In May I finally got around to doing something I should have done years ago. I took an NRA course and got cert
ified as a pistol instructor. That, in itself, is really great, but during the class I learned about a program co-sponsored by the NRA and Winchester for self-paced, honor system, marksmanship. I started reading about it and it looked like a lot of fun. Well, it's been the focus of my shooting for the last several months. It's not only fun, but I really like it because it gives you specific goals to try for each time you go to the range. It has forced me out of my comfort zone, and made me attempt shooting skills that I probably would never have otherwise tried. It's sort of like golf. You get excited challenging yourself to do better than you did the last time. It's really added a lot of enjoyment to my range outings.
ified as a pistol instructor. That, in itself, is really great, but during the class I learned about a program co-sponsored by the NRA and Winchester for self-paced, honor system, marksmanship. I started reading about it and it looked like a lot of fun. Well, it's been the focus of my shooting for the last several months. It's not only fun, but I really like it because it gives you specific goals to try for each time you go to the range. It has forced me out of my comfort zone, and made me attempt shooting skills that I probably would never have otherwise tried. It's sort of like golf. You get excited challenging yourself to do better than you did the last time. It's really added a lot of enjoyment to my range outings. I made it a little harder on myself by doing all the shooting at 7 yards (21 feet) rather than the specified 15 feet. I also used a variety of handguns, revolvers and automatics, in numerous 
calibers. Moreover, I made it a rule to fire the revolvers only in double action mode, thereby making it a little more realistic and challenging. I achieved the Sharpshooter qualification today using a S&W model 649 .38 special revolver, and a Glock 21 with an Advantage Arms .22 LR conversion unit on it. My best target so far has been a 98/100 using a 1974 manufactured S&W model 59 9mm auto that I bought a couple of months back. That old war horse is a real tack driver! I think the extractor is worn out, so I'm going to replace it, but the gun is a keeper for sure. I also shot some very good targets with my Springfield Armory TRP Operator 1911 with a Marvel .22 conversion slide. I've re-learned that autos are easier to shoot well than are revolvers (when fired double action), and single action autos are easier to shoot well than DA autos. This is hardly news, but I've found that when you're actually scoring all of your targets, you really pay attention to every little detail of how the gun handles and shoots. I think this program has really improved my marksmanship over the last couple of months. It has motivated me to pick my game up every time I shoot. If your range outings are starting to get stale and repetitive, you should look into this program.
calibers. Moreover, I made it a rule to fire the revolvers only in double action mode, thereby making it a little more realistic and challenging. I achieved the Sharpshooter qualification today using a S&W model 649 .38 special revolver, and a Glock 21 with an Advantage Arms .22 LR conversion unit on it. My best target so far has been a 98/100 using a 1974 manufactured S&W model 59 9mm auto that I bought a couple of months back. That old war horse is a real tack driver! I think the extractor is worn out, so I'm going to replace it, but the gun is a keeper for sure. I also shot some very good targets with my Springfield Armory TRP Operator 1911 with a Marvel .22 conversion slide. I've re-learned that autos are easier to shoot well than are revolvers (when fired double action), and single action autos are easier to shoot well than DA autos. This is hardly news, but I've found that when you're actually scoring all of your targets, you really pay attention to every little detail of how the gun handles and shoots. I think this program has really improved my marksmanship over the last couple of months. It has motivated me to pick my game up every time I shoot. If your range outings are starting to get stale and repetitive, you should look into this program. 
