It might be a highly specific application like vehicle shooting tactics, or it might be a highly specific skill like prone pistol techniques.Originally Posted by Les Pepperoni
Haha. Just be cognizant of your blood lead levels - mine started to elevate when I did a lot of indoor shooting without being super vigilant about washing my hands/face before eating.
Last edited by 0ddl0t; 10-12-2022 at 09:08 PM.
I've had the stoopids before due to elevated BLL's ... Donating blood (hope the recipient isn't a reloader...), wearing nitrile gloves while cleaning guns/processing brass/reloading, avoiding the target impact areas, changing shirt before the post-match burger, and washing hands/beard do wonders to keep those BLL way down where they belong...
Interesting thought.
1) My skill level is 'Accomplished' with all platforms. I suspect we sell ourselves short here, but any person that can take any commonly available firearm and load it, unload it, safe it, unsafe it, aim it, fire it, place fire with some degree of precision, and diagnose a failure, without an issue or without needing to consult someone else is an advanced shooter.
The difference between advanced and accomplished/expert/master merely comes down to being able to apply those fundamental skills quickly with higher amounts of precision. I am neither particularly fast or precise as a shooter overall, so I consider myself 'Accomplished'.
2) Application Focused. - I can conduct all technical skills necessary to run a firearm without needing supervision. I now need training in applying those skills.
3) Honestly - what constitutes a good class for me is I learn at least one thing novel, I learn where my technical skills need to be refined, and I learn good ways to evaluate and build on those skills that I need to refine.
1.) What would you say your skill level is?
Intermediate. Light Pin holder. IDPA Expert. Rifle skills have waned a little in the last few years but used to be fairly highly skilled there.
2.) Are you seeking instruction that is meant to be technically focused or application focused?
Yes. Recently took a class called Trigger Management from Lee Weems. Wanted to get to a low light class this year because it has been a while, but haven't made it yet. I would put something like that in the both category. I have also done FOF and CQB numerous times. As a matter of fact, it may be backwards but I have done so much application stuff in the past, I mostly look at technical stuff these days.
3.) What constitutes a good class for you?
I met you a number of years ago at a Gabe White class at Alpha Range, that was a good class. Because I have been doing this for so long and have been to so many classes (dozens and dozens if you count Medical, Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, FOF, Instructor, Low Light, CQB, Etc..), I have different expectations now than I used to. One thing I look for more now than I used to is an Instructor I like. I have skipped classes recently that I thought I wanted to take but saw the instructor on P&S or wherever and said, this guy is a real asshole. A good class would be one that is not overbooked, doesn't have a bunch of downtime, teaches what was promised, and something I have fun at and get 1 or 2 useful tidbits out of.
John Murphy
Tom Givens
Gabe White
Green Ops
Justified Defensive Concepts my
I like that definition of "advanced".
As I ready these comments I wonder how many types "application" classes there are, specifically related to pistolcraft: CQ-combatives, competition, vehicle "stuff", tactic, group tactics...
That Gabe dude is kinda ok, I guess... So is Floridaman, Tom Givens.
It is always fun to go back to technical details... Especially when we've advanced quite a bit.
How could I forget? That was a fun class... Donovan, Mickey, Matt Little and a few others... I learned so much there!
http://instagram.com/p/BePSzeJnZQH/
1.) What would you say your skill level is?
IDPA Expert, which I consider personally embarrassing (for myself). Bless me Pepperoni, for I have sinned. It's been at least 4yrs since my last match and I am not a current member.
I'm subconsciously competent with handguns but, a little less so with long guns. Lost a lot of speed through the pandemic and having to lean heavier on dry fire. Accuracy is still there at ~90% of what it was.
2.) Are you seeking instruction that is meant to be technically focused or application focused?
Technically-focused. Mostly interested in higher performance with pistol and rifle. No fantasy gun camp for me. I have a low tolerance for classes that teach lackluster fundamentals, use subjective metrics, sprinkle "mindset" on it, and call it "gunfighting".
3.) What constitutes a good class for you?
An instructor with earned ego, professional accomplishments, and results. I expect them to be at least a USPSA M, GM, or IDPA M / DM class. I want someone focused on maximizing efficiency and performance with component skills. They should be holding us to objective metrics and standards. I expect the class to show me how to change my perspective and what I need to practice outside of class to make the difference. I want to come away from class with a list of 3-5 things worth going down a rabbit hole on in my own training.
Also, don't waste my time with war stories, excessive dialogue, and lack of attention. I'd pay double to cut class size by half. I'd prefer 10 students or less and a 5:1 ratio. More than that and I feel the lack of attention isn't worth it.
I am an average shooter with a pistol and below the average with a rifle. I generally look for technical classes unless there is something very specific in application that I want. These days I want a small class, 6 to 10 people, or semi-private, that is well organized. I prefer instructors who have demonstrated high level of proficiency and especially prefer those who got there through own development and discovery as opposed to institutional upbringing or regurgitation of what others said.
Last edited by YVK; 10-13-2022 at 10:53 PM.
Doesn't read posts longer than two paragraphs.
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