Gunfighter

Liam · Joined: 10 Jul 2007 Posts: 84

I would really like to know how other people train. So, how do you practice?

Semper_Fi · Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 397 Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

I train as follows:

Daily stretching, weights and cardio;
Daily diet discipline;
Weekly IDPA (pistol);
Weekly rifle range (100, 200, 500 yard);
Weekly hand-to-hand;
Monthly SoSu (hand, knife, pistol);
Monthly Pistol Elite;
Quarterly American Defenders;
Hoffners courses.

I want to learn more about competitive shotgun Liam. What is available in Houston other than 3 gun events?

Liam · Joined: 10 Jul 2007 Posts: 84

Dear Fi,

That's an impressive lineup of training but, after thinking about your answer for a few days here is my reply. Your list is once again of your formal training, (even the IDPA is structured by someone else). What I was getting at was how do you break down what your training sessions challenge you with into practice sessions that address components of the training. For example, the shotgun reload to an empty gun. I would setup targets with a matching amount of rounds in the tube minus one. (Three targets two shells). Working with a shot timer shoot til empty, reload shoot remaining target. It would be even better with more targets and your practice partner loading your shotgun, so you do not know how many rounds you will be able to shoot until a reload is necessary. You could make it a game with the winning time not for the entire array but for only the quickest reload. Fast handling gun games that enhance specific elements of training is where I am coming from.

Re: Shotgun contests they are somewhat limited. The USPSA Multi Gun Nats will have 3 shotgun only stages and several more with transition to or from shotgun. Tiger Valley also has a 3 G match. BTW. Where do you do your 500 yd. rifle practice?

Semper_Fi · Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 397 Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

Liam,
500 yard rifle work will be posted as a new thread at Sniper Rifles.

Hoff · Joined: 28 Jun 2007 Posts: 506 Location: Warrior Nirvana

Training in itself is a broad spectrum. Looking at the three criteria for winning, Equipment, Body, Mind. We have alot of work to do with very little free time and possibly limited funds but we can get it done. We must train with our equipment. One of the best opportunities to train but is ignored by most is dry practice. My formula for dry practice is a ten to one ratio to live fire. Its free and it can be done at home. We must train the body with a balance of aerobic and strength resistant training. You don't need to join a gym and fancy gadgets wont get it done. And of course we must continue to train the mind seek information and cram it in our heads. Store good skill sets in our reactive brain and practice good awareness, control, desire, and attitude with our cognitive brain. Training like diet is discipline and a way of life. You have to want it.
Hoff

Liam · Joined: 10 Jul 2007 Posts: 84

Regarding dry firing I absolutely agree. It is the best way to build muscle memory and the ability to visualize. Also, there is no limit to how much you can break down a move and perfect it step by step. And always end a string with second sight. But, be external with your second sight this is not the time or place to visualize. It is a time to see. Same with checking the six, etc.

Re: live fire time on the range is very valuable. Never plink. Plinking is pressing the trigger and watching what happens down range. Make every shot a result of your full attention.

M.W. · Joined: 12 Jul 2007 Posts: 130 Location: inside the loop

Liam,I just got my membership out at Impactzone and I cannot wait to,as you say,get in some personal practice sessions on Sunday afternoons just on my own.
At IZ as long as you are competent and safe,there is no limit on the number or type of weapons you can practice with each day,no charge per gun so a membership there is a great deal. In addition Phil, the rangeowner, has all the scenario props,moving targets,etc. we use and as long as we put them away when we are through he allows us to work with them.

I have "plateaued" or hit the wall as they say with my skills in the IDPA matches and sooooooo...time to ramp up the rounds downrange and simply overcome age and injuries and get the improvements done.
Like Hoff tells us,train hard and fight easy...or compete easy as the case may be.

I plan to start out like we did a few years ago when I was training with Dale Hunnicutt at the Sam Houston National Forest,before they closed it after 9/11.

We would shoot the IDPA Classifier twice (90rnds x 2=180 rnds)
and try to improve our scores each time. It offers well rounded forward/backward movement,head shots,turning,strong hand,weak hand,and barricade and barrel work. All useful of course. Then I will work on 3-4 scenarios at the longer 13-18 yard target ranges,close is easy. I then break them down and repeat the shots I am not good at (about 120 rounds or so)
Thus,300 rounds pistol...I use reloads,otherwise the cost would be much more.
Then I plan to do some shotgun,both slug and shot scenarios (about 50-60 rounds total)
Then some carbine,working hard on getting hits and mag work,loading a few rounds and forcing Combat loads...not many (like 100 rounds is good for starters for me)
I am hoping to do all that in about 3 hours...hour drive out,3 hours personal trigger time,hour drive back and shower and collapse on the sofa,lol. With some water,drinks and snacks to keep me going I think it should be a good workout to help me make Master by this time next year. (More training classes from Dale too, of course otherwise it would take me 2 years or more)

The above is added to the weekly and monthly matches out at Thunder and an increased physical workout routine with weights. Also,after my first American Defenders session I will be adding a weighted vest for my morning walks around the neighborhood.

Liam · Joined: 10 Jul 2007 Posts: 84

On the way to the 3G match at the Zone last Sat I asked myself, "What should I practice over the next week?" The answer was 'Whatever I learn at today's match.'

So, be advised. Join in. Taking a class may not fulfill your needs but if you shoot a match you can tell the instructor what you need help with.

Tomorrow is Phil's Tues nite club. First shooter is 5:30 last shooter to make all the stages be signed in by 7:30.

Hope to see you there.

Semper_Fi · Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 397 Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

Liam,
Pistol, carbine, shotgun? How many rounds per?

Liam · Joined: 10 Jul 2007 Posts: 84

Tues nite match at Impact Zone

Arrive betwn 5:30 and 7:30 (arrive first shoot first...)

Pistol only.
Bring 150 rds. min
Up to six stages the longest of which would be about 30 rds.