Learning as I go...match by match.

[Tall Dark Slim]

Today I shot my third match with SASS folks. It gets more fun every time I step up to the line. The generosity of these folks is seemingly boundless. I have two awesome pistols, a goofy rifle that works except in a match, and the world's slowest double barrel shotgun. I'm smart enough to know that my shotgun is ill suited to the close and personal shotgun knockdowns. I'm not smart enough to realize that my lightning clone is not match ready yet. I've nicknamed it the Molasses. Enter awesome saviors of match fun: Missouri Marshal and Red Cavanaugh.

Missouri Marshal is an awesome guy who very generously lent me his '97 for the match. That gun isn't a custom job according to him, but it runs like a dream with very positive ejection and is a steel seeker. If it was on my shoulder when it went off the steel had no chance. Smooth as silk and lighting quick... No pun intended. This fella has gotten me hooked on the '97. I am still not sure why he doesn't use it, maybe it's because he doesn't need to, he's pretty quick.

After three stages of fun and frolic the Molasses decided it wasn't having anymore of my reloads. I have become adept at finessing the ammo into the chamber and sending it downrange. It is SLOW when it runs. Another stand up cowboy type Red Cavanaugh volunteered his submachinegun for the last three stages. A Codymatic '73! Above and beyond? Outrageously generous.  I totally enjoyed this gun and was able to rain lead like Red....almost. I became quite confident with it and it bit me in the butt on the last stage. On the fifth stage I had mastered the spray stroke...cowboy full auto...golden arches of brass...whatever it is called. The last two shots on this stage came so very fast I was shocked and lost a few seconds picking up my jaw. On the last stage 4-3-2-1 was the rifle order.  5-3-2-click-click can I load another one? No? Ok and laughter as I finished up with smooth shotgun sequence and an overspeed run on the pistol 4-1/2-2-1 which I'm not certain went down as planned as I took an extra click at the end.  The posse seemed to find it hilarious and cheered loudly.

Thanks to these two fine gents my match was a big time success even though I didn't place well I know what I am capable of with the right equipment and good advice.  I can't wait to own cool toys that shave fifty seconds off a pard's stage time. Best stage of the day was 28 and change...worst was 79 and change.  Thanks Red and Marshal!  

I'm working on relaxing, but I've got the enjoy down pat! I've found the best part of the match: setup and takedown where stories are told and glories relived.

[Tall Dark Slim]

Update: I've picked up a '73 and it's headed to Cody for machinegunization.  After I get a shotgun setup all that will be left is to practice until I'm off the bottom of the score sheet.

[Jefro]

Today I shot my third match with SASS folks. It gets more fun every time I step up to the line. The generosity of these folks is seemingly boundless. I have two awesome pistols, a goofy rifle that works except in a match, and the world's slowest double barrel shotgun. I'm smart enough to know that my shotgun is ill suited to the close and personal shotgun knockdowns. I'm not smart enough to realize that my lightning clone is not match ready yet. I've nicknamed it the Molasses.

After three stages of fun and frolic the Molasses decided it wasn't having anymore of my reloads.

Update: I've picked up a '73 and it's headed to Cody for machinegunization.  After I get a shotgun setup all that will be left is to practice until I'm off the bottom of the score sheet.

Great to hear yer having a good time, yer gonna love the Codymatic, he's done several guns for me. Missouri Marshal, Tricky Trina, and the whole bunch are some good folks to shoot with. Now you understand why we encourage new shooters to go to some local matches before you buy anything, it'll save you a bunch in the long run. If you really want to do the "P" word (practice) , the Evil Roy CD's have some great tips. Good Luck

Jefro Relax-Enjoy

[Tall Dark Slim]

Today I shot a match with a recently acquired '97 and a loaned Codymatic '73 after my molasses rifle had issues on the first stage.  The Thunderbolt is not a main match rifle, but I'll keep it for a rainy day deer gun.  The Cody was fast enough to win me 7th place on the raw speed stage: ten round dump on big gong, reload for a precision bonus shot, four shogun knock downs, and then move ten yards to dump the pistols. During the rifle I pinched my finger badly. I had always wondered what it would be like to shoot injured. I had no idea what had happened, but I knew it had slowed me down so all I could think was front sight...burn 'em and get to the shotgun.   

This bled like a stuck pig and essentially took me out of action for a bit.  Thankfully it happened on the last stage.  This was an awesome day as I had several  different people tell me that as soon as I got my stuff straight I would be planting firm kicks in others' posteriors.  All I could do was laugh, look at my finger and respectfully say, "Let's let the chIckens hatch before the counting starts."  Too much fun!

[Tall Dark Slim]

Today I did my taxes and found out I wasn't a federal employee, but a state employee this year. To burn off the stress I grabbed the shell belt, dummies and '97.  A few hours later I was sweating, but I may actually have it somewhat down...says he as the shells roll onto the floor. Anyway, who knows at this point, but It sure made me feel better. I tried six and it's horrendous, but oddly fun. I tried four for a while and it appears useful, but still needs work. When I got to two it was pretty tough to miss, but I'll keep at it just the same. I'm relieved at how familiar my pistols are to me now, but I still want to go Gunfighter. Traditional is very good to me, but I want to better my left handed shooting also.  The rifle is fun. I don't know why I waited so long to get one, perhaps being poisoned to the idea by prior experiences with stock rifles. I feel supremely confident with it from zero to a hundred yards on man sized targets, but boy does it drop and take some time getting there.  It's so pretty that I really don't mind and love how it feels in the hands and marvel at its design.

[Camille Eonich]

I know some very successful shooters that load two over the top and then load from the right after that.  Four over the top is great when it works out but often is something very akin to a MFAF.   

I always single load from the right.

[August]

Yeah, you'll pinch your finger like that enough that the nerves will die and you'll be able to continue the match without hesitation.  Don't ask how I know this.

Actually, that's not a bad one.  You'll find out that a bad one is when the trigger is clear through your finger like a knife.  You have that to look forward to.

What you did was cram your finger between the end of the trigger and the lever as you closed the gun.  The only cure is to get your dang finger out of the way.  There are some really good drills for timing the action of the gun with the shooter.  Practice, practice, practice.

But, it's a good idea to keep some band-aids on your gun cart while you're learning.

[Tall Dark Slim]

I have figured out how to keep the gun from pinching my finger. The unfortunate side effect is an almost fully automatic rifle that fires upon each closing of the lever. With cold hands it's not the safest technique and my transition speed is slower than my cyclic speed.  I really need to work on this because rifle misses flat p!$$ me off. Long sight radius, short distance, and big targets....what excuse do I have?

I tried the gunfighter category at this Sunday's match. It was hilarious and awesome rolled into one. After my left hand figured out it had to aim instead of just cocking the gun we didn't miss as much. I say we because right it feels like I am trying to get two individual elements to follow directions and work as a team. Gaming out the scenario is very intimidating trying to figure out which gun does what, but it usually runs just fine on the clock. I had a clean stage that I tried to burn down and I got the bonus clay out of the air. I was very excited about this especially after a rocky start to the match. I've got to invest in handwarmers as cold hands kill my supposed shooting ability. With the recent arrival of caliber conversion parts to load .45lc progressively, I've now got the ability to throw live fire practice at the problem. If it comes along I'll shoot it at the upcoming two day match I'm registered for.  If not I'll stick to cowboy for the match.

[Jefro]

I have figured out how to keep the gun from pinching my finger. The unfortunate side effect is an almost fully automatic rifle that fires upon each closing of the lever. With cold hands it's not the safest technique and my transition speed is slower than my cyclic speed.  I really need to work on this because rifle misses flat p!$$ me off. Long sight radius, short distance, and big targets....what excuse do I have?

Howdy TDS, sounds like yer having a blast If you're missing with the rifle then you need to smooth things out and make sure the front sight is on target. Notice I didn't say slow down when you start shooting smooth, flowing, with a rhythm the speed will come natural. It sounds like right now yer yankin and crankin the rifle as fast as you can go , that makes everything jerky, and the front sight goes everywhere. Keep your off hand way out on the forearm, butt tucked in high and tight so yer not looking over the barrel, "front sight, front sight, front sight". Dry fire practice at a smooth pace, then think that way after the beep. Concentrate on just how smooth you can shoot the stage (front sight, front sight, front sight) I'll bet by the third stage you'll see results. We have one shooter JM Brown, to watch him shoot a stage you would swear it was in slow motion, but at the end of the day he is at the top of the charts. He has no wasted motion, smooth as silk, and he shoots duelist.
  Dry fire is also great practice for GF, and double duelist is a good way to train your weak hand.
Doc Shapiro has some good practice drills for CAS and practical shooting. The Evil Roy CDs are good (his shooting school is great), also Longhunter has tips on the SASS site under "Members Only". Stay after it, and Good Luck
Doc Shapiro Breaking the Shot

Jefro Relax-Enjoy

[Camille Eonich]

Another tip to start out with so as not to develop the habit and then have to break it is to teach yourself to either keep your thumb tucked in to your hand and not wrap it around the stock or to plant you thumb on the receiver and just flick the lever open and closed with your fingers.  Many people keep the pinky out of the lever and tuck it under the lever to assist in closing.

[Tall Dark Slim]

Jefro,
Do you have a camera hidden in my practice area? Yank and crank when I think about it. When I don't it's scary fast and smooth. I dont screw it up until I think about how great I'm doing. I like the smooth better. I have been using the long hold way out front. I learned that on AR's for transition speed and it seems to work wonders on my spray rifle. You're right: I find it fun and it's always giving me a laugh. Also the shots were breaking before I got the sights on target due to a cold finger bumping a light trigger.

Camille,
I have taken some leather and closed the lever opening to only allow the two middle fingers in the loop. This has done wonders for pinched fingers and speed. I naturally don't tuck the thumb over on the rifle thankfully. I was watching a guy shoot pretty quick stages doing the full thumb wrap. I thought it was a wasted motion that just slowed his splits from excellent to good; possibly two seconds a stage or more.

Thanks for the tips! I'd like to be fast AND good. Haha!

[John Smith]

Jefro,
Do you have a camera hidden in my practice area? Yank and crank when I think about it. When I don't it's scary fast and smooth. I dont screw it up until I think about how great I'm doing. I like the smooth better. I have been using the long hold way out front. I learned that on AR's for transition speed and it seems to work wonders on my spray rifle. You're right: I find it fun and it's always giving me a laugh. Also the shots were breaking before I got the sights on target due to a cold finger bumping a light trigger.

Camille,
I have taken some leather and closed the lever opening to only allow the two middle fingers in the loop. This has done wonders for pinched fingers and speed. I naturally don't tuck the thumb over on the rifle thankfully. I was watching a guy shoot pretty quick stages doing the full thumb wrap. I thought it was a wasted motion that just slowed his splits from excellent to good; possibly two seconds a stage or more.

Thanks for the tips! I'd like to be fast AND good. Haha!

You might want to review the shooters handbook about reducing the interior size of your lever.  Page 7 I believe.

[Tall Dark Slim]

I see what you're saying.  I am not limiting the movement of the fingers that are still in the loop.  However I can see where someone could try to call me on it.  It's going to be my training aid for now. I've got a nasty sore knuckle on my little finger. I've already come up with an idea that will not receive criticism once I get used to shooting pinky out of the lever.  Thank you very much for the point out. I don't want to grow to depend on illegal crutches.

[Jefro]

You might want to review the shooters handbook about reducing the interior size of your lever.  Page 7 I believe.

Leather lever wraps are perfctly legal, he ain't using filler blocks. If you can get your fingers in you can wiggle em. I have AJ's Super Heavy wraps on both of my rifles. Good Luck
AJ's Super Heavy Wraps
• Levers may be wrapped or padded with leather or other natural material.
• Filler "blocks" or other such mechanisms designed to prevent all or drastically limit movement of the fingers within the lever loop are not allowed.


Jefro Relax-Enjoy

[Tall Dark Slim]

Jefro,
John Smith was indeed correct that my mod was questionable. I have altered it to both pad the little finger knuckle and not illegally restrict the opening. This was all done prior to the big to do email about illegal wraps. It's humorous the timing of it all.

[Jefro]

Jefro,
John Smith was indeed correct that my mod was questionable. I have altered it to both pad the little finger knuckle and not illegally restrict the opening. This was all done prior to the big to do email about illegal wraps. It's humorous the timing of it all.

Good deal Slim, glad you got it straightened out. No way for us to know for sure without a picture. Good Luck

Jefro Relax-Enjoy

[Tall Dark Slim]

Well I took a weekend off to visit family and now I have a grueling week of make up practice to look forward to in preparation for my first two day match. This will be exciting because I will be going gunfighter for the match and just letting it rip. I'll be zeroing the rifle and its new marble buckhorn sight and then burning some serious time practicing with the shotgun and pistols. I've got 400 rounds loaded and it's going to be awesome.

[Camille Eonich]

You're going to Blue Ridge Roundup?

[Tall Dark Slim]

The Gathering on the Mattaponi...not that big just yet Camille. I just got going on the progressive press. I haven't nearly enough practice to do that yet, but I do have some friends to visit in NC soon so I may be playing road show near Raleigh.

[Tall Dark Slim]

Yesterday we had a smaller local match due to the rain where the unthinkable happened. I won my category against another shooter whom I consider to be good. It was a bloody six stage battle where the lead changed several times due to misses and P's unfortunately. It seemed like the rain was affecting everyone mentally as one stage claimed six shooters jacking out a rifle round and having to reload. I of course didn't do this and instead fired my first shot from the wrong spot. Fie on you Murphy!  Entering the sixth stage I had calculated the scores and knew he led by three seconds. He turned in a fast time for the final stage that I would be hard pressed to best by three seconds, but one had gotten away. If I could just run clean I had a shot. I got to the line and made ready. The shotgun was first with outside-outside-inside-inside. All four shells went over the top and downrange without any hitches. The rifle was up next with three targets requiring 2-6-2. Two shots down...transition 2, 4, 6, transition...2 action open and down. The pistols were all that remained. I drew and cocked both and opened with the right followed closely by the left as the right recocked and swung to the next target.  It was a rapid chatter of pistols and smoke puffs to follow as I thought only about getting full extension toward the target with each pistol before it fired. I got through the six in the middle as the stress built on the last two as the guns swung onto target.  The right gun hit home as the left was cocked and as it discharged a heartbeat later the ding had sealed my fate. I had done it and bested my goal shooter and won the category. My next goal is to best this same shooter in a cleaner contest and to achieve the clean match which I will need to beat the best local gunfighter.