Project Appleseed

So,

I am coaching a Navy shooter in HP, imparting things I have learned to him.  There is a LOT to this shooting stuff, much of it becomes "habit" and I don't realize it.  But, his questions have prompted me to consider sharing them with you.

How does one truly relax, in 98+ degree weather and humidity (typical Camp Perry weather)?

Gear stuff.....

- A simple $2.00 sweatband on the forehead is worth at least 10 points thru a match for me.  Sweatband keeps "most of" the sweat off my eyes.  It also helps to keep my glasses from fogging (if one is required to wear them, I typically do not).
Try a sweatband, if you have issues with sweat.

- An Eye Occluder (eye patch that can be found at most of the shooting sports stores) that is opaque in color.  So that the non shooting eye gets the same lighting as the shooting eye, can help with eye strain.

- Deodorant on the forehead can help as well with the sweat

- A performance towel/shamwow/sponge like towel, wrapped around a frozen water bottle can feel like heaven by the time one gets to stage 4 of the AQT or the 600 yard line

- Anti Monkey Butt powder in the "intimates area" can be a life saver on a hot humid day.  There is also a product called "Fresh Balls" that I use, and it makes it feel like springtime in my pants (Howie Mandell reference to the product I stole).  Stuff is good!

- No skinny jeans...., God that would be uncomfy.  I like pants that have room in the crotch area, especially for shooting seated.

- Performance moisture wicking shirts.  I wear a shooting coat with a jersey and a performance moisture wicking shirt, that helps.  Cotton Appleseed Type shirts are not ideal for wicking moisture.  Wear a sweatshirt, even in the hot/humid weather, helps to mask some of the pulse, and it also helps the "rub" on the elbow.  It also helps to protect the arm from the sling.

- Loosen belt and unbutton pants when shooting seated.  This lowers the pulse from abdominal area and can raise scores.  Just remember to square yourself away prior to standing back up.

- Motrin- helps with the relax

- Water for hydration.  I like the Nunn tablets JMDavis turned me onto.  No caffeiine/sugar, just electrolytes.  Can be found on Amazon.

- Food!  Gotta keep the caloric intake going thru a match. 

Coffee can be bad.  I drink a TON of it, but during matches I limit myself to 1 - 1.5 cups in the morning when I wake up.  Gives me a few hours to work the caffeine out.

Smoking (I smoke) is a bad thing for pulse.  I intend to quit.

Hydration!  This is important, and it starts the day prior. 

This may sound gross, but....try to empty the bowel prior to the match.   I know for me, I shoot better when I do not miss my "window of pooportunity"

Anyone else have any gems to add?

What surely does not work:

- Elbow pads!  What was I thinking! 
- Knee pads!  Same as above

In some "How to prepare for an AS" post/article/video (can't remember) the author highly suggests the knee pads and elbow pads.  Totally disagree.  If needed for a medical condition, use em.  If your elbow is raw cause you don't shoot prone often, ohh well! LOL

Ok, Chris, now that you have gone public with your commitment not to smoke anymore, we'll all hold you to it.

After the season, I will be putting em down!

Do we have your permission to smack them out of you hand on sight? Beginning no later than January 1 2018?

Quote from: navybowhunter on July 15, 2017, 11:43:22 AM

What surely does not work:

- Elbow pads!  What was I thinking! 
- Knee pads!  Same as above

In some "How to prepare for an AS" post/article/video (can't remember) the author highly suggests the knee pads and elbow pads.  Totally disagree.  If needed for a medical condition, use em.  If your elbow is raw cause you don't shoot prone often, ohh well! LOL

For Appleseed, Tru Spec TCUs are very comfortable with the neoprene elbow and knee inserts; just enough padding to be helpful but not obnoxious. Just don't make the mistake I did and get camo cuz you can't wear it as an instructor.

My point to elbow pads, is more of a caution. 

If they are the type that are curved on the outside, it can act as a ball joint pivot area, and not be a good thing for maintaining a solid position.

That was my experience with elbow pads.  I lost them after my 2nd Appleseed, and have not looked back.

Sweathshirt, helps to pad the elbow some.  There is really no need for anything else, unless required for a medical condition.

Elbow pads can also lend to an incorrect position.  As the elbow pad protects the ball of the elbow.  It also can force one to set their elbow down on that ball, by virtue of the elbow pad design.

The way I set my prone position, I am NEVER on my elbow.  I am resting on the meat behind the elbow.  Extend the elbow forward, and invert it in towards the other arm, this forces one to get the elbow FLAT on the deck, and more in line under the rifle.

Knee pads, those are fine, if you require them.  I cannot think of any scenario where knee pads would have a negative effect on the shot.  I would not wear them in seated, would think they would be a little bulky and in the way.

R/
Chris