August 11, 2012, 11:31 PM | #1 |
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3 gun first time
Well --- just learned the difference between target shooting and tactical training!
I've been shooting for about 15 years --- mostly shotgun, rimfire pistol, and rimfire rifle. I can shoot centerfire rifle --- but usually in hunting type situations (.30-06). I'd consider myself a reasonably good shot. Just tried a 3-gun course, today ---- and got my butt kicked! I actually scored very high on target precision (2nd highest, in fact out of 10) -However, I was destroyed on: - ammo management (ending up with the correct number of rounds, even with mandatory magazine changes) - speed (I'm a target shooter --- I take my time) - re-loading (time added for reloading in the open without cover) I admit ---- I'm not a fan of tactical shooting ---- but it made me realize that I'm not as prepared as I've always thought I was. Sure - I can hit a plate at 200 yards sitting at a bench. However I'm not quite as good at hitting a zombie at 50 yards while in motion. If you guys haven't tried it ---- I'd recommend it. |
August 12, 2012, 09:10 PM | #2 |
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When are you going to have to, [QUOTE][hitting a zombie at 50 yards while in motion/QUOTE]
From my view point 3 gun matches and similar are great practice for LEOs and SWAT types, but while a change in pace from plain old target shooting, I really seriously doubt I'll ever get into that kind of gun fighting. I personally believe I am well served by practicing trigger control and rapid target acquision. Different stokes for different folks. Though I did find the 3 gun match more enjoyable than a round of golf.
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August 12, 2012, 09:45 PM | #3 |
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But you had a damn good time didn't you?!
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August 13, 2012, 12:54 AM | #4 |
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I think this kind of exercise might be fun but not likely to develop useful survival skills for a civilian.
I think folks would be better off practicing: * double and triple taps * point shooting * target acquisition * multiple target shots * head shots * turn and shoot drills * tactical awareness * reloading weapon * drawing and firing backup gun * movement off X * identifying opportunities for cover and concealment
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You can get a lot with a smile but you can get a lot more with a smile and a gun...Al Capone On different calibers for self-defense: If you can hit what you aim at it doesn't matter...if you can't it doesn't matter. So, it doesn't matter...Me |
August 13, 2012, 08:37 AM | #5 |
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I'm in the same boat, been shooting action type pistols pretty heavy the last three years or so and I suck at it.
Accuracy wise, I do good, but when it comes to loading, I suck. But I've never been one for "spray and pray" And at 65 I'm not a fast mover. Add to that I shoot revolvers, I can't compete in the loading department using speed loaders against 15 or more rounds in a semi. Rifle I can hold my own. Although I've been known to screw that up. Last year we had 5 good guy targets and 5 bad guy targets, suppose to be a hostage situation. A got some great groups on each hostage target. Wasn't too bad until they found out I was a sniper when I was in LE. My favorite is ICORE, we all have to use revolvers. Want to really learn to shot your carry gun, shoot an ICORE match with a 642 loading loose rounds from your pocket. Your scores wont be high, but you'll gain confidence in your CC revolver. We have some weird stages. One earlier this year we were given a block time of 20 seconds. Every target you hit deducted 5 seconds. If you shot pass the time limit they added 10 seconds per shot. Being old and can't hear, I couldn't hear the shot timer telling me to stop and shot two rounds after the buzzard. They didn't deduct from misses. I would have had a better score if I set in the truck and didn't fire a shot. Regardless, we shoot for fun more then any thing else. Great bunch of guys and gals. I'll stick to concentrating on accuracy more then speed, I'll never be at the top of the result bulletin but I feel better about it.
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August 13, 2012, 01:32 PM | #6 |
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I don't know that I would call 3-gun competitions "tactical training," but they do utilize some similar techniques. Rapid target acquisition, transition, movement, firearms manipulation, etc are common to both. That makes competitions a good test of whether you are as good as you think you are!
Most competitions fail to differentiate between cover and concealment. Most competitors use cover quickly rather than correctly. Some gamesmanship may or may not actually be wise in a tactical situation (mandated "tactical reloads" being quite controversial.) |
August 13, 2012, 02:49 PM | #7 | |
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Quote:
Practical shooting like 3-gun, USPSA or IDPA is a great way to practice under stress important and useful basic skills like moving with a loaded gun, shooting quickly and accurately, engaging multiple targets, target identification and quick target acquisition, moving and shooting or shooting while moving, shooting from unconventional postures and positions, reloading, etc.
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August 13, 2012, 11:56 PM | #8 | |
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Quote:
Dude you shot a hostage There was no hostage on this stage Right here man I didn't even see it
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August 14, 2012, 01:43 AM | #9 |
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LOL Frank, That is exactly what tactical training does. It make you think about how you act and shoot while doing target identification and a bunch of other stuff. Way to often ppl say tactical training like it is some great mystical special thing.
A tatic is - a plan, procedure, or expedient for promoting a desired end or result. So yes 3 gun matches are to a degree tactical training. |
August 14, 2012, 02:00 AM | #10 | |
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I've competed in USPSA matches and I've trained at Gunsite and with various instructors like Louis Awerbuck and Massad Ayoob. They are different. One learns different things in different ways. But they are complimentary. One is wise to pursue both. Good training lays the foundation, but most folks can't really manage to go to school more often than once or a few times a year. On the other hand, in many places one can shoot a USPSA or IDPA match once or twice a month.
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"It is long been a principle of ours that one is no more armed because he has possession of a firearm than he is a musician because he owns a piano. There is no point in having a gun if you are not capable of using it skillfully." -- Jeff Cooper |
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August 16, 2012, 05:16 PM | #11 |
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Sounds like fun.
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