There are pros and cons of competitive shooting sports as they relate to defensive firearms training. The bottom line is that competitive shooting sports will not replace self-defense training. Even though shooting matches can mimic real-life scenarios, time on the shot timer it is not real life and paper targets are not shooting back. However, even in this controlled environment, competitive shooting remains one of the most effective ways to hone your gun handling and marksmanship skills. In order to be effective in a defensive situation involving your firearm, you must be proficient these six fundamental concepts that are strengthened by participation in competitive shooting sports.
By Christi Conner Tate. At the close of my second year of competitive shooting, I am not a newbie anymore. I sat on the porch in the cold one morning as snow clouds hung low and dark in the north Georgia mountains where I make my home. With coffee in hand, I asked aloud to anyone who would listen, “Why am I making rookie mistakes?” This isn’t fun. “Who does that in the close of their second year?” Repeatedly, I could put my finger on a recurring problem rather than newness: it’s the lack of focus during the planning and the execution during the whole process of competitive shooting from the going to bed on time to ensuring my gear is together. I am going to bring back some elements of the nervous girl I banished because she’d been unable to eat or sleep until prep had been done. In my third season, I’m going to bring back part of that nerve problem: use my calm to be more efficient and work on focus and let the nervous girl the credit that she deserves and force me to prepare.
By Suzanne Cox. With essential oils we can regenerate our bodies at a cellular level, so while we are breaking our bodies down, we are simultaneously helping them generate healthy cells. Essential oils boost your body’s immune support, give you better performance, soothe achy muscles, and provide antimicrobial healing. Using certain blends can help your body and mind by promoting clarity and focus. Essential oils can also be a non-toxic solution to stinky gear! The incorporation of essential oils into my training has been life changing. Essential oils for athletes are powerful, useful tools. No matter your sport, expertise, or skill level, there is an essential oil for you.
We all worry about it. And stress about it. And panic about it. What are some of the reasons shooters get DQ’d? And what really happens then? A few of the ladies who DQ’d at the 2017 A Girl & A Gun’s Brownells Ladies Multigun Fall Festival share their stories.
Ursula has advice for shooters attending Brownells Multigun Fall Fest, especially first time competitors. “Don’t be scared, everybody there is there to help regardless of a jersey or not. Don’t think you can’t talk to the women wearing jerseys,” she laughs. “And watch the women not wearing jerseys, they can be kicking butt just as much. A Girl & A Gun brings in a lot of new women shooters. It’s the most welcoming group. So don’t be scared to try anything and just listen and learn. Ask questions. Some of the best knowledge I’ve gathered has been at their events. And then just have fun!”
Dorothea Clevenger had bilateral knee surgery only four months ago, but that didn’t stop her from earning High Lady at the Benelli Invitational this week! For the third year, this AG & AG Facilitator (Pocono PA Chapter) participated in the sporting clays competition as a member of the Streamlight Team.
As part of the Troy team, Cindy DeSplinter recommends which prizes Troy donates to matches. “My favorite part of working with Troy is their support of women in the industry. I’m not the best shooter but it’s all about representing the sport and empowering women to get into shooting, and Troy is very supportive of that.” Through Troy Industries’ generosity and support of women in the shooting sports, competitors have a chance of winning one of over 100 Troy items at Brownells Multigun Fall Festival.
Tennille Chidester is a pro shooter that is offering stage walk-throughs at Fall Fest. Here is what her shooters can expect.
Anniston, a remarkable teen, has some sage advice for women shooters. “Don’t be intimidated by the guys and competing with them. I can see now that I can hang with the top guys and be competitive. Don’t get discouraged, there’s always room for improvement. Even if there is something they are doing and it doesn’t work for you, keep trying. You will find something that works for you.”
Christi says, “I invited the women to shoot with me. It’ll just be fun, the camaraderie and shooting together again. I wouldn’t know any of these gals if not for the Brownells Fall Fest match. We started getting to know each other on Facebook before we met personally. Now, we have women, most who are members of A Girl & A Gun, coming together from all over to shoot. It just takes being creative and getting the people. Why can’t we do this everywhere?”