~THE MOLLY MINUTE~

Guns and Robots: A SHOT Show Weekend

2012-01-28T08:43:00.000-08:00

See my article at WON http://www.womensoutdoornews.com/2012/01/if-you-cant-go-to-shot-fill-your-time-with-robotics-and-steel/

Last week it seems like everyone and their brother in the shooting world was at the SHOT Show! Sadly, I still have one more year before I can make it out to the show myself. Luckily, there is no height limit but they do have an age limit! I hope everyone who attends has a fantastic time. I really, really wanted to go this year; I even got a press-pass! But the age limit overrules the pass. Fortunately, this weekend I didn’t have the opportunity to mope, as I had a Robotics competition about three hours away, and a steel match at my local range on Sunday.

Yes, when I am not shooting at targets I quench my competitive nature with robotics (the competition was a Vex Robotics competition). Each team has two drivers and a coach; you go against other teams and try to score more goals by placing objects in containers. Most of the robots use claws or conveyor belts to pick up items and drop them into the containers or goals.

       First was robotics on Saturday. It seemed promising. The controls were working, my team mate had programmed the controllers to what seemed like perfection, and we were fixing the little bugs to the best of our ability. Batteries were charged, the keys were in, and everything was plugged in. We were ready to go!
          There were six matches Saturday and I think that I could sum it up rather easily…
          Arrrg.
          Yes, there were many “arrrgs!” that day. On every match, something had gone wrong. At one point when I was controlling, I pressed the wrong button causing the robot to expand to the point that it tipped over. For our team, it felt like going up to shoot without ammo. Needless to say, we lost that match as our robot laid hopelessly on its side. My team found out that though, although we could control our robot accurately and for a good amount of time on the practice field, but on the actual course the robot could only move for about five seconds before stalling out. We tested everything – batteries, connections, wheels, motors. Everything seemed to work fine! It wasn’t until we were about to leave that a teacher from a nearby school gave us a possible explanation to our spaz-tastic robot. Maybe, just maybe, our motors were overheating.
          That seemed to be the most plausible diagnosis for our little robot. The day was overall very fun. It was frustrating at times, without a doubt, yet our entire team did have a lesson reinforced; perseverance. We had six matches to do, and by the third one it seemed like it wouldn’t make a difference if we went home. Yet we chose to stay and finish the day and try our best to fix the robot. Perseverance drives people to achieve things that others would only give up on. If we didn’t stay we may have never learned what was wrong with the robot!
          The Lack-of-SHOT-Show weekend didn’t end there. I woke up early on Sunday, excited for our Club Steel Challenge match, thinking this would end the SHOT Show blues. Yep, there was a club match all right. As I came barreling up the walkway with excitement and my REVOLVER GEAR in hand, Eric Leach was showing me a shot gun shell. We all know what that means! It was a shotgun match. Oops.
          How was the SHOT Show? I’ll be seeing you all next year.

The year in review and looking ahead — robotics, shotguns, revolvers, rifles and pigeon searching

2012-01-06T20:21:00.000-08:00

Check out my newest article at the WON!

Just this month, I had the new and exciting experience of shooting Action Shotgun. Straightforward enough, eh? Well, for my stature it took a little bit more energy! At the same time I think that my stature made it more fun. Let me say that shotgun has been one of the most fun things I’ve done in the shooting sports. I was shooting a pump-action, loaned to me by my friend Dave Wilson! Dave is pretty tall, so the shotgun was nearly as long as I was tall! Shooting steel and flying clays while moving AND reloading made for a new dimension of shooting. Reloading was perplexing at first, a new process I had to figure out. Luckily, it didn’t take long at all for me to realize that a shotgun doesn’t reload like a revolver. (Where does the moon clip go again?)

Eric Leech and I spent a long time at the safe table trying to figure out what would be the most convenient way, but when I got on the line I discovered what worked for me – using my leg as a table! It looked kind of funny, but it worked! I might have to change that as I keep developing with shotgun, but I can add that to my list of New Year’s resolutions!

Speaking of New Year’s … this year is almost over! I keep thinking what an amazing year it has been, starting from the beginning with the exciting competition with my S&W 627 revolver at the ICORE Southwest Regional. Then the NRA Bianchi Cup, where I experienced my first-ever tornado (eeek!) And saw all my friends who I only see once a year, at this match. I was so excited about the IRC (International Revolver Competition) and although I didn’t meet chrono, (so close!) this was a good experience for me, as I learned the importance of checking the chrono before a match! The MGM Shooting camp in Idaho was amazing. I made tons of new friends as well as learned a lot about shooting from fabulous world-class instructors. The Steel Challenge came next, where I defended my title as Top Lady Limited Revolver! I’m sad to see this match leave California, but I am looking forward to Jim O’Young’s West Coast Steel Challenge. I also went to the Gun Blogger’s Rendezvous and had a blast with all my gun blogging friends.

But my year wasn’t just shooting. I’ve been participating in my school’s Mock Trial and Robotics club! Those are both really fun; in Mock Trial, the case is involving the Second Amendment! How perfect is that? Right up my alley! Robotics has different aspects than the ones I’ve written about before, like all the little pieces and programming, but it has some similarities like patience! The robotics team has had to redo many parts on our little robot, but it’s really paid off! I’ve also started volunteering with the Coastal Discovery Education Center, where I help research and create advertisements for different events going on at the beach or beach/ocean related talks or activities. The highlight of the Discover Center was when I had the task to figure out the origin of a deceased pigeon using its tag. After extensive Internet research and pigeon-search-engines (they have those), I found out that it was from Oklahoma! We still don’t know how it came all the way to California, but I hope it had a chance to enjoy the sunshine!

This past year has really been full of great experiences for me. And now, I have my resolutions for 2012. Of course, I want to get better at shooting, do more shooting, get better outfitted for shooting (new shotgun from Santa, maybe?), make more shooting friends and somewhere in there squeeze in write more – about shooting! I want to do more to raise money for and awareness of Soldier’s Angels. I’m going to have to squeeze in good grades, too, but that’s not too bad because I really like school! What are your New Year’s resolutions?

THANKFUL FOR OUR SOLDIERS

2011-11-24T17:02:00.000-08:00

I was 12 and on my way home from the Gun Bloggers Rendezvous (GBR) in Reno. During that car ride I had plenty of time to think. I was thinking about the past weekend, learning new blogging techniques, about different firearms, new friends and lessons I would take with me from then on. That weekend I realized how much I appreciate our soldiers and veterans, how Thankful I am for them. I realized what I didn’t see before, I realized how much veterans and their families sacrifice, and how little of their sacrifice is understood and honored. Every Veteran’s Day, always the same thing: a parade, flags and a day off school but really…how do children who have never experienced such sacrifice comprehend the magnitude unless it touches home? For me, at the GBR it touched home. Veterans’ Day has never meant the same again; I am thankful for all the men and women who have served our country.

That year was my first trip ever to the GBR. As I entered the meeting room there was clicking of laptop keyboards, fizzling of soda pop, and racking of shot guns. I was in Reno, in a meeting room so foreign from any place I had ever been, yet there such a familiarity with those I was meeting! There were bloggers and shooters, but also veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam, and Korea. This was a convention of bloggers and others in support of Soldiers Angels/Project Valor IT. I was so excited to be helping with this event to benefit Soldiers but I didn’t understand the gravity of it just yet. It wasn’t until I met Major Chuck Ziegenfuss (the co-founder of Project Valour-IT) that it started to make sense. Major Chuck Z spoke to the group of gun bloggers, humbly thanking them for their support and explaining what Soldiers Angels/Project Valor IT was all about.

I listened to him tell his story of war, loss, sacrifice and love for his Brothers in Arms. What really made sense to my 12 year-old understanding was when he began talking about electronics…electronics for wounded soldiers - voice activated laptops! Soldiers’ Angels/Project Valor IT was sending electronics to soldiers injured to the point of extremely difficult to no communication ability so they could correspond with their families, their wives, parents, and children. That was the moment the light went on. Right then I felt horrible that children didn’t know if there mom and dads were okay, but then I felt so relieved to know that there are people out there helping the men and women who help us most. Hearing Chuck’s story first hand, I knew that this was something I wanted to support. I’m always eager to stand up and talk about Soldiers Angels/Project Valor IT! It is one of the many ways that I can give back to our Soldiers and Veterans, and one way I can say “Thank you.”

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T10:37:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Hope you all have a wonderful day! Xoxo

MY FRIEND MR BOX

2011-11-01T19:04:00.000-07:00

See my article at The WON

There comes a time in every (short) person’s life when they are faced with a challenge, for some that challenge comes often. Most recently my challenge was an option: do I give up when faced with a port too high for me to even see the target, or do I shoot?

Well, I was going to shoot of course, because I love a challenge!

But the question was now how could I manage this? I couldn’t see the A-zone (center of the target) on my tippy toes! That’s when I met Mr. Box (notice the really good looking fellow between Eric Leach and I in the picture). He became a trusted ally at the last local ICORE match at SLOSA. The organizers of the match were thoughtful and really creative. Thinking of my height challenge they strategically placed an optional box for me, providing access to the high ports.

It was a problem at first, but for every shooter, there will, one day, be a problem…but nearly always a solution along with it! Don’t give up! Face that challenge, through laughs and teasing and lots of head scratching know there is a solution to be had. High ports or low ports, timer malfunctions or scoring malfunctions, in every match, there is something. Yet with the right mind set, any problem has a good solution! Even with a re-shoot, sometimes all you need to do is know what you need to do, shoot as best as you can! And don’t give up. A Challenge...that makes for one great match.

Mr. Box is now a good friend of mine, ahem, part of my squad. You see, I hit the target's “A’s”. We had a grand time. I had a great squad and a great time. What’s better than a beautiful day on the coast, run and gunning with my revolver and facing a challenge head on?

By the way, I asked mom if Mr. Box could live in our garage until the next match. Her response, well…does rolling eyes mean anything?

GUN BLOGGER RENDEZVOUS FOR SOLIDERS ANGELS/VALOR IT

2011-10-01T22:18:00.000-07:00

There was the clicking of laptop keyboards, fizzling of soda pop, and racking of shot guns.

There was only one place that I know of where that ambiance is possible- the Gun Bloggers Rendezvous…all to benefit Soliders Angles/Valor IT. There were so many very generous sponsors, and others who donated so much for the cause of our wounded soldiers! I’m so proud to have been able to take part.

For me it was the third year attending and as soon as I stepped in the door, I felt the excitement again. It was great to see all my blogger friends, like Mr. Completely who devotes so much of his time and energy to put on this extravaganza. Without him there would be no Rendezvous; grim thought, huh? And I always look forward to seeing KeeWee with her warm smile and a hug! One blogger was missing: Bea Johnson. She is an 80 year old grandmother and revolver shooter! I understand she will be back next year though! She generously donated a Ruger Blackhawk Convertible Revolver. And guess who won it? Yep, the only junior revolver shooter in the bunch!

Allen Forkner (Otis technology) provided breakfast and shared a lot of interesting information. Also, generously donated some fantastic Otis Technology cleaning kits. Dan and Caleb from Gunup took us all out for a delicious dinner, yummy! Can you pick Caleb out in the above picture? And NSSF provided food for a pizza party. We all had a great time and lots of food!

The first year that I attended, I was absolutely intrigued by Alan Gura's discussion about and his work. He’s an incredible Constitutional Law Attorney and has defended our Second Amendment Rights multiple times, clear to the Supreme Court! This year he gave the bloggers a “progress report” of how things are going in the court room with different cases. It was so interesting to hear about! Another bit of good news straight from Charles Ricci (Pro Ears) was that Pro Ears has developed ear muffs for juniors! AWESOME! Earmuffs that actually fit! I’m looking forward to trying them out and updating my blog with more info! Thank you Pro Ears for your very generous gifts and thoughtful too, ear muffs for all the bloggers.

The whole stay over four days was fantastic, they had speakers every night and “range days” that were excellent for trying all sorts of new guns…like sub-machine guns and shot guns! This was some of the most fun I’ve ever had shooting! Not only was I in good company, but everyone brought their guns and shared. If you notice the picture, that’s me and Allen Forkner and I am shooting his Weatherby PA459 home defense shot gun. That gun was so much fun to shoot…accurate and quick too! Also, an amazing event, I was able to try a sub machine gun, which had to be one of the most interesting things I’ve tried. I shot my rounds, then turned around and looked at the spectators; my parents and the bloggers who were curious as to who was shooting it now! My dad blurted, “Well, how was it?”

I paused, then upon a moments reflection said, “Tingly!”

One of the bloggers heard me and agreed, “Exactly! That’s what it is, Tingly!”

THE SHOOTING SISTERHOOD AT MGM JUNIOR SHOOTER CAMP

2011-09-20T06:25:00.000-07:00

See my article in the Womens Outdoor News

One thing I love to mention about shooting when people ask about the sport is when there are women shooters, there is an immediate bond. And as great as it is to be part of this “sisterhood,” there is also something more. There is the legacy this sisterhood upholds that dates back to the first gun ever fired by a woman. Strong and independent, the legacy of our “girly” history who’s presence has been fairly obnubilate, (my Latin teacher would love this word) or hidden. Lucky for me, my generation has grown up with incredible female shooters and role models who are acknowledged and praised for their talent and strength! Female shooters have made their presence known.

We girls stick together in this sport! It’s an instant friendship because of the major similarity, a sisterhood. This was very apparent at the MGM Junior Camp in Idaho this summer, especially. The girls at the camp traveled from all over the US to participate and with about 60 shooters with only eight girls, we were kind of outnumbered. But we had our advantages…the inspiration of the wonderful woman who organized the camp and the woman coach!

Both women, the organizer and the coach came with interesting and inspirational backgrounds. Rhonda Gibson, the woman who organized the event, was shooting when women were even more scarce in the sport! And it wasn’t just her shooting out there either; she took her daughters, age 13 and 15 at the time. Some of the men tended to look down on them at first, “after-all, what were three little ladies doing at a gun range? Well, shooting, and having a darn good time doing it!” The men who seemed to disapprove were won over pretty fast though! "Now, my girls and I were not easily ignored, we were there to stay and we decided that we would be just nice and friendly that they couldn't ignore us for long" Rhonda said.

I like to think of Rhonda as a sort of pioneer of the shooting family. She was and remains a range mother; I adore that dedication and love for the sport. She and her husband, Michael are the founders of the MGM Junior Shooter Camp. Together they own MGM targets; early on their plan was for every target sold, three cents would go to the junior shooters. At first they gave the money to USPSA, but then wanted a more “hands-on” approach with the juniors. "One year at the SHOT Show, Sgt. Aaron Hampton of the USAMU (United States Army Marksmanship Unit) came to our booth and told Mike he had an idea for a junior camp but needed some help" Rhonda told me. That was the answer to their dilemma. A junior camp! From there, the camp has grown and moved from Georgia to Idaho.

The female coach was Randi, sound familiar? Yes, the World Champion, intelligent, strong, independent, and female role model, Randi Rogers! When I found out she was coaching at the camp I was so excited that she would be there, I could hardly keep my feet on the ground! She taught us some fabulous tips about reloads (mostly for semi-autos, but she took time out to give some help to the girl revolver shooter!) We all left her stage feeling so confident! We knew we were getting better.

Randi, like Rhonda, had an interesting start in the sport. She shot Cowboy Action with her grandpa, and at 15 she became a Junior Champion. But, like most, she didn’t start off winning. At her first match she didn’t place very well; “last in the junior category,” that sounds kind of familiar! Yep, we have something else in common. Of course, that would never stop her! "I got back up and I went to the the World Championships in April and I won the Junior Girls World Championship title" She’s a major inspiration for junior girls AND boys. Randi is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met and one of the best shooters I’ve ever seen! She has brought about a huge breakthrough for girls starting in competitive shooting, and I know they look up to her as being like them. As sweet as she is, she has overcome the barriers that have so frequently held women back. And she is just amazing to watch shoot and continually win.

Its women like Rhonda and Randi that paved the road for my generation they have built the foundation for range families. Not only are they major inspirations, but they are among a legacy of women by being dedicated, talented, and skilled shooters. They are part of the sisterhood! Range women: some of the sweetest, strongest, most inspirational people you will ever meet. I have such admiration for my “sisters” of all ages, for they are participating in carrying on the legacy. Rhonda and Randi are two women I aspire to be like! Both independently taking different routes in the competitive shooting world but traveling one road, they are part of the legacy of women in the shooting sport!

Thanks, Bill Bowers!

2011-09-02T13:54:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Bill Bowers for the really nice article about me for WON! This was the last Steel Challenge World Championship in California, so it was bittersweet. The last three years have been awesome!! I love the Steel Challenge! Thank you sooo much, Bill! Read it here!

STEEL CHALLENGE BENEFIT MATCH!

2011-08-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

This weekend I shot a Steel Challenge match in, you guessed it, Piru, California! It was great, not just because I had an awesome squad and I shot well, but because all the funds went to help a fellow shooting family in need. After a really, really unfortunate event happened to them, the shooting community banded together and have been raising funds to help this family! It was awesome to be able to help out like that, and it really shows what kind of people you encounter when you go to the range; a range family! I love that about shooting! We‘re a family!

There were so many amazing donations! A man donated all the food for shooter’s lunches, Mike Thomson and Mike Dalton donated all the range and shooter fees, and many people donated prizes as well. It was wonderful to see all the charity and compassion! If you are wondering about this family and would like to help please contact Ron Joslin at the California Wheelburners at either (310) 613-5129 or briley1911@gmail.com

This picture is of Mike Thompson and me. He’s a great range host! Thank you Mike!

MGM JUNIOR SHOOTER CAMP!

2011-07-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

At the MGM Junior Shooting Camp last week, I had such a fantastic time that I want to share some of the highlights!

We had amazing instructors who we were fortunate enough to cycle through and learn from. Phil Strader’s stage was action packed! We learned about how to move to a target, while keeping our guns up. That way, you have your sights mostly acquired and you’re on target! It was tricky at first, but with the drills Phil used, we were pros by the end of the session! Some of you may be wondering what sort of techniques Phil uses to get his students to be so successful in their shooting. Well…I…ok, just look at the picture.

Cowboy quick draw? Or BJ Norris quick draw? On day two, my squad was definitely working on the BJ Norris quick draw. From what I heard, my squad lucked out; BJ had some of the junior shooters on full army march! One-two-three-four-DRAW-two-three-four. And sprinting. BJ recorded our average draw speed at the beginning of the class and then again at the end. We all improved! By a LOT! It’s outstanding to see what just a few hours of practicing with a pro can do! He had us work on hand placement when the start position is “Wrists above shoulders.” We had to think: Was that the best place to put our hands?

Manny Bragg (AKA Squad Leader Extraordinaire) started my squad on the first day. He was teaching us how to shoot something many shooters aren’t particularly fond of, (and not those squirrels in your yard) swinging targets! He told us so many great tips and let us practice the swinging targets over and over and over! That’s really what we needed! It gave us time to see how the swinging target moved and where our hits were going. We learned to follow it while it was on the move!

Manny also stuck with my squad on the final day and shot the match with us. It was a blast to have such a great shooter demonstrates stages then show us the different options on each. He walked us through the field courses and gave us great strategies. And most of all, he stuck around in the hot sun with eight juniors all day and we all had the best time! Thanks so much, Manny!

I’ve shot a shotgun, a revolver, .22 pistols and rifles. I’ve even fired an AR 15 a few times. But you know what I haven’t done before this weekend? Hit a target at 100 yards with an AR 15. Matt Burkett showed us the basics of the AR-15 for those of us (myself) who hadn’t learned anything from where the safety was to how to pull back the slide. Yes, I was that new to the rifle. It was really neat to be able to try shooting from different positions; standing, kneeling, prone. First I was nervous with something almost totally new for me, but by the end I was having just as much fun as everyone else, plinking away at those far targets!

Shooting a barricade can be totally different depending on the person. Some people can see over the barricade. Other people, like me and other female and junior shooters have to lean a little far over to see the targets. It has always been a struggle for me to find the best angle, the best foot position, everything when it comes to a barricade. Thankfully, there was an entire two hours where Max Michel taught us how to properly shoot around a barricade. Some of the lessons I had no idea about, such as sliding your foot to give you more of a view of the targets rather than leaning impossibly far! He had us doing fun drills so we could get used to hitting targets when there’s something obstructing your way. He covered everything, from how far away to stand to where to put your feet, to how to hold your arms!

Randi Rogers, a prior female junior shooting champion spent two plus hours with my squad! Not only a great shooter, she always has a smile and a hug! That day she wasn’t only giving out hugs and smiles, but giving us instruction on reloads! Reloads could be one of the biggest ways to save time on stages. Of course, avoiding needing to reload is the best option, but when you do need to reload it’s best to do so FAST! That’s what Randi Rogers taught us! As I was the only revolver in the group, she had to take a couple minutes to explain what I could do to increase my reload speed with a revolver. She even taught the group some IDPA reloads! That was really interesting to see.

At the end, she gave us time to ask her questions on any aspect of shooting. I had the opportunity to ask her about shooting one handed. She showed the group a great stance to take up when shooting with one hand. Put the leg of the side you’re shooting with forward (right handed, right leg forward) and lean into it while putting the arm you aren’t using to your chest.

By the end of camp, I felt so confident because of the wonderful instructors.

But that’s not the most important part. Rhonda Gibbson of MGM targets is awesome! Thank you so much for all your hard work, Rhonda! From coordinating and lining up extremely generous sponsors, to your generous caring and loving support of all the junior shooters. The MGM Junior Shooting Camp is an experience that I will never forget! Rhonda is an amazing lady for her dedication to junior shooters and the shooting sport. I can’t wait for next year!

PRONE (ALMOST) PERFECTION!

2011-07-12T19:54:00.000-07:00

This picture that was taken by Doug Sallee.

Shooting requires grace and balance as well as agility and accuracy. Now how much of that is displayed in the picture? …That’s what I thought. Now if I can get my legs in the right direction, I’ll be in business! I like this picture partly because it’s interesting to see the mid-air decline while going prone and also because it’s funny to see if I really look that weird! (My mom assured me that all teenagers go through the phase where their legs and ankles go in funny directions at some point.)

And I’m proud to announce that I’m getting better and better! Going prone has its useful points, like stabilizing shots…or makes for interesting jokes! Well, it’s not folding paper cranes or painting portraits, but it’s definitely an art; a fun one too!

Is it a bird? Or a plane? Nope! Just me, like many other shooters, going prone. Sometimes it does feel like you’re flying and hopefully you have a steady landing, because those hard landings can hurt! One of the best parts about ICORE besides running and gunning is flying through the air and going prone! I can’t wait until this Saturday because that’s when my local range has its ICORE match! It’s going to be so fun!

TRIPLE B'S WITH ATSN (American Trigger Sport Network)

2011-07-10T19:18:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRLAi5e8u0s&feature=channel_video_title

Thank you soooo much Rose-Marie and James Towle for the opportunity to go to an incredible range in Southern California…Triple B Sporting Clays! I loved my day there; I loved my experience with ATSN (American Trigger Sports Network). Triple B is mostly shotgun, that in itself was great learning for me, and the property is HUGE! So huge in fact, that you have to get around on golf carts while you’re there! And guess what? I learned how to drive. Rose-Marie, the woman behind the scenes of ATSN really took me under her wing and showed me how things worked…like golf carts! Yes, my first driving lesson!!!! The task my parents are too scared to take up, Rose-Marie did with next to no fear (at least it looked that way), and maybe a few sore muscles from the bumpy roads… and made the day a blast! Yes, Rose-Marie didn’t hesitate to put me in the driver’s seat show me how to turn the cart on and told me to just “Go for it!” I loved my day with her! She’s amazing.

Well, most of you know that I’m more commonly found at a pistol range than a shotgun range, but that day I wasn’t shooting (for the most part…); I was invited by Trigger Sports Live (http://www.atsn.tv/) to observe and help out as much as I could filming segments for their show! For me this was a dream come true. I have only been on the other side of the camera, being interviewed and filmed as I shoot. But, I’ve always been really interested in what happens with the media aspect of shooting, and I have got to say it was really, really great. The crew was constantly confronted with interesting and fun things for their viewers, they have to be really alert and aware of everything going on around them so they can capture it. I was so impressed! This was an incredible opportunity! Next stop? The studio to see how it all comes together! Can’t wait!

THE WEST COAST STEEL CHALLENGE

2011-06-24T22:01:00.001-07:00

The West Coast Steel Challenge was last weekend in Piru, California. My friends Jim O’Young and Mike Dalton did a great job and I think it was a huge success! I had a blast! There were lots of shooters; over 100. It was great to see so many of my friends!

The match was set up to take place all in one day, including awards. A few of the shooters (myself included) had the right idea to get there early! We were squdded quickly and shot the match before it got too hot out. We finished before noon! It was awesome! My squad was small and that was pretty great. I had never shot with them before, so it was really nice getting to know them. We had fun with some great conversations about Magic Mountain, roller coasters and Legoland. I can’t wait to shoot with them again!

I shot my Smith and Wesson 627 iron sighted revolver, and felt I did pretty well! But of course as I critique how I did, I found areas that I need to practice. One thing I kept doing was hitting the plate twice! I really need to work on trusting where the bullet goes not listening for it to hit. I think one of my best stages (or most improved) was Outer Limits. I had two clean runs! Outer Limits has the longest shot in of all the match and you have to move between boxes! Tricky at first, but its fun to be able to do a side-shuffle or moon-walk like Jim O’Young does.

This match was a great warm up for the Steel Challenge the final match will be in August, hope to see you then!

Just a Shooting Adventure... (Bianchi Cup.2)

2011-06-12T15:20:00.000-07:00

If you look up at the sky in California and see dark clouds, you can expect rain. Just rain. Maybe thunder and lightning and possibly hail, but not so often. In states in the mid-west, however, you see dark clouds and you can expect all that and then some. Tornadoes, for example. Speaking as a California girl who has experienced earthquakes, tornadoes are terrifying. I never gave them much thought, until the day I arrived in Missouri and a tornado touched down in nearby Joplin.

A few weeks ago I went to Columbia, Missouri for the Bianchi Cup, a match that I love. We heard about the tornado warnings and I was immediately nervous about that. My mother, on the other hand, was more than comfortable in a situation as exciting as a possible tornado. My uncle (safely in California) was in the same boat as me; nervous. He sent my mother constant reports on the weather, even though some of the time they were a little off.

It was the Bianchi Cup, day one of the match, and I was on the barricades. Actually, I was waiting for my turn which I learned would be delayed for a while because of the rain. There was some thunder and lightning, with dark skies growing even darker. My mom and I sat around and talked to some of the other shooters. Some of the competitors traveled from places all over while others were close to local.

It was a murky day, with huge flat clouds blanketing overhead. I was on the watch for tornadoes, my eyes nearly constantly glued to the skies for any sign of twirling. I learned from locals that swirling clouds were the start of a tornado. After a while, I started feeling restless. I didn’t like just sitting there, and I convinced my mom to go with me to the car, up on a hill, a bit of a distance away, to get my phone so I could text my friends and update them on the weather.

We rummaged in the rental car, I was rambling about how much I hated the weather and my mom was half (or less) listening.

“Shh.” She said, tilting her head to the side then going perfectly still. “Do you hear that?”

I didn’t listen. I was focusing on how to spell “definitely” in a text to one of my friends. My mom shook her head and we walked down the hill back towards the range, when suddenly I picked up a strange noise. A low hum. A low, menacing, scary, hum.

“Mom, those are sirens.” I blurted, “Can we leave?”

Before we could leave, we had to go back down the hill to the range and get my shooting equipment from the spot where we left it. The sirens from the town were almost impossible to hear from the gulch where the range was. Nobody we spoke to had any idea. We went to the score shack, and my mom decided it was best to leave me there while she ran to get my equipment. By this point, I was staring silently at a huge funnel shaped cloud creeping down to earth in front of me. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t crying. I would also be lying if I said that at that moment I didn’t hate Missouri. When I get nervous or worried, I pace and move. I also feel the need to be with my mom. I shuffled out of the score shack, out from where the volunteers were murmuring and pointing out the window at the same cloud that scared me beyond belief. They were saying things like, “Oh, that’s not good. That’s really not good…”

I saw Julie G, and managed to choke out something along the lines of “I’m scared.”

Julie responded by firmly telling me to get in her car, that we were leaving as soon as she retrieved my mom. Of course, I sat in the car and every second felt like an hour as I stared at the funnel getting closer and closer. Twenty seconds later (it felt like twenty hours) I saw Julie tugging my mom down the range to the car. I saw various shooters pointing at the sky, just beginning to know what could have been coming.

When Julie and my mom were in the car, engine on, riding down the road away from the tornado, we were able to sigh in relief; all in agreement that Missouri certainly is the “show me” state. We were certainly shown the power of nature. The tornado that was headed toward the range didn’t touch down, thank goodness. And when the enormous cloud and storm passed, I managed to pull myself together, went back to the range and ankle deep in mud, I shot my stage.

Thanks to John Rickards for the pictures!

You really can’t tell what sort of adventures competitive shooting is going to bring…like your first tornado, your first time getting over 400 points on a stage, or just the excitement of meeting people from all over the world.

Lessons Learned (Bianchi Cup.1)

2011-05-24T21:13:00.000-07:00

Great few days of practice for the NRA Bianchi Cup! The horrible tornado that hit Joplin so hard is weighing heavily on so many of the shooters hearts, yet there is still a feeling of excitement in the air for the match. Tomorrow is the first day of the match and I’m ready! I will be shooting my 627 Smith & Wesson production revolver. I’ve learned a lot these past few days and every time I shoot a match the learning aspects are huge. So this is how my lesson today went…
“Shooter Ready…Stand BY….Beeeeeep” and down I went prone. I shot the plates, but I couldn’t understand the chuckles from behind me. I hit (most) of the plates. I wasn’t too worried about there being something on my face, seeing as I was facing away from them. Did I sit in a puddle of mud again? I turned around. Someone (who won’t be named *cough J.M. cough*) explained, “Your legs were in the air.” What! I thought.
Ooops. Never knew when I go prone that my legs, from the knees down go up in the air, and stay up waving back and forth like I am pumping a swing. Now that I know this, I have to try and keep my legs down! Kinda embarrassing. It’s more stable with your legs down, toes pointed outwards; I understand that; it makes perfect sense. Unfortunately when I focus on shooting, it is on my trigger. Are my legs really up in the air? Another thing to add to the mental check list!

Wheelburners Awsome ICORE Match

2011-05-24T21:09:00.000-07:00

Fun and Fast Squad!

Flora concentrating on amazing accuracy!

It was a cold, foggy morning at the Piru range last weekend as I was loading my moonclips and looking forward to a great day shooting revolvers, at the Wheelburners ICORE club match. I couldn’t help but notice the absence of women, however. At first, anyway. Before long, a few women showed up, including my friend Janet Leach, she brought some sunshine of her own with her. Among the ladies, there was Flora Yang. I had only met her briefly a couple of times before, but was familiar with her name from hearing it announced at multiple competitions. Needless to say, I was thrilled when I learned I was going to be on a squad with her!

As the day continued, we were both shooting great. We were the only two women on our squad, she shooting open and I shooting limited. And the men on our squad were shooting great too, I love these kinds of matches, the day flew by and I was having a blast. But the best part of the day was to get to know Flora better and to be able to see her shoot, watching her techniques for accuracy! She was amazingly accurate and really fast! She was shooting a 627 V-Comp and had been shooting revolvers for only a year! She had been shooting semi autos for about six years, but its great to see any woman shooting! Especially revolvers! We avoided sticking our fingers down the snake holes to get the moonclips that rolled in and shared the secret of the best place to stand on near and far standards… “away from the ants”. Thank you Wheelburners for putting on a really fun match!

Announcing a New Sponsorship!

2011-05-15T21:26:00.000-07:00

Exciting news! I'll be posting for GunUp now!! They have a lot of great articles on just about anything shooting. It's really great to be part of their Pro Staff! You guys can ask me questions! Be looking out for me at GunUp!

ICORE SOUTHWEST REGIONAL MATCH

2011-04-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

It was one of those perfect days, you know, the type that started slow and foggy and turned into a beautiful, sunny, California morning. And it was a perfect day, I decided. April 23, 2011, the ICORE Southwest Regional Match.

After arriving at the range and signing in, I was scanning the crowd for anyone I recognized, which was plenty of. Those who weren’t busily working on their guns would give a head nod and a “Hey, Molly.” There were a few new faces scattered throughout the group and I was eager to meet them.

Junior shooters from San Joaquin Valley, Jordan and Craig, came all the way to Morro Bay just to watch! It was great to be able to talk to them about competitions and shooting this match. I told them how I won my Smith & Wesson 627 at my very first IRC, coming in second to last. I was thrilled to see two juniors as eager to shoot as I was when I first started!

I found my squad which had its fair share of great shooters, including John Bagakis and Rich Wolf, just topping off this funny squad! There were plenty of laughter and storytelling. We were starting on a standard, field-course type stage, my favorite type to start on. I was one of the first shooters, and shooting all A shots (“A” being the center of the target and not adding any extra time) really makes you confident for the rest of the day.

We had several fun and interesting stages. On one, the shooter either had to go prone or shoot from a box off to the side, taking a five second penalty. I really liked this stage. For one, as most of you who follow my blog will know going prone started as a weakness for me but is now one of my favorite ways to shoot. I had never gone prone with a running start, I didn’t anticipate flying forward as fast as I did, which made it even more fun even with the face-plant! I was really happy to see a stage like this, a relief after having to look into ports a bit too high up for me and leaning over too wide of walls. That stage got even better when I ran to see my long distance shots were all “A” shots again!

I got to watch and listen to so many of the pros throughout the day. It was fantastic to not only watch them but learn from them as well. They are always willing to talk to any learning shooter. John Bagakis and I talked strategy a few times for the different stages and he brought certain aspects to my attention, like not to break the 180 rule at certain spots, or even to simply focus harder!

Congratulations to all the participants!! The Southwest Regional was a fantastic match!

BIANCHI SCORE SHEET OOOPS!

2011-04-17T20:28:00.001-07:00

I used to think that only the older fellows forgot things at the range. Now I know otherwise…

As most competitive shooters know, there is a lot of waiting for your turn in matches. There was a pretty long waiting line for the moving target at the Prado range the second Sunday, this month. I set my Molly Box (A green fishing box that has been decorated with flowers and my name painted on that I keep my supplies in, a great idea from my friend Jim O’Young) down, held onto my target, and chatted with my fellow shooters. I don’t exactly stay still for very long – I just move or fiddle a lot. Sadly, I was too engaged in everything else to even think about what I was doing…passing the waiting time.

I shot (still improving!) and was reloading my moon clips, discussing with my dad how the mover went, when he asked a very important question.

“That’s great! Where’s your score sheet?”

“Right here – oh.” I realized it wasn’t in my box. Nor under it, nor beside it. I placed it in between the plasters on the moving target! (You just staple over a clean target, and between the papers is where I put the sheet, then I attached it to the plasters that move back and forth.) But they had extra targets so I didn’t shoot the ones I brought up! I looked up in dismay, watching the target move with a little slip of white hanging from under the paper; obviously bullet holes would be included on my score sheet, as another shooter shot it with precision. Unknown to him my entire match was recorded on that little white piece of paper. Once the shooter had finished, I got a few interesting glances when I scurried up to the target, stuttering about what had happened. By the time I got back, I had the pleasure of explaining what happened to Scott from Safariland! He enjoyed the story so much he sent it to Julie G! Errr…I can explain!

It was definitely a forgetful event to remember.

Southwest Regional ICORE Match!

2011-04-17T18:04:00.000-07:00

What's this weekend?
Good Friday? Yes!
Easter? Yes!!
Spring break? Yes!
What else could possibly be this weekend? I don't know...maybe the Southwest Regional ICORE Match! Yes!! It's going to be tons of fun, and I expect to see all you revolver shooters in the area there! See you soon!

Dr. Rice's Lecture

2011-03-06T19:41:00.000-08:00

One of those things that parents always tell their children is: “Straighten your back!” Whether it’s at school, during prayer, in the car, or when you are going to listen to a public speaker about foreign affairs. On this particular Wednesday, it was the latter. I was sitting at Pepperdine University School of Law in a room a few degrees too cold next to my dad in the front row.

“Straighten your back!” I started slouching to read the pamphlet in front of me as he told me again, “Oxygen to the brain. You have to keep up with her.”

The her my father was referring to was Dr. Condoleezza Rice, and in a matter of minutes she was going to sit in one of four seats in the center of the room and talk to the audience about her take on world events.

A voice came over the speaker that instructed everyone to stand. Out of a door, in the back of the room came a line of people. In the middle of the line was a woman that everyone stared at, Dr. Rice. She took her seat and the other three people, two men and a woman, were introduced by an older man at a podium. The woman was going to moderate questions written on cards by the audience and the two men were going to continue conversations with Dr. Rice.

Without a further ado, the panel started.

The panel started with current events such as Egypt. Dr. Rice would state her opinion and the panel would continue asking her questions. No matter how difficult the questions may have been, Dr. Rice had an answer nearly immediately. I wondered how anyone could think that fast yet talk so clearly. Occasionally, Dr. Rice would crack a joke, and as the audience chuckled she would pause and smile before continuing when it quieted down.

She brought up interesting points, some that will stay with me forever. One of which was about the treatment of women, and how it shows how safe a country is and the quality of the culture. The countries trying to be progressive will treat the women as well as they treat the men. The idea was new to me and I found it very interesting to notice this; that simply how women are treated can show what a country is like.

Dr. Rice also spoke about America being exceptional. America consists of families that have been coming from all over the world for generations, but falling under the same category of American. We fight for the rights of others, even if we don’t know their names. This really is exceptional. Exceptionalness doesn’t stop there though. Every individual out there can be exceptional. They can be the ones to fight for the rights of others, to use of knowledge composed from all different cultures.

I have never really thought about American Exceptionalism before, but with Dr. Rice describing this and the treatment of women being a touch stone for the quality of a county’s culture, I started to review my life as an American girl. I get to go to a school I love, spend time with people that I choose, and no one tells me that I can’t do something or even worse, that I am only allowed to grow up to be a certain thing. My mom and dad tell me all the time that there are no limitations to what I can become; in some countries the girls and even grown women do not have these chances. I know I am young, but I cannot remember a time when I was told I could not do something because I was a girl.

The NRA, Smith & Wesson, and SHE Clothing believe in women, providing opportunities, education and encouragement making it so women and children can learn about shooting sports and outdoors activities. A focus of the NRA is to teach children and women about safe handling of firearms. Smith & Wesson sponsors women and junior shooters, which would be unheard of in some other countries. (Then again, there is also the possibility of firearm restrictions, where women, children, and maybe even men may not be allowed to own or use firearms.) SHE clothing, makes clothing for female outdoorsmen, showcasing women in adventurous and exciting settings. They all encourage women to experience the outdoors, experience the enjoyment of life.

Toward the end of the lecture another question was asked. Lots of students in that room were wondering what advice she had to give to those who wanted to become involved with international affairs. She told them the practical things, to find something you have a passion about, to learn many languages, especially the difficult ones, to learn about different cultures. Then she told me something that really stuck out. She explained that you cannot plan the next twenty years of your life. You can only plan the next step. This took me a moment to fully understand, and then another moment to see a difference. I could only plan so far in life because things happen every day that change the next moment. I can only plan what comes next, if it’s writing this essay or watching TV, if it’s studying or talking to friends. I can only plan what comes next to make that goal come true. Well, I did sit up straight and I realized what sort of opportunities are here for me as I’m growing up in this exceptional country, America.

After she had finished talking and after a round of applause, she left to go into a room where she would sign books. My dad had his book tucked under his arm as we waited first in line. I was going to meet her! We walked up and she smiled and said hello, signing the book. I was so happy! It only got better though, as I left the room and my dad’s friend handed me another book; my copy. I left it for my dad to pick up and he had given it to his friend who was working security for Dr. Rice.

We got into the car and I opened to the front page. I had written a note for Dr. Condoleezza Rice, telling her about my goal to be the best I can in shooting, about how, like her, I’m going against the normal look for my “profession.” I’m not a bulky adult man. I’m a short teenage girl. Dr. Rice went against stereo types to be an African-American woman in a high place politically.

As I sat up straight, I read her note. She told me to keep going for my dream, which encouraged me not only to be the best shooter, but the best daughter, the best friend, the best student, the best person I can be. Because to be the best I can is my dream.

Central Coast Rimfire Match

2011-03-02T19:53:00.000-08:00

Had a great time this weekend at the Central Coast Rimfire Match! I helped out before hand with Eric Leach and John Allchin...gave some guys over 6 feet tall some advice! It was kind of difficult, considering I had to stand on a barrel to be eye level with them and see the targets like they do. Great day! Great turn out! Eric did great with organizing it all!

Great Article!!

2011-02-17T06:48:00.000-08:00

Hey take a look at this article by Barbara Baird from WOMA about why girls love revolvers!!

SHE Communicator Award: An Interview On the Firing Line With Jim and Joe

2011-01-29T12:45:00.000-08:00

SHE Impressions Summary

“On the Firing Line with Jim and Joe” Radio Show KUHL & KSMA

“SHE? What’s that?” Jim Kauth leaned forward and pushed the microphone towards me while Joe Degeus crossed his arms jetted his chin and nodded at the question. All eyes were on me, all two pairs of eyes, as well as a multitude of radio listeners from Central California. I was gradually relaxing in the foam covered room, gaining confidence about talking on the radio. They asked me to come on their radio show to talk about being a fourteen year old, female, competitive shooter, which I figured would be an easy and fun task. To my relief, it didn’t take but just a few deep breaths for me to realize that this radio stuff was lots of fun. “She outdoor clothing for women, I exclaimed!”

“Well….a clothing company?” Joe asked, realizing with a bit of surprise that they had never heard of the SHE clothing line, I continued “SHE clothing, SHE women’s clothing, they have style.” Jim looking on added they do have style. And that is probably a great thing because for many years females looking for durable outdoor clothing have had to wear men’s clothing.”

Jim and Joe looked a bit puzzled as I went into further detail, about how much I like the style of the SHE clothing line. “They have really nice products for girls who hunt or fish or like me even shoot! It’s really great, the clothes fit and are made for the outdoors, and its not your dad’s or brother’s clothes”

They nodded, understanding about half of what I said. I spoke too fast. I always speak to fast when I become especially energetic about the topic. Instead of repeating, why not do something different? I thought, be me!

I stood up, they looked with baffled expressions, I motioned to my shirt, displaying the SHE logo in the center and their mouths formed “O”s.

“Not only do they have clothes that are practical, but also fashionable, like my shirt, really cute!” I spoke thinking of myself like one of those women on those commercials talking about how great a product was, seemed Boring! SHE clothing is not boring, I thought and wanted to get that across.

“I mean, look at how cute this is! I can wear it to the range or anywhere. I have a jacket from SHE at home, too. It’s waterproof so I can shoot in the rain without a problem! And they are soooo comfy!” This was more like me. I smiled, standing there in the middle of the studio showing my shirt and being myself I knew that although the listeners could not see my shirt, they could hear my enthusiasm for SHE clothing and that of the radio hosts.

Jim and Joe, the hosts, who are also owners of Rangemaster of Santa Maria a gun and sportswear store, noticed my eagerness about SHE and nodded, “For all of those who don’t have web-cams hooked up in our studio and can’t see what she’s talking about, she’s displaying a lovely gray shirt from SHE Clothing.”

“It’s gray and silver and has swirlies all over it.” I explained further, taking my seat again.

“It really is a nice shirt,” Jim commented. “And you hear that, outdoors-ladies out there? There’s a clothing company just for you. Molly, how would ladies go about contacting SHE about their products?”

“The easiest way would be to go to their website, w-w-w-dot-she-safari.com.”

Joe nodded, “Great. So tell us about why you love shooting-”

And the interview continued for another twenty minutes. They asked me more questions about what I do in shooting, why I shoot, all things like that. When the clock on the wall showed one minute left, they asked me if I had any comments to wrap the show up.

“I want to thank you guys for having me on here! It’s been a blast. Also, thanks to my sponsors, Hogue Grips, Tactical Solutions, Speed-E-Rack, Smith & Wesson, and SHE clothing.”

They smiled and said their conclusion of the day and the commercials began to play.

Jim looked at my shirt again, “That really is a nice shirt. You know, by associating clothes and shooting, you probably sparked a lot of interest from women about it.”

“That’s what I’m aiming for!” I said happily.

A NEW BAG FROM ACTION TARGET

2011-01-29T11:50:00.000-08:00

I got something pretty useful, very sturdy AND fashionable from two friends of mine, Dave Mathis and Mike Stilwell! All the way from Utah, Action Target made me a new bag for my revolver! Best part? It matches my box, and it has my name on it, too. Personalized! Thank you so much, Dave, Mike, and Action Target! I love it.

SLOSA POP GUN NIGHT REPORT

2010-09-30T20:23:00.000-07:00

Are you a New shooter?

A Junior shooter?

A Female shooter?

A shooter who just wants to shoot?

I have a match for you!!! POP GUN NIGHT! Come one, come all to the SLOSA .22 rifle night every 1st Saturday night of the month. It is run by my good friend Nelson Dymond and it is a “blast”! (See what I did there?) I just went, and it was really great! I was able to shoot with some new shooters on their first time shooting, and it was awesome to see how well they did! One of them even got a medal!! We went through the whole process: learning the basics of safety, getting the targets out, setting them up, shooting them up, and taking them down…and we looked awesome doing it. You see those two really cool guys were shooting my pink rifle, my amazing X-ring, courtesy of Tactical Solutions with the bright pink stock, thank you Hogue Grips Hogue Grips! I can safely say that we were stylin’ and having tons of fun. We got to visit with the other juniors there, try each other’s guns, and just be kids…kids that can safely handle firearms, that is. But Pop Gun night is not only for kids! So, when am I going to see all of you grown-ups out there??

By the way, thanks for the compliments on my shirt! It is part of a collection from SHE clothing (check them out…great gear for women that spend time outdoors).

GBR QUICK DRAW (Attention Cowboy Shooters)!

2010-09-25T18:50:00.000-07:00

Another year....Another Cowboy Quick Draw competition! And yet again that 1st place standing eludes me...but, I am content with 2nd place! Quick Cal, Thank You for all your helpful hints and generous instruction...I had a great time.
How many years will Packing Rat and I continue to battle it out for the Quick Draw Championship? The world may never know...

2010 STEEL CHALLENGE

2010-09-14T22:51:00.000-07:00

Here is an update up about my adventure at the Steel Challenge, 2010! So, what’s a girl going to do with a S&W 627 Revolver? …why shoot the World Championship, Steel Challenge with it of course!

For those of you who don’t know, the Steel Challenge consists of eight stages, each you have to shoot five times. The stages all have five targets each, one of those five targets being a “stop plate,” the plate you must hit last. The goal of the Steel Challenge is to get the fastest time you can! It’s one of my favorite matches. I love to shoot fast, and I love to shoot my revolver fast, that coupled with the energy that rushes through me once the timer goes off makes this a very exciting match.

The Main Match day one! The day started after waking up not-too-early, (I shot in the afternoon the first day! That’s a new one for me.) My parents and I were OFF to see the shooters, the amazing shooters of Piru…Over the interstate and through the dirt, to Piiiiruuu we go! I met my awesome teammates, and my best shooting friends from my home range Dave and Jim! My first stage was Accelerator, which I think was a good thing that it was first, I got all those nerves over with. My times were pretty good, and I could tell it was going to be a great match! I just hoped I could continue my performance with the next two stages and then into day two! I was feeling pretty sure that the next day was going to be just as awesome, especially after I shot Smoke n Hope! I hit my best times ever and my mom got it on camera! And the best part ever I had a special surprise, my Very Best Shooting Friend and Teammate Annette Aysen came and found me. She was my good luck charm!

Main Match day two! Five stages to go, and I was ready, morning shooting works for me! There was a much more relaxed feel among the shooters. All serious on the line but behind the scenes I was having the best time with my squad and all the people that came to watch. At first I thought that they were there to observe my quick draw and speedy trigger finger, but actually I think word got out that I have a Steel Challenge Tradition….any guesses? Well, I jump over the hay bales, yessssss the Victory Leap! Best times ever! This year my squad mate Dave decided he would leap with me! Who is going to join us next year?

I did my personal best and have a couple Steel Challenge titles under my belt! Dave and I both hit personal goals with our shooting and now he owes me ice-cream! Great Match, hope to see you in 2011!

Best Hugs of the 2010 Steel Challenge

2010-09-14T22:40:00.000-07:00

Gunny! Always a Smile and a Hug

Ms G....Julie!

My Best Shooting Friend, Annette!

Yamil!

CONGRATULATIONS JUDY & AARON HOGUE

2010-08-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

On Your Wedding! I am so happy for you both.

THE PRO-AM

2010-07-27T02:06:00.000-07:00

(For those of you who haven’t shot Pro Am, or know the rules, it’s scored by the amount of steel targets that are hit in a par time. Of course, sometimes there are ties, so they have one “tiebreaker” stage that is timed to determine the winner.)

Woooo!! I have successfully shot the Pro Am! Yes, with my handy S&W 627 Revolver, I placed in the middle of the pack. I was starting to get pretty good with reloads, by the end of the match because I can only shoot eight shots at a time. My Hearthco Moonclips were flying. Derrick Birdsoll even got a really cool picture! It showed my moonclip half way to the ground while I reloaded, and ran. As soon as I get the picture I will post it.

I was squaded mostly with people I didn’t know previously… with BJ Norris and Jason Koon as exceptions, but wow…my squad was AMAZING. Seriously, I was blown away by these guys -- they were suuuper fast and accurate! Crazy! I also met a fellow S&W member, Gordon Carrell who was so nice to give me some tips and even pose for a dorky picture after we had successfully shot the Pro Am!

Everything about this match I liked, well, except for the heat. The USSA range was incredible AND so pretty with all the green, green everywhere and pond that reflected the clouds, it had turtles and a goose (I understand a goose with a bad attitude)! The stages made me think. How was I going to get in all those shots at all those targets with minimal reloads? Of course “don’t miss” is the first thought but, there was so much going on in the stages that the shooters’ planning was very important. And planning for the unexpected was the norm around there for many shooters. On one stage we started behind some old car, and as I ran around it to pick up my revolver, there was a butterfly on my grip! (That was Stage 6) Well, I didn’t particularly want to hurt the butterfly…so I shooed it away. I could hear someone stating “just squish it” yuck! You know, waving my hands around it burned some seconds. So, just what is the answer here?

Back on the topic of fantastic stages, I’ve never seen so much steel! Not even at the Steel Challenge! There was even one stage with 35 targets and another with steel as big as I was! (The Tiebreaker stage). My only regret from the entire match was that I wish I was fast enough to do some of the fun stuff the really fast guys could do…like open up doors and shoot moving targets, they seemed to have so much fun with the bonus activity. Par time kept me focused on one thing, just hitting those targets, and not missing, otherwise…reload! So my goal for next year’s Pro-Am…to “clear a stage” as the pros would say!!

Phil Strater and his crew did awesome setting up the stages in the heat and working the match. Plus, I heard one of the crew went to find a butterfly net with my name on it! It was really an awesome match!!!

PRO AM TOMORROW

2010-07-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

Pro Am Countdown: One day left!!!

(mom's very first pic of a smoking gun!)

The USSA range is really nice, its huge. The temperature is a little hot for my liking but it is sure green. Tomorrow is the big day and I will be shooting the Pro Am for the very first time! All steel…run and gun…hmm…and I’m shooting it with my revolver…hm, ICORE meets Steel Challenge? I think so! Combining two of my most favoritest things in the (shooting) world -- speed shooting and run and gun. EXCELENT! And I can do it with my S&W 627 revolver. I feel…ready for this!! One of those things when you just want to speed up time so you can get there, and then slow time down so you can enjoy it! It’s already kind of turning out like that too -- time flies!
Hope I can get to sleep tonight.....shooter meeting at 700am! And even more exciting is that I will be seeing all the friends I have made from all over. I am sooo looking forward to seeing everyone again.

THE PRO AM Day 1

2010-07-17T14:59:00.000-07:00

Whew! I have arrived at the Pro Am!!! Today I went to the range where the actual competition will be happening. I was anxiously scanning outside the car, waiting for the green landscape to turn into the brown range, gee, it never did! Behind me I heard cooing, “Ooooh, it’s so pretty! Look at the lake! And all the grass! And the lodge!”

Where were we? Back at the hotel? I looked out the other side of the car and saw that just beyond the lake, there were shooting bays. They were green. GREEN!! In California, it’s only green during the rain, and never in summer! I was shocked, blown away, amazed, and super, duper excited. I’ve never shot in a place like this before; it reminded me of Disneyland complete with a pond and a goose!

We checked in at the lodge, and there we met three very nice gentlemen! They were more than happy to explain everything about the range -- where to shoot, the precautions, all that. They were so kind, even giving us directions to markets and telling us the good places to eat; much appreciated! I was really hungry. At the end of the day, Jim even gave me a rubber bracelet! (Do those have a name?)

And then I saw it.

Well actually, my mom saw it.

“DUCK!” my mom squealed, pointing at a goose.

Yes, there it was. The dreaded goose of Pro Am Lake! We were warned about him…but that didn’t stop my mom from going to get a picture! And have one of her special talks with him (Those darn tourists!) Somewhere in the time it took for my mom to take the picture, they must have bonded because now we call him “Pete”. Fortunately for Pete he lives at the Pro Am Lake...if he was at SLOSA I think his goose would be cooked!

I must say, this has to be the prettiest range I’ve ever been to! It was amazing! They even had some Steel Challenge stages set up! And no problem, I could shoot all I wanted…8pm they were still giving me a howdy-do! I have attached a special picture for Jim “O” Speed Option in the grass…do you love it?

THE 2nd ANNUAL TRI-TIP MATCH

2010-07-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I shot the amazing “2^nd Annual Tri-Tip” match! This match, 14 stages, is shot with all iron sighted guns -- AWESOME!! Single stack, Production and Revolvers ….. I really had a blast. This is the first time I ever shot this type of a USPSA match, but I loved it….all the targets and running made for a great time for everyone I spoke to. There were a few raised eyebrows and scratched back of the heads when word got out that I was shooting Production Revolver, but the challenge is the most fun of all!

There were some awesome shooters there, some in particular I was on a squad with -- John Bagakis, Dave Sevigny, Todd Crow, John Allchin and Dave Long all smiling and laughing along with me, words cannot describe how amazing they all shot. What a thrill it was to be able to watch and learn from these Champions! And of course my friend Tina was there to cheer me on and be the squad score keeper! I did pretty well, but I had a bit of an issue on the first stage…SQUIB LOAD! Yep!!! A squib is when there isn’t enough (or any) powder in your ammo and the bullet gets lodged in the chamber. It’s really dangerous, especially if you were to fire another shot! When the squib happened there was a resounding “WHOA, STOP, SQUBB” from my entire squad! Todd Crow was right there at the rescue with his tools to clear that squib (I think I saw Dave Sevigny sigh in relief, seeing that I wasn’t going to steal the match this time around). Aside from the squib, I’m proud of my performance! This was a new match to me, and it was fun as ever.

Lunch time was delicious; they served up Art’s famous Tri Tip (I think my dad had a few singed eyebrows, considering that he helped cook). I noticed all the smiles, mostly because everyone was just chatting away and having a great time reliving the match. They were also chatting about my cupcakes…Thank you Julie G. for naming them “Muzzle Flash Carrot Cupcakes”! I made them just for this match! I promise, for all you who have asked, I will post the recipe! Can’t wait till next year! Hope you can make it!

WHOOOOPIEEEEE!

2010-06-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

(Thanks Yamil Sued, just another great action shot....how do you do it?)

I had so much fun at the IRC! This picture was taken during a very exciting stage...lots of stuff going on, like a Texas Star and steel targets and moving paper targets!!! I had to jump on the activator, and I guess in the spur of the moment, I didn't really think to get back to the ground...

Link to the new S&W Flicker pictures are listed under the friends of the Molly Minute!

INTERNATIONAL REVOLVER CHAMPIONSHIP

2010-06-20T19:54:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm…Yep, still my favorite match, after another GREAT year!!! I had a blast! My squad was awesome – I was so pleased to be able to shoot with visitors, the Australians (Mark and Dale)… we became fast friends and I’m looking forward to emails when they return home! We also had John Bagakis and Rachael Crow (Another junior, hooray!) from Smith & Wesson. And Rich Wolfe, he (much like the other shooters on my squad!) is great to shoot with, he makes me laugh, and he always gives great advice! And of course my favorite Home Club shooter John Allchin, he is amazing!

I was suuuper happy with the way I shot! I shot my S&W 627 Limited Revolver, Hogue made me great grips that actually fit my hands, so to answer your question…yes, I can hold that revolver just fine thanks to those grips. Before those grips it was pretty sad…

One of the most exciting points of the match was that I was in the shoot offs again…with Jerry Miculek….again! I bet you thought I was going against him, but, even better we were a team! A bit lopsided, I was the only limited shooter among the 4 competitors but that didn’t stop me. I gave it my best. We won 1 out of the 3…(I say re-match next year). By then I will be taller (with any luck) and faster! You can’t know what an honor it was to be squaded with him. I think we talked strategy for the shoot off but I can’t remember now what we spoke about… I shot with Jerry! Nothin’ like a little pressure, but it was great!
I hope everyone got a chance to thank Art and Janet Leach for all the hard work they have done year after year for the IRC! I love you both!!!!!!!!

WELCOME BABY JULIE ANNA

2010-06-20T14:11:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to my Range Friend Tom and his wife Christina on the birth of their daughter Julie Anna. She was born on June 9 (which happens to be my brother's birthday too), she weighed 7lbs and 12 oz. Mom and Babe are doing great! I am so happy for them!

Good Golly....I liked this inteview Ms. Babbs!

2010-06-19T20:43:00.001-07:00

Take a look at the Women's Outdoor Network! Babbs is an amazing woman, writing about women and juniors in all areas of Outdoor Sports. What a Privilege it was to speak to her!
The article is here.

My Friend BJ Norris

2010-06-18T20:54:00.000-07:00

"Read the directions and directly you will be directed in the right direction!"

One very important thing I learned at the Bianchi cup, was that BJ Norris has to be one of the nicest people at the range. And to throw away thoughts of literal directions and listen to the seasoned competitors. Their heart felt coaching is worth more than anything on paper.
Day two of the Bianchi competition, I arrived at the practice range with the "Bianchi for Beginners" instructions in my hands. Yes, the directions! I was going to shoot the Practical Event later that day and figured if I followed the directions…well as the door knob said to Alice, "Read the directions and directly you will be directed in the right direction!" kept going through my mind. (Along with the song “I’m late, I’m late for a very important date”?)

As you know the couple of hours before a competition is intense with focus and concentration for the shooters, the last thing they need is a newbie (or “New-me”) asking questions! BJ was due to shoot the Practical Event later that morning, but seeing that I showed up with the directions and was frantically reading he realized he needed to jump into action. BJ took his practice and focus time to run through it with me... Twice!!! This was beyond friendship, he laughed, smiled and took the time to be sure that I was at ease, comfortable, and confident with the stage! BJ truly exemplified the meaning of an athlete, a competitor and a friend!

Then after the competition, BJ and I went to Steak and Shake to celebrate. We don’t have those in California…my mom and I kept thinking it was Steak and SNAKE…that was interesting. Ummmm yummy snake…not!

THANK YOU LARRY POTTERFIELD

2010-06-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

(Photo by John Rickards)

Thank you Larry Potterfield of Midway USA for all your incredibly generous support of the Bianchi Cup!

SHORT and TALL

2010-06-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

A new title was given this year at the Bianchi Cup....no not an award for proficient shooting but an understated and unique title. Yes, its the Tallest and the Shortest shooters of the match title. The tallest shooter, who could just about lean over and touch the targets, Don Smith (VP of Northwest Territorial Mint/Bianchi Cup sponsor) and me, Molly Smith, who is shorter than most of the targets. I felt just like a blue bird up there on his shoulder.
(Thank you John Rickards for sending over these pictures).

AMAZING IRC SQUAD!!!!!

2010-06-06T21:50:00.000-07:00

THE IRC in Morro Bay/San Luis Obispo was AMAZING! I LOVED my squad Absolutely Amazing Shooting!!!! Dale and Mark from Australia were TERRRRRRIFFFFFFICCC! So glad we had the Aussies with us! More later, it is past my bed time.

THE BIANCHI BLOOPER

2010-06-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

Certain sources tell me that the match is won and lost at the mover. Hmm... I guess the mover heard about me and was so nervous that the cable snapped. How's THAT for tension?

Actually, it was pretty funny. You should have heard the gasps, "Ohhhh!" When the ROs saw that the "little fella" (me) was laughing, they got a laugh out of it too.

Take a look at the Molly Movies (the fourth one): the Bianchi Blooper.

AN OLYMPIC CHAMPION

2010-05-31T12:13:00.000-07:00

What an Honor it was to meet John McNally, a 2000 Olympic Champion! He actually took time to talk to me about shooting, it was so cooooool! We both shot the Bianchi Cup!!!! (I now have something in common with an Olympic Champion!) Little did I know that the same range where I practiced shooting the "mover" was the "Prado" range where he shot the actual 2000 Olympics! I did not have nearly enough time to spend with him, but based on the way he shot the "Cup" I am looking forward to seeing him much more in the future...he is amazing!

ATTENTION NEIL HOGUE!!!!

2010-05-31T10:42:00.000-07:00

Attention Neil and everyone one else who has been following the saga of "GOING PRONE" for Bianchi. I finally got it! The challenged octopus has her sea legs! I managed to get my left hand down and it all fell into place ahemmmm not "fell" exactly, but gracefully and quickly soared into the landing position and ready to shoot! If I can give anyone one a piece of advice about going prone, get your left hand out to stop the face plant then "Ballet A El Neil" falls right into place!

Picture by Yamil Sued at the Bianchi Cup, thank you Downrange TV for posting it!
http://www.downrange.tv/blog/?p=3535

THUMBS UP FOR BIANCHI CUP!!!

2010-05-29T15:24:00.000-07:00

I SHOT THE CUP!!! YEP…I just finished shooting the Bianchi Cup and………..IT WAS SO MUCH FUN OH MY GOSH AMAZING SUPER DUPER FANTASTIC GREAT SPECTACULAR! Yess!!! It was amazing beyond words! I had soooo much fun! The NRA did a fantastic job, because this match was unbelievably awesome!

I did pretty well for my first time…ooooh, and I can’t wait to shoot it again next year.

This match was so much fun, I learned so much from so many really great shooters, and every one of them with a smile and hug, gave me so much encouragement. Thank you NRA for putting on this match!!!!!

I am exhausted but looking forward to the big banquet tonight, seeing all the new friends I have made, and hearing wonderful stories of great matches, great shooters and fantabulous people who are a part of the Bianchi Cup, I have made the best friends ever here! I will be sad to say good bye to everyone in the morning, but energized to know that Bianchi Cup 2011 is only a short year away!

Well THAT was Embarrassing...

2010-05-16T18:13:00.000-07:00

(Photo by Cameron Chapman-Pinto)

“Your gun’s in that hand…” Neil Hogue and Eric Leach sighed again as I pounded my right hand (which held an imaginary revolver) down on the carpet to prevent my chin from bashing into the ground. Going prone was definitely a lot harder than just face planting, which at this point, I had mastered. Yesterday at the local ICORE match, Neil and Eric were showing me the different techniques for the nearly inhuman art of going prone. Yep. Shoes off (Sorry for the smell, John Allchin!), hat off to the side, a mother with a first-aid kit nearby, and my audience (Neil, Eric, John Allchin, Jim O’Young and a few others) stifling laughter, I was diving down on that mat like a crazy octopus. The goal was to be on my belly, gun drawn, and looking down my sight at the target. It wasn’t really working that well, considering how much more complicated it was than just that! I kept forgetting that my right hand was suppose to have a gun in it, my legs had to be out from under me, and that my left hand was for support. Just a little difficult! By the end of the day, I managed to be about half-way to a decent technique. Thank you Neil and Eric sooooo much!!! You guys are awesome!

WHEN IS ENOUGH, ENOUGH?

2010-04-12T17:57:00.000-07:00

I just had a fantastic time at the Southwest ICORE Regional Match! Thanks to Dave Wilson the Match Director and the SLOSA ICORE team. It was a ton of fun to see people I haven’t seen in a long time. The stages were AMAZING, lots of moving around, backing up, bull’s eyes, jumping around, and there was even a Texas Star! I was squaded with fellow Smith & Wesson team-member, John Bagakis, 1st place limited! He gave some awesome tips and lots of smiles the whole time. And Rich Wolfe, 1st place open, was also on my squad. I saw amazing shooting! Here’s a secret: if you listen carefully, you can hear the top-shooter’s plans for stages; they plan their strategy talking to each other! (Or they could have just been mumbling to themselves though…)
So…Here is my question. When is enough, enough?
One stage, Hard Cover Alley, was an especially challenging stage for me. And by challenging, I mean it was twice as fun. It was a standard “shoot ‘em as you see ‘em” stage, just running through the course and shooting the targets, well, as you see them! I was doing super duper well! At the very end of the hallway, there was a plate rack a good distance away (not entirely sure…maybe 20 yards?) and we had to shoot down three out of the six from one side, and the other three from the other side. I did pretty well. Until the last plate. Two moonclips, yep… and a lot of time. I don’t really understand that there is a point to stop (enough shooting already) and take the penalty…ooops! When is enough, enough?
Another very fun stage was Left Right Center, was a stage where you started in the center, shot the targets in front of you, go to one of the sides, shoot the targets, and then go BACK to the middle, then to the other side. I forgot I had to engage the targets in the middle twice. But never fear! I remembered as soon as I passed the box! Yes, all is well, as I quickly jumped back into the middle box and finished the stage, happy as could be. Art Leach and Ivan the RO’s, were just about to call a penalty when they realized I am part ping pong ball, and bounce really well, they just laughed.(video here)
There was another stage that was especially good, Pro Am, and I think it originated at an Easter egg hunt. Pretty pastel colors on the plate and matching boxes. That was the easy part, but off in the distance was the Red Queen’s plates, bright red and round. (“Off with their heads!!”) 30 seconds to hit all the plates. This was a challenge but what fun! If you were really accurate and fast, you could actually get a negative time for your score. Tom Hubbard designed this stage and it was the talk of the event.
Well, I didn’t give John too much of a challenge this time, but I did leave the match with the best prize of all… I left with the memories of a great match.

THE KNIFE MAKER

2010-03-29T22:17:00.000-07:00

*Queue the trumpets* Du-du-du-duuuuuu! Allen Elishewitz came for a visit all the way from Texas! Yes, Allen and Jim O’Young came to do some top-secret business with my friends and sponsors, Hogue! Knife business (If you click this link, you’ll get a clue! :O ) Yep….Allen will be designing knifes and Hogue will be making them.! Allen was super dooper fun. One of his favorite pastimes, like mine is to joke around with Jim. Notice Jim’s Game Face portrait that Allen took and shared with me. Allen even took part in our traditional, nighttime hike through “Skunkland”, (peeeeyou) and he was a great sport about our flashlight wars. And besides being fun he brought delicious pecans all the way from Texas! He came with us to a local steel match on Sunday, which meant I had to take my S&W 627 revolver out of its winter hibernation, and Jim O’Young shot his usual magnificent self. We had a Blast at the range.

What I haven’t mentioned yet is that Allen is an artist! While Allen was with us, I managed to interrogate – er, politely ask him questions about his art, “Knife making.” Allen happens to be one of the top custom knife makers in the world, his knifes are all handmade. He made his first knife in 1987, which makes it older than me…and he still keeps it to this day! I also learned what he makes his knives out of; stainless and Damascus steels for the blades and G-10 and carbon fiber for the grips (here I go, shooting on the brain) I mean for the handles. Now, I had no idea what Damascus steel and G-10 were, but apparently Damascus steel is from the Middle East in the 17^th century. Plus it looks really cool. G-10 is basically a fiber that makes the handle really strong. Allen tells me it is very durable. Oh, and Allen mentioned that he also likes to use natural materials for the handles, which I find awesome! If you get a chance to see Allen's artwork be sure to pay attention to the handle, you will agree with me, it is amazing.

2010-03-09T19:47:00.000-08:00

Photo by Dave Wilson.
Who is “Millisecond Molly”? I shoot revolvers, pistols, rifles, shotguns and even sling shots! By looking at me, most people would never guess that I love to shoot, but I do.
I’ll tell you why I shoot. First off, it’s the brilliant personalities in the shooting family. It’s the “range” people that really hold my interest. I have been so fortunate to meet so many people from all over the world that have proven to me that we are one big “range” family. It’s the fun that surrounds shooting, it’s the cheerful moods, up-beat characters, and characters in general, its fun times that keep the shooting sport what it is. Now, there’s also the actual shooting… I ask you what’s not fun about shooting paper or steel targets, jumping over hay-bales (okay, not really shooting, but still), out-running R.Os, and flinging those bullets into the middle of the target and doing all that with your friends? I love the excitement when I complete a great string/stage, my squad cheering me on and I feel like I want to do it again and again. And I love watching the other shooters grin, when they get the fantastic run. The ever-present smirk while they re-holster/bag their gun, glance down at the score sheet, and then chuckle.
I am often asked “why a revolver?” Simple, the feeling. It’s totally different when I’m holding my S&W 627 revolver rather than a semi-auto. My *ahem* short stature doesn’t necessarily fit a revolver, but when I finally could get my finger around the trigger, I knew there was no going back. I love the way the trigger feels, being able to pull it back smoothly and feeling the “click…click…” and pause before taking the shot. It kind of gets me caught up in the moment, (or the millisecond)I see my sights aligned, my gun is still, and everything is like it should be. That’s the sort of feeling I can only get with a revolver. And not to mention how the reloads are fun (when necessary), flipping open the cylinder, grabbing a moon clip, tossing it in, and flipping it closed, done in milliseconds. Even if I take up different firearms, I know I’ll always be shooting my revolver.
I love being a junior shooter, guess I’ll stay one for a while! There is so much encouragement from the “seasoned shooters”. First or hundredth time out shooting, juniors are always met with a welcoming smile, always a story or two of the “old ‘en days” and always a bit of information, a suggestion or a perception. If it was not for the adult “seasoned shooters” the Junior Shooters would not have their experiences and the lessons to learn from! Besides it’s fun being able to bug them about kid things! And then, if you can get away with it, there is always the stolen opportunity to roll down the berms in a barrel….shhhhh!
Juniors just need to go for it! Know that they can do it, accept any and all suggestions, and put into practice the ones that work. Junior shooters are very blessed to have a “range family” and honor them for their knowledge and expertise. Mine is the GREATEST, and guess what… they are yours too!
Happy Shooting!
Published in Junior Shooters Volume 6 Winter 2009. Check it out at www.juniorshooters.net under the header ARTICLES

GUN BLOGGERS RENDEZVOUS

2009-09-16T18:54:00.000-07:00

QUICK CAL & A COUPLE OF QUICK DRAW FINALISTS "PACKING RAT" AND "MILLISECOND MOLLY"!

The Gun Blogger's Rendezvous IV was this past weekend and was it ever Fantabulous! The shooting, the food, the WONDERFUL friends I made.....Hoooray! Thank you Mr. Completely and Kee Wee for your hard work! All you bloggers are the best and you like to shoot too! I can't wait to see you all again next year. Hey did anyone see those Camel races?
This camel was NOT puckering up for a kiss!

Indiana Jones and the Wild Boar

2009-09-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

On our way to Happy Burger.

Darn a Flat!

An adventure, yes! I am always ready for an adventure. Hmmmm….somewhere in the Sierra Nevada there was an adventure waiting to happen! Well, that's what my dad told me when he woke me up at 4 am, last Sunday morning. After spending hours searching the (mysterious) Sierra Nevada Mountains for “treasure,” my Dad drove up to a (mysterious) horse pasture or was it an incredible rock quarry? Then down a long dusty trail in a Prius no less, and two gates, we (mysteriously) found a group of shooters from all over the state of California! I kept humming the theme from Indiana Jones…. Ahhhhhh…a range!!! I felt at home, I really was in the right place. Joe (really his name), showed me around. He introduced me to the other shooters who were not quite sure about such a height-challenged shooter; they wondered if I could even see over some of the barriers. No problem…I am Millisecond Molly! Bwahahaha! It was so nice to see some familiar faces, Kevin, Brock, Mick, George and Jim all remembered me from the Steel Challenge. Of course, Dad had all my shooting gear ready to go at the time, and I was ready do what I do best - shoot and have fun (Insert the theme from Indiana Jones here). And yes 49er, Molly’s no whiner!!!!! Looking around, I knew this adventure was going to be like none other, Larry made sure of that (Larry was the dazzling set designer). What I knew at that point was that I had to focus, focus, focus and not step in the cow Pattys.
And so it goes, Mom and I exploring the range preparing for the first stage, when all of the sudden a roaring thunder was heard! Another adventure…..Mom grabbed me as if it was a “Wild Boar” charging from around one of the bays….we were in the wilderness, you know! Nope it was only Sammy - beautiful chocolate lab, full of energy and excitement. Sammy became my best friend for the rest of the match. She even escorted me around! (Or was it that she was just hopping I would toss her toy?) Either way she was one of the best treasures of the day. And she is Dick’s treasure every day. And so, the first stage was on. The set-up for the stage was steel targets overlapping each other and behind barrels, then you run to the front and shoot some paper after you shoot steel chickens. And those chickens showed no mercy; they were small and hidden behind weeds, some shooters gave up! Actually a critical tactic when attempting to save time. The 5 second penalty for each chicken not hit was better than the 60 seconds it was taking to hit just one of them. Bet your wondering if I hit the chickens or took the penalty?
Then there was that really interesting stage. The targets had eyes...they were staring at me…eyes. Yup. The shooter had to get two shots off at the targets with eyes that had “whites” in them. The discussion before hand was most entertaining. “Okay, so you shoot the eight targets-” “I’m counting nine…” “Huh? No, you don’t count the one with brown eyes.” “I got ten!” “What? One, two, three…seven. Wait…” Somehow, I managed to count eleven targets. That stage was a lot of fun though, with the no-shoot-targets obstructing your view of the other targets.
Over all, my adventure was lots of fun, and I had a blast! I’m definitely going to that cow pasture again, and the attached range suits me fine…… (Insert theme from Indian Jones here). But wait it even got better! At the end of the extremely fun day we loaded up in the pickup for a trip to Happy Burger! Yum

RIMFIRE CHAMPIONSHIP

2009-09-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

Big News: Ruger Rimfire Championship! Come on down to the Morro Bay range on September 26th & 27th for a great time shootin' rimfire rifles and pistols. For the registration sheet, go to http://slosa.org/, and for more information contact Nelson Dymond at teamrimfire@yahoo.com
See you there! (See Nelson Dymond under Friends of the Molly Minute)

THE STEEL CHALLENGE! OH YEA!

2009-08-19T16:25:00.000-07:00

Elliott and Annette Aysen

What an incredible weekend I had. The Steel Challenge was the BEST. My mom says my revolver is still “smoking!” I finished 8th out of 18 revolver shooters, all kindred spirits! I reached my goal to beat my personal best score shooting the main match with my revolver (over ten seconds off my last score!) And I am gaining on John Bagakis! Shhh, here’s a secret: Tina, his girlfriend sent me text messages cheering me on! Re-match next year John ? Same hot, dusty place, same hot dusty time!
The weekend just flew by…way too short. I did get some time to talk to some of the kids that stopped by with their parents to see what the Steel Challenge was all about. What a privilege it was when they came and asked me, “Are you Molly Smith?” I was so honored to tell them about the match, what goes on when I shoot, and where the bathrooms and vending machines are! No, there are no vending machines but there are “shooting machines” and I directed them on the really good shooters. Every time I watch really good shooters, I pay attention to their stance, their hand placement and look at how they focus and prepare for their turn. I’ve heard that term poetry in motion, well to watch these shooters execute it is amazing! They look so graceful when the shoot. I just look short, or as one man said, a “boy”…”Well, let the young man go first!” “Come right up here son” That was awkward, but really funny! (Everybody else thought it was funny enough…)
The awards ceremony was very nice. When I walked in my friend Annette Aysen gave me a bouquet of tulips, tulips are my favorite flowers. Her husband Elliott gave me a Speed-E-Rack to hold my moon clips. Moon clips are little round discs with notches in them. They hold your bullets together for quick loading and unloading. The Speed-E-Rack holds the moon clips on your waist so you don’t have to fumble around in your pockets for them. I think the best part of the awards ceremony was the look on my brothers face when I gave him the prize list and told him he could have what ever he wanted that was left when they call my name. He is thrilled with his new rifle bag (it is a really nice, super, deluxe one)!
Over all, Steel Challenge this year was amazing, and maybe next year I’ll shoot two guns in the main match - Iron Revolver and Open Auto! I’ll keep you posted.

Yamil took this picture of my friend Phil Strader
Yamil took this picture of a casing, click on the pic to enlarge! That is my Friend BJ Norris in the Background!

FRIDAY THE MAIN EVENT

2009-08-14T22:19:00.001-07:00

Friday. The first half of the main match: COMPLETE(ly… fun and totally enjoyable!)
Let me first start off by saying…anybody notice that there is a strange lack of running in the Steel Challenge? Aside from Outer Limits, it’s all stationary; but I didn’t let that stop me today. I was running (well, walking fast) out on the bays, spray painting the targets and jumping over even more hay bales. The hyper-active-soon-to-be-thirteen-year-old. Yuuuup -- that’s me! I also had a great squad of people I didn’t know, at first (with Dave Wilson and John Maxwell as exceptions, they shoot at my home range) that was tons of fun! John Alchin stopped by a few times for chit-chat, as did Tom Hubbard. How fun it was to talk about the stage and relax. Also, at the end of the day, I met new shooters Debby and Jena, they came here to watch the match. They were really nice and I enjoyed going through the side-matches with them. We had lots of fun just talking and shooting.
For dinner tonight, there was the Steel Challenge BBQ. It was LOTS of fun because I got to see a role model, who is my friend, Annette Aysen. We were having a good time talking and eating, and sewing shoes. Yes, you read that correctly. My flip-flop strap came undone so my dad volunteered to fix it up. When Annette saw it, she giggled and fixed it up with sew on buttons and thread. She certainly saved my feet for the night!
Have you ever noticed how kid-friendly the Steel Challenge? The side matches, hay-bales, and painting targets. I painted the short targets so some of the guys out there needed to only bend half way over to reach their targets to paint (more Pre-teens and Juniors means more help with short painting). Best of all is just shooting the match over all.
So that was my day. Tomorrow I’m finishing the match and will be going to Magic Mountain as my early birthday present! WOOHOO!
Oh Yea, this is Dave. He is my Squad Mate! Somehow he missed the group picture above.

Thursday Rimfire Match

2009-08-13T17:43:00.000-07:00

Picture of Randi Rogers taken by Yamil Sued. Randi and I shot on the same squad during the rimfire match.
Picture of Jessie Abbott,taken by Yamil Sued. Jessie shoots incredible!
Gunny and Me "5 to Go" stage.
My friends!!! John Bagakis, and BJ Norris.

STEEL CHALLENGE EVE!

2009-08-12T16:23:00.001-07:00

Wednesday morning, 7:20. I arrived at the STEEL GROUNDS….Finally. I was the first person at the range on Steel Challenge Eve. It was rather magical. But it wasn’t long before the rangemaster, Doug Baumforth, came and signed us in and the flood of perfect practice shooters arrived. The furnace had not been turned on yet, so it was a “breeze” to shoot the stages. My first four went GREAT, but the Outer Limits stage gave me a little issue. I guess you could call it Molly Madness. But not to worry, I came back at the end of practice and made sure Outer Limits was taken care of, and then I was “otta there.” After I ran through all the stages with Jim O’Young, I spoke to various shooters, including some juniors! Hooray for the juniors!!! I held Julie Goloski’s M&P and BJ Norris’ 1911 with a Tactical Solutions .22LR conversion unit and thought they were pretty awesome. BJ’s .22, was really cool because of how light it was - definitely something different. I also met Rob Leatham who is a shooting legend. I have heard so much about him, that finally meeting him was very special. I wish I could’ve seen him shoot, but alas I did not, it was time to get registered. He was really nice and I got to take a picture with him. After leaving the range, we went to the match hotel to register for the match and get everything set and ready to go. I met a couple of very nice people there that walked me through signing up, especially Kim Williams and Dave Thomas. They helped me get my squadding in order too!
So a GREAT day at the practice range; can’t wait for the .22 match tomorrow, and I saw lots of great people today. It’s Steel Challenge Eve, “all is calm, all is bright!”

OUTER LIMITS

2009-08-12T16:20:00.001-07:00

Thank you Yamil Sued for these great pictures!
Ishikawa Seiichi
Dave Sevigny
Alicia Setting
Ashley Bolda

Shooter Ready?

2009-08-11T21:36:00.001-07:00

I am here! The “Steel Grounds” of Piru! Well, close enough, I am at the hotel near the infamous STEEL CHALLENGE Range which I will be calling home for the next few days! I can feel the excitement, and I can recognize a shooter from 25 yards. They are the ones in the hotel lobby, Mc Donalds, the gas station, Rite Aid getting ice cream and even sitting in their cars at “Green” lights with the glazed over look, aiming their trigger fingers at imaginary targets, over and over. I can hardly wait until tomorrow when I actually will get to go to the range and practice really hitting a few steel targets, fun, fun, fun…..the wait is nearly over.

In case you are wondering I will be shooting my Smith and Wesson 627, iron sighted, revolver in the main match on Friday and Saturday. Hark….do I hear my ICORE friends cheering me on? Although not too experienced with it, I’m feeling very good about the possibilities of actually getting it out of the holster and hitting the first plate! I guess I do have a way to go before I can catch up to John Bagakis -- he is an amazing shooter with the revolver.

This match is bound to be tons of fun and I can't wait. I'll be updating my blog every night with the happenings of the Steel Challenge.
Who else is ready to shoot? ^.^

The great picture above was taken just this afternoon (right to left) Tom Yost, BJ Norris, Todd Jarrett, Jim O’Young and Me!

THE HOGUE ADVENTURE

2009-08-09T21:17:00.001-07:00

I GOT NEW HOGUE GRIPS! YESSSS! They’re amazing! They fit my hand (or as some would say my “Tiny Mitts”) perfectly and they look beautiful on my Smith & Wesson 627 Revolver.
It’s an interesting process, this being fit for custom grips. During the IRC in June, Pat Hogue measured my hand and asked me to pick out the wood for the base. When I went to pick them up, Pat put them on my revolver, making sure they were perfect. He spent the entire time talking to me about shooting (what else but) and the fun in the sport. I never dreamed the end product would mean so much. These are the most special grips ever; they are hand made by Pat Hogue, himself! A craftsman, he paid such close attention to the length of my fingers, to the width of my grasp and what I was telling him about how I shoot. Every detail that a grip should have is there.
Now, for the adventure….there is a story to follow this fantastic news.
My brother (AKA the Web Commander/Steven) and I were invited to visit the Hogue factory, shoot on the “super secret” private Hogue range and join them for lunch. How could anyone pass that up?
Pat’s brother, Aaron, was kind enough to give us a tour of the Hogue factory. It was awesome! I was blown away by the laser images on the grips… some of the designs look so complex. Steven really enjoyed looking at the mechanical things like the machine that formed the “skeleton” for some of the grips. As if that wasn’t enough, Aaron let us in the gun vault! There was plenty of interesting guns…note the pictures!
Judy (Aaron’s fiancée) just took me to get a “Special” pedicure for the Steel Challenge. You will have to ask me to see them if you see me in Piru… neon pink with black pistols! Judy is awesome. I have made some really special friends on the Hogue Adventure.
Over all, the Hogue Adventure is brilliant. I had tons of fun, love my new grip, got to meet another junior shooter, Daniel, and saw the Hogue Grips factory, made new friends, had a corn dog (my favorite!) for lunch and I now have exceptional toe nails any shooter would be proud of!

THE "STEEL SEASON"

2009-07-26T08:51:00.000-07:00

Recently, I’ve been shooting all the time and all over the place! I have made friends and received warm welcomes from the Sunnyvale Rod and Gun Club where in the last month I have been found practicing for the Steel Challenge with Jim O’Young and Tom Sparacino. Those two make sure I stay in line, and I pay attention to trigger pull and my sights. The constant badgering and humor between Jim and Tom is what makes the practice so much fun. For me watching and learning from the best is a gift and what I really appreciate. Their experience and knowledge of the Steel Challenge is as if the plates themselves are telling me “Let your sights be your speedometer.” (Or was that Jim?) The friends I have met at the Sunnyvale Gun and Rod Club remind me that no matter where I happen to be practicing, the shooting family still exists. Even far away from my home, the bonds that tie the shooting community are there. Or it could be my Mom’s sandwiches? (She always wants to feed everyone!)
Not only did we run through all of the Steel Challenge stages multiple times while in Sunnyvale , but I learned more about the efforts that go on behind the scenes. The Sunnyvale Rod and Gun Club only has one bay, so it was up to Jim and Tom to lug around the steel (You go, guys!)...until I figured it all out – the stands go in the ground, the plates go on the stands, and the bullet goes on the plate. On my second trip up to this club, I had leather gloves and heaved around that steel too! Setting up stages, painting, and picking up the brass are all a part of being a part of the community. I will always be able to look back (and cherish) at the memories of the “hard work” I have had to do this summer.
While at the Sunnyvale Club, I also tried shotgun! Thanks go out to Brent Browning for helping me out and getting me on my way with trap shooting. (And also for letting me shoot his AR! That was awesome!)
I also met another junior shooter… Evans Hauser! It was his first time shooting pistol and he did really well! He was hitting the targets and going rather fast… leaving me and Jim somewhat shocked. (I used the excuse, “Hey, he’s your nephew! Of course he’s gunna be a good shooter!)
I bet no one in the Steel Challenge has done the moon walk for Outer Limits. Well here’s a thought... Jim can do the moon walk! (Definitely left my mom and I in shock.) I want to see a squad of moon-walkers one of theses days… So thank you Jim for the challenge and the Best Summer EVER!
Overall, my shooting is improving, I’m making tons of new friends, I’m trying new things, and enjoying the “Steel Season” as Jim calls it.

IRC Shoot-Offs - Molly vs Jerry!

2009-07-09T22:57:00.000-07:00

See the Molly Movies (to the right ->) to see a video of the 2009 IRC shoot-offs. Molly vs Jerry Miculek!
A special thanks to Julie Goloski for doing an amazing job at taping/editing the video!

The 2009 IRC

2009-06-14T07:33:00.001-07:00

The 2009 IRC is over and what incredible memories I have written in my journal about it. I made many new friends; one in particular, Katie from Australia. Katie was here with her Mum. She told me that in Australia children are not allowed to shoot guns - when they are 12 they can shoot an air soft gun. We are really fortunate to be in this country where children are allowed to learn how to shoot safely and to compete. Since Katie does not shoot, we spent a lot of time getting to know each other. Eric drove us around on the quad; we ate a lot of food, and posed for lots of pictures. I was so glad to have had the opportunity to explain the IRC to her from my perspective. “Watch….watch….watch….. learn….learn….learn, and don’t ever break the 180!” I met a lot of kids who just came out to watch the match too. Some of these kids had no idea about the sport, and I was honored to be able to take some time between stages to explain how it works, and how it is safe and how much fun it is.

I’ve been shooting the revolver since February, and I have had enough experience to know that I really like it and the IRC is a great time to watch and learn. I was in the presence of some of the very best revolver shooters and looking how they work their way through the stages was fascinating. There was one stage that I loved more than any others - there was a lot of motion, activity, and portholes. It was Stage 11, “Poppers.” But Stage 12 “Over the River and Through the Woods” would be a close second. After these two stages, my sides ached from laughing so hard…I wish all stages were as challenging as these two. I’ve decided that I would like to design some stages for future matches. There would be a penalty for anyone who completes it without a smile…bwahaha!

The highlight of the match for me was the shoot offs, though. I got to shoot against the fastest shooter in the world; Jerry Miculek. He gave me a head start, and I got through ¾ of the stage, he started, passed me up, and won…and guess what? I was still only ¾ of the way through the stage when he hit his final target. It was so exciting to be right there, shooting next to him and I will never forget it! Annette Aysen from Smith and Wesson was right there too. She coached me through that shoot off, smiling at me and focusing me on the task of hitting those targets dead on. Take a look at the picture above, Annette was coaching me! She was hugging me with one arm and focusing me on the target with the other. I like that she hugs, smiles, and talks to anyone interested in shooting. In case you didn’t know Annette is the 2009 IRC Ladies Champion! She is incredible to watch.

I’m looking forward to the 2010 IRC....maybe they will adopt a Molly Stage, I promise it will be fun!

A Public Display

2009-06-13T21:31:00.000-07:00

For this post, I just wanted to bring up a disclaimer regarding a public display. I am not responsible for my parent’s behavior! You see, my parents had not seen each other in awhile and kept passing each other by at the IRC. My mom helping out and my dad sitting at a booth selling raffle tickets. So they would glance and wave to each other until my mom got the great idea to blow kisses to my dad. Not one, but multiple kisses. She was kissing her thumbs and throwing them out there for all to see. Unfortunately many shooters thought my mom was blowing them kisses! Am I ever embarrassed - I couldn’t believe my eyes. But even worse was my Dad blowing kisses back, big kisses. And some of the shooters caught those kisses, some even blew kisses back to him! What a day.

2009 IRC June 5-7

2009-05-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

The 2009 IRC (International Revolver Championship) is coming soon, June 5-7. At the SLOSA range. It is going to be so much fun! See you there!

A Little Bird Told Me

2009-05-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

At the SLOSA range the birds are fairly tame. They are used to landing on the cows which surround the range and don’t seem to give much of a thought as the bullets wiz by them; they tend to zip away when the shooting starts. My friend Eric Leach (who doesn’t know yet, but I’m his long lost {annoying} little sister), is very patient. The birds sit on his targets and he waits, often shooting all the targets around him until they fly away, this can delay his time in a timed match. Last week, one bird was so stubborn and would not fly away even as the bullets wizzed by. This got me to thinking, what would a little sister do to torment a brother shooter? A fake annoying bird! What else? So I, as the group was preparing for the match yesterday, snuck off to the bay that Eric would be shooting on. There, I found really stretchy tape and taped a fake bird to the top of one of his steel targets. Let me just say that the day before this adventure I sent Eric a text message, simply saying “Tweet, Tweet, and Tweet!” As Eric shot every target except the one where the cursed bird was perched, I could see the tension building. So Eric hit that target, just an inch or so away from the fake bird, still thinking the bird was real, he hit the target again, and again. The bird did not flinch! At this point we were all laughing so hard, but the joke was still on Eric. Once he caught on that someone played a trick on him and the bird was fake he shot the fake bird, but the stretchy tape kept the bird on and it bounced back up. So Eric shot it again, but it still bounced right back up. We all got a good laugh and the squad continued to shoot. After our squad was done, I ran down range and retrieved the fake bird. Eric was well on his way to the next stage so it was my best opportunity yet…..I stuck the fake bird on his truck antenna I wonder how long it took before he noticed?

Super Squad and the Lanterne Rouge

2009-05-04T20:16:00.000-07:00

The Take 5 Championship was this weekend at the SLOSA Range. Feeling extra energetic I agreed to take part in the “Super Squad” with a secret aim of not being dead last. I didn’t join the Super Squad because I thought I could win, I did it because I wanted to shoot with the very top shooters. Being able to watch their styles and learn whatever lessons I could from them and pushing myself, was winning. To answer the burning question, did I come in first? No. Did I place? Yes, Last. The Lanterne Rouge was the award. More than a plaque, Jim O’Young, a brilliant shooter, and role model extraordinaire, thought this would be a special way to honor persistence and determination.
This was the most difficult match I ever shot. It was raining; I was soaked, really cold, and sinking in the mud. By night fall it was so dark I couldn’t see the targets, I shoot limited with iron sights and did I mention my back sight fell off (Thank you John Allchin for helping me reattach it)? Never was I asked if I wanted to go home, except by my mom who was feeling my pain the entire time. The Squad all knew that I was in this for the long haul and was not going to give in or give up, no matter what!!!
The shooters on the Super Squad were amazing, and they didn’t complain, ever! Not a primadonna in the group. They laughed, and encouraged each other, they were friends and professionals. It was amazing to watch them shoot so fast. Barrels were lighting up like fireworks. (I admit to jumping more than once when my barrel lit-up, sparky barrel...spaaaaaarky barrel.)
In case you are wondering the Lanterne Rouge is an award started by the Tour de France in 1903 to celebrate the accomplishments of the last rider to finish the Tour. The red lantern on the back of the caboose was the inspiration for the award. The engineer of a train could look back and see the red lantern on the caboose, bringing up the rear. He knew his train was all together. Like the caboose I was bringing up the rear, and feeling a part of the team. The memories of this match will go down in my journal as the best match ever. I am looking forward to next year; hopefully the match organizers will allow me to present the Lanterne Rouge award to the last place finisher. I plan on being on the Super Squad again next year, only not in last place.

Overview: AMAZINGNESS!

To Be or Not To Be?

2009-04-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

Every day that I go to the range to shoot, I find that there’s always something new to learn, even if I didn’t think I needed to learn anything new that day! This was the case at a recent SLOSA club match. To be or not to be an RO? That was the question. RO means “Range-Officer,” (AKA "R"eally "O"wsome), somebody who ensures the safety of the shooter and onlookers. There are some fundamentals that every RO should know. Starting with memory…..I’m definitely not an exception to that rule. I find that memorizing the speech is supposed to be automatic except when you forget it, like when you are supposed to be saying it to a shooter. Now was that “Stow yer sporting implement, matey?” or was it “Clear and make safe, Cupcake?”
Shoes are another issue. This is particularly important for someone of my stature, just over 4 ft 9. Wrong shoes equals a face plant in the back end of the shooter when running behind them, be sure to check your tread. It would be really helpful to all vertically challenged ROs if shooters, taller than the RO, would sit down to shoot or ROs get platform RO shoes. Either way, I could reach the shooter with the timer. On the topic of timers, why not just have a recording of the commands? A Talking Timer!
I did figure out one secret, a good part of ROing is that it strengthens your arm muscles. Holding up that timer high enough, about a foot higher than my reach, for exceptionally long periods is actually an advantage. The unrelenting isometric exercises, as my friend Richard reminds me to do, are helpful. My upper arm strength has greatly improved by this painful exercise. Try ROing with your weak arm, and then take your turn at the weak arm/strong arm revolver stage, you will amaze those who never thought you could shoot weak arm. By the time a relief RO fills in, you can no longer tell if your arm’s falling asleep or if it is someone else’s arm entirely, because yours are so numb. Even with a numb arm, at the end of the day you can finally take a rest but remember that white chairs have huge spiders on them, frogs live in the outhouses and the snakes don’t respond to timer buzzers!
To be or not to be an RO, I can honestly say….. To Be! I had so much fun, thanks to everyone on my squad, and Jason for not stepping on me. I can’t wait to do it again. (I’ll be looking for the platform RO shoes…any suggestions where I can pick them up?)

Spring Break

2009-04-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

Yaaaay!! Spring break is finally here and I’m back to writing my blog. The “Yaaaaying!!”actually started on Friday with a fun practice at the Hogue Range, working on my trigger control. Saturday was the USPSA match (hence more fun.) Sunday was Easter with chocolate and Peeps, but no Jelly Bellies. I thought there was a Take-5 club match on Sunday, but when we got there no one was there but the crickets and tumbleweeds. The Rifle Range is open. Tuesday is the dentist. Most people don’t like going to the dentist, but I don’t mind, seeing as I see my dentist all the time at the range. Wednesday the range is closed but there is always reloading to do. Thursday the range is open, yay! Friday, more practice - the Rifle Range is open and my friend Jeff, the Range Officer is always there on Fridays. Saturday is an IRC Club Match.

In short terms: Spring break = range time = YAAAAAY!

I Meant to Do That

2009-02-15T21:47:00.001-08:00

This weeks practice was very interesting, filled with “Ooops!” and “Darns!” I had difficulties with the moon clips. (Moon clips are what you put in your revolver to keep the spent bullets together and easy to find.) I couldn’t figure out why the moon clips wouldn’t snap up out of their holders. This was an “Ooops” moment, I had the holder upside down. Then as I was loading more moon clips. I was trying to use a very complex (Cough) instrument (Cough) to speed up loading. I couldn’t figure it out. Another shooter watched for a few minutes, then showed me by flipping it over, it will work. It was upside down, “Ooops.”
Randy was having a good time laughing at that, but I was enjoying myself, pointing out how it was Randy’s fault that the moon clip holder was upside-down… It was his fault…right? No, not really…I meant to do that!
Finally I began to shoot and I was doing well for my first few shots then a squib. (A squib is a ‘squib-load,’ and not the creatures from Half-Life) A squib load is when there isn’t enough powder in the bullet when it is fired and it doesn’t leave the barrel. It can be really dangerous. Thankfully, Randy helped me get the squib out of my barrel and I continued practice.
I did super good, getting almost all my shots near the middle of the target.
Over all, the day was a total “I Meant to Do That” day. As usual it was a great day. I would love to hear about your “I meant to do that” moments! It would be fun to read and share how others stumble and fumble and still laugh and have fun. Encouragement all the way around because we all have “I meant to do that” moments.

The Jelly Belly Challenge

2009-02-01T09:40:00.001-08:00

Would you shoot for Jelly Bellys? I would, and I did at the last SLOSA club Steel Challenge Shoot. I bet you’re thinking of something else (jelly belly)! Jelly Bellys’ are delicious jelly beans. My favorite candy! During the shoot, my squad gave me a challenge. I learned quickly not to waste bullets. For every bullet that missed the target I had to pay ten Jelly Bellys’ to the participants in the challenge, but my squad members had to pay up Jelly Bellys too. Oh yeah, a painful yet effective way to improve accuracy.
By the end of the day, my scores were pretty good. The “Outer Limits” actually felt a little more coordinated. I managed to keep my feet working with my brain (and trigger) and I wasn’t down too many Jelly Bellys at this point. As the shoot progressed the Jelly Belly tally grew, but not just for me! The score sheets were no longer looking like score sheets. Jelly Bellys’ were being tallied everywhere- on the margins, on the back. I wonder what our number exacting score coordinator, John Hausman must have been thinking when he looked at those sheets?
Getting in the Zone was still my goal for the day. The sounds “Plink Plink… Plink Plink Plink” was my rhythm. When I heard those plinks I would sigh in relief or jump up and down, because the run left all my Jelly Bellys in tact. My squad members laughed as I would look at them and say “No Jelly Bellys on that run!” There were jokes and fun all around. And the best comment of the day after one squad member’s run was “I meant to do that!” Hmmmm… forfeiting Jelly Bellys?
Randy Lee and Gary Thompson were the big Jelly Belly winners of the day. I owe Randy 90 Jelly Bellys and Gary 100! Now, the difficult task of deciding the flavors for the bounty that I have to pay. I guess I will have to sample them all to figure out which ones taste the best. It seems the Jelly Belly challenge went over well, in-fact if any of you SLOSA club shoot organizers read this, you might want to take note of a new and fun shoot…..A Jelly Belly Challenge!

The Zone or the Cone Zone

2009-01-15T20:16:00.000-08:00

A 2nd Molly Minute, I am on a roll. “The Zone” or the “Cone Zone?” For speed shooters there’re two kinds of zones. Where do you end up most of the time? I used to be in the “Cone Zone," but ever since I got in “The Zone” I experience it more and more. What’s the difference? “The Zone” is where the really fast shooters hang out. When you visit “The Zone,” you feel like everything is moving really slow, but that’s the strange part, actually you’re shooting really fast. The “Cone Zone” is for every one else, slow shooters and fast shooters that are having an off day. Slow shooters, stay in the “Cone Zone.” Sometimes when they’re in it, it feels like everything is moving really fast, but that’s just because they never experienced “The Zone." Not everyone gets into “The Zone,” but when you get there you will never forget that feeling. Once you’ve shot in “The Zone” you are a life time member of “The Zone” club. This is kind of like the inner circle, but not exactly, because you don’t know everyone that has ever been in “The Zone.” If I could tell other kids how to get in “The Zone,” the first thing I would say is it just has to happen on its own and not be forced; it just comes! Be relaxed and have fun, if there’s no pressure on you to be in “The Zone” it’ll just happen. But don’t be discouraged if you’re in the “Cone Zone” because if you just stick to shooting, it’ll come, but not if you are not having fun. The first time I was in “The Zone,” I shot faster than I ever had before and hit all the targets! Randy Lee was with me and asked me “What just happened?” He had to sit down and talk about it because he did not expect me to shoot that fast. I am not sure which was more fun, being in “The Zone” or seeing how proud Randy was of me. I could only tell him that it was really weird and nothing like before. When I described what happened, everyone around me said “Ohhhhh, Ahhhhh…. You were in the Zone!” Yes for those brief 2 seconds, I was changed. People asked me what it felt like and this is what I say: It’s like you have tunnel vision looking at your sight, you feel like you are moving real slow and mechanical, you don’t really realize it until you’re finished…and then you breathe again.

Beauty....Personality and Character

2009-01-11T19:42:00.000-08:00

For my very first blog posting I want to ask the question what is beauty? I wonder how many people would think that a 12 year old, shooting steel targets or anyone else shooting a gun for that matter, could be beautiful. There are adults and kids too that are offended by this sport. It must be because they don’t know about the sport, I’m always eager to talk to them about it and the people I know who shoot. I’ve seen beauty and generosity in so many shooters - they are role models for the sport. Their kindness, their jokes, their smile, their patience with a most terrifying thing…a brand new kid shooter (a very scary creature), and most of all their love of a sport is beautiful.
Beauty is a word meaning “a quality that pleases the senses or the mind” according to Webster’s Dictionary. To me beauty is more. I wonder how many people look to one another and see a deeper beauty, a deeper quality; personality and character. Personality and character is a person’s treasure and prize, it is their beauty. Personality and character show who they are. Being “beautiful” in modern day socity has so much importance, and many meanings. For some people looking in the mirror they see only their flaws. If only they could stop thinking about blemishes and start thinking about the good qualities they have, like good grades, a nice smile, beautiful eyes, or being able to shoot a steel target in less than 30 seconds. Thinking about their good qualities will improve their self-confidence, and how they feel about their “outer beauty.” People have insecurities, and that’s normal; it’s sad that people make a commotion over them.
When I think about the people I have met shooting, dusty and dirty, big goggles, earphones, hats messing up their hair, and those weird poses and faces they make when they are aiming, I know they are beautiful. They don’t care what they look like on the outside, they are focused on the inside, they focus on shooting the best they can, and focus on enjoying the sport of shooting. The fact that they don’t care if their hair’s messed up, is beauty in itself! They make me want to be the best I can be. I’m lucky; I’ve found beautiful people at a very unusual place, the shooting range. Tell me your thoughts.