Getting back to the basics

Ever have one of those days, you go to the range and feel like you are wearing mittens?  I had that experience not long ago.  It is incredibly frustrating!  What can you do?  Go back to the basics.

                Stance; feet shoulder width apart, knees flexed, bend forward at the waist, shoulders down and when you go to full extension make sure they are rolled forward so that shoulders are in front of hips.  Drive out from high compressed ready keeping your gun in parallel to your sight…

                Grip; balanced, firm, backstrap centered in the web between thumb and forefinger, no gaps or spaces, holding securely like you are squeezing and orange for juice…

                Sight alignment/sight picture; front post on the target, to edges of front and rear sight even, equal light on both sides of the front post…

                Trigger control; maintain contact with the trigger, slow steady press to the rear using the center of the front pad of your finger…

                Slow down, take your time and remember, THIS IS FUN!!!

Start fairly close, gradually step your target out as your confidence increases and you regain your skills.  It is very much like rebooting your computer.  Every now and then, you just have to!

Don’t get frustrated, we all go through it at some point.  Just remember, deep breath, step back and start from the feet up.

Safe Shooting!

Winchester Marksmanship Program

Have you looked at this?  Information is available on the NRA site under Programs.  This is a great program, even for an experienced shooter.  It uses the honor system, except for the final level, where you meet minimum standards to achieve each level.  They get progressively harder as you progress. 

I’m working the Pistol Qualification program now.  I just finished the third level, where I had to shoot two handed grip with strong and weak hand.  I had shot one handed before, but never two handed leading with my weak hand.  It was a challenge.  I think that was the idea. 

I’ve heard people say that no one does this program anymore.  I would like to see that change.  This is a great way to measure your progress against defines standards.  It encourages work on fundamentals and shooting skills.  It addresses a variety of firearms, not just pistols, but rifle and shotgun as well.

I’m still an advocate for formal training, but we can’t go to the range with an instructor every week.  This program adds a touch of discipline to my practice sessions, and gives me a goal to work to meet.  This isn’t the only way I practice, but it is one aspect of my practice. 

Let me know if you have worked through this program or considered it.  I’m very interested in what others think.

Safe Shooting!