New shooters to the range

[Charles L. Cotton]

I took my legal assistant to the range yesterday to practice for her CHL. She took an NRA Basic Pistol Course with Marc and I several weeks ago, but shot primarily with Ruger 22.'s, so she wanted to try a variety of pistols. She ultimately decided to focus on the Glock 19, based on size, weight, ease of cleaning and cheap ammo. She also liked the Springfield XD-40 Tactical, but had a hard time comparing the 5" XD to the 4" Glock.

She previously shot my Colt Commander and loved it, but the weight (for carrying) was too much for her, and I was very candid about the difference in cleaning effort for a 1911 and a Glock. She shot the CHL target from the appropriate distances, but I couldn't remember the course of fire to save my life. So, she shot some drills that will be harder than what she'll face in the CHL class. She's now very comfortable and looking forward to getting her CHL. She's had the DPS application packet for weeks.

The receptionist from our office also came to shoot. I've worked with her before using only the Springfield XD Tactical, so she had fired a few hundred rounds before yesterday. My legal assistant had asked me to bring some revolvers as well as autos, and my receptionist wanted to try the "cowboy" gun. Before you start thinking I brought a Colt Single Action Army for consideration as a carry gun, the "cowboy" gun was a S&W Mod. 19, 2 1/2" Nickle. Yeah, she's that young - anything with a cylinder is a "cowboy" gun.

Back to the story. She tried the Mod. 19 and loved it. What's really surprising is that she shot great with it, much better than she did with any of the auto's, even out to 15 yrds. (She also shot the CHL target and distances, though she's too young to get her CHL.) I've never seen an inexperienced shooter shoot better with a revolver than an auto, using only double-action with the revolver. For that matter, I can't recall seeing anyone who's experienced with a revolver and an auto shoot better with the revolver. I thought it was just a fluke at first, but she remained consistent, even at greater distances. Close range yielded some very good groups, so her trigger control in double-action mode was excellent. Even her double-taps were good. I warned her to slow down a bit at 15 yds. and she did, and although her groups did open up a bit, they were still very good for the distance and well within combat accuracy requirements.

She fired a few head shots on IDPA targets using single action, just to see what that was like. She did very well with this also.

She was shooting 158 gr. 38 Specials loaded to 950fps in a 4" barrel, so they were a little slower out of the 2 1/2" gun. They were not puny loads at all. The last 6 rounds she fired were 3 38's followed by 3 .357's, so she could appreciate the difference - her choice, not mine. The .357's are 125 gr. Gold Dots loaded to 1500fps. When she touched off the .357's, she was clearly surprised, turned her head to look at me and simply said "WOW!" Then, a big smile appeared on her face. You have to love this gal! She's going to be good and wants to shoot IDPA matches with a revolver. Now that's a kid with guts! I'm going to get her some Comp-Tac gear and hopefully she'll give IDPA a try.

It was a good day at the range with new shooters and good friends. Marc came by to visit, as did a former SR-71 Blackbird pilot who shoots with us. We'll soon have a new CHL and possibly a new IDPA shooter joining our ranks. I love shooting, but introducing new folks to shooting and helping them develop their skills is every bit as much fun. Sharing this with friends makes it even better.

I hope everyone has/had a great Labor Day Weekend.

Regards,
Chas.

[ElGato]

I love shooting, but introducing new folks to shooting and helping them develop their skills is every bit as much fun. Sharing this with friends makes it even better.

Charles you should put that with your signature.

I know the feeling Charles, it makes for a great day, and one that none of you will forget.

The course of fire is

20 rounds from 3 yds. in three or four shot strings ( if the firearm won't hold 10 use 6 then 4 )

A. 5 rounds - 1 shot on each command, 2 seconds for each shot

B. 10 rounds - 2 shots on each command, 3 seconds for each two shots

C. 5 rounds - all 5 on one command, fired in 10 seconds


20 rounds from 7 yds. in four, five shot strings

A. 5 rounds - all 5 on one command, fired in 10 seconds

B. 5 rounds in two stages
1. 2 rounds on one command, fired in four seconds
2. 3 rounds on one command, fired in six seconds

C. 5 rounds, one shot on each command, 3 seconds for each shot

D. 5 rounds, on one command, fired in fifteen seconds


10 rounds from 15 yds. in two five shot strings

A. 5 rounds in two stages
1. 2 rounds on one command, fired in six seconds
2. 3 rounds on one command, fired in nine seconds

B. 5 rounds on one command, fired in fifteen seconds

[ElGato]

I don't know how that signature got placed there?? I would edit that if I knew how.
Tomcat

[Charles L. Cotton]

Fixed.