Screwed around and shot well last night...

[mreed911]

I've recently become more focused/serious around Steel Challenge, working my way up through the ranks. Current target is an "A" classification (75-85% score band) in Limited Optics. Master is 85-95%. I've gone from 62% to 68% to 72% in the course of a month now. Apparently I was in the zone last night, as on one of the stages I usually struggle with (Pendulum, which should be easier), I put up an 82% score. I followed that up with a > 75% score on another. My overall is still < 75% (all stages get averaged) but it's proving that I have the capability of doing it... and probably at the Master level.

Amazing how much of this game is mental - just shooting right at the edge of your ability and pushing a little bit more each time.

I'd been approaching matches with the mentality of "I'm an A-class shooter, I just need to be consistent and put up better scores every week." Maybe now I should be saying "I'm an M-class shooter, I just need to be consistent and put better scores up every week." I'm focusing primarily on Limited Optics so my mechanics are the same... but I'll go back and pick up Single Stack once I do (similar mechanics). I have a Range Officer Operator that's been tuned for my steel challenge load (65gr 9mm frangible, 99 PF) that I can use.

Another match coming up Thursday night (two clubs nearby run "half-matches" on weeknights, several run 6-8 stage matches on the weekends).

Every match I've been to recently has had at least one new shooter, too, and they're usually better than they think (folks that got tired of standard range-lane target shooting), so they enjoy it and come back the next time. Glad to see this, as well!

 

[Belt Fed]

I shoot better with a bigger tree.

 

[mikep]

sounds like a fun time.

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

I've recently become more focused/serious around Steel Challenge, working my way up through the ranks. Current target is an "A" classification (75-85% score band) in Limited Optics. Master is 85-95%. I've gone from 62% to 68% to 72% in the course of a month now. Apparently I was in the zone last night, as on one of the stages I usually struggle with (Pendulum, which should be easier), I put up an 82% score. I followed that up with a > 75% score on another. My overall is still < 75% (all stages get averaged) but it's proving that I have the capability of doing it... and probably at the Master level.

Amazing how much of this game is mental - just shooting right at the edge of your ability and pushing a little bit more each time.

I'd been approaching matches with the mentality of "I'm an A-class shooter, I just need to be consistent and put up better scores every week." Maybe now I should be saying "I'm an M-class shooter, I just need to be consistent and put better scores up every week." I'm focusing primarily on Limited Optics so my mechanics are the same... but I'll go back and pick up Single Stack once I do (similar mechanics). I have a Range Officer Operator that's been tuned for my steel challenge load (65gr 9mm frangible, 99 PF) that I can use.

Another match coming up Thursday night (two clubs nearby run "half-matches" on weeknights, several run 6-8 stage matches on the weekends).

Every match I've been to recently has had at least one new shooter, too, and they're usually better than they think (folks that got tired of standard range-lane target shooting), so they enjoy it and come back the next time. Glad to see this, as well!

It's great to hear that you are enjoying the competition and improving steadily. I've been reluctant to take part in much competition 'cause I'm an old fart that doesn't shoot all that well. But I guess everyone has to start somewhere. There are a couple of ranges within an hour of me that have a couple of steel challenge matches every month, open to the public, and I suppose are low-pressure social events. Your experience is quite encouraging. Perhaps I'll give it a try.

I'm not familiar with "Limited Optics" or other classifications. Do you have a link that explains it all? Are there differences between ranges, "house rules" so to speak? Are there standard courses or do they change every match? Thanks for sharing your fun.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[mreed911]

Hi,



It's great to hear that you are enjoying the competition and improving steadily. I've been reluctant to take part in much competition 'cause I'm an old fart that doesn't shoot all that well. But I guess everyone has to start somewhere. There are a couple of ranges within an hour of me that have a couple of steel challenge matches every month, open to the public, and I suppose are low-pressure social events. Your experience is quite encouraging. Perhaps I'll give it a try.

I'm not familiar with "Limited Optics" or other classifications. Do you have a link that explains it all? Are there differences between ranges, "house rules" so to speak? Are there standard courses or do they change every match? Thanks for sharing your fun.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

No "house rules" that differ during competition. Steel Challenge is like golf - you and a better score each time. You can be competitive if you want - care about match placement, etc. - or you can just go shoot, track scores and see if you're improving.

I think this video explains it well - basically you, your gun, five magazines. Can be centerfire, rimfire, handgun, rifle, irons, optics... your choice. There's a place to start for everyone. You shoot at your own pace and build your own history of scores.