Practical Pistol Show 20 - No Timer For You!

Published on March 16, 2015
Duration: 17:46

This episode of the Practical Pistol Show discusses the potential pitfalls of over-reliance on timers in shooting training. While timers are valuable for measuring performance in drills like draws, shot-to-shot splits, and reloads, the hosts argue that excessive focus on them can hinder overall skill development. They suggest that sometimes removing the timer and focusing on accuracy or more complex stages can lead to greater improvement, especially for newer shooters. The discussion also touches on the psychological aspect of new gear and the importance of individual training needs over generic rules.

Quick Summary

Over-reliance on timers in shooting practice can lead to prioritizing speed over accuracy and developing bad habits. While timers are valuable for drills like draws and reloads, removing them can allow for better focus on form and complex stage execution. For new shooters, limiting attempts on difficult targets to 4-5 shots and prioritizing fun over score is recommended. Experienced competitors often focus on start positions and general stage concepts rather than detailed diagrams.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Article Discussion
  2. 00:33'When 22 Splits Aren't Fast Enough' Article
  3. 01:05Matt Hopkins' Take
  4. 01:25Candace's Perspective & New Girlfriend Syndrome
  5. 04:03The Timer as a Training Tool & Devil's Box
  6. 04:41Taking Away Candace's Timer
  7. 06:14Focusing on Form vs. Time Drills
  8. 07:17Question: When to Move On From a Missed Target?
  9. 08:03No Right Number for Missed Shots
  10. 09:37Individual Frustration Levels & Fun
  11. 10:26Question: Studying Stage Diagrams in Matches
  12. 10:47Looking at Start Positions Only
  13. 11:36Ben & Matt on Stage Diagrams
  14. 12:10Less Interest in Diagrams Over Time
  15. 13:31Not Looking at Round Count
  16. 14:00Why Newer Shooters Emphasize Diagrams
  17. 14:35Talking to Previous Competitors is More Useful
  18. 14:47Looking at YouTube Videos & Range Floor
  19. 15:09Salomon Shoes Discussion
  20. 15:36IPS Matches & Rules
  21. 15:51How to Bone Up on IPSICK Rules
  22. 16:14Key IPSICK Rule Differences
  23. 17:23Outro & Contact Info

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the potential downsides of using a timer in shooting practice?

Over-reliance on timers can lead to prioritizing speed over accuracy, potentially building bad habits. While useful for specific drills like draws and reloads, focusing solely on split times might neglect overall skill development and accuracy, especially for newer shooters. Sometimes, removing the timer allows for better focus on form and complex stage execution.

How should new shooters approach difficult targets in a competition stage?

For new shooters struggling with a specific target, a good rule of thumb is to limit attempts to around 4-5 shots before moving on. The primary goal for beginners should be to have fun and maintain stage flow, rather than getting stuck on a single target and becoming overly frustrated. Their score is less relevant than their enjoyment and continued participation.

What do experienced shooters focus on when preparing for competition stages?

Experienced shooters often pay more attention to start positions and general stage concepts rather than meticulously studying detailed diagrams. They understand that actual stage setups can differ significantly from diagrams in terms of target size, placement, and round counts. Talking to competitors who have shot the match previously often provides more practical insights.

What are the key differences in rules for IPSC matches compared to other shooting disciplines?

Key rule differences in IPSC include the prohibition of dry firing your firearm and variations in the 'make ready' command. Additionally, competitors must be mindful of not moving outside designated fault lines. These distinctions require specific awareness when transitioning to IPSC events.

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