Since my last post on this thread, I have received several emails from shooters all over the country wanting more information on the 3X air match. The following is my reply to one particular new shooter which may help others get a feel for the event:
***********************
Bill:
Regarding your question about whether the 3X air match is a good way to achieve your Olympic goal - the answer is YES.
First, you will be shooting next to the most talented shooters in the country and you will learn much just by participating, observing, listening and asking your own questions. You will probably meet some of the members of the US Olympic team.
Second, I'm not sure what the criteria is for participating in training day but if you can swing it, I highly recommend it. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and get personal attention from our national olympic team coach, Sergey Luzov and many other world class shooters as well. You will be amazed at how much you can improve your shooting in just a couple of days. Training day will also give you ideas of what you need to work on even after you go home. This is a rare opportunity that many people cannot enjoy. You should email USA Shooting to see if you can sign up as QUICKLY as possible.
Do NOT be intimidated. Besides being some of the worlds best shooters, they are also the most gracious competitors. Additionally, there wil be many beginners and first time shooters as well. The competition is designed to help everyone shoot better and have a good time as well.
Here's a couple of links to help answer more of your questions:
To get a copy of the match program and an entry form, go to:
http://www.usashooting.com/competitions ... 202005.pdf
To get a copy of all the official rules regarding air pistol, go to:
http://www.issf-shooting.org/rules/rules_2005.pdf
This is a better link to a shorter version of the rules for air pistol:
http://www.usashooting.com/Disciplines/ ... sc.cfm#air
If you are thinking of buying a new air pistol and have not made up your mind as to a specific choice, you should consider waiting until you get to Colorado so that you will have the opportunity to see what other shooters are using. Then you can spend your hard earned money - at Pilkington's of course.
If you do not have the time to come in for training day, you can just come and shoot on the three competition days (Fri/Sat/Sun).
The TOP GUN match is the final match and is the most FUN. It is not meant to be taken seriously. Everyone is welcome to participate.
TOP GUN is essentially an elimination match. It consists of everyone shooting several elimination rounds after which the top shooters in each round move to the next round while the bottom shooters are eliminated. This goes on until only two shooters are left and they shoot the final round in which one is eliminated and the other earns TOP GUN.
WARNING: The shooters who are eliminated will sit in the spectator and are encouraged to boo and cheer for their favorite competitor. These spectators will hold up signs, make funny noises and even yell out good natured insults towards the competitors still shooting.
Like I said, this is meant to be a fun match. Last year, one particular shooter who took third place in the TOP GUN match actually dropped his pants and "mooned" all the spectators. Anyway, I hope you get the idea.
Let me know if you have any other questions and I hope you can make it out to a fantastic event.
P.S. One other benefit of coming is that you get to see one of the most beautiful places on earth - COLORADO!
Paul