Tips on Pistol Shooting

[lionheartguru]

yes buddy i got your so-called ""hint" ! guess what ? Every body has their own point of view and we actually cannot help it .

nice to meet you

[dev]

Good day to you to Lion Heart. We could debate the matter thru pms. Right now I'd rather discuss the topic of improving in my shooting. I regret the fact that you felt that you were dealt with unfairly but I'll live with it.

[hvj1]

Hooo, getting hot out here
I was wondering if you guys could show me your targets. Tarrot Card readers are better than Crystall Ball Gazers

[dev]

Hi Guruji,

I was planning to submit a few targets for your comments and advice.
Shall have them up soon, score has crept back to 91, after yesterday's session.
It is strange that when you tell yourself that you can shoot well you do.
My timing so far has been four cards of ten in fifty minutes. Didn't have enough air to do sighters etc.

Regards,

Dev

[hvj1]

My timing so far has been four cards of ten in fifty minutes.

Well done.By the way, Dev, I cant seem to activate some of the smilies on the -view more smilies link. Why is that?

[dev]

hmmm really strange, i clicked the link and it worked. . which are the ones that are not working? i have just inserted two to check.

regards,

dev

[hvj1]

Very strange, now all of them seem to be working if I cut paste them from the 'view more smilies'. Merely clicking them does not work. Oh well, if all fails then its cut and paste for me.
Regards

[pgangar]

Hello,
I am would like to learn pistol and rifle shooting, however am not able to find good shooting institute in Mumbai / Thane. Can you help me?

I feel that in order to learn this sport, I should first learn the basics of shooting, viz., Stance, fitness, etc. How to handle any weapon, basic etiquette while on the range, etc. and then of course the detailed knowledge of the weapon on which I would be learning shooting.

I have started reading some of the field manuals issued by US Army (available on internet) to learn the basics and improve my knowledge.

Please guide me. I want to know what type of air pistol / air rifle should I buy and practice.

Thanks,
Parin Gangar

[sagar]

Hello Parin,
Nice to hear about your interest in shooting, I would like to share my views:
1) Since you are New to this sport Always Keep in mind the SAFETY aspect of the Pistol/Rifle you are handling.
2) Arrange a Pistol/Rifle and shoot it Equally(same No. of shots by either) on a Target paper.
This will give you an Idea with which (pistol/rifle) you are more comfortable without any Training or Knowledge(as you mentioned). After that you Continue to develop your shooting skills.
On IFG many Experienced Hands have posted Valuable Info, which will be a guide line for you.
But Please SAFETY FIRST.
Happy Shooting.
Regards.

[jitu sati]

hey hvj
sorry could not come on line for long. been rather hectic. absolutley no prac. now off to mhow for two months. have tied up with the range there . hopefully will be able to prac much better there than here. will keep u info
jitu

[pgangar]

Hi Sagar,
Thanks for your tips. I would certainly bear SAFETY aspect.

As you have suggested that I practice some shots on target paper with both pistol and rifle to know what suits me, I would certainly love to do so, however, can you point me in the right direction for any club etc. where I can try this.

I work in Mumbai and live in Thane.

Regards,
Parin

[hvj1]

Hello Parin,
Apologise for the delay in replying, since I am busy travelling extensively. Nevertheless, Sagar's advice is pretty sound. Please contact Vishwajit 09869165683, he looks after the Veer Savarkar range and will be able to help you out.
Regards

[hvj1]

Preparing for the GVM - A few tips and sharing my experience.

In my entire shooting career, I have shot in the GVM thrice. The first in Ahmadabad 1991, incidentally the 1st GVM, the next one was in the following year in Ahmedabad1992 and the last one in 2005/6 in Kerala (Thodupuza).

I has taken up the sport just one month before the 1st GVM, at Ahmedabad, I shot 354/400, which was a couple of points off from my average practice score. Those days,we shot in an open range. I remember, Vivek Singh shooting his first Nationals there.

In the second GVM, again at A'bad, I shot 368/400, clinched the gold. I was much better prepared and quite calm in my approach.

The last GVM in Kerala, I had to shoot since I had skipped nationals for three years running. My preparation was very good, both mental and technical, so I shot a 373/400, which was a record (I was not aware of it) till it was broken a couple of years back (I am told).

For all those, preparing for the first GVM, I can assure you, that it will be an unforgettable experience. A few points to keep in mind;

1. Write down in your diary the exact script you will follow when you approach the practice match, your strategy, warm up, how to use the preparation time) Then follow it diligently.

2. Treat each and every practice session, as if it is a match. i.e, Decide the time you are going to shoot a practice match, then reach the range at least 45 minutes before the start time. Warm up, set up your equipment on the firing point, do not get distracted by friendly shooters ( Hi, Hello, how are yous, whats up. how was the party last night and other assorted bullshit, which you are definitely not going to indulge in during the match)

3. Follow the script written in the diary (as closely as possible). Try to complete the match in 65 minutes, including sighters. Believe me you dont want to be in a position where you need to get of the last few shots after the final command of "last ten minutes".. because by then you will be sweating bullets and shitting bricks, since your trigger finger will freeze due to panic.

4. DO NOT SCORE DURING THE MATCH, those who do so in practice need to abandon it NOW, those who dont want to change, welcome to High Blood Pressure.

5. Drink a lot of fluids, ideally plain water is ok, natural juices are very good. Beer is definitley out.

6. Practice your match, keeping a very close eye on the watch. You must learn to finish your sighters in the shortest possible time. You can do ample dry practice during the prep. period. Ideally, you must finish each series with rest in 15 minutes, you will hence finish in an hour with 10 minutes to spare (assuming you use 5 minutes for the sighters).

7. For heavens sake dont shoot your sighter in a group, you are not going to shoot groups in the match, so shoot the four sighter cards one by one, this will help you to ease into the record shots more easily.

8. Train yourself to look only at your cards and not your neighbours. Be prepared for stupid questions from novices shooters who could be shooting besides you. I had one fellow asking me which side of the pellet should be inserted in first.

9. Try reaching the competition venue at least a couple of days before the day of the match. Try and get as much practice opportunity, this will be extremely short, say around 10-15 minutes, if you are lucky you might get 30 minutes. Dont try to shoot a match, shoot each card one by one and not groups. It is more important to get your FOCUS going well. The lighting of the range is what you need to get comfortble with immediately. This happens more in the mind, so you are advised to use valubale time, while sitting behind other shooters awaiting your turn for practice, by staring at the lighted targets. Closing your eyes and telling yourself, The Lights are good, I am going to get used to them.

10. When you finish your practice session, instead of gabbing about and loitering around aimlessly, sit under a tree or place which is relatively calm, close your eyes and relax, try to absorb the atmosphere around you and say to yourself that you are enjoying it. Repeat the same thing while waiting for your turn for practice. Identify things in the competition range which are similar to color, shape , design and feel of your home range. This help you to ease the anxiety.

11. Whatever you do, you will feel the competition stress.ITS OKAY, everybody is going through it, you are no different from the rest of the crowd. Please avoid big talkers and gaspots, keep the company of sensible and mature fellows, or just read a book.

12. Get your weapon checked, you must get your trigger checked TWICE, once during equipment check, the other when you enter the range on the day of the competition. Due to change of temperatures , triggers are known to go awry at the worst of moments. A Trigger weight is available on the Range Officers desk at all times. Check it before the match.

Have a good time.

[sagar]

Thanks hvj1,
Another valuable info from you.

[dev]

Hi ,

Thanks for the ways to ease some of the pressure.
I am afraid I will be cutting it a little fine due to leave and assorted hassles.
Have to shoot a qualifier on Sunday before the Delhi State says yes. I was point 1 off from the required score.
Neeways practice has been decent but finding time in the morning is difficult, can squeeze in time in the evening though.