Well, it's finally happened....

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redbone

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Over the last couple of months, I've had the chance to shoot at the range with both of my sons. I shot with the oldest, just out of college, right before Christmas when he as getting ready for an extended trip to Montana. And yesterday, I shot with my youngest, a college freshman.

So, what's up?

Well, it's clear that they are now both better hangun shots than I am. Not by much, yet, but it's happened. Young eyes vs. my bifocals - hate the darn things, just started wearing them a couple of years ago, and it's certainly affected my shooting.

Afetr he outshot me with a S&W Model 28, I thought I might get the best of the youngster yesterday by springing a new pistol on him (9mm Browning Hi-power I just picked up), but he put 15 rounds from the first magazine into a 3" bull at 15 yards.

I think I'm still better at rapid fire, but don't think that will last for long either.

We usually end up a range session by shooting a Ruger Mark I at 10 yards at 1" bulls (3 bulls each, 5 rounds per), for points. Beat him on that, but only because he had one flyer. Lately he's usually been winning those as well.

Makes me feel old!

:confused:

RBH
 
Speaking from your boys' point of view... Dad, I know damn well that in all my life I might be as good as you.

I remember when I outshot my dad for the first time, and it wasn't long ago. I quickly realized that it was not because I had improved that much, but that he was getting older. We shot at tin cans and paper targets, and while I could hit them more often, and my groups were a little bit tighter, he could still take down a running buck at 400 yards, while I passed up the shot for fear of wounding the animal.

While it's probably a little embarrassing, I do seem to recall that dad was a whole lot more proud than embarrassed. So don't read anything into it. All it means is that you've raised them right.
 
redbone,

I'm a firearms instructor, and my 18yo son can outshoot me from a marksmanship perspective. Age gets us all. Let me offer some consolation and a suggestion...

He know's he can outshoot me and outdo me in the martial art that we both began 4 years ago - but he is pretty certain he can't out-FIGHT me. Something about confidence, mindset, courage....

You should consider you and your son(s) taking a professional tactical pistol class that stresses not only marksmanship, but tactics and mindset. Winning is not always for the strong, but for those who refuse to lose and who THINK and perform their way to victory.

At the risk of commercializing the board, consider us or another group for such a class. Together. You'll be amazed at what you learn, and the experience of doing it together is beyond cool.

Let me know if I can help.
 
I'm looking forward to the day when my two grandsons can outshoot me. It's going to be a while, as they are only 21 mos. and 9 mos., but I'm only 48. If things go the way I want them to, by the time they're 14 & 15, Gramps will have a tough time keeping up.....and I'll be darn proud of it, too!
 
If it makes you feel any better i was a better shot when i was a college freshman than i am now. Give them some time, maybe they will "catch up" to you.
 
Just think of it this way.
When you're young, you dream of being Luke Skywalker - young, learning and getting better.
Later, you dream of being Han Solo - mature, tough, you and your blaster are unbeatable.
At this point, I dream of being Ben Kenobi - older, my best times are behind me and I'm passing on the knowledge to the younger shooters. I can still pull off a good shot now and then to wow the young guns.

When I start to dream of being Yoda, then I'll start worrying. . . :p
 
A few years back while taking taking a carbine course from Louis Awerbuck, my son and I ended up as the final two in a man-against-man shoot-off for the jackpot. He was quicker and his aim true at the ping-pong ball hanging from a string at twenty yards. He took the cash, I took the ribbing... and I've never been more proud of anything in my life.

Ya did good, Red.

Denny
 
Thanks for the support - sounds like I'm not the first one. Yep, I'm proud of them. Really got lucky with my kids, no major problems growing up. They are both exceptional outdoorsmen and enjoy the same things that Dad does.

Standing Wolf: The Merit things look real interesting. I was explaining the concept to my wife last night, and she said "That's funny, before I got my eyes lasered, the only way I could see the alarm clock at night with my glasses off was to make a little telescope out of my fist and look thru it." I always wondered what she was doing!! Think I'll try it. Although I usually don't like to do things differently at the range than I might need to do on the street, I think I'll make an exception. Certainly will continue to practice with just the specs too.

Scott: Yes, I like the idea of all of us getting some tactical training. The Tactical Pistol class looks like a good start. Any plans for an Indiana or Kentucky class this year?

Oh, and by the way, the wife also didn't understand why I didn't mention that she shoots better also. Ha! that'll be the day... although she is a pretty good shooter.

RBH
 
redbone,

Nothing is scheduled for Indiana or Kentucky. We'll be in Cleveland OH on April 3-4.

If you can secure a range or other safe place to shoot, we'll come to you if you can find 8 students to take the class. The good thing about that arrangement is that you train for free and save all your travel expenses.

BTW, you are right - Tac Pistol is a great place to start.
 
Compensate

I've turned to red dot sights on many of my handguns. With these, I can keep up with my kids again.
 
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