First match of 2012

Sick as a dog last weekend and missed the first Steel Challenge.  Bummer

However, this weekend was the first USPSA match of the year.  The gun was an absolute jam-o-matic.  I had several over-sized pieces of brass.  I failed to chamber check my match ammo last night which would have almost completely eliminated my problems.

I'd already noticed that accuracy was my biggest problem last year.  This first match I slowed way down and was rewarded by lots of A zone hits.  I dramatically reduced my penalties and hence was the 'first' D class shooter in the match.  I wonder how well I would have done if I hadn't had so many problems running the gun?

2011 Review and 2012 Goals

This was the first year that I got serious about USPSA shooting and I've learned a TON.

2011 Goal.  Make all practice sessions and local matches.
I made the Monday practices about 50% of the time and averaged 200 rounds every time I went.
I missed three matches, that family stuff sure does cut into my personal time.
I would have liked to go more, but I'm happy with the time I spent.

2011 Goal.  Get classified
Almost didn't make this one.  Had to run up to Bozeman to shoot their fall classifer.  Ended up a D class shooter
Definately achieved the goal here.  Bonus to being D class?  I can only go up from here.

2012 Goals
1.  Make C class
 Accuracy will be key to this goal.  Penalties and misses really hurt me this year.  If I shoot clean, I'm perfectly capable of making B class.
2.  Try out NRA highpower.
I'd really like to get into some competive rifle shooting.  I expect this will help my accuracy in pistol as well.
3.  Remove magazine disconnect from my 22/45.
This one is a cheater, I just got done doing it.

Been a long time

I should write here more often but I just never seem to make time.

The match with the Texas Star was awesome.  They had some really awesome stages that were a complete hoot to shoot.  I placed about like I have all year.  Bottom Third.  This winter I'm going to attend some bullseye matches.  I'm just not shooting accurately enough.  Hopefully bullseye matches will help me focus on breaking the shot with more precision.

For Christmas I got myself a case feeder for my Lock and Load press.  It's pretty cool.  Now I just need someone to fill primer tubes for me and I'll be able to load ammo faster than I shoot it.

I also purchased a Tuck This by DeSantis.  Less impressed with this holster.  It's really just a slip cover and does just fine holding the gun in normal walking around.  But will allow the gun to fall out with vigorous activity.

Today's pet peeve.  Magazine Disconnect Safeties.  Why does anybody think this is a good idea?  It complicates the action of the pistol making for a rougher trigger pull.  Usually keeps the magazines from dropping free for reloads.  AND makes the gun useless if you are performing a reload.  Stupid, Stupid, STUPID.  I hope Ruger get's their head out of the their ass soon.  I'd love to buy some of their new pistols but not until they get rid of magazine disconnects.

Match Next Weekend

It's going to have a Texas Star.  Should be a great time!

Life sucks

As I move through life, I make friends.   My life seems to get better and better.  Then one of those 'friends' stabs me in the back.  Now I'm angry and when I'm angry everything that happens seems magnified.  Little crap pisses me off.  Everyday is hard.  I pull back from everyone.  Even knowing what is happening doesn't seem to help.  I hate this fucking shit.

Reasons

One thing I really disagree with in a lot of the blogs I read is the reasons for terrorism.  Religion rarely has anything to do with killing people.  Don't get me wrong.  Religion is great for motivating low level troops and public propaganda.  It's a really stupid reason to spend large chunks of your resources and thousands of lives.  Osama wasn't interested in religion, although he certainly played lip service to it.  He was interested in the huge inequities in his native land and the oppressed people of Palestine.  Say what you will about horrible things done to the Jews, they've done most of those things to the Palestinians as well.  There are no clean hands in that mess.

Time and again religion has been used to cloak the true reasons for war.  If you really want to know why wars happen, follow the money.

Don't believe me?  Look at the crusades.  Sure, religion was used as the excuse but land for generating income was the real goal.

Ten Years

Ten Years after 9/11.  That day my son was upset that his cartoons weren't on.  "Some plane ran into a building."  I walked into the living room just as the second plane hit.  I didn't feel angry that day.  Sad yes, angry no.  Maybe that is what is wrong with our country.

Today my son is back from basic training.  He'll finish High School, then AIT, then college.  Maybe it really has been ten years.