Psyched out, and embarrassed. Ever happen to you?

[Monkeyleg]

At about this time last year, the push for concealed carry in WI began, and many volunteers like myself had little time to go shooting. Once the veto override vote failed, I plunged myself into a new business venture that's been consuming just about all my time.

Suffice it to say that I've only been out shooting a handful of times in the past year, and it shows. I mean, my skills have deteriorated to the point where they're not even "skills" anymore. The last time out, I had shots that were off the paper at 50 feet. That's how bad it is. It could have been in May; I don't remember.

Anyway, I was thinking about taking some time on Labor Day to head to the range. Problem is, there's this little voice in my head telling me, "don't go. You're only going to embarrass yourself again."

Does anyone else here ever choose not to go shooting because of being psyched out?

 

[Pilgrim]

A little hint about something I learned about flying aboard an aircraft carrier: Your last pass is history. There is nothing you can do to change it. Concentrate on the next pass like your life and reputation depended on it.

I think you can apply that lesson to shooting.

Pilgrim

 

[jsalcedo]

As long as you don't have nosey obnoxious people at the range criticizing your shooting.....

I've had overly helpful range folks try to tell me what I'm doing wrong.

Usually I smile and nod if they persist, I just tell them to get lost.

 

[standingbear]

no..I dont bother..youre going shooting to practice and have fun..who cares what others think...its your dime not theirs.

 

[Spot77]

And besides.......IT'S FUN!

 

[buy guns]

who cares about accuracy, just have fun. isnt that why we shoot in the first place?

 

[Sulaco]

Being embarassed is only possible if you are sincerely concerned with the opinions of other people.

Who are you trying to impress and why?

That's a rhetorical question, by the way.

 

[spacemanspiff]

heck, theres nothing wrong with shooting at a target 10 feet away!

worst case, if you must shoot at greater distances, have a pen or pencil with you so when you get to your target you can punch some holes to make better looking 'groups'.

if anyone gives you a hard time, tell them to mind their own business. its not only in YOUR best interest to get out there and practice, but also in everyone elses best interests, in case you need to use your weapon.

now when you say you were 'off paper', are we talking post card sized paper? cause if so, then i might be shy to shoot next to you.

 

[P95Carry]

Dick ...... get back in there dude! Start a session with targets at 10 yds max .... practice sighting again . single shots ...... remember the rules of trigger useage . all the stuff you really do know.... but pace yourself.

Also - start off with easiest gun (to you) ... maybe go ''cheap'' and burn a bundle of .22lr first ... if you have a handgun to suit.

Do NOT allow yourself - to be psyched out! No way!

 

[redbone]

I have found it's like riding the proverbial bike, or maybe a better analogy is downhill skiing. With a little practice, i quickly begin to get my skills back, and with a couple of range sessions I'm back to "pretty good" (for me, at least). So, maybe you could try the "bunny hill", i.e., shoot at 15 or 25 ft until your skills and confidence are back. Don't start on the double black diamond, or you'll bust your butt first time down the hill.

Another thing that works for me: I have an inexpensive CO2 BB pistol that I can shoot into a trap indoors and practice in the privacy of my own home. When I can't get to the range, I still get to think about sight picture, trigger control, etc. I use some very small targets at maybe 20 ft, in the garage, and it is helpful.

Good luck.

RBH

 

[Standing Wolf]

Does anyone else here ever choose not to go shooting because of being psyched out?

I choose not to get married again, but not go shooting? Hey, that's different!

 

[litman252]

Come on now Dick, you owe it to the people that you gave so much time to last year to go and have some fun!!!!!!!!!!
Worry about groups later, work on basics again.

I'm kinda in your situation. First week back to work after little guy was born boss called me into office. Just what I wanted, to work 55-68 hr weeks right after being a Dad for the first time. If only I was home to see the money.................and family.


How is the business??????
Tony

 

[rayra]

'Psyched out'??
It is what it is. Go SHOOT.

 

[Kharn]

When I was in undergrad, I only got to go shooting every 3-4 months, so my skills never got anywhere. Now that I've graduated (and dont have a sucubus/girlfriend anymore), I go shooting every weekend!

Kharn

 

[aguyindallas]

I would rather be a free man with a gun than a prisoner in my own country and not able to defend myself.

Grab a buddy, some ammo and go support your local range! Have fun and be safe, thats all that really matters at the end of the day anyway.

 

[Shootcraps]

A friend of mine at work was a firearms instructor in the military. The first time we went shooting together, he stood next to me and gave me a couple of tips. Even though I've been shooting for a long time, the things he said helped me shoot the best I've ever shot.

Hook up with a trained instructor for just one session and let him help you get back in the groove and get your shots on the paper. It will be time well spent.

 

[grislyatoms]

After a rather long hiatus, I went to a commercial range, unfortunately on a somewhat crowded day.

I was all over the place, and cursing under my breath, getting frustrated and embarassed at being thought to be a newb.

Breath
Sight alignment
Trigger control

Concentrated on the trigger, as Dad had taught me to do so many years ago. Squeeze trigger, ride recoil, gradually release pressure on trigger until I feel the trigger reset. Rinse and repeat.

I was shooting beautiful groups at 10 yards before I left.

Get out there and get some range time!!