Posted by Doug Godwin on October 29, 1999 at 14:45:37:
I've signed up for the Crosman Grand Prix airgun match in Toronto in Feb. This will be my first international competition, and
tho I'm an experienced NRA conventional pistol shooter, I've never competed in a formal airgun match.
I guess what I'm looking for is a little advice or suggestions about what to expect, and how not to make a fool of myself. Any of
you experienced competitors have some suggestions or tips?
Thanks in advance.
Doug.
Posted by Dave Suitor on October 29, 1999 at 16:24:58:
I would suggest that you fire a couple of local tournaments
if at all possible. The format will be the same as a local
match except that it will repeat on each of the days: 10 minute
preparation period, unlimited sighters, and 60 record shots.
The program didn't say wheither the targets were electronic.
I would expect they will be paper which means one-shot per
targeti, that is, you change targets after each shot.
You can expect a lot more distraction at an event like this
and your mental state may not be as settled as you would like.
Try to control as much of the pre-match activities as you can
keeping as close to your normal routine as possible. Get up
and eat breakfest at the same time you usually do, eat the
same kind of foods you usually do, etc.
Get to the ranges early and watch and learn as much as you can.
If there is an opportunity to practice there in Toronto,
take it.
As best as you can, try to visualize all the activity and how
you are going to react [calmly of course ]. Also visualize
how well you are going to shoot.
I will be shooting the event for the first time this year.
Maybe there is someone on the board here, who has shot or
been to the Grand Prix that can give us some first hand
experience.
regards,
dms
Posted by Bill Freyfogle on November 08, 1999 at 14:07:06:
I'm a conventional pistol shooter too, and I just shot my first air pistol match this past weekend. Here are my impressions:
There ARE more distractions at an air pistol match. People walking around is only one example. The shooters are much closer
together than at an NRA Bullseye match. The table is smaller. A huge distracton is the targets being cranked to and from the
benches to the backstop. This is really weird to see and there's no way to blank it out. You will be looking at your front sight an
pulling the trigger and see targets on each side of you moving back and forth. No set of blinders can hide this so try to imagine
this happening when you are practicing.
Another item to contend with is the pure number of shooters. Most bullseye matches are just local events with 12-15 shooters.
The match you are talking about will have 100 shooters on each relay. Big score board!
I found the lighting conditions to be lacking. In my house, I set up a light to shine on my front sight. Big mistake! Actual match
conditions have rather weak light on the front sight but excellent light on the target. I caught myself looking at the target many
times while I was casually shooting 7's or even 6's!!
I would sugget practicing with normal to weak light on your fron sight and turn on a radio with talk radio and different types of
music. Turn it up while you are practicing. That might help a bit.
Those are my first impressions, will post more as I get more experience. Good luck!
Bill Freyfogle
Bellevue, WA
Posted by Philip Lee on November 02, 1999 at 23:04:09:
Hi Doug:
The Crosman Grand Prix is an ISSF recognized match
so it follows the ISSF rules as closely as possible.
I have been at this match for quite a few years now,
and following are some points that may be of help
to anyone who attends this match for the first time.
The Match is to be held inside the convention hall
of the Internatinal Plaza Hotel. A big room. Big
enought for 50 shooters to compete side by side,
and then another 40 to 50 on your back side,
shooting in the opposite direction. Right in the
middle is the passage way for spectators, coaches,
and officials.
All match announcements are made in English and
French. Men's events are 1 hour 45 minutes for 60
shots, ladies and juniors' events are 1 hour 15
minutes for 40 shots.
Target carriers are hand-crank type. One shot per
target ( on paper ). After 10 shots ( on 10 targets )
you must place the pile on your chair behind you,
and an official will come pick it up for scoring.
Scoring will be done by the classification people.
Scores will be posted as the match progresses. Once
your score is posted, you may ask to see your own
targets for verification, and challenge if warranted.
You will shoot two matches within the three day
period, as you have already picked. The total score
from the two matches will count for awards. The top
8 scorer will shoot the 10 shot final.
Equipment will have to be checked before you start
shooting the match. Most people do it on Friday.
Both SCUBA air and CO2 will be available for refilling
cylinders. ( You will have to empty the cylinders
before you board an airplane if you fly into
Toronto ). It is advisable to allow time for your
air pistol to warm up to room temperature before
going for trigger weight measurement. A cold trigger
may not pass the weights. February in Toronto can be
QUITE cold!
Practicing is allowed on Friday afternoon on a first
come first served basis. You can use your own targets
or purchase targets on the range.
Lighting is typical convention hall lighting, not
ideal for shooting, but adequate. There may be
some spots brighter than others. Don't be surprised.
But each target has its own lamp down range.
The floor is carpeted. Just watch for bumpy areas.
Since spectators are allowed, be prepared for noise
distractions.
Every year there are different vendors setting up
booths to display their wares. We will be there.
There are also lucky draws and fun shoots. It will
be a lot of fun.
Just relax and enjoy the event. Believe me, you
will not make a fool of yourself unless you wanted
to, because there are many new shooters every year,
there are many juniors every year, and they all
"survived" the match and had a good time.
See you there!
Posted by Dave Suitor on November 03, 1999 at 15:37:05:
Doug,
Equipment will have to be checked before you start
shooting the match. Most people do it on Friday.
Included in the equipment check will be a verification
of correct trigger weight (500 grams). I expect they
will also put your gun in the box to verify dimensions.
Make sure your equipment will pass before you leave
home.
dms
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