Levi says that I bait him into saying things he does not mean. Says he won't write on my training blog for that reason. Unfortunate because that is a lost of a wealth of good training information.
Levi hears what he thinks I mean, not what I say and especially not what I mean to say. When Levi posts I hear what I think he means, not what he says and especially not what he means to say. I watched a movie yesterday wherein humans were trying to communicate with aliens. The aliens used the word "weapon" to mean "language." They were saying "Use your weapon," meaning "Use your language," and it almost started another war of the worlds according to the movie plot.
It is tough to be a blogger!
My kids say that I am a cyperbully. (That is almost as bad as getting two sportsmanship warnings at the 2016 Nationals. Sure glad the Comish fixed that foolishness with one of his silly rules.) My wife says that people just don't understand my weird sense of humor. I think that is probably pretty much my problem, folks have a hard time understanding when I am laughing at myself, normally I don't laugh at others, but it is hard not to laugh at yourself.
It is tough to be a blogger.
My normal practice now is to write a blog and then let it simmer for about a week. During that time I edit by deleting anything that might offend anyone and deleting all of the wit from the post. I learned my lesson by once writing a post on ladies' costume problems, that post lasted less than 30 minutes before I was banished. Anyway, now after about a week, if I have deleted enough, I ponder hitting the publish button to send my witless piece to the....., now there I go again, it hard for me not to call a quarter match a quarter match, though some say that is snideness and hurtful.
It is hard to be a blogger.
Do I let this simmer or hit the button now. Should I delete that quarter match comment or let it in. It has offended in the past, but it is really a good illustration of my weakness. Not talking about others, just laughing at myself. What do you think? Leave it in or delete. The costume remark may open an old wound, what do you think, delete or no? If I delete all that I should delete, what is the point of the post.
To all of my good friends and to all others, I say I don't mean to offend. If I do, it is unintentional. Just write it off as the blathering of an old fool that can't help himself and who likes to hear his gums flap.
Posted without simmer!
It is hard to be a blogger!
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Sunday, August 27, 2017
Team Event?
I heard a rumor that the Camp is going to field a team in the Range War at World. Some of the members were saying they have been practicing twice a week. Now that Loverboy has his draw back, they look to be a pretty tough bunch if they can manage the flusters.
Shady Mtn will probably field three teams this year. So as not to show any favoritism and never knowing who is going to be on at any given event, I think we will call them the red, white and blue teams. Shady Mtn Blue will be the "should have been" team from last year (1st place last year) if John can get his paperwork straight as to his true domicile. The Shady Mtn Red team will be the Smith family plus one or two. The core of Shady Mtn White team will be a couple of Alleluia shooters. True to the nature of Alleluia shooters, they may not be the quickest but they may well be the toughest.
From the east valley, the Salty River Dogs, er Cowboys, (my Spanish not so good) can field a really competitive team with Mule Train, Southwest KC and the Draw as its core. They probably will want to pilfer Wyoming Ranger for their long gun from Shady Mtn.
Looking around the country one can see lots of potential for competitive teams. From the springs, Mongo, Wench, Honey Badger, Possum are the core of a solid team. From Virginia, Slow Poke, Bob E Pain, and Big Ugly would make a pretty ugly painful team, (that is pretty and ugly and painful). Kentucky has speed to burn but those quarter matches may prevent them from being competitive in the real event and do they travel.
Texas, what can you say about Texas. Assuming they can swim south Texas has solid bunch with the Shootist, Marshall's Daughter, Madame K and Sgt Buck. That new gang hanging about the stockyards can field a quick team especially now that Brad is breathing through his eyelids (Bull Durham) and the Pixie is getting quicker. West Texas with the windmill and KK has experience to burn not to mention speed. The Bushwhackers with Whip, Parttime, the not Plain Jane, Gentleman and the Rose, is a ready made team but where is the long gun?
Out west there will be plenty of speed from California for a competitive team. Again the question may be where is the long gun. Idaho and Nevada has a wealth of black badges to draw from. But the beauty of the Range War, is that it is not the top three that matter but the 4th and 5th shooters that carry the day.
The Comish ought to watch the movie Mcfarland and then revisit the rules of the Range War. Mcfarland is a true story about the Mcfarland High School cross country team. In cross country you run 7 but only score 5. The Mcfarland 7th runner was a pudgy runner who questioned why he was running when he never could score. In the last event of the year, the state championship, he finally finishes 5th on the team, scores points and as it would happen is the deciding runner in winning the state championship. Cross country is a true sport. Cowboy Fast Draw is a true sport.
If anyone wants to handicap their state, have at it. A little swagger never hurt anyone and I have enough for all of the Valley of the Sun. Used to wear my Nebraska Spurs like Boulder but kept tripping on them. I will put my money on Shady Mtn Blue.
Shady Mtn will probably field three teams this year. So as not to show any favoritism and never knowing who is going to be on at any given event, I think we will call them the red, white and blue teams. Shady Mtn Blue will be the "should have been" team from last year (1st place last year) if John can get his paperwork straight as to his true domicile. The Shady Mtn Red team will be the Smith family plus one or two. The core of Shady Mtn White team will be a couple of Alleluia shooters. True to the nature of Alleluia shooters, they may not be the quickest but they may well be the toughest.
From the east valley, the Salty River Dogs, er Cowboys, (my Spanish not so good) can field a really competitive team with Mule Train, Southwest KC and the Draw as its core. They probably will want to pilfer Wyoming Ranger for their long gun from Shady Mtn.
Looking around the country one can see lots of potential for competitive teams. From the springs, Mongo, Wench, Honey Badger, Possum are the core of a solid team. From Virginia, Slow Poke, Bob E Pain, and Big Ugly would make a pretty ugly painful team, (that is pretty and ugly and painful). Kentucky has speed to burn but those quarter matches may prevent them from being competitive in the real event and do they travel.
Texas, what can you say about Texas. Assuming they can swim south Texas has solid bunch with the Shootist, Marshall's Daughter, Madame K and Sgt Buck. That new gang hanging about the stockyards can field a quick team especially now that Brad is breathing through his eyelids (Bull Durham) and the Pixie is getting quicker. West Texas with the windmill and KK has experience to burn not to mention speed. The Bushwhackers with Whip, Parttime, the not Plain Jane, Gentleman and the Rose, is a ready made team but where is the long gun?
Out west there will be plenty of speed from California for a competitive team. Again the question may be where is the long gun. Idaho and Nevada has a wealth of black badges to draw from. But the beauty of the Range War, is that it is not the top three that matter but the 4th and 5th shooters that carry the day.
The Comish ought to watch the movie Mcfarland and then revisit the rules of the Range War. Mcfarland is a true story about the Mcfarland High School cross country team. In cross country you run 7 but only score 5. The Mcfarland 7th runner was a pudgy runner who questioned why he was running when he never could score. In the last event of the year, the state championship, he finally finishes 5th on the team, scores points and as it would happen is the deciding runner in winning the state championship. Cross country is a true sport. Cowboy Fast Draw is a true sport.
If anyone wants to handicap their state, have at it. A little swagger never hurt anyone and I have enough for all of the Valley of the Sun. Used to wear my Nebraska Spurs like Boulder but kept tripping on them. I will put my money on Shady Mtn Blue.
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Train to Win: An Overview
I intend to write on the training blog, ShadyMtnTips.blogstop.com, a series of posts on training to win. The training blog is intended for Alleluia shooters, those that adhere to the Alleluia Training and Competition System. I appreciate comments from folks who say they read my posts. I think there may be more Alleluia shooters out there than one thinks since I have given the site to a few folks. My purpose is to help the sport become what it should be, a sport where matches are determined by speed, not chance. If you would like to acknowledge being an Alleluia shooter, please do so, it keeps me writing. It may also help you win, I think the Alleluia shooter may be somewhat feared.
I know there are a couple of Alleluia shooters, 8 and 10 years old, that have shot here in the Valley of the Sun and are affectionately known as ringers. I take them and fund their jackpot shoots because I know they can compete with the best there is in the Valley of the Sun. They are Alleluia shooters and we don't practice missing!
Back to the overview, the posts will be on the training blog and will deal with the four main factors of cowboy fast draw: mental toughness, luck of the draw, accuracy, and quickness, in the order of their importance. The fifth posts will deal with where a shooter can make the most gain and how to determine that. I need to get some permissions for that post.
The first post on mental toughness will draw on the experience at the Colorado State and Four Corner Shoots. I only know what I learn from experience.
I know there are a couple of Alleluia shooters, 8 and 10 years old, that have shot here in the Valley of the Sun and are affectionately known as ringers. I take them and fund their jackpot shoots because I know they can compete with the best there is in the Valley of the Sun. They are Alleluia shooters and we don't practice missing!
Back to the overview, the posts will be on the training blog and will deal with the four main factors of cowboy fast draw: mental toughness, luck of the draw, accuracy, and quickness, in the order of their importance. The fifth posts will deal with where a shooter can make the most gain and how to determine that. I need to get some permissions for that post.
The first post on mental toughness will draw on the experience at the Colorado State and Four Corner Shoots. I only know what I learn from experience.
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Update on Alleluia Regiment
I post as an update on my last post. Colorado State is in the books. I shot below average the first day but that was good enough to be clean after day one. The majority of my opponents were master gunfighters competitors. I shot much better the second day which is to be expected using the Alleluia system. Of 22 matches, I had only one poor match which I think was more due to fatigue than anything else. By my definition, I was a 5 flat shooter. (.45 to .55 hitting 80%) I was seeded 5th and finished 5th. But for that one poor match (I was just whipped), I would have been seeded 2nd.
There are others competing using the system that shot well. If they would care to comment they may. The training blog is ShadyMtnTips.blogspot.com. If you are just starting shooting read from the first post in May of 2016.
Don't be mislead, the training is based on speed training only, not accuracy.
Today starts the Four Corner Territorial. I probably will fall flat on my face, but that is what happens in this sport. Will post another update whatever happens.
Further Update: After the first day of the Four Corners Territorial, five of the top eight shooters have a connection with Shady Mtn, with two other Shady Mtn and Camp shooters in the 35 remaining shooters. The wheels may fall off today, that is the way this sport is, but it is a pretty good bet that more than 40% (as in Colorado State) of the magnificent shooters will be from Shady Mtn.
Shooting the Alleluia system, I again improved. Yesterday was the fourth day in a row that my shooting improved, but that is what I expect from the system. It is progressive. You should improve the more you shoot. That is the way we practice and that is the way we should shoot in competition. Over 7 matches, I shot better than 80% at mid 4 speed. I improved throughout the day finishing with 4 wins in 13 shots.
Today will be a tough day because we (Shady Mtn) will start to draw each other. We know each other so well that if all seven would rate the field of Shady shooters, we would probably rate the field in the exact same order. Today is a mental toughness day. How we place between ourselves will be determined on mental toughness, not speed, not accuracy, not luck of the draw, but on who is the toughest gunfighter. Each of us must put our history behind us and just say "I ain't missing, bring me the next shooter!"
"Beware the Alleluia shooter, we don't practice missing! " "Beware of Shady Mtn and the Camp!"
There are others competing using the system that shot well. If they would care to comment they may. The training blog is ShadyMtnTips.blogspot.com. If you are just starting shooting read from the first post in May of 2016.
Don't be mislead, the training is based on speed training only, not accuracy.
Today starts the Four Corner Territorial. I probably will fall flat on my face, but that is what happens in this sport. Will post another update whatever happens.
Further Update: After the first day of the Four Corners Territorial, five of the top eight shooters have a connection with Shady Mtn, with two other Shady Mtn and Camp shooters in the 35 remaining shooters. The wheels may fall off today, that is the way this sport is, but it is a pretty good bet that more than 40% (as in Colorado State) of the magnificent shooters will be from Shady Mtn.
Shooting the Alleluia system, I again improved. Yesterday was the fourth day in a row that my shooting improved, but that is what I expect from the system. It is progressive. You should improve the more you shoot. That is the way we practice and that is the way we should shoot in competition. Over 7 matches, I shot better than 80% at mid 4 speed. I improved throughout the day finishing with 4 wins in 13 shots.
Today will be a tough day because we (Shady Mtn) will start to draw each other. We know each other so well that if all seven would rate the field of Shady shooters, we would probably rate the field in the exact same order. Today is a mental toughness day. How we place between ourselves will be determined on mental toughness, not speed, not accuracy, not luck of the draw, but on who is the toughest gunfighter. Each of us must put our history behind us and just say "I ain't missing, bring me the next shooter!"
"Beware the Alleluia shooter, we don't practice missing! " "Beware of Shady Mtn and the Camp!"
Sunday, July 9, 2017
The Alleluia Regiment
I write this post as a prep talk for those trying the Alleluia Training and Competition System. For the last week I have been up in the Coconino National Forest with no timers or targets, so I did bucket work. Shot 190 rounds over five sessions consuming about 30 rounds of wax.
I thought the Rio match on Saturday would be a good indication whether the bucket work helped. Overall, I shot below average right around 60% but that was good enough to win the event. Good enough because the system is progressive. In 4 of my last 5 matches I hit 100%. The system is designed to be progressive. The more you shoot the better you shoot. Your bucket work is progressive. You may start out at 40-50%, but by the end of the session you should be at 100%, all without trying to improve accuracy. It should all be subconscious.
In each match we walk our hits to the light. First shot is a guess on alignment. We then go through our physical routine, our mental routine, do our waggle, then wait as a loaded spring for the light. Second shot on the target. Again pre-shot routine. Next shot closer to the light. Walking the hits to the light. In each match we should be getting better and better. Just as in our practice, during each 5 shot string we are improving with each shot.
The hard alignment problem is the elevation. For locked elbow shooters that is generally a matter of balance. It is something you just have to learn as the day goes on. Just as in our training sessions, your balance should improve at the day goes on. The more you shoot during an event, the better your balance will be.
Saturday, my last three opponents were on average 50 milliseconds quicker than me. None of them hit a shot while I was in my "I ain't missing, bring me another shooter" mode. Flusters! They got flustered while I was shooting the Alleluia system of getting progressively more accurate with each shot.
The system works well in a shoot-off environment because you have a set routine of physical and mental processes to go through with each shot. It is a guard against flusters. Against The Draw I did get flustered because of the history between us. He gave me an X at the 2016 Nationals .398 to .399. I wanted to beat him on time so bad my first shot was right over the top. But then back to the system of walking the hits to the light, next two hits within 6 inches of light. Then I had a flyer probably a up 2 hits fluster. Then back to the system for the win.
Some cardinal rules off the system:
Never ever slow down!
Never ever change your draw in an event!
Never ever think about your draw!
Never ever think about hitting!
Never ever think about speed!
Your quickest draw is your most accurate!
" The researchers ... suggest....that skilled performers have engaged in greater quantities of 'deliberate practice,' the kind of effortful exercises that strain the capacity of the trainee. In other words the kind of practice that often is done solitary." The Sports Gene
For new shooters or those who want to seriously try the system I do have a training blog. I give the site out upon request. Alleluia Ruah
I thought the Rio match on Saturday would be a good indication whether the bucket work helped. Overall, I shot below average right around 60% but that was good enough to win the event. Good enough because the system is progressive. In 4 of my last 5 matches I hit 100%. The system is designed to be progressive. The more you shoot the better you shoot. Your bucket work is progressive. You may start out at 40-50%, but by the end of the session you should be at 100%, all without trying to improve accuracy. It should all be subconscious.
In each match we walk our hits to the light. First shot is a guess on alignment. We then go through our physical routine, our mental routine, do our waggle, then wait as a loaded spring for the light. Second shot on the target. Again pre-shot routine. Next shot closer to the light. Walking the hits to the light. In each match we should be getting better and better. Just as in our practice, during each 5 shot string we are improving with each shot.
The hard alignment problem is the elevation. For locked elbow shooters that is generally a matter of balance. It is something you just have to learn as the day goes on. Just as in our training sessions, your balance should improve at the day goes on. The more you shoot during an event, the better your balance will be.
Saturday, my last three opponents were on average 50 milliseconds quicker than me. None of them hit a shot while I was in my "I ain't missing, bring me another shooter" mode. Flusters! They got flustered while I was shooting the Alleluia system of getting progressively more accurate with each shot.
The system works well in a shoot-off environment because you have a set routine of physical and mental processes to go through with each shot. It is a guard against flusters. Against The Draw I did get flustered because of the history between us. He gave me an X at the 2016 Nationals .398 to .399. I wanted to beat him on time so bad my first shot was right over the top. But then back to the system of walking the hits to the light, next two hits within 6 inches of light. Then I had a flyer probably a up 2 hits fluster. Then back to the system for the win.
Some cardinal rules off the system:
Never ever slow down!
Never ever change your draw in an event!
Never ever think about your draw!
Never ever think about hitting!
Never ever think about speed!
Your quickest draw is your most accurate!
" The researchers ... suggest....that skilled performers have engaged in greater quantities of 'deliberate practice,' the kind of effortful exercises that strain the capacity of the trainee. In other words the kind of practice that often is done solitary." The Sports Gene
For new shooters or those who want to seriously try the system I do have a training blog. I give the site out upon request. Alleluia Ruah
Friday, June 2, 2017
Lessons from an 8 year old and an Oldtimer
We had a few free days up on the Rim in the Coconino National Forest before the monthly Pioneer Shoot so I and Lil James headed into Jack's Canyon to tune up a bit. We each shot 50 rounds on Thursday, mostly speed work, and then 50 on Friday.
Lil James put 15 on the target. He then did a drill where he draws, fires, reholsters, draws, fires, reholsters, draws, fires and reholsters for 5 rounds. I think he was down under 3 seconds, maybe 2, for 5 rounds. We did that for 15 rounds. The point of the drill is to finalize your draw. You are repeating the draw over and over with no time to think about it. It is all from the subconscience. No time to think. Just draw and fire.
Our next drill was to wave a stick behind the shooter casting a shadow across the target and drawing on the shadow. This stimulated drawing on the light without the light. The next drill was to stand side by side and I would call out "Shooter on the line, Shooter set" and then "Go" and see which shooter would hit the target first.
All of this work was done at 6 feet on a cardboard target where you see every shot. I doubt many other shooters shot 100 rounds to get ready for the Saturday's match, but if they did, most would do it on the light and would miss more that half the time. While other shooters may see 30 to 40 hits, Lil James saw 100 hits. He was chunking data.
I made a mistake on Friday and put a 6 inch target on the cardboard. Lil James being a head strong kid refused to do any speed work. He was determined to put 50 rounds into that circle. I didn't press the issue knowing he was going to be the slowest shooter at Pioneer.
Saturday at Pioneer, Lil James missed only one shot in his first three matches. He lost all three matches to faster shooters. He was getting a little down, but it was a good life lesson for him. Even when you do your best, sometimes you are going to lose. He just kept putting the wax on the iron. He won his next three matches, which seeded him #1 in bracket C and in the money. Another life lesson, if you just keep battling good things will happen.
Now fast forward one week to the Kansas State Championship Category matches. Probably the toughest category is the Old Timers category. There maybe faster shooters elsewhere, but it was the only category with a Black Badge in it with seasoned veterans such as Little Kazzie, Luckey 45, Jayhawker in addition to the top four. Speed does not win gunfights, gunfighters win gunfights. A relatively new shooter, a Rio Salado Vaquero, a 9 flat shooter (8.5 to 9.5 at 60% or better) Smoken Hank is the new Old Timer Champion. Of the top four he put out down in order, Everett, Deacon, and Short Keg.
That same old life lesson. If you keep putting the wax on the iron, good things will happen.
Ain't this sport great! And to think some want to take the gunfight out of the sport!
Lil James put 15 on the target. He then did a drill where he draws, fires, reholsters, draws, fires, reholsters, draws, fires and reholsters for 5 rounds. I think he was down under 3 seconds, maybe 2, for 5 rounds. We did that for 15 rounds. The point of the drill is to finalize your draw. You are repeating the draw over and over with no time to think about it. It is all from the subconscience. No time to think. Just draw and fire.
Our next drill was to wave a stick behind the shooter casting a shadow across the target and drawing on the shadow. This stimulated drawing on the light without the light. The next drill was to stand side by side and I would call out "Shooter on the line, Shooter set" and then "Go" and see which shooter would hit the target first.
All of this work was done at 6 feet on a cardboard target where you see every shot. I doubt many other shooters shot 100 rounds to get ready for the Saturday's match, but if they did, most would do it on the light and would miss more that half the time. While other shooters may see 30 to 40 hits, Lil James saw 100 hits. He was chunking data.
I made a mistake on Friday and put a 6 inch target on the cardboard. Lil James being a head strong kid refused to do any speed work. He was determined to put 50 rounds into that circle. I didn't press the issue knowing he was going to be the slowest shooter at Pioneer.
Saturday at Pioneer, Lil James missed only one shot in his first three matches. He lost all three matches to faster shooters. He was getting a little down, but it was a good life lesson for him. Even when you do your best, sometimes you are going to lose. He just kept putting the wax on the iron. He won his next three matches, which seeded him #1 in bracket C and in the money. Another life lesson, if you just keep battling good things will happen.
Now fast forward one week to the Kansas State Championship Category matches. Probably the toughest category is the Old Timers category. There maybe faster shooters elsewhere, but it was the only category with a Black Badge in it with seasoned veterans such as Little Kazzie, Luckey 45, Jayhawker in addition to the top four. Speed does not win gunfights, gunfighters win gunfights. A relatively new shooter, a Rio Salado Vaquero, a 9 flat shooter (8.5 to 9.5 at 60% or better) Smoken Hank is the new Old Timer Champion. Of the top four he put out down in order, Everett, Deacon, and Short Keg.
That same old life lesson. If you keep putting the wax on the iron, good things will happen.
Ain't this sport great! And to think some want to take the gunfight out of the sport!
Saturday, April 29, 2017
A Serious Response
I write because Kodiak mentioned my response in his post. I intend to be helpful to all, the individual and the organizations, both CFDA and World...Gunfighters. If my comments are helpful used them if not disregard. I do not want to be a "can't" person.
I think it is wise not to have classifications in your new organization. From what the old timers tell me classifications almost destroy fast draw once before. In the February event where you had two classifications, one of which was labeled with a degrading term, there were 5 or 6 shooters in our club who would have qualified for the second classification, one of which was a .370 shooter. None of the others competed because we knew the .370 shooter would compete in the second classification. All six of those shooters can tell you how the six will finish in a contest based purely on speed, we shoot enough together, and the ranking would be identical.
I don't think the .370 rule is helpful to your organization. Why not just make it an "open" event. The format and rules really limit the competition to .31 and below, so what is the benefit to the .370 rule. It makes it appear that you don't want to compete against certain gunslingers. I know you don't like losing to a .43 shooter but is that loss any worst than a loss to the .34 shooter. An X is an X, hit the target and you don't have to worry about it. I think the .370 rule may prevent some growth. What about the up and comers. For example, we have some shooters in our club who are low 4 shooters but who have recently shot down into the .34s. They are probably not going to come if all or most of their shots are not going to count, but they might come if not faced with the .370 rule. And you never know, you might get a few like me who are deluded enough to think that they see some easy pickens especially at 14 feet.
I assume the move to 14 feet is again to help with accuracy. Why not move to 10 feet. You and I both believe in close work. If accuracy does not matter then move as close to the target as is safe. We have shot a lot at 5 feet and know that to be safe, but to be conservative, move to 10 feet. The point of the big target and close range is to eliminate accuracy as a factor, then do so by moving to 10 feet.
CFDA Shooters Beware! For those that continue to shoot CFDA, you need to be aware that while blockers may help you go fast they may also hurt your competitiveness in CFDA. I think it is reasonable to ask why a 3 flat shooter (.25 to .35 at better than 60%) loses in the National Championship to a 4 flat shooter (.35 to .45 at better than 60%). It may be that the 4 flat shooter practises mental toughness while the 3 flat shooter has moved on to competitions where mental toughness and accuracy are not a factor.
A Blocker Proposal: You need to develop a base from which to draw competitors. It is obvious that there are shooters who want to shoot blockers but are not quite at .30 speed yet. They clamour for classifications but that creates problems. Since you are using most of the rules of CFDA create something that works for the CFDA competitor.
How about this:
1. Shoot from 10 feet;
2. Paint a 10 inch circle on the center of the target. A hit in the 10 inch circle or touching it the shooter's time is divided by 2. You hit a .29 on the corner, I hit a .44 in the center, I win .22 to .29. You hit .29 in center you win. This would be the scoring for the "Open".
3. "Open" Everyone compete against everyone in a round robin event. Open to everyone.
4. After the seeding rounds top seven shoot off for the "Open" Championship using open scoring.
5. After the open championship the top seven with the quickest times shoot off in a Magnificent Seven Master's Championship.
What do you think? Helpful or not?
I think it is wise not to have classifications in your new organization. From what the old timers tell me classifications almost destroy fast draw once before. In the February event where you had two classifications, one of which was labeled with a degrading term, there were 5 or 6 shooters in our club who would have qualified for the second classification, one of which was a .370 shooter. None of the others competed because we knew the .370 shooter would compete in the second classification. All six of those shooters can tell you how the six will finish in a contest based purely on speed, we shoot enough together, and the ranking would be identical.
I don't think the .370 rule is helpful to your organization. Why not just make it an "open" event. The format and rules really limit the competition to .31 and below, so what is the benefit to the .370 rule. It makes it appear that you don't want to compete against certain gunslingers. I know you don't like losing to a .43 shooter but is that loss any worst than a loss to the .34 shooter. An X is an X, hit the target and you don't have to worry about it. I think the .370 rule may prevent some growth. What about the up and comers. For example, we have some shooters in our club who are low 4 shooters but who have recently shot down into the .34s. They are probably not going to come if all or most of their shots are not going to count, but they might come if not faced with the .370 rule. And you never know, you might get a few like me who are deluded enough to think that they see some easy pickens especially at 14 feet.
I assume the move to 14 feet is again to help with accuracy. Why not move to 10 feet. You and I both believe in close work. If accuracy does not matter then move as close to the target as is safe. We have shot a lot at 5 feet and know that to be safe, but to be conservative, move to 10 feet. The point of the big target and close range is to eliminate accuracy as a factor, then do so by moving to 10 feet.
CFDA Shooters Beware! For those that continue to shoot CFDA, you need to be aware that while blockers may help you go fast they may also hurt your competitiveness in CFDA. I think it is reasonable to ask why a 3 flat shooter (.25 to .35 at better than 60%) loses in the National Championship to a 4 flat shooter (.35 to .45 at better than 60%). It may be that the 4 flat shooter practises mental toughness while the 3 flat shooter has moved on to competitions where mental toughness and accuracy are not a factor.
A Blocker Proposal: You need to develop a base from which to draw competitors. It is obvious that there are shooters who want to shoot blockers but are not quite at .30 speed yet. They clamour for classifications but that creates problems. Since you are using most of the rules of CFDA create something that works for the CFDA competitor.
How about this:
1. Shoot from 10 feet;
2. Paint a 10 inch circle on the center of the target. A hit in the 10 inch circle or touching it the shooter's time is divided by 2. You hit a .29 on the corner, I hit a .44 in the center, I win .22 to .29. You hit .29 in center you win. This would be the scoring for the "Open".
3. "Open" Everyone compete against everyone in a round robin event. Open to everyone.
4. After the seeding rounds top seven shoot off for the "Open" Championship using open scoring.
5. After the open championship the top seven with the quickest times shoot off in a Magnificent Seven Master's Championship.
What do you think? Helpful or not?
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