tag:tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk,2009-11-09:/me - shooting. The ups and downs, hits and misses.... Hopefully as I get better there will be more ups (with bigger downs!) and lots to read. Top Stories www.tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk MokoFeed2009-11-09T20:13:01+01:00tag:tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk,2008-04-17:/2008/04/18/time-and-life-4059518/amartin2008-04-18T00:41:16+02:002008-04-18T00:47:24+02:00 <p>I have not shot for months and really want to get back out there. I didn't even get much of a chance to try out my new winter jacket - now it is almost summer (or at least warming up) and I have missed a few months of shooting. I am just glad that I didn't enter myself in for any competitions. </p> <p>reasons for a lack of shooting - new job, moving house and becoming a Dad for the first time. All since Christmas. Still trying to finish the decorating now! Hopefully all will be done soon. </p> <p>watch this space.....</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk/2008/04/18/time-and-life-4059518/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk,2008-02-29:/2008/02/29/not-much-shooting-3798613/amartin2008-02-29T19:56:37+01:002008-02-29T19:56:37+01:00 <p>Well, I haven't posted anything recently and haven't shot anything either. Too much else going on in life - new job, new house and new baby! </p> <p>See my other blog firsttimedad for news! </p> <p>Anyway, I hope to have another go at DTL in March but definitely in April once my life is a little more settled. It is good though. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk/2008/02/29/not-much-shooting-3798613/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk,2008-01-22:/2008/01/22/the_olympic_debate_continues~3617258/amartin2008-01-22T21:20:03+01:002008-01-22T21:20:03+01:00 <p>BBC news last night had a whole section on Olympic shooting and Dartford as an alternative venue - Hooray.</p> <p>Lord Coe had a few comments about Dartford being out of London - IT IS HARDLY ANY DISTANCE AND ACCESS COULD BE PROVIDED VIA THE THAMES is all I have to shout. </p> <p>Anyway, here are the links to the BBC's reports just in case you missed them! </p> <p><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/help/3681938.stm" class="news7201333ukfs"><img class="image2" src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44371000/jpg/_44371198_shooting.jpg" alt="Image: £25m <b>Olympic</b> venue criticised"></a><br>click on the picture for the full BBC report - pic links straight into the BBC website. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk/2008/01/22/the_olympic_debate_continues~3617258/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk,2008-01-03:/2008/01/04/e_petition_please_sign_up~3525704/amartin2008-01-04T00:31:22+01:002008-01-04T00:31:22+01:00 <p><a href="http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/OlympicShooting/">Follow this link to 10 Downing Street E petition page. </a></p> <p>I have already mentioned the ridiculous decision that Woolwich will be used as the 2012 shooting venue which will then be demolished following the games. </p> <p>Over £18 million (at the 2006 bid price) will be spent on building the 2012 Olympic shooting sports venue at Woolwich Barracks and then after the Olympics it will be pulled down again. This is not only a total waste of money and an immoral use of resources but more importantly it does not leave any lasting legacy for shooting sports in this country. Every year the Great Britain shooting teams bring home medals from competing in ISSF and FITASC disciplines world wide. Surely it deserves a lasting legacy?</p> <p><strong>Want to sign the e petition?<br> <a href="http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/OlympicShooting/">Click here</a></strong> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk/2008/01/04/e_petition_please_sign_up~3525704/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk,2008-01-03:/2008/01/03/shot_box_com_my_new_gun_case_and_a_first~3523882/amartin2008-01-03T17:30:46+01:002008-01-03T19:37:04+01:00 <p>I was fortunate to receive a <a href="http://www.shot-boxes.com">Shot-Box</a> over the Christmas break. I am so far impressed, in fact even more so when I consider that I have never owned a hard case made specifically for my gun. Now you I mustn't get carried away, after all my new shot-box gun case was not made specifically for my Browning GTI trap. However, this is the impression the makers of the shot-box try to give. I don't think they go far wrong either! </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/my_shot_box_com_shotgun_case/2252261" title="my shot-box.com shotgun case"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/261/2252261_831c08ea17_s.jpeg" alt="my shot-box.com shotgun case" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a></p> <p>Now, I had considered a few other types of boxes but none had really caught my eye and I didn't consider them for a number of reasons. They tended to be too expensive, didn't quite look right (in other words it was shaped to suggest that it did contain a shotgun) or wouldn't fit my gun.<br> So, the shot box ticked all of those boxes!<br> It looks like it could be a musical instrument (important if walking down the street and not wanting to attract attention). It wasn't prohibitively expensive (it was also a gift - always a bonus, but cost £120) and easily accommodates the 32" barrels of my trap gun. On top of all this, it has wheels, three locks, is built like a brick privy all of which means is that it is approved for use on aeroplanes which could become an important consideration in the future. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/shot_box_lock/2252289" title="shot box lock"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/289/2252289_e3adcc3eb1_s.jpeg" alt="shot box lock" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/shot_box_wheels/2252290" title="shot box wheels."><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/290/2252290_90e4b67151_s.jpeg" alt="shot box wheels." hspace="5" vspace="5"></a></p> <p>The inside of the case is packed full of high density foam, cut into squares, that you remove in order to create a space for your own gun shape. This system does work but you have to be careful that you don't rip out too much foam in one go as once it has come out you can't easily stick it back in. (I found this out the hard way, fortunately I only took out two extra pieces of foam and a touch of glue saw them right again)</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/open_shot_box/2252291" title="open shot box"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/291/2252291_b49fcadc44_s.jpeg" alt="open shot box" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/shot_box_with_gun/2252690" title="shot-box with gun"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/690/2252690_f39041fb20_s.jpeg" alt="shot-box with gun" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Now I have used the case a couple of times and taking the gun out and putting it away again is straightforward. However, the foam can tend to grip to the gun and come away from the case. A touch of glue here and there seems to have solved that problem. However, for £120 I wouldn't really expect to have to add glue here and there. I have found this to be a bit annoying and frustrating. The other concern I have is that there were no instructions. Now, I know that common sense prevails and when you look at the insides of the case it is fairly obvious what you have to do. However, some guidance would have been useful as I did have a small debate about whether to lay my barrels on their side or rib up. There did seem to be room as the case is deep enough (another impressive feature). In the end I settled for laying the barrells on their side, so that the rib would be protected. However I have stuck some of the padding I removed back in, laying it down so that the barrels are further supported.</p> <p>Overall, I am pleased with my new gun case.<br> <u><strong><br> <em>Positives:</em></strong></u><br> It definitely protects my gun and is a much more sturdy solution than my old gun slip.<br> It looks good and means that I can move around with the gun much less conspicuously, important considering that I live in a town and people see me loading and unloading my car.<br> I can secure the case to the inside of my car and any thief will find it much harder to remove than a cloth slip.<br> The foam offers great protection and now I have ironed out a couple of niggles with it, can't really be faulted. </p> <p><em><u><strong>Negatives:</strong></u></em><br> A slight niggle with the foam. I had to glue it in places to stop it coming out of the box with the gun.<br> A lack of instructions or some guidance. Something would have been helpful. </p> <p><em><u><strong>Overall:</strong></u></em><br> The positives far outweigh the negatives and I would recommend this gun case. Watch this blog for a second review of this case after it has been used a little more. </p> <p>Also, watch out for further reviews over the next few months. I did quite well for shooting equipment this Christmas! </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/my_shot_box_com_shotgun_case/2252261" title="my shot-box.com shotgun case"><br> </a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk/2008/01/03/shot_box_com_my_new_gun_case_and_a_first~3523882/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk,2007-12-30:/2007/12/31/olympic_shooting_legacy_a_wasted_opportu~3508990/amartin2007-12-31T00:01:34+01:002008-01-03T00:28:51+01:00 <p> Why oh why does the government seem to think that it is ok to waste £18 million (if not considerably more wihen inflation, tax and demolition costs are factored in). </p> <p>Yet more concern expressed over the waste of taxpayers money and the planned Olympic venue for shooting disciplines in 2012. This time it comes in two letters to the Telegraph. </p> <p>Who is responsible for making this decision and why does there not seem to be anyone ready to listen to the question of a venue and say why Woolwich is such a good venue and that the decision is so economically sound?</p> <p>Link to Olympic website that details plans for <a href="http://www.london2012.com/sports/olympic/shooting.php">shooting</a> </p> <p><a href="http://www.london2012.com/plans/index.php">Link to Olympic website </a>that promises that all plans point towards sustainability and leaving a legacy for each sport. I quote "All the venues and plans have been designed with long-term use in mind."<br> No mention of this as far as shooting is concerned. </p> <p><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2007/12/29/nosplit/dt2901.xml#head5">Telegraph letter 29th December 2007</a></p> <p>No need for a new Olympic shooting facility</p> <p>Sir - I just cannot understand why the Olympic Committee has decided to spend some £18 million on a temporary facility at Woolwich for the Olympic shooting events (Letters, December 27).</p> <p>There is a world-class set-up at Bisley already, on good transport links (rail and M3) with London. If there are any shortcomings with the Bisley site, then surely it would cost a lot less than £18 million to upgrade the facilities, which would then be available for future use.</p> <p>Can or will anybody from the Olympic Committee or the government ministry responsible for this decision provide any justification for it? This sounds to me like people who are not really accountable to those who are footing the bills, being rather profligate with other people's money.</p> <p>Rod Dowden, Farnborough, Hampshire</p> <p><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2007/12/27/nosplit/dt2701.xml#head4">Telegraph letter 27th December 2007</a></p> <p>Olympic demolition</p> <p>Sir - More than £18 million (at the 2006 bid price) will be spent on building the 2012 Olympic shooting sports venue at Woolwich Barracks. After the Olympics, it will be pulled down again.</p> <p>This is not only a waste of money and an immoral use of resources but, more importantly, it does not leave any lasting legacy for shooting sports in this country.</p> <p>Every year, Great Britain shooting teams work hard to bring home medals from competing worldwide in disciplines of the International Shooting Sports Federation and Fédération Internationale de Tir aux Armes Sportives de Chasse. Shooting in Britain deserves a lasting legacy.</p> <p>Graham Sanderson, Camelford, Cornwall<br> Back to top </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk/2007/12/31/olympic_shooting_legacy_a_wasted_opportu~3508990/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk,2007-12-24:/2007/12/24/christmas_shoot~3487078/amartin2007-12-24T18:04:53+01:002007-12-24T18:04:53+01:00 <p>Yesterday I went to the only Christmas shoot that I have been able to make it to. <a href="http://www.maylandgunclub.co.uk/index.htm">Mayland Gun club</a> ran a brilliantly efficient and fun Ozzie shoot and move competition. </p> <p>The day consisted of 5 double rise birds, 25 single barrel, 25 normal DTL and 50 full use - hit or miss. It was really satisfying to try out different disciplines and I liked the fact that you had to move between shots. Each time you had to reassess stance and position relative to the trap house, so that you were ready to shoot. </p> <p>I also put in a respectable performance and came 3rd in B class and 13th overall. All in all a really good day. </p> <p><a href="http://www.maylandgunclub.co.uk/Results%20b.htm">The results link</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk/2007/12/24/christmas_shoot~3487078/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk,2007-12-21:/2007/12/21/olympic_bid_for_shooting_at_the_2012_lon~3472651/amartin2007-12-21T01:36:37+01:002007-12-21T01:36:37+01:00 <p>I received an email that promoted an E petition for 10 Downing street to ask for a decent legacy for shooters following the 2012 London Olympic Games. </p> <p>I am impressed that over 1000 signed up but frustrated that more haven't.</p> <p>This is such an important issue. So many other sports are getting a centre for excellence for their sport whilst shooting is being left with nothing. I know that there are three potential alternative sites that would be permanent.</p> <p>Bisley - where there is a massive facility that has been built for and used for international competitions. Easily accessible by road from central London. </p> <p>Dartford - that is on the river Thames and proposes to develop a boat link bringing the competitors along the Thames in order to compete and minimise congestion. </p> <p>Nuthampstead - already has layouts for all of the Olympic disciplines and is where a lot of British shooters practice (so I have been led to believe). Also accessible from London by road. </p> <p>There must be more locations that can be left as a permanent shooting ground. Why waste millions building a shooting ground in Woolwich and then spend millions dismantling it. Madness. </p> <p>E-Petitions<br> Sign a petition</p> <p>We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to ensure there is a Lasting Legacy for Shooting Sports in the UK by moving the venue away from the Woolwich Barracks. More details</p> <p>Submitted by Mrs Nicola Heron – Deadline to sign up by: 18 December 2008 – Signatures: 1,221 </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk/2007/12/21/olympic_bid_for_shooting_at_the_2012_lon~3472651/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk,2007-12-19:/2007/12/19/looking_forward_to_a_different_type_of_s~3464232/amartin2007-12-19T10:41:30+01:002007-12-19T10:41:30+01:00 <p>Roll on the weekend! Apart from trying to get some work finished before Christmas, I will be out shooting! I am really looking forward to it. </p> <p>An Ozzie shoot is what I am going in for. Six of us on the squad instead of the usual five in DTL and we rotate, apparently. I'll let you know more later. </p> <p>All of this will be happening at Mayland Gun club in Essex. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk/2007/12/19/looking_forward_to_a_different_type_of_s~3464232/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk,2007-12-18:/2007/12/18/teaching_children_to_shoot_a_comment~3458582/amartin2007-12-18T01:23:51+01:002007-12-18T01:23:51+01:00 <p>There was an interesting article in the Times today. I have copied a section of it below. Here's the link for the whole <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/career_and_jobs/public_sector/article3063072.ece">article.</a> </p> <p>My memory of first learning to shoot is that it is calming. First there is the whole safety issues around handling a rifle or shotgun, then the need to maintain it in good condition through regular cleaning. On top of that, during the actual shooting you have maintain your breathing and, particularly with a rifle really focus. After all it is about a 95% mental sport anyway! </p> <p>I would be perfectly happy for any child of mine to learn to shoot. In fact I think I would positively encourage it. Not as a wild, murderous hobby but as an exacting skill that hones sound mental discipline and focuses concentration. </p> <p>From The Times<br> December 17, 2007<br> <strong>Guns are good for children<br> School teacher says that teaching pupils to shoot instils a sense of responsibility and concern for others</strong></p> <p>GIVING restless pupils guns to calm them down might seem a little extreme. But children as young as nine should be taught to shoot, MPs have been told, the Times Educational Supplement (Dec 14) reports.</p> <p>Target shooting with guns helps to induce a calm atmosphere, particularly among pupils who are “restless under normal school discipline”, says Mary Everleigh, head of shooting at a private school in Cheshire. It also teaches responsibility, concern for others and appeals to pupils who do not enjoy team sport, she says.</p> <p>The school nurse and former police officer made a presentation to a House of Commons all-party group, stating that while shooting was not an obvious choice for schools, it was a valuable discipline for pupils.</p> <p>“A common concern among parents who do not know the sport is that familiarity with firearms may lead to a militaristic or aggressive attitude,” she says. “In our experience the reverse is true.” </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk/2007/12/18/teaching_children_to_shoot_a_comment~3458582/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk,2007-12-16:/2007/12/16/new_dtl_score_card_just_which_ones_do_yo~3449469/amartin2007-12-16T02:23:50+01:002007-12-16T02:23:50+01:00 <p>Have a look at this file. It is my newly devised Down the Line score analysis card (yes I have had a few nights where I can't sleep and have whiled the time away making this) that gives you an insight into the types of shots that you miss. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/document/dtl_shot_analysis_card/2215892" title="DTL shot analysis card"><img src="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/img/doc.gif" alt="DTL shot analysis card" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a></p> <p>Today, I went out for a practice and shot a 25/69 and 23/68. I discovered that I tended to second and miss two left handers which has made me think a bit more about my foot position. Anyway, in my quest for DTL perfection I hope that this card will be useful. I definitely wouldn't have noticed this just using a traditional score card. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk/2007/12/16/new_dtl_score_card_just_which_ones_do_yo~3449469/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk,2007-12-16:/2007/12/16/please_comment_a_question_of_etiquette~3449455/amartin2007-12-16T02:14:15+01:002007-12-17T20:57:20+01:00 <p>For the first time in ages I took my wife shooting today. Not that she hates the sport, far from it in fact. Becca appreciates the mechanics of the shotgun and the theory of lead and different coloured lenses. She is adept at quickly calculating my score once I tell her how many seconds and losses I have totted up. Becca does not shoot however. The one time she tried her response was (to I must admit a rather over enthusiastic me) "yes I did enjoy it Andrew, but not enough to ever want to do it again". Some of the smuttier minded among you may well snigger at this remark. However this was all related to shooting and only shooting! </p> <p>Anyway today we were at a local ground and I took her along because it is nice to have the company and actually spend time together and because I wanted to try out a new way of recording DTL scores and assess which type of shot I tend to miss. I'll post it on another blog entry and would appreciate any feedback on it.</p> <p>All that aside, we were on a layout and I was putting on my shooting jacket, removing my watch and fumbling for gloves when I realised that I hadn't brought Becca any ear defenders or plugs. So I quickly walked back to the club house to buy a pair of disposable ones. On my way back I could see that some other shooters had pitched up at the stand and had got their guns out and were generally setting up. Fair enough I thought, I'll be able to shoot with them. Actually it's nicer to shoot in a group as there is a better rhythm and pattern to the shoot.<br> What actually happened was that they arrived and muscled in on where I was clearly going to shoot. They asked Becca if she could score and she said she could but that she was there with her husband and that I had just gone down to the clubhouse. It was also blindingly obvious that I was going to shoot because before I went back to the clubhouse I had unpacked everything and spread out; cartridge boxes were out, even my green leopard ear defenders were loose on the table top. Everything was set except for Becca's ear defenders.<br> Anyway, the three guys then proceeded to unpack and took up positions on pegs one, two and three and without checking for ear defence, the first one shouted pull (which was audio release) and started shooting. It was just as he shouted pull that I walked back onto the stand.<br> Now, this is where I would appreciate comments.<br> My response was to shout at the men and stop the shoot on a point of health and safety since neither me nor Becca had any defense on. They took this with some grumbling but stopped and we then we restarted the shoot and I scored for them. </p> <p>I was angry with them because they did not check that a spectator (ie my wife) had ear defense - and she clearly didn't.<br> They were told and could clearly see that I was ready to shoot but had just gone back to the clubhouse.<br> It strikes me that in this situation they should at least have:<br> asked if they could shoot ahead of me.<br> or asked if they could shoot with me.<br> checked that Becca had ear defenders before starting shooting. </p> <p>Or was I completely in the wrong and just being grumpy?</p> <p>Comments please. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk/2007/12/16/please_comment_a_question_of_etiquette~3449455/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk,2007-12-10:/2007/12/10/winning_this_time_with_pics_and_links~3423880/amartin2007-12-10T19:29:55+01:002007-12-10T19:29:55+01:00 <p>Here's a link to the Mayland Gun Club website results pages:<br> <a href="http://www.maylandgunclub.co.uk/a%20Winners%20gallery.htm"><br> Link to a picture of me as B class winner! </a><br> <a href="http://www.maylandgunclub.co.uk/Results%20a.htm"><br> Link to the results page!</a> </p> <p>Click on them and have a look. Of course this will also give you full access to the rest of the site. Overall you will be able to get a good feel for  just how good the club is! </p> <p>Winning...</p> <p>feels great.</p> <p>First time out as a B class shooter and I win. It was windy and rainy and bloomin freezing but I managed to win!</p> <p>I was also on a great squad - really good rhythm to the whole shoot and we also fed off each other. (what was also nice was that they were all A class and above and I got a higher score than some of them)</p> <p>So a successful day out and hopefully one to be repeated again soon.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk/2007/12/10/winning_this_time_with_pics_and_links~3423880/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk,2007-12-09:/2007/12/09/what_next~3419650/amartin2007-12-09T21:34:52+01:002007-12-09T21:34:52+01:00 <p>Well next weekend we have friends round for dinner so no shooting then. I suppose that it is good to have a rest weekend so that I will be fresh. </p> <p>It's strange how a hobby gets into you. I just want to get better! </p> <p><a href="http://technorati.com/claim/r74bey37j2" rel="me">Technorati Profile</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk/2007/12/09/what_next~3419650/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk,2007-12-09:/2007/12/09/winning~3418961/amartin2007-12-09T19:35:04+01:002007-12-09T19:37:35+01:00 <p>feels great. </p> <p>First time out as a B class shooter and I win. It was windy and rainy and bloomin freezing but I managed to win! </p> <p>I was also on a great squad - really good rhythm to the whole shoot and we also fed off each other. (what was also nice was that they were all A class and above and I got a higher score than some of them) </p> <p>So a successful day out and hopefully one to be repeated again soon. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk/2007/12/09/winning~3418961/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk,2007-12-08:/2007/12/08/practice_day_kent_gun_club~3415430/amartin2007-12-08T23:11:50+01:002007-12-08T23:11:50+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/kent_gun_club_badge/2201008" title="Kent Gun Club Badge"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/008/2201008_ce2c49a5a3_s.jpeg" alt="Kent Gun Club Badge" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="135" height="180"></a>I got to practice in the rain today. </p> <p>I really enjoy shooting at Kent Gun Club (KGC). Friendly, helpful, loads of advice and a good laugh. On top of all that the targets are also great. </p> <p>It just frustrates me - every time I seem to drop one (or worse two) and barrel a two or more. Why oh why oh why!?</p> <p>Anyway tomorrow - competition and the weather is supposed to be a touch better! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk/2007/12/08/practice_day_kent_gun_club~3415430/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk,2007-12-06:/2007/12/06/getting_my_eye_in~3406125/amartin2007-12-06T21:21:36+01:002007-12-06T21:21:36+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/clay_for_eye_training/2196569" title="clay for eye training"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/569/2196569_639442e83e_s.jpeg" alt="clay for eye training" hspace="5" vspace="5"></a>There it is, sitting on top of the TV, an orange clay. My wife thought I was absolutely mad when I brought it home from Southern Counties shooting ground. </p> <p>Anyway, the whole point of it is to let me really focus on the clay, see the ridges and train my eye to pick out and recognise the shape, apparently. I like to think that it works. I did fairly well the other week and hope to do more of the same this weekend. </p> <p>What I do is watch the TV and then really concentrate on the clay. I don't just look at it, I LOOK AT IT! Focus and concentrate for a few seconds then look away. I can pick out the ridges now with ease. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk/2007/12/06/getting_my_eye_in~3406125/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk,2007-12-06:/2007/12/06/getting_my_eye_in~3405946/amartin2007-12-06T20:47:20+01:002007-12-06T20:47:20+01:00<p> <small> <a href="http://tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk/2007/12/06/getting_my_eye_in~3405946/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk,2007-12-02:/2007/12/02/classification_updated~3385566/amartin2007-12-02T22:39:50+01:002007-12-02T22:39:50+01:00 <p>This is my new classification from the CPSA. I am pleased to have moved from C to B class but also cross that it isn't a higher percentage for DTL. </p> <p>CPSA Classifications</p> <p>Issue 33<br>MARTIN AP 112392</p> <p>Discipline Class Targets Shot Percentage<br>Down the Line B 1400 89.6<br>Single Barrel C 100 76.0<br>Double Rise A 300 81.3</p> <p>I am pleased because I only picked up my gun again back in June (after a 14 month layoff) and so issue 32 rated me with a percentage of 0, since I had not shot at all. But in Issue 31 I only achieved an average of 80. So, after a period of no shooting and then 6 months of regularly shooting I have improved my average by 9.6!! What can I do in the next six months?</p> <p>A shooting friend suggested that I should consider trying to get sponsorship. Hmmm I laughed, don't think I am good enough...  yet. </p> <p>So, overall I am getting better. This means that competitions will be harder with higher standards. Bring it on; just have to wait until the next weekend. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk/2007/12/02/classification_updated~3385566/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk,2007-08-19:/2007/08/19/me~2832863/amartin2007-08-19T12:39:31+02:002007-08-19T12:39:31+02:00 <p>Here I am = picture from Mayland Gun Club.</p> <p>99/292 - will i be able to do this again?</p> <p>See maylandgunclub.co.uk for more details. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1894201" title="ANDREW MARTIN"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/201/1894201_25be9815e1_s.jpeg" alt="ANDREW MARTIN" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk/2007/08/19/me~2832863/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk,2007-08-16:/2007/08/17/shooting_hoorah~2821386/amartin2007-08-17T00:08:37+02:002007-12-17T21:01:22+01:00 <p>I have held a shotgun licence for just over two years and I love shooting. </p> <p>Today I tried out my new glasses from TOP GUN - a brilliant deal that allowed me to get a prescription lense in for about £40 all told. This is instead of spending hundreds. </p> <p>Anyway this afternoon I tried them out and shot a 24/72 at the DTL. </p> <p>The other day I rated my PB - 99/292. Dropped one clay 7 shots from the end in the final round. Just have to try again in a week and a half. Oh competition. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://tryingtoshoot.blog.co.uk/2007/08/17/shooting_hoorah~2821386/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>