Memories of 1st indoor competition


SonnyThomas

Recommended Posts

Our shop just started league action and one of the boys was fallen apart - case of the nerves. So I related of my first experience many years back.

I'd shot at the local indoor range, but nothing serious and not anywhere near what a full line can be. I had shot only the single and 5 spot targets.

A 3D shootin' buddy talked me into going to a sanctioned Indoor Qualifier. When we arrived I got the first look of the dreaded Vegas face target, 10 ring near the size of the X ring of a 5 Spot. Well, okay. I stepped to line and the next thing I felt like a sardine in a can - the line was absolutely full - felt like shoulder to shoulder. The targets were butted together, side to side and up and down. Lord. Yeah, I had the jitters. And then lighting or whatever, my sight was off a mile (seemed like it anyway). So during the practice ends I'm adjusting like mad and get back on target. A couple of 10s made feel better. About the 2nd end of competition this fellow to my right up and says; "Hey! Your arrows are invading my space!" They weren't touching him, just crossing the line on the floor. So I rigged my quiver so the arrows were straight up. A little later, the jitters still with me, I up and shoot the target of the shooter to my left. It was a 10 and when we went to score he asked the line judge if he could claim it (in fun). That sort of helped. But, during the next end or so this shooter down the line about 3 stations turns loose her arrow and nails the exit door off the left of the wall. Imagine a 12 ga. shotgun going off indoors. Yep, jitters are back. Of the next end this person up and nails the door again. Finally, the indoor event was over. I'll tell you that I was drained puppy. I did get over the experience though it took a couple of years for me to trying shooting real indoor competition again. Things went better and I eventually took a couple of 3rds in the State's Indoor Championship.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Everytime I see a newbie that is nervous I just walk up and say..........Remember everyone of the shooters you see on this line were a beginner like you at one time. We've all been in your shoes.

I can't stand it when the guys that have been shooting for years have a holier than thou attitude toward the new guys.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.