Many of our readers are reloaders. It takes a different mentality to submerse one’s self into creating something to be used or consumed. Farmers get it. Butchers understand. Carpenters, masons, builders, creators, doers all understand. When one works for something, and sees the fruits of their labor, they gain a level of respect beyond the intended use of their creation. Although we weren’t competing, we were allowed to get a glimpse of the work that goes into becoming a competitor in action pistol, and the be a participant in The Crawfish Cup.
Friday, the practice ramped up, especially on the new mover. Shots rang out across the range from Tracie and Eli Rushing as they took on each station. First Timer at The Crawfish Cup, Tony Holmes greeted us with a smile, and many kind words, and set to work preparing himself for the match to come. It was amazing to see these titans of the sport, Doug Koenig, Bruce Piatt, Kevin Angstadt, and Tony Holmes gather together across a few tailgates, and not only discuss the course of fire, but rib each other like old friends.
Soon after, the laughter died away, and the calm of experience took over as each shooter set off for his or her area of desired challenge. It was at this point we saw where the training ethics play a major roll in action pistol. To even be able to hit these targets, whether they’re turning, zipping from side to side, or just falling down after they’re shot, is a feat. Being able to maintain the amount of X’s (shots in the bullseye location) each competitor racked up was astounding. We tried! We were invited to try the falling plates at 10 yards. No big deal, right?
It’s harder than it looks, and it should be. It takes work, training, and dedication. Furthermore, it takes discipline! To develop a level of control where one removes their own body as a variable, is what separates a professional from the rest of the lot.
The feeling of community pervaded the entire day, especially at dinner. We gathered at Big Daddy’s, a local fixture in Lake Charles. Shooters of all levels, old hands and new faces alike, gathered like family to demolish mud bugs, and discuss the competition ahead. The food, much like the company, was fantastic. Saturday loomed close, and in order for a nice crop of X’s to be harvested, the fun had to slip behind the barricade, and the work had to begin.
The work would never have been possible without the generous sponsors providing prizes, donations, and support to the range, and the competitors. Check out the sponsor profile from the last newsletter here. A Special thank you goes out to the event sponsors! With their donations and support, the match will continue to flourish beyond the amazing progress already made to benefit the competitors experience.
Stay tuned for part 3 of the Crawfish Cup, where we take you into the heart of the big match! Was there a competitor you were rooting for? What do you think is the most common caliber on the range? Discuss in the comments below!
