Knot Class (#4) - BushClass USA

For my first BushClass challenge I started with class #4 - "Knots."  This was one that I knew I could knock out pretty quickly.  As a rock climber I enjoy knots but I'm not all that knowledgeable of "bushcraft" knots.  The four knots were pretty simple.  The BushClass USA page stated that I would learn later the various applications for the knots.  The four knots were: the figure 8 on a bight (one I use all the time for climbing), the sheet-bend, two half hitches, and the tautline hitch.

Figure 8 on a Bight

Sheet-Bend

Two Half Hitches

Tautline Hitch

I'm looking forward to learning some bushcraft applications for these as well as continuing this journey.

Get out there!

~Rhyno

BushClass USA

I've been looking at getting more into bushcraft for at least the past couple of years. Basically bushcraft is the idea of having and employing wilderness skills. Wikipedia says this,

Bushcraft is about thriving in the natural environment, and the acquisition of the skills and knowledge to do so.  Bushcraft skills include firecraft, tracking, hunting, fishing, shelter-building, the use of tools such as knives and axes, foraging, hand-carving wood, container construction from natural materials, and rope and twine-making, among others.

I found some online "classes" at www.bushcraftusa.com that they call bushclass. I'm hoping to work my way through the three levels of training, if for no other reason than to have some goals to push me to get outside. 

I'll also be posting up my experiences of and progress through the various classes. As I've looked over the curriculum I think it's definitely possible. So anyway here it goes. 

Get out there!

~Rhyno

Biomechanics of the Grip | Personal Defense Network

Through the years I've played with different grip styles and thought I'd settled it in my mind.  This video helped me nail down what I think is probably the best grip for semi-autos.  I've found through experience that these biomechanic principles do indeed work when firing a gun - they help to lock it into place and bring it back on target for follow up shots. Although I find it funny that the cover photo for the video does not show the grip advocated. :)




Get out there!

~Rhyno

One-Handed Shooting

I've been thinking lately that I need to practice some one-handed shooting.  I recently read an article about a woman who was attacked by three gun-armed assailants and was able to drive them off after she fired back with her concealed carry pistol but only after being shot at least twice and one of those being hitting her hand.  I later watched a video by sootch00 on Youtube and was again convinced of my need and given some practical tips.  I ran across the following article and thought I'd post it.  I'll also include the sootch00 video.

This article is from the outdoorlife.com site - Handguns: How to Shoot One-Handed by Chris Christian.

Achieving a good score on the fast-paced Action Pistol stage is tough enough with a two-handed firing grip. Unfortunately, shooters don’t always have that option. The major Action Pistol groups—USPSA, ICORE, IDPA—often require shooters to fire with only one hand during matches. Sometimes it will be with the dominant (strong) hand and sometimes with the non-dominant (weak) hand. Those who fail to master these skills will see their scores suffer. But becoming proficient in one-handed shooting out to 15 yards is simply a matter of proper technique and practice.

Shotokan Punch
The best technique is the Massad Ayoob Stress Fire “Shotokan Punch” stance. It is derived from karate moves that emphasize power and control.
To assume the basic stance, face the target squarely and extend the gun (with either hand) fully toward the target, with the gun-arm elbow locked to full arm extension. Then place the gun-hand foot ahead of the other foot by 8 to 15 inches. From that position, flex the knees and bring at least 60 percent of the body weight to the leading foot. This creates a solid, weight-forward power position that minimizes the effect of recoil while allowing full gun mobility. Bring the non-shooting hand to the upper chest with the palm up and the hand clenched. This symmetry between the two sides of the body improves control.

Drill
Begin practice on a single target at 5 to 7 yards to build basic skills and confidence. Once you’re comfortable with that, place two IDPA or USPSA targets spaced 6 feet apart and 5 to 10 yards downrange. Place two rounds to the body and one round to the head box on one target, then transition immediately to the next target and repeat. This stresses speed, accuracy, and target transitions. At 7 yards, Master Class shooters will deliver six perfect hits in less than five seconds with the gun starting at the low-ready position in the weak hand or when drawing the pistol with the strong hand from a holster.

Sounds simple enough.  Here's the video.

~Rhyno