Practical Shooting After Dark EP 39

Published on March 7, 2019
Duration: 40:39

This episode of Practical Shooting After Dark features discussions on competitive shooting experiences in Australia and the US, focusing on stage planning, equipment regulations, and training philosophies. Ben Stoeger shares insights from shooting a Tuesday night match in Brisbane under lights, highlighting the club's unique weekly schedule and the challenges of night shooting. Kim discusses the technicality and difficulty of the Florida Open, noting its challenging stages, prop manipulations, and emphasis on accuracy over speed due to low Hit Factor stages. The conversation also delves into the value of professional instruction versus self-training, the importance of continuous learning, and the nuances of selecting instructors and training programs.

Quick Summary

The Florida Open is recognized as one of the most technically demanding US shooting competitions, featuring 11 stages with an average of 30 rounds each. It often includes complex prop manipulations and low Hit Factor (HF) stages, prioritizing accuracy over speed, unlike many US matches.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction and Host Change
  2. 00:59Ben Stoeger's Trip to Australia
  3. 02:16Brisbane Pistol Club Match Experience
  4. 03:03Weekly Tuesday Night Match Format
  5. 04:23Challenges of Night Shooting
  6. 07:11Australian Firearms Regulations
  7. 09:08Kim's Florida Open Experience
  8. 09:21Technicality and Difficulty of Florida Open
  9. 10:03Stage Props and Activations
  10. 11:12Unique Starting Positions
  11. 11:53No-Shoot Pendulum Stage
  12. 13:41Heat Factor and Accuracy Focus
  13. 14:38Florida Open Recap and Experience
  14. 15:39Training and Strategy for Low HF Matches
  15. 16:22Making Shooting Stages Harder Than Necessary
  16. 17:13Complicated Stage Plans vs. Simplicity
  17. 18:30Question: Value of Training Classes
  18. 19:50Ammo vs. Class Tuition Debate
  19. 20:49Self-Taught vs. Instruction
  20. 22:04The 'You Don't Know What You Don't Know' Principle
  21. 23:22Instructor's Perspective on Student Mindset
  22. 24:30The Importance of Continuous Learning
  23. 25:43Question: Taking One Class vs. Multiple Instructors
  24. 26:09Learning Retention and Practice
  25. 27:13Training with Multiple Instructors
  26. 29:54Scarcity of Good Firearms Instructors
  27. 30:44Researching Instructors
  28. 32:41Benefits of Quality Instruction
  29. 33:24Real-World Example of a Struggling Student
  30. 36:13Inflated Sense of Skill vs. Core Competency
  31. 37:08Online Coaching Options
  32. 37:34Understanding the Value of Online Coaching
  33. 40:04Concluding Remarks

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in Australian firearms regulations for IPSC shooting compared to the US?

In Australia, IPSC shooters must adhere to longer barrel requirements and a strict 10-round magazine limit. The .40 caliber is generally not approved for IPSC, with .357 SIG often used as an alternative, sometimes utilizing necked-down .40 cases.

How does the Florida Open differ from typical US shooting competitions in terms of stage design and difficulty?

The Florida Open is noted for its high technicality and difficulty, featuring numerous stages averaging 30 rounds each. It incorporates complex prop manipulations and often has low Hit Factor (HF) stages, emphasizing accuracy over speed, unlike many US matches with higher HFs.

Is it better to spend money on ammunition for practice or on professional firearms training classes?

While practice with ammunition is essential, professional training offers targeted feedback to identify and correct fundamental flaws that self-practice might miss. This can lead to more efficient skill development and potentially save time and money in the long run by avoiding ingrained bad habits.

How important is continuous learning and training with multiple instructors in competitive shooting?

Continuous learning is crucial; instructors should evolve their material, and students should remain open to new information. Training with multiple instructors can be beneficial if integrated into a structured system, but constantly switching between different methods without understanding them can hinder progress.

What advice is given for selecting a firearms instructor?

Selecting a firearms instructor requires thorough research, akin to choosing a PhD program. Look for instructors with proven track records and teaching methodologies that align with your goals. This ensures quality instruction and avoids negative experiences that could foster a distrust of training.

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from Ben Stoeger

View all →