USPSA Action Shooting: Acquiring “Shooting Legs”

The Southern Arizona Practical Shooters (SAPS) practice out at the Tucson Rifle Club every Tuesday morning.  I met Deb there at 9:00 for a lesson.  

As instructed I brought with me my 9mm (a brand spanking new XDm 5.25), a magazine holder, a holster, a holster belt, about 200 rounds of ammo, 3 magazines.  I didn’t bring a jacket and a freak winter storm was rolling into Tucson fast.

Luckily Deb came extra prepared with a spare “Babes With Bullets” jacket, but the jacket was not the end of the lending.  Next we tried to get my holster belt situated and quickly found out it was too big.   

The holster belt needs to fit very snugly around your hips.  Luckily Deb had an extra belt too!

The first lesson was how to draw from a holster.  I had never done this before, so we practiced with my unloaded gun.  First she instructed me to holster the gun and instantly I made the mistake many holster newbies do.  I took my left hand across my body and placed it on the opposite hip while my right hand attempted to holster my gun.  What did I just do?  That’s right, I just flagged my left hand and besides being dangerous, it will get you disqualified during a match. 

Your dominant hand knows what it is doing – leave that non-dominant hand at your side where it won’t get in the way or shot off.

Second lesson was drawing the gun which is a three staged approach: 

1. Pull the gun straight up out of the holster – finger safely away from the trigger. 
2. Point gun down range as you center it with your body and situate your grip. 
3. Push the gun out and up to acquire your target and get ready to shoot!

Deb had me practice the sequence of drawing and re-holstering a number of times.  Once the drawing sequence became more fluid, she explained the 180 degree rule.  Until the gun is re-holstered, you want to ensure it is pointed down range and not at an unsafe direction.  The courses are surrounded by berms on three sides and if you were to turn the gun barrel more than 180 degree, you could be pointing at spectators.  Very unsafe and will also get you disqualified.  

Another safety violation that can get you d-q’ed is the position of your trigger finger when you are not firing.  Everyone knows this rule and it is really easy to obey when you are standing still in a range lane.  But throw in having to move from target to target, plus magazine changes, plus a little extra nervousness because you are trying something new – and you may find, as I did, that trigger finger crept to a less than safe area.  

I had to remind myself to slow down and think.  This is why practicing at home with an unloaded gun pointed in a safe direction is key.  There is a lot to remember and safety must always be first. 

Once safety was covered, Deb explained the basic commands given during the match.

The first command given is “Load and Make Ready.”  This means you pop that magazine in and cock the gun.  Some competitors choose to do what Deb calls a “Murphy load.”  You can get one extra bullet by popping in a magazine, cocking the slide to get a bullet in the chamber, dropping the magazine and re-loading with a full magazine.  

At this point you would re-holster your gun, but depending on the specifics of the stage, you might be asked to set your gun on a table or put it inside a container – always ensuring it is pointed down range.

Next you take your position to start the stage.  You stand with your arms at your side, not touching your gun.  The next command given is “Shooter Ready”?  A response is not needed unless you are not ready, then you just say “No” – although many participants will nod or say “Yes”.

After that, the timer starts with a loud beep and you can draw your firearm and go after the targets.  No commands will be given unless there is a safety violation or a problem in the stage in which case the command given is “Stop”.

Once the stage is complete, the timer is stopped and the shooter is asked to unload and show clear.  You drop the magazine, pull back the slide and lock it.  This will eject the last bullet if one was present.  The person doing the timing will check that the firearm is clear.  Next you will be asked to drop the hammer, by releasing the slide and pulling the trigger.  The final command of “Range is clear” and the scoring and re-set of the stage can begin.

Deb had me practice the various commands in sequence with my still unloaded gun.  Once I was comfortable and she was comfortable that the lesson had sunk in, she had me load two bullets saying “If you don’t scare me with two, I’ll let you load four the next time.”  I must have done fine with two since she allowed me to load up a full magazine for my second attempt.

Now I was ready to try out the practice stage that had been set up.  The other SAPS members were also practicing – so we got our names on the list and waited out turn.  Like watching the match, it was really interesting to see the various styles and skill levels of the participants.  Everyone there was encouraging each other and giving constructive feedback.  It felt very supportive and helped ease my nerves.

When it was my turn, I was determined to take it slow and practice safety as well as all the techniques I just learned. My head was spinning!  Salim, the SAPS leader, helped me plan out how I should shoot the stage as far as when I should move and when I should change magazines.  

I shot at the first four paper targets and had to shoot three times at the smaller metal target, but boy did it feel good when I heard the bullet hit and it fell to the ground.  My excitement got the better of me because I completely missed the last target!  Salim informed me I was looking at the target and not through my sites (DOH!).

I only got to go through the practice course once, because the storm came in fast and furious and blew all practice stage down.  It actually snowed later that day which is an oddity in Tucson!  As we frantically cleaned up, I got asked to join the SAPS for lunch at least four times.  I felt instantly included with these folks and really enjoyed talking about guns and competitions over burgers and fries.

Finding a USPSA club in your area is really easy to do.  Go to the following website and look for your region.  You can contact your club's leader to get information on how to get started!

http://www.uspsa.org/locate-uspsa-clubs.php

If you are interested in a weekend of training for matches like these and want to have a whole bunch of fun with other ladies - find out when a Babes With Bullets Camp is coming to your area!

http://www.babeswithbullets.com

USPSA Action Shooting – Lighting the Fire

I enjoy going to the range, but I have to admit that I’m looking for more.  It’s not to say that I blast out a hole in the dead center of my target at twenty five yards with no stray holes.  Nope it takes me a while to even blast out hole at 10 yards and even then it is slightly off center – down and to the left.  Yeah, I know I’m squeezing my hand and not just my trigger finger.

In spite of all the hiccups and bad habits that I need to work out by standing in one spot and concentrating on one target I need something to engage my mind and my body.  Enter USPSA Action Shooting.

I’ve known for a while know that these matches occur just minutes away from my home at the Tucson Rifle Club.  However, I have been intimidated to join in coming up with every excuse in the book.  Most notably, that I’m too inexperienced and too much of a newbie to take on such a challenge.

Rubbish!!!  OK I say that now.  Hopefully though if I share my experience more of you will see how fun and welcoming shooting sports can be for all skill levels!

At SHOT Show, I mingled with two Babes With Bullets instructors – Debbie Ferns and Lisa Munson.  Debbie is camp director, hosts the camp webisode series hosted at the Outdoor channel and wrote the book Babes with Bullets.  Lisa is a 13 time USPSA National Handgun Champion and has been a member of several World Gold Teams representing the United States in handgun competitions internationally.   Deb and Lisa encouraged me to attend a USPSA match they were both shooting in that weekend at the Tucson Rifle Club.  With such an invitation – how does one refuse?

I showed up at 7:30 AM and signed in.  A participant introduced himself (let’s call him Tony) and showed me where to go.  When I got to where the match was being held, I stayed up by the tables watching the guys set up.   Tony said “You are not going to see anything from up there, why not come down and see what is going on?” 

There were five different stages being set up.  Each one just a bit different – testing your ability to move, obtain your target and shoot around cover in various degrees.  All the shooters were helping with the setup, walking through the stages lining up their shots and making adjustments to the position of the targets.  Once everyone was satisfied, the course is nailed down.

Tony looked at my shoes and said “Why did you wear those?”  I was wearing slip ons with no socks, and while not the worse shoes in the world for the range (though pretty close) – they were definitely not appropriate for action shooting. I explained that I was just a spectator today, that I didn’t even bring my gun - to which he replied “What!  You came to a gun range without your gun!  Well, we will get you set up.  Someone will loan you equipment!”

And it is that kind of enthusiasm I encountered the rest of the day.  These folks welcome new shooters and will literally give you the gun out of their holster to get you started.

Soon after, Lisa and Deb arrived.  Both ladies explained their equipment as the got ready for the match.  The basics requirements are at least a 9mm gun, a tactical belt, a holster, and a magazine pouch.  The holster goes on your dominant hip, and your magazine pouch on the opposite hip.  It should go without saying ear and eye protection is a must.  You should also dress comfortably, but appropriately.  Most shooters were wearing jeans or khakis (belt loops help hold up that holster belt) and high collar shirts.  Many were wearing ball caps as well.

New shooters are paired with experienced USPSA members for their first match.  Also, shooters are ranked by both by know-how and by the type of gun they are using so that you are competing with peers.  In Deb and Lisa’s squad there was a young man, about 10 years old I’m guessing, shooting his first match with his dad.  Everyone went out of their way to make sure he understood what he needed to do and that he was feeling comfortable.  When it was his turn to shoot, he was allowed to use his .22 pistol and his dad walked him through the stage.  He did a fantastic job!

Watching the shooters go through the stages was pretty amazing.  You had the weekend enthusiast all the way up to world class shooters.  Everyone was focused, keen on safety, and most importantly having a blast.

The match would go on for a few more hours, but I had to run.  Even though I couldn’t stay long, I made up my mind that Action Shooting was something I was going to at least attempt.  When I got home, I thanked Deb for the invitation – then she gave me an offer only a crazy person would refuse.  All I had to do was to meet her out at the range the Tuesday before the next match and she would teach me the basics so I would be able to participate!

I will continue to blog my experience - but in the meantime, why don't you learn some more about USPSA and shooting sports?

USPSA Website: http://www.uspsa.org/

The First Time...

So I decided to re-launch the blog.  Re-launch is probably the wrong term to use, since the blog sorta fizzled before it began.  Just over a year ago I had big plans to blog about female firearm ownership and in the background get Bang Bang Boutique web store going.  But I got ambitious and launched the store first.  Now, with the re-design complete it seemed like the right time to give blogging another go.

One of my favorite things about running Bang Bang Boutique is the ability to interact with strong, confident markswomen of all skills and backgrounds.  Recently, I had asked our Facebook fans what it felt like to shoot a gun for the first time.  We got such great replies that I thought it would be fitting to highlight them here.  So with no further ado - this is what you said:

Empowering - Grace S.

I felt powerful and completely aware of how the mind and body working together can accomplish amazing things; like putting a small metal projectile through the center of a piece of paper from a distance. -  Chrys S.

My first time firing a gun was 20+ years ago with my now husband - I was curious, nervous and thought it was OK, but it didn't interest me much. Then, my husband wanted me to learn how to use/handle a gun because he was getting his permit. I went, but wasn't happy about it. I wasn't very good. Then I realized it was something we could do together and really started to enjoy it. Now, I shoot as well if not better than him in the range. We even compete in IDPA competitions once a month. - Yvonne C.

I was a little girl my Dad took me squirrel hunting. I shot at knots in the trees :) at that age no way was I going to kill a squirrel! I am now 51 and just bought my first 22 lr, pink camo of course! I am more excited now then I was then! - Lisa F.

I was very nervous, not sure what to anticipate. The kick was awesome (Judge 45/110) - Yvonne M.

I was nervous as a cat when I first started shooting, because I didn't have anyone to go with me except my 13 year old son. I knew he was experienced, though, because he had been in 4H shooting sports for a few years, so I counted on him to keep me safe and help me along. Now, shooting is my absolute passion, and my now 14 year old is my ever-faithful shooting companion, along with my husband :0) Thanks, Dylan, for turning me on to my obsession :0) - Cathi B.

Amazing, powerful and a little scary - almost like I was going to fly up into space. - Donna G.

Thrilling and powerful - Dallas W.

My first experience shooting was during a class. I am so glad it was through a class with instructors with opportunities to try different weapons. It gave me the confidence that I could do this and begin the process of finding the right weapon for me. I am now excited about taking more classes to improve my skills! - Kimberly G.

The first time I shot a gun it was scary. I was relieved when the whole thing was over. I could feel the power of the gun in the recoil and honestly it still scared me after it was all over, until I was taught how to properly control the firearm and actually place the shot. I still get nervous when I shoot a gun that is new to me. Firearms deserve respect but they also deserve proper training to handle them correctly. Kudos to all those instructors out there who take the time, paid or not, to properly train folks to handle firearms. There are way too many idiots out there who treat them as toys. - Angela H.

All I could think was, "Wow! This is fun! Why didn't I try this earlier, and when can I come back for more??" - Annette E.

It was empowering since I'm only 4.11". The best part is hitting my target dead center & watching all the guys jaws drop. I fell in love with shooting after that and now I get to teach my daughters how to shoot. The excitement on my daughters' face the first time was priceless.- Bobbie Jo S.

I don't remember the very first time I shot a gun. It was early, but I do remember the first time I shot skeet as a teen. That was awesome and I did better than the boys! I still love making dust out of clays. - Anne K.

I started with a .22 at summer camp. After that, even as a 12-year old girl.my step-dad and mother always would get me to shoot guns if they had any doubt as to whether they were sighted in correctly. - Claibourne J.

Next to sex???? OH yea =} - Lisa Gayle J.

I felt relief because I wanted to shoot for so long. - Jimmy A.

It was the scariest yet the most fun thing I had I had ever done. All I could think was I want to do this again. Now going to the range or reading and watching tips are in the back of my mind. Contagious. - Bridget P.

I was nervous, intimidated. But I trusted my husband (then new boyfriend) who is a 6 year Navy Vet. I knew he would not let me do anything stupid. By the time the day was over, I shot every gun in his collection! I was hooked!! I have my CCP here in Washington state and working on OR, UT and AZ. I believe in my right to carry, but highly encourage anyone interested in guns to take classes or work closely with an experienced shooter. - Andi DeAnn S.

Hmm, before the first shot, I was excited. I was learning something new, acquiring a new skill. I love learning and honing my skills, so this was right up my alley. The first shot was a bit scary. I will be honest and admit that a childhood around king guns didn't prepare me for the BANG if a handgun. The recoil was stronger than expected, and even with hearing protection, it was LOUD!! But when I looked down range and saw that my shot had hit? Pure elation. And power. But not a wacky "I'm unstoppable!" power trip. No, this was a warm feeling in my gut, that slowly spread through my body.  Quietly, the voice of wisdom in the back of my head said, "You have the power. You have the power to protect yourself and those you love from the bad guys. You have the power, but more importantly, the responsibility. You are the only one who is responsible, at all times, for your safety. No more relying on others, that's not YOU anyway, and you know it. Now learn how to use this tool. Learn, practice, and be confident." And then I was addicted! - Missy W.

I was about 7 and I was scared but wouldn't let it show because I was shooting against all my male cousins. I whipped their behinds and had a great time!! - That Texas Lady

I was thirteen and went deer hunting with my grandpa it was awesome - Becky F.

I was 22, and joining the military. We were qualifying on the M-16 rifle. I had never shot a gun before. I was nervous and excited. I remember hanging on every word the instructors told us in the classroom prior to heading out on the range. When we got outside, with our eyes and ears on, all lined up....we heard, "Shooters ready?" All 25 women shouted "Locked, cocked, and ready to rock, sir!" and when that first blast rang out, I felt like crying. It was so fun! (I felt like crying, too, when my elbow came down upon a sizzling hot casing! - what a cool scar it was though!) Ooooh -rah!! - Sarah G.

I felt exhilarated and in control. It was as if I was in control of my safety. It was a five sense experince. The feel of the tension in the trigger. The smell of the burnt gun power. The shine in the full metal jackets. The faint pop that I could hear through my ear protection. The taste in my mouth when it got cottoned up. The peace in my soul! - Lisa  G.

My first time shooting was with my Grandmother. She was in her long leopard print, fur collared coat, wearing 3" heels. We were in the desert , looking at the property she just bought, when I was 8 years old. I cherish that day and have a wonderful picture to remind me. I was filled with adrenaline and scared for the loud bang that was about to happen. My hands were shaking in anticipation of the big jolt I knew I was going to experience. But when I shot the tin cans I felt pride. My grandmother shared the passion of shooting with me and I had the biggest smile a girl could have. And I still do!!! - Donnette L.

I am fortunate to have been around guns since I was a kid, my dad has always been a gun fanatic. But I will never forget the day he took me out to shoot his .22 rifle!! A very special bond was created between my dad and I, one that I am very lucky to say still lives on today!! We shoot USPSA together twice a month and it is a blast!! - Stephanie M.

Like it was an exact, natural fit! :) - Suzi Shooter

I pinched my finger and pouted. My grandpa told me not to be a whiner and MADE me shoot again. One of the many things I am thankful that he did for me. When I started beating him I think he regretted his decision, but he was glad to have someone who had a mutual appreciation for the smell of Hoppe's and a beautiful fall day. ♥ - Megan P.

It was an empowering feeling that began my love for shooting, that lead me to become a firearms instructor. - Melissa R.

The first handgun I shot was just about a year ago. It was a .22 rental gun that felt like a Desert Eagle in my hands. But after that first POP! and the smell hit my nose, I felt light as air. Exhilarating to say the least!- Andrea H.

Startled the heck out of my and hurt my shoulder. (Gimme a break, I was only 6!) :) - Laurel M.

So tell me - what was your first time like?