I just remembered why I have never been a fan of institutional pistol matches

Bobster said:
Regarding the "safety-off" bit, I know the ranges I shoot at want the hammer down/striker relaxed before you holster the gun. Since you can't have the safety on with the hammer dropped on a 1911/2011, I think that is why they gave you grief...
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Yes. This is the essence of my point that match play is not a rehearsal for the real world. I get that the emphasis is on safety. That's the problem. The crucial safety elements in a real gunfight are skill, balls, and luck. It's impossible to simulate that and guarantee nothing goes wrong. As I previously mentioned, playing Monopoly may be fun but it doesn't make anyone a real estate tycoon.
 
It's a game run by NPCs for NPCs. Anyone with real experience gets called out because it makes the NPCs uncomfortable.
 
bkbrno said:
It's a game run by NPCs for NPCs. Anyone with real experience gets called out because it makes the NPCs uncomfortable.
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Screenshot 2025-11-10 at 11.36.10 AM.png

perfect analogy. overzealous match wonks and npc's.

I should conclude with the fact that some matches dont have these issues. It's all about who is running the event. Competitions don't appeal to me but that's just my opinion. Some really enjoy it. I've never been much of a joiner so that influences my point of view.

I'm a loner... a rebel. There are things you shouldn't know about me...

View: https://youtu.be/7eTl05KHwFI?si=Fxb7mhfZjzluaJJv
 
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Racer88 said:
What is an NPC?
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Non player character. Gamer thing. It implies you are someone without individuality, originality or personality, who serves only as a background character in other people's lives.
 
Bongo Lewi said:
Non player character. Gamer thing. It implies you are someone without individuality, originality or personality, who serves only as a background character in other people's lives.
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Welp... that explains why I've never heard of that term (or acronym). I generally hate acronyms, because people assume you know what they're saying or talking about.

Though, even spelled out... no clue about "non-player character," since I'm not a 19 year old smoking weed and playing video games in the basement.
 
I started shooting steel in Orlando about 2-1/2yrs ago. My neighbor talked me into it as he is one of the organizers. I had enough basic gear to get started. I'd ride in with him which was OK even though he is a "slow" driver. :rolleyes: Vehicle speed inversely proportional to lip speed (he likes to chat). ;) We'd get there at 8 when we should really be there by 745. :rolleyes: He got more and more into PRS and the weekend events they have across the country so some one else would set up on those days. That was OK with me because it is only a 40min ride on a Saturday morning (ie: minimal traffic) including a stop for coffee.

I'll get there around 745 to help setup and have gotten to know the "usuals" who will also set up. They will "comp" (waive) the entry fee for helping setup. (non-member $20). The target wagon will usually be empty by the time we're done at about 830--match starts at 9. It is a little strenuous and I'll bring a fresh shirt to change into because sweat happens in the summer. I've skipped setup a couple times when I just didn't feel like getting all hot and sweaty right off the bat. A lot of the summer shoots are hot/humid in the 90s (at 8am :eek: ).

platewagon1.jpg platewagon2.jpg

I can't say I've had any issues with anyone lately. When I first started I got warnings here and there by over-zealous ROs but most were friendly and understanding. Sure there were/are DHs still but they don't bother me. Now that I know the flow there is seldom personality or performance-related stress. Their system incorporates an RO holding a small timer smaller than a pack of cigs. The timer links with a tablet from which the tablet holder then records the score on. The tablet holder (assistant RO?) announces the time, misses/penalties if any, then looks at the roster and calls for the next shooter, person "on-deck" and 3rd person up who is "in the hole". I can work either device and will if no one else wants to--there are usually more experienced people that fall into the position but they also have to shoot once in a while. One generally doesn't operate either device if they are on-deck or just after they shoot (to reload mags for the next stage).

Sign up is at Practiscore the week prior to the event. I would get harangued when I signed up in person day of event and it is easier for all involved to just sign up at PS. Plus, I know enough of the people that I'll usually pick a decent squad with reasonable people whom I've squadded with before. If I'm shooting PCC, I might pick a squad with other PCCs in it. About the only squad(s) I won't pick are ones with predominently Spanish names in them. This might sound "racist" or whatever you want to call it, but I prefer to converse in American English and there is very little of that going on in those groups... ;)
 
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Racer88, sorry for the NPC reference. It's an acronym I have known of for 20+ years and I'm not a gamer. Never owned any game except Flight Simulator.

An NPC is basically like an extra in a Hollywood movie. Someone standing in line or walking down the street. Maybe they are having a conversation to look normal. More like directed to have a fake conversation, no actual talking to distract the real actors. They do what they are told, dress a specific way and don't stray from the script.
 
I haven't played in quite a while but GTA5 had a plethora of NPCs that you could interact with. Like going up and cold-cocking them or running them over... :D Interestingly, such activity would usually summon the police who would shoot first and ask questions later. To escape, a car would have to be stolen and a chase by the police would be initiated who would have to be shaken off. :)
 
Bobster said:
I haven't played in quite a while but GTA5 had a plethora of NPCs that you could interact with. Like going up and cold-cocking them or running them over... :D Interestingly, such activity would usually summon the police who would shoot first and ask questions later. To escape, a car would have to be stolen and a chase by the police would be initiated who would have to be shaken off. :)
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The GTA developers are so thoughtful. They really look after the staff.

For Racer88 GTA5= Grand Theft Auto Ver. 5, a popular video game.
 
bkbrno said:
The GTA developers are so thoughtful. They really look after the staff.

For Racer88 GTA5= Grand Theft Auto Ver. 5, a popular video game.
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Yeah... I'm totally out of the loop when it comes to that stuff.
 
I'm looking at collecting Social Security in the near future and I get it. Do I get a prize? 10% off the early bird special would be nice.
 
@Bobster That plate wagon is waaaaay cool! One that could roll into a Conex container fully loaded would maybe encourage more steel usage in our matches.
 
I'm not a gamer either. I just like to make fun of them. :). Like paintballers and airsofters, who valiantly sacrifice their lives for their brothers. Every weekend.

Screenshot 2025-11-11 at 7.21.14 AM.png

A friend of a friend is a civil war re-enactor. He's really into it. One night over a few beers I told him that it would be really cool if the re-enactors who were gravely wounded really died or had their hopelessly injured limbs sawn off in a filthy field hospital with no anesthesia. Just like the real thing back in the day.

Oh, the glory of death and battle! Especially when it lives in the imagination of a guy like Private Jellyroll. See photo. :)
 
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Bongo Lewi said:
I'm not a gamer either. I just like to make fun of them. :). Like paintballers and airsofters, who valiantly sacrifice their lives for their brothers. Every weekend.

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A friend of a friend is a civil war re-enactor. He's really into it. One night over a few beers I told him that it would be really cool if the re-enactors who were gravely wounded really died or had their hopelessly injured limbs sawn off in a filthy field hospital with no anesthesia. Just like the real thing back in the day. Oh, the glory of death and battle! Especially when it lives in the imagination of a guy like Private Jellyroll. See photo. :)
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I put that up there with Dungeons & Dragons. I don't get it at all. But whatever floats yer boat!


View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ytKdbz_ThOg
 
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bkbrno said:
I'm looking at collecting Social Security in the near future and I get it. Do I get a prize? 10% off the early bird special would be nice.
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The prize is there's still money in that trust fund. :) You'll be one of those who get the last sip out of that canteen! :)
 
Bongo Lewi said:
The prize is there's still money in that trust fund. :) You'll be one of those who get the last sip out of that canteen! :)
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Actually, 4 years off if I want the big bucks. Congress has plenty of time to fuck it all away.
 

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