Practical Pistol Show 182 - Hopkins Hates Everyone

Published on February 9, 2017
Duration: 13:30

This episode of the Practical Pistol Show discusses various shooting practice strategies and competition-related topics. Ben Stoeger and Matt Hopkins address the effectiveness of practicing exclusively on partial turtle targets at longer distances, the mindset behind 'sandbagging' in competition, and the utility of dedicated weak-hand-only and strong-hand-only practice. They emphasize that while specific drills can improve certain skills, a balanced approach to training is crucial for overall improvement in competitive shooting.

Quick Summary

Practicing exclusively on partial turtle targets at distances no closer than 20 yards may not be the most effective strategy, as it might not develop a good feel for acceptable sight pictures on various targets and distances. While it can improve long-range accuracy, it might neglect other crucial aspects of shooting proficiency. Dedicated practice sessions focusing on specific weaknesses are generally recommended over attempting them in a match.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Welcome to the Practical Pistol Show
  2. 00:40Partial Turtle Target Practice Strategy
  3. 01:35Why Some GMs Focus on Long Range
  4. 03:49Benefits of 20-Yard Target Practice
  5. 04:37The Issue of Sandbagging in Competition
  6. 05:00The Journey to Grand Master (GM)
  7. 06:14Sandbagging vs. True Skill
  8. 06:50Weak Hand/Strong Hand Only Practice
  9. 07:15Why Not Shoot Matches Weak Hand Only
  10. 08:02Effective Practice vs. Match Simulation
  11. 09:09IPSC Specific Drills
  12. 11:30Purpose of Weak Hand Only Matches
  13. 12:08The 'No Loose' Situation
  14. 13:06Concluding Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

Is practicing exclusively on partial turtle targets at long distances an effective training strategy?

According to Ben Stoeger and Matt Hopkins, this strategy may not be ideal as it might not develop a good feel for acceptable sight pictures on various targets and distances. While it can improve long-range accuracy, it might neglect other crucial aspects of shooting proficiency.

Why do some competitive shooters focus heavily on long-range practice?

Some shooters, including Grand Masters, may focus on long-range practice because fast shooting at close range came easily to them. They might be trying to compensate for areas where they struggle, like hitting distant targets, even if it means neglecting other skills.

Is it beneficial to shoot entire matches weak-hand-only or strong-hand-only for practice?

The consensus is generally no. Shooting a whole match with such limitations is not considered the most effective practice and can lead to meaningless results. It's better to dedicate specific practice sessions to work on these weaknesses with higher round counts and focused drills.

What is the primary benefit of shooting weak-hand-only or strong-hand-only stages in a competition?

The primary benefit discussed is often psychological or ego-driven, allowing shooters to demonstrate their 'hardcore' status. It's seen less as a method for genuine skill development and more as a way to manage perception or create a 'no-lose' situation.

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