I usually come away from gun skool bemoaning my suckage.
This is the first time I've gone home after Training Day 1 feeling like not only have I learned something on that day, but that I've also shown marked, noticeable improvement since last year's class from drilling myself on the lessons taught. I'm actually feeling pretty good about my performance, having done things I wasn't sure I could do under any pressure.
Seriously, my first run at the FAST Drill cold this morning was a half second off my best time two years ago, despite the previous time being at the end of Training Day 2, and despite the previous best time being with a super-bitchin' custom 1911 of the type that I'd used for the past ten years, as opposed to this time, with a nearly-stock M&P9 like I've been using for the past thirteen months...
...and this despite a botched reload that could have been timed with a sundial. (Protip: Getting a big ol' handful of cotton chambray shirt will slow your reload right the heck down.)
Nice.
ReplyDeletePracticing the right things really pays off!
There is no one that will humble you like Todd. I am still frustrated with myself at the end of my first class with him and will be back to vex him again.
ReplyDeleteMe? Reload? Drop the fresh mag. Facepalm. Quote of the day(s): "Kelly, saying Da*m will NOT make that hole be anywhere else on that target". Word.
Hang in there! Have fun tomorrow.
Kead,
ReplyDelete"Have fun tomorrow."
Dude, I am going to PWN tomorrow! :D
Friends, There are some baselines.
ReplyDeleteSub-8 seconds for an El Presidente.
Sub-2.2 seconds for a Bill Drill.
I've never shot a FAST drill, but it looks like about 10 seconds might be a good initial goal.
Hell, I fully expect to see a pic of Tam's coin posted tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteBGM
BGM,
ReplyDeleteLet's not go holding our breath, okay? ;)
Good weekend for gun school. I just got home from a night shoot with Ken H. Tell Todd Eric from N.H. says hi.
ReplyDeleteI want to see your name on the FAST wall!
Tam,
ReplyDeleteNot holding my breath but would in no way be surprised to see it.
BGM
I know you will PWN tomorrow! Run it like you stole it. Tell Todd I will be back next time he is Culpeper VA next spring! I think it best if I give him fair warning.
ReplyDeleteGo get the coin!
Tam in a chambray shirt- Hot!
ReplyDeleteYeah, seems I've been cheating (no concealment) and I'm still in the mid 7's.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9i4yPCJ8X8
Must. Practice. More.
What a satisfying feeling that has to be. You reap whatcha sow.
ReplyDeleteGood for you!
Years and years ago I was out and about with a winsome lass and got a big ol' handful of her cotton chambray shirt. Talk about slowin' yer time down! She damn near killed me. We didn't stop grabbin' things til way after daylight.
ReplyDeleteGood times.
Gerry N.
The quote "Don't get cocky kid" springs to mind.
ReplyDeleteI may have to try for one of these classes, I tried the FAST drill at the range and to say it went pear-shaped is an understatement. Is there a fruit more oddly shaped than a pear? Had the shirt issue too, but that's what you get when you're carrying right, I'm sure I could do better with a tucked shirt and OWB holster, but that's not really how I carry ever, so...
Matt, the FAST test is a very good test of draw, accuracy and reloading at speed. I've run it at 15 yards with a carbine.
ReplyDeleteTam, Tom Givens has (IMHO) the best take on clearing open front garments - put your finger tips together, press your finger tips into your stomach and rakeback your garments till your hand is over your equipment.
Cheers!
Where are the mags for this drill? Like IDPA behind the hip?
ReplyDeleteWhere do you normally carry them?
DeleteIf the idea is to train for possible real life use as opposed to improve your game skills, why, no matter the drill, would you move them?
Where do you normally carry them?
ReplyDeleteNormally I don't carry an extra mag on me. I have a BUG.
If I do happen to carry extra mags they are usually in front, left my belt buckle. I don't like them digging into my hip when sitting in a vehicle.