![]() ![]() The effort to manage match nerves dovetailed with a real-life effort to manage anxiety, cognitive training and mental health – and the benefits have been beautiful. Related, the daily life benefits from what I’ve learned through highpower rifle competition have proved invaluable (Hold hard and favor center!). He made the cut line and took the last of six legs during the match. In June 2021, Jones fired in the EIC match at Viale Range on Camp Perry when the wind gusts reached 25 mph. The cast of characters at these matches are largely an intellectually curious, gracious and fun bunch, and my close associations with some of them have broadened my horizons far beyond rifle marksmanship. I am delighted to say that the long trek blessed me with life-enriching friendships that would not have occurred if I would have been golfing all those years. A local friend and excellent rifleman even commuted an hour to coach me during live fire in 35-degree weather, not having trigger time for himself. And, of course, there was the loving support of my wonderful wife and daughter who could see the benefits competitive rifle was providing for me.Īnd let’s remember the timely encouragement to persevere and press on! Strangers on Viale at Camp Perry offering observations on the line fresh after a string of fire experiential knowledge shared through casual conversation in the pits, the parking lot or online phone conversations with friends mental management suggestions equipment corrections reloading improvements and on and on. I could not begin to calculate, let alone properly express gratitude for, the time and effort others have provided. ![]() Is there another sport where one’s competitors go out of their way to encourage and instruct you in hopes you improve? Jones attends the Camp Perry National Matches each year. The fact that it occurred is a testament to the generous and encouraging culture of the highpower rifle community. I went Distinguished this past September – a journey that was seven years in the making. Also, what follows will be a blend of what was shared with me, thoughts from Raymond Prior who authored Bullseye Mind (if you haven’t already, read and savor this book!), sessions with an excellent cognitive therapist, good reading and what seems to add up and follow from experience. I simply wish to contribute to this culture as others have done before me and pass along some things that benefited me. Make no mistake, there is much improvement I am excited to pursue, so what follows is not advice from a record setter or one of the Zen Masters. This article is dedicated to the memory of the author’s father, Donald E. Going Distinguished: Experiences of a Fellow RiflemanįebruCivilian Marksmanship Program ▸ The First Shot ▸ Going Distinguished: Experiences of a Fellow Riflemanīy Adam S. ![]()
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