Good timing for this video for me, Karlos! Today was a good friend of mine's 66th B-Day, so I took him out to Lone Star steel shooting range here near Converse, East San Antonio, as a B-Day gift from me to him. I've been trying to get him out there for several years, too. He had never shot a gun before. I took my time with him, taught him all about safety first, how to operate and hold a gun, etc., and he had a blast, once he learned to relax, gained confidence in knowing how to shoot safely, and got over his fear of guns. He started ring-dinging those steel plates, using both iron sights and with Red dots, and and he was as giddy as a schoolboy at recess, He kept saying he was now hooked on shooting. We went to the Whataburger down the street for a late lunch afterwards, and he got all excited when I explained to him what steel challenge competition was. So, I just sent him this video of yours and explained to him how much you have influenced me. Who knows...we may have a competitor in the making :) Another great and well put together video Karlos!
Hey Jon, you are a awesome - already have a couple folks hooked on steel. You will have a whole squad shooting with you soon. Love it!! Great story about introducing a new shooter to steel plinking & how they overcame fear to embrace shooting & even want to compete after a single day at the range. :). See you at the range soon. KBA
@@mindinbox Just as you inspire me and others, Karlos...It is a good feeling, though, to turn someone's negative position on firearms and the 2nd A into a complete 180. You KBA... 🦸♂
Karlos, I'm relatively new to this game getting my first hand gun at age 77. Intorduced to the Challenge can be intoxicating for many who take up the challenge and try to advance up the ladder. My mentor; and USPSA competitor, told me to never pass up an open shot. That's exactly the plan you've come up with. I guess great minds think alike. Thanks for this posting. Keep em coming. You are helping all of us to be more capable competitors!
Hello Mark - nice to e-meet you, & welcome to awesome world Steel Challenge Shooting. 77 years young & starting a new adventure, that is fantastic to see! Happy to help you anyway I can. The Mind in the Box series will be swapping up to focus on tips for new shooters for next few episodes, so you arrived just in time. If you are in the Central Texas area, drop me a line and perhaps we can shoot a match together, and I can provide some 1:1 tips.
@@mindinbox Karlos.....I started 3 years ago, just crossed over into the age of the octogenarnarian last December. I've heard "Life begins at eighty" so I'm definitely going to explore that phrase as best possible. By the way, we talked about the Arizona Stage Steel Challenge Championship for this June. Are you coming or at least some of your buddies? I'm going to shot the match with the rest of the match workers and then RO or keep score for the Saturday and Sunday. I've got my "Mind in the Box" and at this age, I've got to think outside the box too. :)
Great story - Definitely will be following your lead & approach to life :) I am not heading to the Arizona Match - but I do know that Ron & Madge are driving to Arizona for that match. Ron & Madge are amazing people, and Ron usually takes home a few trophies in the Senior Divisions, while Madge is working her up in the Womens pistol division. If see them I will before Arizona will tell them to be on the lookout for you.
@@mindinbox Karlos, I checked on Ron and Madge, signed up to compete on both days. I'll check at the registration desk on Saturday morning to locate them within their squad to press the flesh. If they are staying in Prescott I might be able to steer them to so interesting dining, etc.
Lloyd, Glad to hear you enjoyed them, Making them helped me think about all the things I need to do without thinking at match. Best advice if you want to improve is dry fire at home. That really helped me build consistency. Thanks again for watching the channel and sending a note. Makes the time it takes to make these videos worth it :). Good luck on Steel Challenge Journey. Karlos
This is one of my weakest stages and I don’t have a clue why. In all 13 divisions this is my lowest stage. Thanks for the tips, hopefully I can figure it out.
Hey Patrick - Totally understand what you are saying ! I should be averaging 6 seconds on this stage no problem. It was also my weakest stage, actually times where 8-9 seconds but man, I know I can do this in 1.7 seconds consistently for a 6.5. That is until a few months ago, when I started working to change the shooting order. What part of the US are you based in, perhaps we will run into each other at one of the major matches soon. Would love to say hi and chat about Steel Challenge Strategies one day.
Hi Johnny, I have a few different rifle setups - Here is the build video of the primary rifle I am using these days... th-cam.com/video/9O3VDIc5BYQ/w-d-xo.html
I use two camera usually - 3rd person - I use a Gopro on a Tripod for the main video to showcase the box positions / wide angle views. for the 1st person cut scenes - I use an AimCam Pro 2i - which are glasses that have all the camera equipment integrated into the frame. Take a bit to get used - you see a bit of the camera which is located just off the center of the frame to the right. ( you can mount it on the left). Right eye dominant although I shoot with both eyes open. Video on this coming soon... working on the World Speed shooting championship footage for the next couple months though.
Karlos. I am cross dominant (right handed and left eye dominant) and shoot with both eyes open. I have an AimCam 3K (latest version) and for the life of me I am absolutely unable to achieve any remotely acceptable POV to assist in my Steel Challenge improvement training. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. DVC Patrick.
Assuming you already have the camera over the left eye versus the right. My glasses have two mounting points, believe the 3k does as well. Move the camera to be inline with the dominate eye. while I was focusing on first shot times, I recently learned that speed comes in the transitions between the targets. you should be looking at the transitions between the targets - not dot on the targets... are you transitioning horizontally or is there a lot of bounce in your movement. Another thing to look for is smoothness in the transitions, don't over accelerate then have to work to slow down, its a smooth movement- pause on target - shoot - continue, not move as fast as possible, then having to also work to stop. Plan to setup a facebook page soon to be able to chat more on specific topics like this... stay tuned :)
@@mindinbox Karlos. If it is not too much of an imposition, could you send me a close up, high resolution picture of the exact position of the camera on your Aimcam? DVC Patrick
Excellent video as usual Karlos. This is one of my favorite stages. I'm shooting 3 left box, two right box. Under 9 seconds now. Gotta spend more time practicing the right side box. Keep'em coming!
Under 9 seconds, that is awesome John! This was my last mind in the box stage for a reason. Working through my issues with this stage, but they seem to move around, as soon as I solve the "Matrix Plates" of one stage, they seem to move to other stages to keep me on my toes. KBA
The front 2 plates are 10 inches. I think you said they were 12 inch. Nice video and helpful tips. Keep them coming. The plate numbers are different as viewed from boxes. This always confuses people when I try to explain order. Now I just simply say I shoot it back, front, back, front, stop from both boxes.
Hey Charles - you are absolutely right about the two circular plates to left & right of the stop plate - they are 10 inch plates. Just making you folks are paying attention, gotta mix it up 🙃 . I like that - back front / back front from both boxes, will use that in the revised episode that will be available some day.!! Thank you.
![[TH] FS vs BME - VCT Ascension Pacific - Lower Bracket Final](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wnygqsR2Fig/mqdefault.jpg)
Good timing for this video for me, Karlos! Today was a good friend of mine's 66th B-Day, so I took him out to Lone Star steel shooting range here near Converse, East San Antonio, as a B-Day gift from me to him. I've been trying to get him out there for several years, too. He had never shot a gun before. I took my time with him, taught him all about safety first, how to operate and hold a gun, etc., and he had a blast, once he learned to relax, gained confidence in knowing how to shoot safely, and got over his fear of guns. He started ring-dinging those steel plates, using both iron sights and with Red dots, and and he was as giddy as a schoolboy at recess, He kept saying he was now hooked on shooting. We went to the Whataburger down the street for a late lunch afterwards, and he got all excited when I explained to him what steel challenge competition was. So, I just sent him this video of yours and explained to him how much you have influenced me. Who knows...we may have a competitor in the making :) Another great and well put together video Karlos!
Hey Jon, you are a awesome - already have a couple folks hooked on steel. You will have a whole squad shooting with you soon. Love it!! Great story about introducing a new shooter to steel plinking & how they overcame fear to embrace shooting & even want to compete after a single day at the range. :). See you at the range soon. KBA
@@mindinbox Just as you inspire me and others, Karlos...It is a good feeling, though, to turn someone's negative position on firearms and the 2nd A into a complete 180. You KBA... 🦸♂
Karlos, I'm relatively new to this game getting my first hand gun at age 77. Intorduced to the Challenge can be intoxicating for many who take up the challenge and try to advance up the ladder. My mentor; and USPSA competitor, told me to never pass up an open shot. That's exactly the plan you've come up with. I guess great minds think alike. Thanks for this posting. Keep em coming. You are helping all of us to be more capable competitors!
Hello Mark - nice to e-meet you, & welcome to awesome world Steel Challenge Shooting. 77 years young & starting a new adventure, that is fantastic to see! Happy to help you anyway I can. The Mind in the Box series will be swapping up to focus on tips for new shooters for next few episodes, so you arrived just in time. If you are in the Central Texas area, drop me a line and perhaps we can shoot a match together, and I can provide some 1:1 tips.
@@mindinbox Karlos.....I started 3 years ago, just crossed over into the age of the octogenarnarian last December. I've heard "Life begins at eighty" so I'm definitely going to explore that phrase as best possible. By the way, we talked about the Arizona Stage Steel Challenge Championship for this June. Are you coming or at least some of your buddies? I'm going to shot the match with the rest of the match workers and then RO or keep score for the Saturday and Sunday. I've got my "Mind in the Box" and at this age, I've got to think outside the box too. :)
Great story - Definitely will be following your lead & approach to life :) I am not heading to the Arizona Match - but I do know that Ron & Madge are driving to Arizona for that match. Ron & Madge are amazing people, and Ron usually takes home a few trophies in the Senior Divisions, while Madge is working her up in the Womens pistol division. If see them I will before Arizona will tell them to be on the lookout for you.
@@mindinbox Karlos, I checked on Ron and Madge, signed up to compete on both days. I'll check at the registration desk on Saturday morning to locate them within their squad to press the flesh.
If they are staying in Prescott I might be able to steer them to so interesting dining, etc.
Karlos, Thank you very much. As a new shooter your videos are very helpful and well done.
Lloyd from Michigan
Lloyd,
Glad to hear you enjoyed them, Making them helped me think about all the things I need to do without thinking at match.
Best advice if you want to improve is dry fire at home. That really helped me build consistency.
Thanks again for watching the channel and sending a note. Makes the time it takes to make these videos worth it :).
Good luck on Steel Challenge Journey.
Karlos
This is one of my weakest stages and I don’t have a clue why. In all 13 divisions this is my lowest stage. Thanks for the tips, hopefully I can figure it out.
Hey Patrick - Totally understand what you are saying ! I should be averaging 6 seconds on this stage no problem. It was also my weakest stage, actually times where 8-9 seconds but man, I know I can do this in 1.7 seconds consistently for a 6.5. That is until a few months ago, when I started working to change the shooting order. What part of the US are you based in, perhaps we will run into each other at one of the major matches soon. Would love to say hi and chat about Steel Challenge Strategies one day.
@@mindinbox I am in Ohio, probably the closest I will get to you is Area 5.
Best wishes in Indiana - won't make that one but considering driving up to Missouri State Steel Challenge match the week after area 5.
What set up do you have for you Rifle
Hi Johnny, I have a few different rifle setups - Here is the build video of the primary rifle I am using these days... th-cam.com/video/9O3VDIc5BYQ/w-d-xo.html
What POV camera are you using, which is your dormant eye and are you cross dominant?
I use two camera usually - 3rd person - I use a Gopro on a Tripod for the main video to showcase the box positions / wide angle views. for the 1st person cut scenes - I use an AimCam Pro 2i - which are glasses that have all the camera equipment integrated into the frame. Take a bit to get used - you see a bit of the camera which is located just off the center of the frame to the right. ( you can mount it on the left). Right eye dominant although I shoot with both eyes open. Video on this coming soon... working on the World Speed shooting championship footage for the next couple months though.
Karlos. I am cross dominant (right handed and left eye dominant) and shoot with both eyes open. I have an AimCam 3K (latest version) and for the life of me I am absolutely unable to achieve any remotely acceptable POV to assist in my Steel Challenge improvement training. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. DVC Patrick.
Assuming you already have the camera over the left eye versus the right. My glasses have two mounting points, believe the 3k does as well. Move the camera to be inline with the dominate eye. while I was focusing on first shot times, I recently learned that speed comes in the transitions between the targets. you should be looking at the transitions between the targets - not dot on the targets... are you transitioning horizontally or is there a lot of bounce in your movement. Another thing to look for is smoothness in the transitions, don't over accelerate then have to work to slow down, its a smooth movement- pause on target - shoot - continue, not move as fast as possible, then having to also work to stop. Plan to setup a facebook page soon to be able to chat more on specific topics like this... stay tuned :)
@@mindinbox Karlos. If it is not too much of an imposition, could you send me a close up, high resolution picture of the exact position of the camera on your Aimcam? DVC Patrick
Excellent video as usual Karlos. This is one of my favorite stages. I'm shooting 3 left box, two right box. Under 9 seconds now. Gotta spend more time practicing the right side box. Keep'em coming!
Under 9 seconds, that is awesome John! This was my last mind in the box stage for a reason. Working through my issues with this stage, but they seem to move around, as soon as I solve the "Matrix Plates" of one stage, they seem to move to other stages to keep me on my toes. KBA
The front 2 plates are 10 inches. I think you said they were 12 inch. Nice video and helpful tips. Keep them coming. The plate numbers are different as viewed from boxes. This always confuses people when I try to explain order. Now I just simply say I shoot it back, front, back, front, stop from both boxes.
Hey Charles - you are absolutely right about the two circular plates to left & right of the stop plate - they are 10 inch plates. Just making you folks are paying attention, gotta mix it up 🙃 . I like that - back front / back front from both boxes, will use that in the revised episode that will be available some day.!! Thank you.
I really liked the Mind in the Box series. Keep up the awesome videos!
@jhooton - Thanks - Glad you like them. More videos in the series coming soon. 😀
Great content Karlos Keep it up!!
Thank you- been on a break since competing at Worlds - appreciate you providing motivation to get the lessons & those videos online - KBA