters than boys when they want to.

 

[Justin]

uote Question: How does one learn to shoot like that?

The best way to get better at shooting is to shoot with people better than you. The best way to do that is to attend local matches.

It's also a lot of fun.

 

[BluesDancer]

Thank you all for putting this information out on the table. I will look into more into USPSA and IDPA 'stuff' around my house, and see if I can find local groups as a starting point. As its been said, playing is the best way to get better.

 

[MinnMooney]

Women in my neighborhood regularly outshoot the guys. I believe it's due to better small motor muscle control and better eyes. JMTCW.

 

[SMMAssociates]

Women v.s. guys....

One of our range regulars for a while used to bring his girlfriend (cute little blonde about 35). EVERYTHING we handed her, she shot better than the guys. Usually with little or no preparation!

Including some off the wall stuff like my S&W CS45.... (Think "PPK/S in .45ACP and an inch thick.") (I don't know why....)

And, just the opposite - the other night one of the guys brought his nephew (under 25) who'd apparently never touched a handgun before. A natural.... After a little warmup.... (30' - 50'. two hand hold, on bullseye targets with a .22, 9mm, and .45s....)

I just wish Heather was back ....

Regards,