[BSeevers]

Well thought I would start out my 2008-shooting year with a range diary entry. Went to a local indoor range and had to endure the usual stuff: guns pointed at me, tactical terry’s, ya know what I mean. The range staff was unusually friendly and good-natured. I really liked the range but I try to avoid indoor ones because of lead issues (inhaled and forcefully injected).

Well I shot very well. I was calling shots every time, shooting a 4x6 inch hole in the "a" zone and having such a great time that I shot every rd I had brought including the Limited and Production guns. Got the usual indoor range smirk(good thing I face down range) as people who weren't pasting their targets started hammering shots so they "showed me they could shoot fast too" and guy beside me telling a girl "He has that laser sight so he can't miss" Funny how he didn't say anything about the M&P or the .40 SV Oh well I digress.

For me the first practice of the year is very telling of where I am and sets a tone. Frankly, it feels good. I really feel that I was peaking late last year and it looks like I am bringing it into 08. I have some opportunities for improvement that I decided to focus on, in live fire. as soon as winter realizes that its finished. Had a great time this winter reading all of the info I have and building a desire to win. Budget wise shooting big matches looks to be a hurdle since its about double of last year’s costs for me, so something has to give and I made the decision as to what will. New job takes a lot of time and effort but I can do it.
I remember watching the dot at the indoor range and cutting out more of the hole cause I wanted to see if I could. I spent a good bit of time working on grip and need to remember that it is easy to get lazy with the Open gun. I also worked on table draws and wide target sweeps by going back and forth to targets of other people’s (That I didn't shoot of course) to mine. Did every drill from 3 feet to 50. Bill Drill's and group shooting rounded everything out.

Its gonna be great that in only a few days I'll be hanging with friends, meeting new ones and beating them. haha

It’s a little interesting that the range is one of the places that I feel really good at.

I have goals for 2008 and for me the best and most exciting feeling is that I know what it takes to achieve them. I just need to execute. I do know that the honor of being able to compete is a blessing and I respect and appreciate my competition, win or lose. I will do my best because it is what I have.
See ya at the range.

[Al Capizzo]

BSeevers, on Mar 8 2008, 04:32 PM, said:

I do know that the honor of being able to compete is a blessing and I respect and appreciate my competition, win or lose. I will do my best because it is what I have.
See ya at the range.

I really like that. A very positive note to finish your first diary post on. Good luck in '08!!

[Chris Keen]

BSeevers, on Mar 8 2008, 05:32 PM, said:

I have goals for 2008 and for me the best and most exciting feeling is that I know what it takes to achieve them. I just need to execute. I do know that the honor of being able to compete is a blessing and I respect and appreciate my competition, win or lose.

- Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.

Sounds great Bill. Sounds like you are ready to win.

This post has been edited by CHRIS KEEN: 08 March 2008 - 04:18 PM

[Pharaoh Bender]

Oh wise sage of the USPS and A...I'm looking forward to winning along with ya brother

[bobert1]

I am looking so forward to watching your amazing shooting Bill. Hope to see more of it this year.

[Catfish]

I really like the title of your diary.

Hope to see you at the range this year, best of luck meeting and exceeding your goals!!

[boz1911]

I guess I need to get me one of them there laser sights! Good post Bill!

[Jay6]

boz1911, on Mar 9 2008, 09:04 AM, said:

I guess I need to get me one of them there laser sights! Good post Bill!

Nah, I took mine off, it was WAAAAAY to easy

[BSeevers]

Well I started off the first few club season matches with a jam-o-matic gun but after replacing broken extractor and cracked FP stop, the gun is ready to go. I am ready to go too. I am very pleased with my shooting. I am attacking stages with gusto and shooting high points. I feel like Rudy Ruettigar. I have been training my whole life for this.

Had to go to dreaded indoor range this weekend because of the COLD but tomorrow its 400+ rds OUTDOOR tomorrow baby in 65 degrees!! I can almost taste it. Very busy day at work but I can be at range before 6. Plenty of time. Going to sight gun in, relax, get tuned into the gun, strong/weak hand shooting and a little movement drills.

I feel calm and confident. I know that I have all the skills necessary to win.

Can't wait for the fellowship and competition this weekend at Area 6. I hope that I and my competition shoot their best with no gun malfunctions or non-shooting problems.
May the better man or woman that day, win. I am counting on it.

Ready to Go

[BSeevers]

2009 was kind of a write off. Surgery then recovery and no money/ammo.

Shot club match Sat and it was very satisfying. I haven't shot a match in like five+ months and usually don't dryfire or practice in the winter. I also laid off of physicial workouts cause I am pretty sure I was interfearing with my healing after surgery, by stressing it with lifting/biking/etc.

Highlights were shooting one big stage with only one C and pretty much shooting without any major problems or "stiffness" I was drawing sub 1.2's with the same type reloads.Splits were a little slower than normal but transistions were right on. Position set-up was pretty good and I was calling my shots. I had a no shoot but it was also a scoring A, I feel it was not too much of an issue. I also experimented with a almost full running shot at a target and hit it fine. Got a little tired at the end but that's expected.
Had to fend off a charge by another M but I usually like that kind of stuff.
Its great to be 85-90% healed and looking forward to wins in 2010.