Return of the Booth Babes: The 2007 SHOT Show
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Petzal: Happy Warriors
In the 1950s, in The Gun Digest, Charlie Askins did a terrific piece on then-Master Sergeant Huelet "Joe" Benner, who was one of the great American handgun shooters of the 20th century. Askins gave GD's readers a detailed look at how Benner went about his trade, and the handguns he used, and then included the seemingly odd piece of information that Benner was a happy man, very much at peace with himself and the world.
Maybe not so odd. In the late 1980s I spoke with the colonel who commanded the Marine Corps Scout-Sniper School, and asked him what psychological types they looked for in their candidates.
"We want all-American boys," he said. "We don't want loners or psychos or Rambos. We want well-adjusted Marines who will do exactly what we tell them to do."
The club that tolerates my presence runs year-round competitions with rifle, handgun, and shotgun, and the most-revered competitor in its 107-year history is a man who not only beat everyone at everything nearly all the time but was the personification of a sportsman and a gentleman. His name deserves to be remembered, so I will tell you that it was David George.
He was a ferocious competitor, but his ferocity was directed against targets, not himself or his fellow shooters. When he won, he won with grace, and on those rare occasions when he lost, he was no different.
The moral of all this is that the best shooting is done with an untroubled spirit. Martial artists make much of this, and they are right. If you can't master yourself, you will never master a rifle.
I've flown airplanes for a long while and have to say that the same characteristics are common among the best pilots: a kind of comfort and ease with themselves and their environment.
Posted by: William Roberts | August 04, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Dave,
Good post. You are correct in writing that the best shooting is done when one is untroubled. I have noticed that when I am having a good day, I shoot well. Other times, not so well. If I need to let off a little tension, the 10/.22 is a good tool with some pop cans! Leave the big stick in the safe!
Posted by: WA Mtnhunter | August 04, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Sure its the happy man that makes the good shot, and not the good shot that makes the man happy?
Posted by: jason d. | August 04, 2008 at 02:28 PM
Wa Mtnhunter,
I did the same thing you did. When I was working full time in a particular hell hole I'd come home way outta sorts. Would take the 12ga out on the back porch and shoot black birds coming in from an evening drink at the river. After a box or so I felt all relaxed. Just needed a little knockin around.
Posted by: Jim in Mo. | August 04, 2008 at 05:44 PM
The cleanest living (and best shooting) I enjoyed was a period of competitive shooting while stationed at USMCAS El Toro in Orange County (CA) as a young NCO in the late '60s, after I returned from RVN. We were encouraged to get 8 hours sleep, avoid alcohol and caffeine in excess, and we had the very best incentive to comply; every Friday, the 10% who fired the lowest score in the elimination matches were dropped from the team! During the week, practice was relatively relaxed but purposeful. We had several very accomplished shooters, and they fit Mr. Benner's profile - unflappable, positive attitude, able to accept a good or not-so-good day with equanimity.
When I asked Master Gunnery Sergeant Scott what it took to be genuinely proficient with that .45, he answered, "You try to be as consistent as possible, but you WILL have bad days, and you can't let it get to you. That .45 will do its job if you do your job. Be patient, and practice every day. By the time you're up to your (waist) in brass, you'll see the results on target."
He pointed out one of our Staff NCOs, who had a legitimate alibi (split barrel bushing) during a match and didn't let it affect him on the alibi relay. Some competitors would be unnerved by that, but this fellow was very relaxed and ended the day's shooting well.
Posted by: Edward J. Palumbo | August 04, 2008 at 09:44 PM
Absolutely correct. I've been spending some time focusing on shooting technique every time I go to the range - not just pulling the trigger, but working my way through every shot, each and every time. I've learned how to call each shot before I ever see the target - I just *know* whether I did it right or not.
If you haven't heard of them, check out the Appleseed Shoots ... http://www.appleseedinfo.org/smf/
If you can find one near you and make the time to go, it's well worth it. You will never get better instruction at a cheaper price from friendlier people. All ages are welcome - parents are responsible for their kids. If your eight year old can be responsible with a .22, he's welcome. And, kids shoot free... and for the remainder of this year, women do too!
BTW, Mr. Petzal, I'll extend a personal invite to you. There will be an Appleseed in Upstate NY (New Bremen) the weekend of September 13-14. We'd love to have you come shoot with us - and we might even teach you a thing or two. :-)
Posted by: B. Cameron | August 05, 2008 at 12:03 AM
Well Dave, you certainly hit the nail on the head with this one. Kudos.
Posted by: Jeff | August 05, 2008 at 02:55 AM
Great post. "Practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect." Relaxation and good technique.
Posted by: Lyn | August 05, 2008 at 09:56 AM
The people having the most problems getting through military basic or officer cadets have big problems becoming part of a group and in matters of personal self-control.
-It seems a person excelling in any skill. Pushing to art form…looses him/her self in a quiet place within them self. “Form” takes prominence. The “tools” of the art form become instruments of achieving personal discipline.
If there’s folks not understanding this, you’re dabbling.
Posted by: Mark-1 | August 05, 2008 at 11:12 AM
I don't "have" to shoot. I make a conscious effort as I go through my club's front gate to pay attention, focus, be patient abd above all think:"shooting is fun." Believe me, I do better.
Posted by: Brian T | August 05, 2008 at 11:33 AM
I truly enjoy this level of writing and thinking...and shooting. Most of what we do is mental--spiritual, if you can take that word. The time spent with one's Dad or friend[s], the beauty of the land, the grace of the wildlife you are trying to pursue...unmeasureable things, that cannot be bought, like hardware.
Dave, you hit the bullseye on this essay, and so did Jason D.: "its the happy man that makes the good shot, and not the good shot that makes the man happy."
Here is to more happy men and women in the field, whether they carry Weatherby's or Grandad's old single shot. And power to you Joe Benner, wherever you are.
Tom Fowler
Posted by: Thos. B. Fowler | August 05, 2008 at 12:34 PM
I believe the essence of our good discussion today is, "personal security". That is, being secure in who you are and what you are doing -- knowing that your personal value isn't wrapped up in performance but something much deeper.
Since I make my living as a theologian and minister, I hope you won't fault me for wanting to point you in the direction of the Gospels to study this concept. Without a doubt Jesus Christ was THE MOST secure Person to ever walk on planet Earth! He knew what He was doing, why He was doing it and His Father was behind Him all the way.
Much could be said, but you and I both tire of comments beyond two paragraphs!
Posted by: Carney | August 05, 2008 at 12:59 PM
In 16 years as an Air Force Flight Engineer, I have observed this truth of human behavior over and over again.
A person who is happy and well adjusted can have a bad landing, a bad mission, or a bad day and still smile about it. These folks are consistent performers, true leaders, and a joy to work and fly with. A person who is secure in himself (or herself) and happy can hold a crew together through anything, and lead them to safe mission accomplishment every time.
The moody, angry, or dissatisfied person sometimes succeeds, in spite of this. These folks aren't consistent, and they tend to blow-up or melt-down when things don't go as they had planned. They also tend to 'drive' their crew rather than lead it.
Delta Airlines only hires "Happy Pilots". If you are disgruntled about your current job, you won't be hired by them.
Posted by: AlaskanExile | August 05, 2008 at 04:33 PM
As others have stated, happy people do well in all activities... but I believe it is really not happiness. It is self confidence and self actualization. Not caring what others may think but realizing that you are your own best judge and really your opinion of yourself is the one that matters. If each and every day you try to do the best you can and be the best you can you will be, and it will give you great peace of mind and happiness no matter what other idiots may say or think.
Posted by: Dr. Ralph | August 05, 2008 at 05:25 PM
Dear Dave,
I had an untroubled spirit until you mentioned Mr. George.
As a member of the club which tolerates your presence, I grew up with Dave George in the 80's and 90's.While his record as a championship Trap shooter is to be admired I found little to admire in a competitor who enjoyed winning against men who belonged in a lower competitive class. He was neither a mentor or a leader on the ranges and his sportsmanship was questionable when his scores were challenged.
I was there for many afternoons as the awards presentations became "the Dave George Show".
Your heroic worship of this man is misplaced and I will never have any admiration for professional "champions" who enjoy thrashing amaeturs. I do not see the glory or sportsmanship in that at all.
Posted by: John C. | August 05, 2008 at 05:53 PM
Forgot the best part... this possibly delusional "great peace of mind and happiness" creates blood pressures, heart rates and breath control that are necessary for consistently outstanding shooting. God given talents help a lot too.
Posted by: Dr. Ralph | August 05, 2008 at 06:19 PM
I've enjoyed the insights and comments on this topic.
Posted by: Edward J. Palumbo | August 05, 2008 at 09:01 PM
John C. - you say, "I found little to admire in a competitor who enjoyed winning against men who belonged in a lower competitive class."
IF he wasn't trying to help or mentor or foster them along a bit, then shame on him... but enjoying winning is not something to be ashamed of. If the men competing against him belonged in a lower class, perhaps it is incumbent upon them to make that move? Or maybe we should applaud them for challenging themselves and "stepping up".
I know many people in many pursuits who can score better when competing with someone in a higher class. Golfers shoot a lower round, trap shooters go from 21-22 to 23-24, hockey players skate better... and these are just personal examples. Playing with someone significantly better forces you to push harder, swing smoother, shoot tighter...
Posted by: B. Cameron | August 05, 2008 at 10:13 PM
I think the same same could be said for a about any profession.
Im just starting into automotive...let me tell you...you can not let stuff get to you. Im still learning, but...if you let stuff get to you...your gonna be screwed.
Posted by: Peter H. | August 05, 2008 at 11:29 PM
I love those days bunny hunting, pheasant, whatever, when you just feel like your "in the groove" and you just can't miss. Your whole world seems to be.... smooth. Same when I'm hitting popper plates at my Uncles range w/ my singlestack. That's almost better than sex!
Posted by: MMM | August 06, 2008 at 02:53 PM
When I was a kid I used to play a lot of tennis at "the club" and there is a certain mental state when you are not even thinking about what you're doing and for some reason you're doing it better than you ever have... I think they call it being in the zone.
MMM just mentioning "in the groove" and sex brings to mind too many innuendos to even get started, I'd never finish.
Posted by: Dr. Ralph | August 06, 2008 at 03:44 PM
No better words have ever been spoken, grasshoppa.
Posted by: Scott | August 06, 2008 at 03:53 PM
Wow! This is one of the best that I have read in some time. How true!
I always say: "You can tell more about a man by the quality of his hunting, than by the quality of his trophies." What we do, and how we do it (our character) is more important than material rewards...
[email protected]
Posted by: Buck | August 12, 2008 at 04:13 PM
Well, I must admit, a good shot does make me happy. I'm always happy going to the range.
Until I can't get one to shoot within a mile of the bull!
When that happens, I pull out all the stops. I have a pillow nearby for kicking and punching. A soft piece of wood for biting and a sand bag for slamming down.
Then I sit down, calmly, and blow it again. I calmly (?) gather my equipment (leaving the important stuff that can be altered by weather!) and stomp to the house in frustration!
Oh, well! I still enjoy shooting, regardless of what happens on the range. Best of all, I seldom miss from the stand, but when I do, I know it's me and not the gun!
Bubba
Posted by: Bubba | August 12, 2008 at 05:01 PM