October 18, 2009 Clays Match Report

14 Guns Entered

 

     8 Open guns - Class won by Hal Hansen with a score of 46

 

     6 Limited Guns - Class won by Dan Moore with a score of 33

 

     Today dawned cool & overcast, with a temperature at the range of 59degrees.  Our Arrays Impressario, Chuck Treat, presented target arrays series "C" today, with the targets being arranged differently than the last time we saw "Series C".

The targets today were different even than the arrays catalog shows.  Instead of standard sized green clays, today our standard sized clays were white.  In the interest of conformity with past series "C" arrays, there weren't very many standard sized clays, and they didn't hang around very long. 

     One persistent feature about array series "C"  was the separation between the main clusters of targets and the black micro in the middle.  Now instead of being directly adjacent to the objective black micro, there is the requirement to make a significant sweep in order to cover the center black micro, then completely set up again, all prior to engaging the black micro in the middle.

In addition to being a lot of fun, and challenging, Chucks target arrays are giving our clays competitors a wonderful education. 

     There are many aspects of shooting that excellent marksmanship  requires.  Sight picture and trigger prep are the two primary mechanical functions.  One may get by with a poor sight picture, but one learns one will NOT get away with poor trigger prep.

Proper stance is important, but one finds out in action shooting that one cannot always attain exactly the stance one wants.

The same goes for a good grip on the firearm.  One learns over time however, that if one stumbles and is ready to fall down, and barely has a grip sufficient to maintain control of the firearm, if the shooter gets an acceptable sight picture and good trigger prep, they will usually get their hit. 

     So it is also with the order of acquisition of the targets.  One learns when shooting clays that the path through the arrays that requires the least movement, with the quickest acquisition of the next target, is the fastest and surest way to engage the target arrays.  With each array, there is a "fastest" path.  Find that path, have a good grasp of the necessary fundamentals, and one can realistically expect to achieve their share of success in handgun competition.  Chuck, your arrays are excellent!! Good on ya!

     At the end of regulation play today, we have a couple of winners.  In the Limited Class, with a score of 33, was Dan Moore.

In the Open Class, with a score of 46, was this reporter, Hal Hansen.  Since we are talking about winners, let's thank the match staff; Doug McLean with his microphone, score sheet and lineup cards,  and our host and Match Director, Chuck Nicodemus for putting on such a fun, challenging and educational match. 

     While I'm making announcements, in case you haven't heard, Rob & Rebecca Potter are teaming up with Kitsap Rifle & Revolver Club, to shortly begin putting on a Plate Match in Btemerton.  The more handgun competitions open to the public in America, the better for all of us.  Many thanks to Rob & Reba for all the help they have been to GHSCs plate matches over the years.  We at GHSC wish you the best in your new endeavors.  Remember Rob & Reba, the welcome mat will always be out for you both at GHSCs plate matches. We'll miss you. 

     Everyone keep in mind to come out on Monday evenings at 5PM each and every week for our Plate Practices.  And everyone keep coming out on Tuesday evenings at 6PM for GHSCs plate matches each & every week.The ONLY exceptions to those events will be in celebration of a national holiday, and those will be noted on the clubs website and by email.  So, until next weeks handgun competitions, always remember:

 

It's all about sight picture and trigger squeeze.  The rest is just there to confuse you.

 

Hal