Help, I messed up at an IPSC match...

[Migo]

I shot my second IPSC match last weekend.

The timer went off. I dropped the umbrella. I picked up my 1911 off the barrel in front of me, ripped a magazine from my belt, loaded the weapon, and ran downrange, stopping periodically to shoot three sets of targets along my left. Halfway downrange, I turned 90 degrees to my right to shoot a target further downrange from me at the downrange center of the COF. I then turned another 90 degrees to my right, instinctively, since all remaining targets were to my right. Yes, you know where this is going now.

I started running up range to my starting point to open a door, after which I was then allowed to shoot at the steel, at the center of the COF up range of the last paper targets I just shot. I messed up while running up range and had the muzzle pointed up range. Obviously, and thankfully, I was quickly DQ'd.

I've lost a fair amount of sleep over violating two of Cooper's four rules. I'm usually very conscious of muzzle direction, or I wouldn't have started shooting in IPSC, but this particular COF seemed tricky.

I was thinking of setting up a practice COF where I start facing downrange next to the target, start the timer, draw, turn around and run up range 40 feet (minding my muzzle direction), and then shoot the target.

Do any of you experts have any ideas that might help me not make this critical mistake again?

I respect you guys immensely. I've been listening to your podcasts for a while now, I have a couple of Mr. Ayoob's excellent books, and I also find it inspirational in how Gail moved away from my controlling hometown and is now an IDPA RO.

Migo

[Chris]

COFs that require uprange movement with a loaded firearm scare the hell out of me... as a IDPA SO who often runs new shooter squads. I am like a hawk watching FINGER & MUZZLE. I don't know if setting up such a COF in your backyard would help. To my way of thinking, it really is a matter of SOLID THOUGHT before the buzzer goes.... where the hell do I have to have the muzze pointed as I run from this point to that. THAT needs to be the primary thought... not the targets... not the reload points. I have experienced some such COFs as a IPSC competitor and sometimes my approach to the stage centers on which side of my body the gun will be on as I move, and which is the easiest to keep down range. Same applies to IDPA when I have to make a major lateral transition between shooting points. I don't know any other way to describe it other than ... if you have to move... think muzzle direction first... everything else is secondary.
And... it's good that you took the DQ the way you did.... the mental aspect you related. I have seen even upper level shooters get DQed when they started thinking more about targets&time than safety. You just have to plan that safety factor into whatever COF you are shooting... and the safety factor has to take priority.
Chris Christian

[Gail]

Migo,

    Don't beat yourself up too badly, it sure was a learning experience for you and I'll bet you'll never make that mistake again. I too, have seen well known, experienced shooters get DQd at matches. Keep you head in the game, and like Chris said always be aware of your muzzle.
 
     I was recently at a shooting clinic where they suggested that when moving laterally you turn you gun 90 degrees, making it horizontal, as you move between positions. The reason is that it makes you less likely to break 180, like the shooter in the picture below. that might help.

Gail

[Chris]

Migo,
Gail's photo is an EXCELLENT example of a shooter moving in an awkward lateral way while still keeping his muzzle down range. Also note exactly where his trigger finger is. Shooters like this gladden the heart of SO/ROs, and keep us from having to change our underwear too often.
Chris Christian

[Daeglan]

What is the best way to practice this and make it habit?

[Chris]

I don't know of any way to practice and make this a habit... other than doing it. That means THINKING before the buzzer goes off. Plan each stage... execute the plan. In time it becomes second nature. I know of no "quick fix".
Chris Christian

[Migo]

Gail and Chris,

Thank you. The picture helps because I think I started to develop the habit of running with the weapon in the "retracted ready" position, which is obviously bad if I'm running up range, and it would also break 180 in lateral moves. I think holding the pistol like in the picture and developing the habit of always pointing down range with my trigger finger will definitely help. I'm just trying to develop that habit quickly and safely.

Migo

[Chris]

Migo
The fact that you looked at the picture... noted gun position and trigger finger position... and thought about how that can apply to you... means to me that you will have this down pretty quickly. It's just a matter of thought. Good luck... but I don't expect you'll get DQed for a muzzle again.
Chris Christian

[tom]

The turns and then places you basically have to go backwards especially in uneven ground, great fun.  We had a stage at the last match where you started at the end of the hall had to back and shoot around cover to left and the 180 point was right there, then turn right and run along another wall with your last targets being to the left around the corner from that wall.  2 of the regulars DQd in that stage early in the day but running up and then back, not a fun combo.

Thinking about that and the picture of lateral, I am wondering if most people go with the dominant arm across the body if the picture below was reversed ie down range was on your left side or in a similar fashion when you have to "run back" do you lead with your firing shoulder or your weak shoulder.  Being quite new to this, I tend to keep both hands on the grip and since I am left handed but shoot right it means my left hand can act as traffic cop for the right.

[Daeglan]

And I thought the shooting part was hard. The not shooting people is even harder... I will go really really slow when I start.