PPSA Level 1 PNP Invitational Shootfest

My souvenir photo with certified shooting addicts from the media. 

I am a shooting competition player. No, I am not saying I am the best man during shooting competitions; but, I am the man who only shoots during competitions.

Due to the demands of my current job,  I rarely have the chance to do shooting practices so I regularly participate in shooting competitions to review my perishable shooting skills.

On the eve of the COMELEC imposed gun ban, I participated the PNP Invitational Shootfest (Level 1, PPSA Sanctioned Match) held in Camp Crame, Quezon City. 

The Course of Fire was quite similar to the one used during the Games of the Generals a week before. As the Team Manager of the Army Team, I had the chance to familiarize the COF but I didn't have the chance to run the course.

Stage 1 was a night fighting scenario. I disliked the way shooters were required to carry the flashlight which was contrary to the tactical considerations that soldiers are trained for.

Using my strong hand, I assaulted the targets, focusing my eyes only at the front sight as I 'neutralized' my enemies one by one. Some of the shooters missed the targets here. Well, I am a Scout Ranger!

Stage 1  Time: 17:44 secs; Hits: A-19, C-3

Stage 2 was a little bit tricky with some 'double vision' targets in the middle. I shot the targets using 'piso-piso' technique. Slow but sure!

Stage 2 Time: 22.84 secs; Hits: A-19, C-6 

Stage 3 involves shooting targets from awkward shooting positions. Trigger-happy shooters love this course of fire. I re-engaged one target, seeing that there was only one bullet hole on it. IPSC shooting requires quick    hand and eye coordination. How I wish I can shoot faster than this one.

Stage 3 Time: 24.94 secs; Hits: A-29, C-7

Stage 4 was a 'long course', requiring 32 rounds. This is the first course that I ran, as part of my warm up. Probably, I lacked stretching exercises because I wasn't comfortable shooting in squatting position, resulting to a missed shot. 

Stage 4 Time: 21.90 secs; Hits: A-20, C-6, D-5, M-1

Stage 5 was a short course but the presence of round plates at approximately 15 meters is a daunting challenge to 'tournament player' like me. To ensure accurate shots, I paused on the metal targets. I proved it better than mowing the targets down with rapid fire, missing some shots.

Stage 5 Time: 16:52 secs; Hits: A-13, C-3

Shooting is fun. I love it. Whether I bring home trophies or not, I will always continue honing my marksmanship skill. 

'Mind Gaming' during shooting competitions

The so-called course of fire (COF) is a firing range set up where shooters simulate real-life shooting conditions. Like actual combat missions, I plan on how to execute the task in the best manner possible. I describe it this way: Plan your shoot. Shoot your plan.

The motorbike warrior

While riding a motorbike, I was engaged in a firefight against criminals. I lacked shooting practice but I survived using my basic shooting skills.

IPSC Level II 'Armed for HOPE' Shooting Competition

To support the fund raising activity of I-HOPE, I participated in the IPSC Level II 'Armed for HOPE' shooting competition held in ARMSCOR Firing Range, Marikina City on October 7, 2012.  I used my favorite 9mm CZ SPO1 Tactical Pistol, my constant companion in my travels.

IPSC Rifle Shooting Competition

These are the footages during the recent IPSC Rifle Shooting Match held in Calatagan, Batangas on 26-27 May 2012. I and my fellow Army man, Sgt Alan Lao, battled for gold in a whole-day match. I tried my best to outdo my seasoned soldier. I lost due to my usual shooting alibis: lack of practice and strong, full value winds!

Shooting is fun when it is a battle simulation. How quick can you engage your targets during skirmishes?

Infantry soldiers are trained to hit man-sized targets out to 250m during their pre-entry training. Meanwhile, Designated Marksmen are expected to hit head-shots up to 500m.

1st Ultimate Showdown Multi-Gun Match (Taytay Rizal)

This is one of the stages in the 3-Gun Match held in Taytay, Rizal from 30 March-01 April 2012.

Just to satisfy my shooting addiction, I participated this exciting match with a borrowed shotgun. An additional to the existing shooting alibis: I haven't practiced shotgun ammo reloading!

These are some of the photos with the participants and organizers:

 

 

So now you know who are the ultimate shooting addicts?

 

Pistol Sniping Demonstration

I am a self-proclaimed  myth-buster. I also love capability demonstrations.  If someone questions the ability of my pistol (or my shooting ability), I will show him how to hit targets beyond the effective range listed in the technical manuals. In this video, I shot 12x12 inch steel targets presented at 175m and 200m. I used the ARMSCOR 147gr hollow point ammunitions on my CZ SPO1 Tactical. I missed some shots during my 'zeroing'. This is probably one for the Topshot challenge.

Trick Shot with ARMSCOR Pistol

Can you rely on your watch to aim at the target? Is your ARMSCOR pistol up to the task? This trick shot is quite easy if done repeatedly. Try it!

Trick Shot demonstration with Cal 40 Paraordnance M1911 Pistol

Shooting with my wrist watch is becoming easy. This one is a 6x6 inch steel target placed 20 meters behind me. Wanna buy my watch for your own shooting demo? A clearer version of this demonstration can be found in Shooter's Lair fan page videos.

My Rifle, My Love

I LOVE MY RIFLE, I will  always defend myself and my countrymen with this gun. During peacetime, I will continuously hone my marksmanship skills by participating in friendly shooting matches. Using this rifle,  I will gladly share my shooting skills  to fellow soldiers who are still serving in the frontlines until today.

Multiple target engagement demonstration

FALLING PLATES match is fun. Using 1ft x 1ft square, steel plates placed at 200m distance, I zeroed my M16A2 rifle using the ARMSCOR 52gr BTHP ammunition. After setting the sights to the correct elevation, I  engaged the targets in the fastest manner possible. This is an event during the ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet and the upcoming Games of the Generals which will be hosted by the Philippine Army. (Video by Pfc Marlon San Esteban)

ARMSCOR 52gr BTHP match ammo for CQB

I am a long-range shooting fanatic, but  I also love the CQB scenarios during PPSA sanctioned matches. To grab the championship trophy, you must shoot very fast while maintaining accuracy at the same time. Other shooters are happy with the 'nice-to-hear' double taps regardless of the missed shots; I am not one of them. For that reason, I do practice 'quick kill' drills without fire because I don't have the luxury of having a depot of match ammunitions. For CQB, I prefer lighter bullets like the 52-grain BTHP of ARMSCOR. It has a light kick and it shoots sub-MOA at 100 meters (I am using iron sights for test firing). I am happy with the results.  No more blown primers!

Close Quarter Combat Shooting Scenario

Close Quarter Combat shooting engagement is one of the scenarios in PPSA-sanctioned rifle matches. In this particular match, most of the targets are placed to my right, forcing me to pause briefly at the door to accurately hit the targets which were placed next to 'no shoots'.

2-Gun Transition Match

In one of the IDPA matches that I participated, the organizers designed a 'surprise' COF where no one can predict the location of the threats (targets). Armed with an M16A2 as my primary weapon and CZ SPO1 Tactical as my secondary gun, I assaulted the targets alone. I was 'surprised' by the enemy forces.

Shooting is Fun: Zeroing the M16A2 Rifle for IPSC competitions

Prior to an IPSC Rifle shooting competition, I normally rezero my rifle at varied distances as described in the course of fire (COF). In some rifle competitions, targets are presented from 75m-300m.

I prepare all my 'mission-essential' requirements that I need for the shooting competition. Included in the list are: D.O.P.E. book, laser range finder, hand-held anemometer, shooting guide and pen.

If I notice a 'full value' wind is trying to disturb my bullet trajectory, I take note of the average wind velocity and the amount of drift it causes to my bullet. The wind gauge is suited for 'lazy' shooters like me. Thanks, technology!

To achieve the 'perfect zero', I use prone supported position to establish 3-round shot groups. I start at 100m, using the IPSC classic board as the target but my actual target is a 3-inch white paper that I put at the lower center of the target board.

Shooting is fun so I prefer to ride than sweat it out while walking towards the target.

First shot group, hitting 2 o'clock, 2-3inch apart. Translating this to the value of 'clicks' at 100m, I put on the 'dope' and fired my second shot group as shown. Bulls eye! 8/3 +2 for my elevation.

At 200m, I repeat the procedure done at 100m distance. I take note of the bullet drop and record the needed 'come-ups' to attain the correct zero for that distance. I normally pray that weather would be fine and I don't have to worry about the wind drift. The farther the distance, the more shooting errors and the more that you take full attention of things like Drift (in M.O.A.) = WxV/C. I hate math. I love my sniper 'cheat sheet'!

At 250m, the target is getting smaller but the horizon is getting wider. More often than not, I am 'distracted' by the scenic view around the range. After my zeroing, I just pause to enjoy the view and relieve all the stresses. Oh, I have another passion----photography (Another shooting profession). 

This is the reason why shooting is fun.

ASEAN Plus 3 (China, Korea, Japan) Military Shooting Game

I reviewed my precision shooting skills prior to the ASEAN+3 Shooting Championships in Beijing, China (October 2006). I used my M1911A1 Cal 45 with Barsto match barrel.

Too many shooting alibis caused the bad shot group!

Mid Range IPSC format target engagement (150m-250m)

EXCELLENT SHOOTING PERFORMANCE can only be achieved if you have the best gun, systematic and scientific training as well as great physical/mental condition. In my lectures I refer to all those factors as the 'triad of marksmanship'. (Video by Pfc Marlon San Esteban)

Defensive Shooting (Surgical Shooting)

Counter-ambush scenario in IDPA. Shoot only the threat targets. No collateral damage. Protect the innocent people from harm.

Individual Assault, Rambo Style

                             PPSA Level I IPSC Match (PAF Gun Club)

Australian Army Skill At Arms Meeting



The Australian Armies Rifle Meeting is an annual competition organized by the Australian Army. We joined this competition for the first time in 2005. Shooting teams from foreign armed forces around the world are regular participants including the US, UK, France and shooters from Asia-Pacific countries. The individual champion in the AASAM aims to take the 'royal seat' as shown in the photo.

The champion is carried by his comrades like a king.  

The AASAM Course of Fire is a combat simulation. We jogged 2kms with our combat gears. We were organized as an infantry squad composed of Designated Marksmen, gunners (M249 SAW) and riflemen.

We fired at targets at various distances (100m-400m) using the standing, kneeling and foxhole positions. The exposure of the targets was limited to 4-5secs. I was using an M16A2 Rifle fitted with an IOR Valdada scope with CQB Reticle.

At the 500m mark, we dropped and fired our weapons. Pop up targets suddenly appeared in the horizon signalling us to dash towards the next firing position hundred meters upfront.

We assaulted the targets up to 50m. In this COF, I was reminded of  the times when I reinforced  engaged units in the field.

The most thrilling part of the match was finding out if our bullets hit the mark. Our Indonesian friends scored the targets while the Australian butt party members looked on.

We were also required to fire a secondary weapon. I opted to fire the pistol. Some of my teammates became gunners. We prepped the range together with the other participants.

 I was pictured at 50m mark, shooting targets behind cover. To my right were shooters from Papua New Guinea, US Marine Corps and US Army Marksmanship Unit.

   I was with the other three teammates at the 15m mark. I was trying my best to punch all my bullets at the V-ring.

Another exciting part was counting the hits. AASAM was one of the most challenging competitions that I had participated.

Shooting is fun. In my Australian adventure, I won some, I lost some.