IainWR wrote:What processes did you use to achieve optimum setting of the big nut (the one at the back of the butt)?
" big nut" So correct on many levels - I am big and a nut
Processes : I will try to answer as best I can though I am still learning and improving with the following Definitions
Focus = Ability to harness mental energy at the defined goal
Noise = Anything that distracts from focus
The nut is happier if it "knows"
1. EQUIPMENT CONFIDENCE : the equipment is spot on, functional, clean and works as it should
2. EQUIPMENT CHANGES: made one of two changes that made big improvements in my results - well I changed my whole gun 3 weeks before!
3. AMMUNITION CONFIDENCE : that the ammunition shoots better than the nut can actually shoot
4. KNOWLEDGE CONFIDENCE : To know what the different parameters were that affected my results on papers, how they changed and how I could track and influence them
Ballistics (internal and External), Wind Reading, Reloading, Gun and Trigger Control - so I read / studied and read and studied
All of the above helps limit noise and allow the nut to focus on the objectives.
Presuming the above I then focussed on the following
1. Firing Point / Mat protocol : I reviewed what I took on the firing point - down to the last item - and reviewed if I had actually used it once or could still validate a scenario where I could use it and I placed it in same place every time (e.g. the lens clothe I used to wipe scope on Sunday after the rain and cold totally coated my scope.)
2. Plotting sheets and Wind Graphs : I designed my own plotting sheets / wind graphs so that they worked for me and how my brain works
3. Plotting practice : I redid and redid previous shoots so I could define the minimum info I need to plot / record but still get the best result.
4. I knew my Elevation Settings and Windage parameters
5. I practiced a "Load / Unload / Plot / study and Engage" procedure that I could follow and fall back on as an "emergency protocol" if I got flustered
What did I do before the EURO 2012 - ie since the EURO 2011 event
1. I made EVERY mistake possible and few you have thought of (and I will make many more still) - I accept that BUT I learn from the mistake
2. I attended the F-Class training weekend in February at Bisley
3. I shot with the BEST in training at every opportunity I could
ROX (from this forum) and I one Sat in March laid at 900 yards on Stickledown for 4 solid hours in the rain - shooting & learning : In August we did it again - only no rain but 50 degrees F warmer
4. DAVID (Ovenpaa) and I did the Bill Richards wind reading course
5. I practiced with Russel Symonds and any Team GB member that I could at every opportunity
6. I did the Russel Symonds one on one Wind Reading course. Spent the whole day with the finest shooter in the UK and current World FTR Champion) and he regrets that now :lol:
I cannot
7. I joined the F-Class league and shot all the matches I could - I even got knocked out by a falling target frame at Diggle. I got my butt kicked and I did not do very well but I learnt new things and made incremental improvements .
8. I entered the Easter Meeting and did well in some stages - learnt and improved - made some royal clangers.
9. I entered and shot the Pheonix - won Silver in the Short Event - learnt and improved .
10. I entered and shot the North London Rifle Club - Autumn Meet - small field but some good F-class shooters and plenty of TR shooters.
- did well and won it - learnt and improved - did make some clangers though.
11. I talked to people and listened. I experimented and validated. I learnt and continue to do so.
12. I practiced.... and then practiced some more!
OBJECTIVE
My primary objective going into EURO 2012 was to finish in the Top 20. Needless to say after last year
- even that could have been argued as being "bold" :55:
I decided the to achieve that I had to not make "big mistakes" but tolerate and accept small ones. sign01
I also knew that in all stages I would make a mistake (or even several) on any given shot but the control was to Identify Correct Relax and Proceed so was to let it go and FOCUS on the next shot. The key for me was to not blow any stage - knowing that all shooters over 2 days would face different challenges.
RESULT
I relaxed and tried to read the wind and focus only on 1 shot at a time!
I made sure I enjoyed myself - I chilled and also just engaged people - all teams and for any things they wanted.
I happened to shot very well and did not totally self sabotage. I stayed true to myself - when events conspired to create a crux and learnt what was important to me.
I got into the zone and shot the best 2+15 at 900 yards on Day 2 that I have ever shot - I did a 73/3 - the best Open shooter was 74/4 and the closest FTR was 69/x. This gave me good lead on the field and it meant they had to chase me.
I also then shot the best 2+20 I have shot so far. Before Saturday the best 2+20 score I had was 75 points at Diggle. Saturday I did a 91/3 (was actually 92/3 but I screwed up on my scoring - another lesson learnt!). The match was mine to lose and I did not change my ame plan - I repeated the stuff I did the previous 5 stages.
I had luck - both good and bad.
I had GREAT support from my fellow competitors and team mates.
I had friends drive from far to come support me. I had ROX and OVENPAA come remind me of my efforts, practice, improvements, achievements and skill and it calmed me. :cheers:
I may have pulled the trigger but I had many people help me on my journey both before the event and during!
To them I owe my gratitude and thanks!
:roll: 
