Despite my age, (I'm about as old as the dinosaurs), I remember the day, thirty three years ago, when I handled and fired my first firearm. Ok, maybe I'm not quite as old as the dinosaurs at fifty two years of age but thinking back to that moment makes me feel that old! I was nineteen and, whilst I'd not call myself a young and inexperienced lad, as far as firearms went, I was exactly that.
My mum had always said there was three things I wasn't allowed to have: Tattoos, motorbikes and guns. Hmm, sorry mum, I got all three and the guns came first. She wasn't pleased, but considering she'd kicked me out of home when I was seventeen and a half, I didn't much care as it was no longer any of her business.
Yesterday I chatted with a friend and later reflected on my shooting-journey; most of it I'm not willing to share here but it'd make a pretty interesting story I suppose.
The conversation was about confidence in self and equipment, not just the quality of the rifle-system itself, but the ammunition, rifle set-up, scope, range finder, the cleaning and maintenance process and the general understanding of shooting, ballistics and other various things that come into play. With long range shooting there's many elements one must master and, whilst hand-gunning is only done at close range, the same (similar) applies. I've worked hard at both.
Back in the early days I was virtually clueless; I didn't know what I didn't know, and it showed. Fortunately I wasn't arrogant like those gaming nutjobs who actually think they know something about firearms by playing computer games in their parents basement.
I'm a slut for knowledge, and humble also; the combination means I'm open to learning so absorbed information voraciously - especially considering I was naturally adept at shooting, and enjoyed it. I listened intently to instructors, worked hard to improve knowledge, sought it outside set curriculums, built my skill and understanding and rapidly moved through the concepts that would, eventually, lead me to become a proficient rifle and handgun shooter.
It was recognised that I had natural ability with a rifle which led me down a predictable path towards long range shooting. It was deemed additional instruction could prove advantageous so I was trained to put rounds on targets at great distances and all of the elements that go with it. Right about then I fell in love with long range shooting.
It's easy to say I loved it simply because I was good at it, but it was more than that. There was something special about bringing so many elements together in the one moment permitting impacts on targets at distances well past that which the naked eye could see. I learned how to read and combine the unpredictability of the environment and target with the (usual/desired) predictability of the equipment, ammunition and myself and the results came...and with that, came confidence.
In my conversation yesterday we spoke about self-confidence and both agreed that it can be perceived as arrogance however arrogant is not a word I'd use to describe myself. Self-confidence is required though as it helps one settle the mind and that helps judgement, thought-process, decision-making and subsequently accuracy. when shooting at something with the intent to end its existence those things are critical. Hand-in-glove with self confidence is confidence in one's equipment and gaining both take a special kind of effort, at least in long range shooting.
Today, I can take any long range rifle-system from my safe, lay prone behind it and put rounds on a torso-sized target at well over a mile (1600+ meters) with ammunition I made myself. I never disclose my maximum achievable distance but it's well past a mile. Hit-probability declines with greater range and I'm all about accuracy so I work around my limits except where a miss won't have an unacceptable implication, like in training.
I'm confident in that ability, all aspects of it including the equipment, ammunition and myself and I actively hone existing skills in many varied ways. It's a good feeling to have the skills I have, (not just the shooting aspect), and whilst many may say there's no real need for skills like this in modern society, I digress. Maybe they'd like to consider the events in Ukraine currently where there is a great need for both protagonists to have skills of this nature amongst their ranks. No, to think skills like this (and other related skills) are not required is a little naïve.
I've been shooting for so many years I've probably forgotten some of what I know. Ok, if you believe I forgot anything at all you're bonkers. I'm confident in shooting, long range, handguns, with firearms and the related elements in general and there's two factors that make it so: Discipline and training.
It doesn't matter what skill or ability one wants to become proficient at, those two elements must exist. I don't mean those elements are required to gain a basic ability, but to become an expert? Yeah, they're essential. It also takes ownership, responsibility and effort of course, but those things, without training and discipline, will not make an expert out of anyone.
Now tell me, have you applied discipline and training to learn a skill? Have you gone out of your way to become an expert at something? Comment below, I'm interested.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind
Any image in this post is my own
This topic is a good way to start our Saturday morning. Your homemade ammo shows me that you really put a lot of effort into accomplishing one thing. I have never become an expert in anything but have reached several plateaus. When I get to a plateau I find it difficult to move to the next level. I am pretty satisfied with my mediocre progress in Korean language, art, music, studies and even as a teacher. Like everyone else I find it a lot less stressful to stay in the comfort zone. If the necessity arises that I need to improve my skill then I quickly adapt. I think I have become sort of an expert on the spinach omelet. My stomach can attest.
I don't think this is altogether a bad thing you know. Your reach the level you need to reach to effect the task and stay there approach. I do the same with things that don't really matter, or need further effort. I mean, I'm never going to win the Olympics in my kayak, but I have a good level of skill to deliver the enjoyment I need. You know?
With shooting it's always mattered that I perform, in the past more so, but still now. So, I've worked hard to ensure my skills are well above that of those around me. Ok, that's sounds like I'm arrogant and need to dominate I guess, but that's not the case; I have had the need to be the best I could be and seek continual improvement for myself and my self-confidence.
I think it's important to know where to invest the time and effort and to what degree one does so. That way, a person can enjoy success at the right levels across all aspects of life and reserve the time to invest in the truly critical things.
I hope I'm making sense.
Thanks for your great answer, I appreciate it. Also, I'd be willing to submit myself as a lab0rate of sorts, to test out your spinach omelette skills.
I get it. Jack of all trades is okay until you need to kick ass and then it is hard to do that without being a jack ass.
On another note, social distancing rules have dropped a lot so if you do ever visit Seoul, I will buy you a drink and some !PIZZA Just let me know !BEER
This made me grin.
If I come to Seoul, (S.Korea is on my hit list) I'll let you know and add in a beer (or beverage of your choice) to compliment our pizza.
Excellent!!
We have a saying, keep your eye on the target and make your best efforts, the result will be beyond your expectation. We should know what we can do and spend our time polishing our skills, cheers!
Indeed, being focused on the target (task at hand) will mean one is more likely to apply the discipline and training required to reach it (if it's a skill) or the effort, ownership and responsibility to actively pursue the result, mission success.
As I read you title and post I was reminded of the Jocko Willink quote/mantra "Discipline equals freedom". I have always read that quote within the framework of time management and it is absolutely true in that regard, but you post shed a bit more enlightenment on that statement for me. Maintaining the discipline to put in the rigorous training to become an expert in any given field pays in many dividends and one of those is "freedom". For instance, in the context of your long-range training the discipline to put the thousands of hours in to master your skill has now given you the "freedom" to take shots most only dream of and the "freedom" to know how effective you would be in protecting yourself and your loved ones should an horrific situation as in the Ukraine should ever knock at your door.
I would consider myself an expert at pistol and short to mid-range rifle as far as firearms and shooting is concerned and I feel fairly confident in my level being at or very close to the expert level with U.S. criminal procedure (i would hope so after 24 years..lolol) and constitutional law and case law as it pertains to law enforcement as well as search as seizure.
Oh yeah, I'm glad you called this out, the freedom aspect, because it's totally true. Knowing what we know, having the confidence we do, gives that freedom as you say, even if it's just the freedom to feel confident in a crisis. That's important because most are not, become immobile or run around ineffectually and that doesn't get shit done. Jocko knows his shit man.
I'm good with a handgun, good enough that I'd not want to face myself were that possible, but it's the long gun at long range where I feel most comfortable. I believe having a good working knowledge of both is very important and I've always worked hard to ensure I don't let skills decline in one, in preference for the other. It's like preppers...Many focus on food storage and forget about comms, medical, navigation, security, mobility etc.
Best to know a little about a lot...Even better to know a lot about a lot.
Damn. Over a mile? That's some serious long shooting.
To the question: Yes, I have become an expert at a few things. I was probably on my way to becoming an expert shooter til I lost my dominate eye when I was 20. I switched shoulders and am no better than average today. The only reason I am even average is that there are a lot of dickheads in the pool that drag the average way down.
Fly Fishing. For about 25 years I was either fishing or tying bugs or thinking about fishing or tying bugs. I great mentors-a legendary tyer that ran a 'rookies' class to supplement his supply sales. I took the class, sucked up like a mad dog and got to know the tyer. I could drop into his shop any time and sit down at his bench to show what I could do and he would show me what I couldn't do. The fisherman had started pre WWII with bamboo poles and silk line. If you can throw bugs with that sort of set up, you can throw bugs with modern gear. He could. He was old by the time I got to him so we couldn't do really active fishing (I mean crashing about a stream) together but there were places I could go and learn with him. I did-and he taught me how to fish a stream with couch sessions. I learned. Discipline? Yeah. I tied bugs like crazy when I wasn't fishing and tried stupid shit that worked. The fisherman hated cats but he liked my Siamese because I kept his belly trimmed. I used the hair in fly bodies :) I'd practice casting in the park near me with no bug-just a small piece of yarn that I could see tied on. Like 3 or 4 times a week.
I had a health problem and had to quit (actually, I probably could have hung on to some extent but couldn't bear that option.) I never looked back. Both of the mentors had died by that time.
I also take a disciplined approach to my motorcycle riding. If I identify a fault or weakness I work consistently to eliminate it. I'm still alive, I must have done something right.
I'm average at so many things Tom, I'm ok with it. Even with shooting...Me with a shotgun? AVERAGE! Lol.
Fishing isn't my thing man, I mean I can do it, catch stuff too, but it's not something I'm overly good at and I respect those who are. All those bloody knots and hooks and lures, fucken hell...Just go to the fish and chip shop. Now, that's something I'm really good at when it come's to fishing: "two pieces of cod and a couple bucks worth of chips please." See? I can fish!
I think I know you well enough to say you're a modest bloke, like me, and are probably good at so many things. It's a good way to be right?
And yes, well over a mile.
The limited experience I've had with arrogant people is that they generally seem to be condescending so you're probably definitely confident rather than arrogant XP
though I imagine people might think otherwise when you're raining down fire because they were being stupid/unsafe
Lol, I do that, raining hellfire thing pretty well Ry, I'll admit. But only when it's deserved...and other such times as need arises...and sometimes when it feels appropriate...and other times when I've nothing better to do...and sometimes because it's just fun.
And nope, I'm not arrogant. Never was...I'm just a knucklehead.
Disciplined ??? What is that ??
Lol, well, you could be disciplined and being undisciplined I guess. That's something right?
Ah yes ! I am very disciplined at being undisciplined.
Imagine me saying that like I am extra proud of it.
LOL !
You should be proud, being disciplined, even about being undisciplined, is a huge achievement. 🤪
discipline & training, great combination for sure!
I've never met anyone who is any good at anything, without having applied it.
I really need this, myself. I'm relearning how to shoot lefty, due to my eyesight, and a steady approach followed up on a regular basis is what I need. So far, the results have been pleasing but do not feel natural at all. Very Strange!
Oh man, that would be strange indeed.
I can shoot with either hand with my hand guns and am pretty good at it; one never knows when the natural hand/arm may be taken out of action right? But learning to shoot with one's off-hand all the time would be such a difficult thing. Discipline is the way to go though and it seems you're applying it. Are there any specific things you're doing, exercises and all, to bring it all together?
I'm just acting as though I never shot before, because this is pretty much how it feels!
Any "new shooter" advice is welcomed, that will likely be of the most help.
Yeah, that's a good point.
I guess I'd probably recommend some training, as opposed to practice. I mean at home.
I'm not sure if you're one-handing or two but the grip is really important. I do about 15-20 minutes per day drawing from my holster, acquiring a target, doing two trigger pulls (measured ones) and moving to another target and doing the same. I then holster and repeat.
The targets are dots on the wall and I do it all at walking pace with some very fast draws in the last five minutes. It's about the grip being repeatable, quick target acquisition and the aim remaining good during the trigger pulls. In your case it will (initially) be about muscle memory.
No more than 15-20 minutes a day will make the live-firing you do at the range, the practice, more effective.
Slowly you will improve speed and create muscle memory and you will see great improvement.
My "new shooter" experience is with the long arms... left eye dominant. VERY Fortunate that my pistol shooting improved when the eye change occurred. I will still perform these drills, sounds great 👍🏼 Dryfire training, and I'm thinking about a laser system too. Make sure that poa is also poi 🌞
training comes from confidence in discipline! also true!
Indeed.
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For me, it would be investing, which can be pretty broad. When I entered the workforce about 10 years ago and got my first paycheck, I realised I need to find ways to grow my savings (as the bank interest was close to zero). So during my free time (i.e. weekday nights after work or weekends), I self learnt the basics of investing, e.g. what bonds were, what stocks/equities markets are, where and how to buy them, etc. I also went to investment seminars to listen to those experts/analysts share their knowledge and outlook of the macro environment. In the recent years, as part of investing, I also read up about cryptos as they are not the traditional types of investments.
I am definitely not an expert as the financial landscape is constantly evolving, but I guess what kept me going was really my interest and passion for finance-related stuff. :)
This is excellent to hear! I don't mean the trading per se, just that you thought about investing, making your in one work harder and actively pursued it. So many do not. You said you entered the work force about ten years ago so I assume you're around thirty or so and that's the best time to start as you'll have longer to invest and more time to make up for any losses if/when they occur.
Well done and thanks so much for commenting and sharing your thoughts.
Yeah am in my mid 30s, and my investing journey has been good so far! Thanks for your comment too!
It's always good to hear younger folk taking the ownership and responsibility you are to plan for the future. (Not that I'm all that much older, I'm 52.)
what caliber are those in the picture? .308?
They're Hornady 87gr V-Max projectiles as used in my .243 culling system.
I just got shivers down my spin reading the last 2 words haha
Lol, as you should. 🙂
So, why do you kill(cull) cows again?
Are you the slaughter house? or the one who's always having to take them behind mother earths wood shed?
I don't cull cows, I cull feral animals on a cattle farm: Kangaroos, deer, foxes etc.
They add production cost through damage to fences, eating feed and so on and are controlled by culling. I shoot a few and the others bugger off for a while because getting shot at isn't much fun.
Ooooh, I thought I remembered you saying you killed cows..
you must have said: "I cull animals on a cattle farm" haha, you can see how a person might confuse that..
your job sounds awesome! I bet you start to not feel bad for the cute little stupid buggers haha! there's always 1 or 2 in a group that cant help but get themselves shot up haha.. It keeps the ones that remain, wild and smart
I still love many aspects of dance, and I still choreograph in my head when I lose myself in a particularly favourite piece of music...
Thanks for posting @galenkp.
Annabelle 🤕
Something always gets in the way, that's how life is, and that's why we need to keep pushing, seeking change, developing and growing. Otherwise, we'd probably fall in a heap. Like your dancing...You found different ways to enjoy the feeling of it, and that's something.
I'm glad you like my posts, it's kind of you to say so. It was nice to wake up to this comment.
Glad you liked it - you can't go wrong with Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse!
You and your posts are one of the reasons Ben and I are part of this platform, @galenkp.
Aww really? Thank you for saying so. I try to be a good representative and keep things interesting and fun. I'm pleased you're around and am humbled by your comment.
Most would say, I'm amazingly mad as a hatter.
Most would be right. 😊
That's not a bad thing though! This world be crazy...
wow. Discipline and training. It's been hard to apply any without mentors or instructors and finding a capable one here can be a really up hill task. But I can say, one thing I am currently putting some discipline into is writing. Being proficient with my writing. I am far from where I want to be but I am far from where I started.
Thanks for the ever green inspiration @galenkp
Discipline equals freedom. All the best with your writing endeavours, I'm sure you'll make it happen.
Thank you sire.