Premiere on 9mm Pistol Nationals

Today, Sep.18th, 2010, approx. 50 Kms north of Lisbon, at the shooting range complex of the Portuguese Air Force Centre for Military and Technical Training (CFMTFA, ex-Air Force Base N. 2), Ota, Alenquer, it took place the 9mm "Sport Pistol"  Nationals (60 shoots, 25 meters / 27 yards using ISSF precision and velocity targets - 30 each).

Photo by R. Vilhena

Photo by R. Vilhena

It was my absolute "première" at a competition with a 9mm Pistol and with a previous experience of less then 700 shoots (comprehending initial setup and subsequent training). My goals for this "première"were: a "mediocre" minimum at 350 points, a "normal" at 400 points and a "great" at 420 points. As expected I end up with a better score on the "speed" series (5 shoots in max. 20 seconds) then on the "precision" series (5 shoots in max. 5 minutes) - an average of >10 points more (per each 50 points series). With my STI Target Master with Winchester 115 grains FMJ 9x19mm I scored a overall 399 out of 600 points, and finished 12th among the 16 shooters on my class (HS2). Official scores for all competitors can de be found here >> .

Personal draft notes on score - 399 / 600

The sights were, specially on the precision series, leading to many right-sided shoots (scores of 5s and 6s) but I decided, as a best practise rule, not to mess with sight adjustment during a match. It will be my next trainning assignment - to check and re-check them. Also it was the first time dealing with other shooters on the side without a sound breaking barrier between us - instead of the brick and cement barriers I'm used to have during training sessions at the Carregueira shooting range, here there was a simple mesh. The sound waves were very disturbing on the first series.

My shooting setup on the 2010 9mm Nationals support bench

My setup details: ISSF glasses (adjustable iris, front and side L/R blinds) by Miroslav Varga (CZ), ammo carry and sorting case by Smart Reloader (Italy), notebook by Moleskine, cotton towel, ear protection by Peltor (Optime III), non slip cloth and STI factory standard carry case.

A 50+ photo gallery of the Nationals can be reached at >> CPTPP Website and a approx. 3 min video report can be reached at >> Youtube Video Report .