johno1970 Posted May 6, 2014 Report Share Posted May 6, 2014 A number of lessons under my belt, new gun and a load of cartridges. Its time to go it alone for the first time. Off to Hawley, had my first lesson there and seemed pretty informal so should be an ideal place to start. Little did I know they have a competition on and the place was packed with people. I was ready to turn around and come away but the wife pointed out that I had spent good money on the gun so I was damn well going to use it. Off to the desk then but what do you ask for? They dont teach you that in any lesson. So score card in hand I headed for the nearest stand. Damn theres a queue of people and more people joining behind me. Will they watch me shoot or will they be kind enough to turn there back and let me do my thing without eyes boring into me. Now its my turn and everything ive ever been taught leaves my mind. I stand funny, I just shoot in the general direction of the little black flying disc thingy, I feel thousands of eyes boring into my back (might be a slight exaggeration), I feel rushed. Just 4 out of 10, dont look at anyone as you walk away. Deep breath and on to the next, keep going and finish with 50/100 Things can only get better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAL S Posted May 6, 2014 Report Share Posted May 6, 2014 not bad for your first time keep going and forget about the ones behind you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
100milesaway Posted May 6, 2014 Report Share Posted May 6, 2014 Use your waiting time wisely, you can learn sheds full just by watching the big hitters.. from Auntie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johno1970 Posted May 6, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 6, 2014 Use your waiting time wisely, you can learn sheds full just by watching the big hitters.. from Auntie. I knew I should watch others but didnt think straight. Felt nervious and my mind went blank.........what a fool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiffy Posted May 6, 2014 Report Share Posted May 6, 2014 i had the same my first time out, got to the ground to find a comp on... only having fired a few shots off on a local farm to try the gun the day i bought it i had no idea, one of the guys i went with was an ex competative shooter who i believe was a welsh captain of his chosen disapline at one point, the guy walking us round scoring was saying he had just won some big comp.. then theres me with no idea at all.. mix that with my hate of being watched doin anything let alone something ive not done before and my undies where a different colour! i got i think 42 which i was pleased with.. i did leave sort of happy and thinking who ever invented hose damn minis should be castrated.. i couldnt even see them! i have improved since but not that much.. but who cares i enjoy it what ever i score did try ABT a while ago.. never again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
100milesaway Posted May 6, 2014 Report Share Posted May 6, 2014 I knew I should watch others but didnt think straight. Felt nervious and my mind went blank.........what a fool It's only the fool that doesn't learn from mistakes. All those good shots around you all started off exactly where you are today, but tomorrow... from Auntie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jega Posted May 7, 2014 Report Share Posted May 7, 2014 (edited) I know it's easy to be wise after the event but why didn't you let someone know you were new to the sport. I honestly haven't come across any shoots were people were unwilling to help a newcomer. Next time you go to a ground introduce yourself and let them know your new and would they mind you joining them for some experience,usually the promise of a cup of tea and biscuits /cake does the trick . Joking aside you'll be very hard pressed to find a more helpful friendly bunch of lads and lasses then clay shooters ,and remember the important thing ......bloody we'll enjoy it !! Edited May 7, 2014 by Jega Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshwarrior Posted May 7, 2014 Report Share Posted May 7, 2014 As I point out to my wife when she flaps about people watching as long as your safe they don't care what you shoot or miss, take your time most people will cut you slack even professional where novices once Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougall Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 nobody really cares what other folk score,everybody started out at some point.Just be safe,enjoy it and believe me no one will think you are rubbish..watch others shoot,learn from them,body position/pick up points which order they attack the birds,where they break them.....having other folk around is a positive if looked at as a learning opportunity.50/100 is no disgrace either,O would guess the average of all shooters will be 60-65......you aint far behind them already..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rogerhoad Posted May 10, 2014 Report Share Posted May 10, 2014 I knew I should watch others but didnt think straight. Felt nervious and my mind went blank.........what a fool Hope to see you at the 'Have a go Day' on the 24th. Hopefully we can make you feel more confident next time you enter a competition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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