Tips on Pistol Shooting

[tirpassion]

Dear agn bhai,

The not-so-good points are:
1. 2-3 shots out of 12 or 13 land in #7
2. 3-4 shots out of 12 or 13 land in #8
3. Rarely the wrist "jumps" up at release
4. Now the "surprise" shots land in #8 - why do they not move a bit towards the center, I dunno

I understand simply that there are 5 to 7 errors in every 12/13 shots (You can also thank your recent rigourous training sessions that the errors did not show up as 5s and 6s). To err is human, so errors are normal. But what is important is to identify/know/understand the error and find out it's remedy. Why did the error occur? It is not possible to detect and correct all errors all by oneself but quite a number of basic problems can be solved with some efforts. Effort = concentration, vigilance, quality over quantity and above all quantification of the quality of work.
Puzzled??? Nope!!!
Quantification of the quality of work = Box drill

Errors occur due to several reasons which are unknown to me in your case. There are certain exercises which eliminate general errors. They have been prescribed by Guruji in the very early lessons in TOPS.

Fig 8 = helps to work on Grip locking, strengthening the shoulder muscles, minimizing arcs, programming the memory to perceive and stabilize the perfect Sight Picture (Sight alignment) while on natural movement (arcs) etc.
SA hold = Improves grip locking, breathing rhythm, programming the sub-conscious for the perfect perception of the sight picture, body stability, builds mental intensity etc.

Now, if you have not jerked the trigger, you will find all the answers to your questions above . So, first of all find out if the errors are due to the above reasons. If yes, do these exercises. If not we will work on the trigger control.
I would suggest you to avoid these meticulous analysis simply because (please do not mind!) you are not at that level as yet to think and feel in such details. The power of analysis will come with maturity in shooting and you are on the perfect track, believe me! I remember that both jitu and you had serious problems earlier with ‘the terrible 2nd set’ which always would bring down your scores. It is important to note that you do not talk about it any more . Why? It is because it has faded away with maturity. You had also serious problems with the choice of pellets. It is over now. The very same way, all these problems will fade away. All you need to have is confidence in yourself and in your own work and efforts (Effort = concentration, vigilance, quality over quantity and above all quantification of the quality of work).

I would rewrite the diary in this way.
The not-so-good points are: There are none . I need to work on the following.
Figure 8’s, achieve 100% in SA hold, work on strengthening the muscles, work on general physical fitness, work on grip locking, work on hip locking, work on stability…..

What I retain from your post are (I have not changed your statement but I have just ignored some sentences only);

Must have gone to the range 7 times since and what improvement in performance.

The good points are:
1. Around 70% shots now land in Desired Zone (i.e. #9, #10)
2. Whites shots are eliminated
3. Greater confidence has now manifested
4. The perpetual "pellet confusion" has cleared away.

1. Three days back I shot 8 cards with H & N Finale Match - in the first 4 averaged out 89% (357) and the next 4 averaged out 90% (362)

2. Two days back I shot 8 cards with H & N Finale Match - in the first 4 averaged out 90% (360) and the next 4 averaged out 91% (365)

3. Now interesting thing happened. After the first 5 shots, I kept the AP down and the range colleague in the next lane said "Solid yaar". I looked up surprised and then fetched the card to see all the five had cut out a tight hole around #10. Five #10s in a row !!! I was elated and send the card back and shot another five. 2 of those in #10 and the three in #9 ! Another five - three in #9 and 2 in #8. The card was pretty much done around the center. And so I went for the 8th card and shot 13 on it in a row - none in white or #7, most in #9 and couple each in #10 and #8. And the day ended up with a smile after all. Those two last cards made my day.

Please understand also that we started shooting on bench rest for you to get you back the confidence which had waned away with time. Now you are aware of it because you yourself are feeling the improvement. I am happy about it. Now it is time to go for serious work .

Best regards
tirpassion

[tirpassion]

Dear agn bhai and jitu,

For me shooting 30 shots is better if I can get feedback from each and every shot to improve my shooting skills rather than shooting 100 shots for scattered information thereby gathering confusions. Now, if I do fig 8's, I am already lifting the weapon for 60 times at least, doing everything except live shooting. Then I add 30 to 40 live shots. I would have already done 100 shots/holds at the end of the session and finished an excellent day.

I would also request you to ingrain discipline in your training sessions. 3/4 times a week on alternate days (let the body rest in between and rejuvenate), physical exercises in between to strengthen the muscles and increase fitness. More importantly, you will have to programme the sessions in advance in writing and what exactly you would do during the sessions and do exactly what you would have planned.

best regards
tirpassion

[jonahpach]

Have been following this post for sometime now and after about 2 years I can officially say "I dont shoot half as much as I know how"

[airgun_novice]

There - we have our own "Jonah, the Humble".
Your humility, Sir, is certainly worthy to emulate.

Dear tirpassion,

Fig 8 is what seems to have disappeared from my routine - time to inculcate it back. Thanks for the ear-boxing. Shot 12 cards yesterday - 6 with MS (Y) and 6 with H&N (FM). Since the AP is set for H&N, the first set of 6 cards seemed a bit off to the left, but the next 6 cards were more towards expectation. DS around 70% averaged - so consistency continues. Card #11 was with 100% DS. Yes sir, some trigger jerk definitely observed. As dev pointed out to me one day, I need to learn to abort more.

Tomorrow thinking of carrying the Pegasus along to break the routine. Didn't visit Pune since the group "diverged" a bit on the day I was to turn in the form and though I didn't lose my heart I certainly lost my cool. So now on it's gonna be F8 + 60 shots and Benchshoot + 60 shots waltzing and alternating merrily. Ah yeah - and all those exercises... Wonder if I could "outsource" those ...

regs
A.

[tirpassion]

What is up gentlemen? No news from anybody since more than 2 weeks!!!! Are we all in serious training sessions or are we on pause ???
As far as I know, one sole button is used for pause & play. If on pause, it is perhaps time to press the same button for the play mode . No???

best regards
tirpassion

[airgun_novice]

Shall email you tonight, tirpassion - not something to be out in public domain.

[brihacharan]

What is up gentlemen? No news from anybody since more than 2 weeks!!!! Are we all in serious training sessions or are we on pause ???
As far as I know, one sole button is used for pause & play. If on pause, it is perhaps time to press the same button for the play mode . No???
best regards
tirpassion

> All is not lost - Till the game is won
> This morning's papers say that "Abhinav Bindra" is out of competition as he ranked 17th in the matches
> If this can happen to an Olympic Gold Medalist - What about us?
> Moral of the Story - Keep Practicing, Follow the Rules, Don't Lose Confidence, Stay Focused, Don't Carry the baggage of a bad / poor score.
> Tomorrow is another Day - You too will attain Glory
> In the Mean-Time ENJOY your SHOOTING
Briha

[hvj1]

Dear Brihaji,
Regarding Abhinav Bindra and shooters at that level, all go through a called 'off Season', You have been a power lifter yourself, so there is no need for me to amplify. The second thing is 'burn out' aspect. After sometime, one can run out of motivation. Even though you know how to do it, you still cant get yourself to do it, simply because the fire within has dimmed.
Regards

[amarinder]

Yeah I agree...

[brihacharan]

[quote="hvj1"]Dear Brihaji,
Regarding Abhinav Bindra and shooters at that level, all go through a called 'off Season', You have been a power lifter yourself, so there is no need for me to amplify. The second thing is 'burn out' aspect. After sometime, one can run out of motivation.
Even though you know how to do it, you still cant get yourself to do it, simply because the fire within has dimmed.


hvj1
> Yes! Its the home truth.
> I have experienced this both at the Gym & the Golf course
> BTW - It was very heartening to read Ms. Rahi Sarnobat's achievement in 25mtrs Pistol event.
Rgds
Briha

[tirpassion]

Dear friends,

This is where I was the last weekend, Saturday and Sunday mornings. The black powder (Muzzleloader) shooting range in Versailles for the District level competitions (The photos were taken with a mobile phone camera on the sunny Sunday). Shooters from 2 districts came down for the official match in real chilly conditions. Please note the participants in winter clothing. The temperature varied between -1°C to + 5°C in the morning on both days, Saturday being a gloomy day without Sun. To be very frank, it was difficult for me to shoot in these conditions. I was frozen to my skeleton .

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There are 16 lanes; 8 at 50m (long guns), 8 at 25m (handguns) and 10 for use at 100m. At 100m it is always prone shooting and in this range the lanes are on the first floor.

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[tirpassion]

Now, it was a prelude/preface to say that I am on the Play mode in Muzzle loader shooting since my return to France .

I shoot 5 events; Revolver at 25m, revolver at 50m, percussion pistol, flintlock pistol and matchlock pistol. All pistol events are at 25m. The targets used for all handguns and most of the long guns (even at 100m prone) are C50 targets (the same used for the 50m free pistol where the 10 ring is of 5cm diameter). 13 shots in 30 minutes (no sighter shots) where the best 10 impacts are counted (with a small hitch; e.g if the impact is on the 9 ring circle line and only more than 50% of the impact is inside the 9 ring, it will be counted 9; otherwise it is 8 even it touches the 9th ring circle line). The 13 shots are to be shot on two C50 targets placed side by side; 6 on one and 7 on the other.

I have qualified for all the events in the regional comp (nothing great because everybody does ). But if one shoots a predefined MQS for the Nationals, one qualifies directly for the Nationals (the MQS can be achieved either in the Districts or in the Regionals) and that is important. Now here is where I stand after the District Championships.
Saturday 6th:
Revolver 50m: MQS for nationals 75/100. My score 78/100
Revolver 25m: MQS for nationals: 92/100. My score 89/100
Matchlock pistol: MQS for nationals: 75/100. My score 76/100 (not so happy but still...)
Sunday 7th:
Flintlock pistol: MQS for nationals: 84/100. My score 83/100
Percussion pistol: MQS for nationals: 93/100. My score 96/100 .

So 3 direct qualifications for the National Championships out of 5 events. Now, my aim is to qualify for the remaining 2 events during the Regionals; should do it with some additional efforts .

best regards
tirpassion

[airgun_novice]

Some sharp-shooting upacharyaji !

Don't take that -3 to heart that much - could be because of windy conditions, but I suppose you can and should aspire to shoot +3. Quite proud of you here - some tight shooting. You guys in France are quite lucky - to get chilled to the bones - here, we are in a "tandoor" getting roasted to the bones instead.

Only wish someday I qualify to shoot some real firearms like you.

[bodhijobs]

Wow Arnab da, way to go.

I have also pulled my socks and started the practice sessions. Hope to continue tight.

[tirpassion]

Thanks agn bhai and bodhi,

BTW, one interesting thing I will request you to note in the photo where you see the lane numbers. In lane 13 and 14 (red haired shooter in red jacket) there are two ladies shooting. This is one shooting discipline(ML) where both men and women participate on equal terms .

best regards
tirpassion