Lessons Learned From Behind a Rifle
MAJ Dave Cloft, USAR Shooting Team
Introduction. Recently a junior shooter asked for my advice on how to solve a particular problem they were having with their shooting technique. I was flattered, this young shooter actually thought what I had to say was important. Then, I realized….oh no! I’m now one of those “old guys” that I always looked up to when I was a junior. Honestly, little of what I know about shooting was gained without the coaching, teaching and mentoring of countless selfless individuals who “gave back” to their sport by teaching me everything they knew about the sport of rifle shooting. The past 22 years of competitive 
shooting have proven rewarding, and as a “thirty-something” I’m still considered a young competitor in my chosen sport. Some of the best experiences in my life have occurred from behind a rifle. I’ve been fortunate to have great coaches, outstanding friends, cherished memories, and valuable life lessons as a result of squeezing a trigger two continents and six countries. Nothing pleases me more than seeing a 10 year old competitor shooting next to an 85 year old veteran. I venture to claim that the shooting sports are one of the few true lifelong sports So, in my own personal effort to “give back” to the shooting community, I’ve composed what I think are my personal lessons learned in my limited experience as a shooter. It’s my sincere hope that if readers of this article can gain at least one pearl of wisdom from the things that made their biggest impact on me over the past few years, then I’ve accomplished my intended purpose. I’m still learning everyday I’m on the range, so this is definitely still a work in progress.
The Fundamentals Never Change. I’ve observed that without fail, that the match winner is the person who applies the fundamentals correctly more than the other competitors. In order to do this a shooter must focus training on fundamentals. There aren’t any shortcuts to shooting a 10. Yes, you may get lucky every once in a while, but the surest way to consistently shoot good scores is by ruthless dedication to the fundamentals. You know you’ve arrived when you can thoroughly describe what it feels like to shoot a 10. Then, just keep doing it.
Without a goal you have no way to steer your progress. If you don’t know where you’re going then any road will get you there. You must have some direction to guide you in your pursuit. A good goal can only be your own, and there is no requirement to share it with anyone else. Make it as private as you want. Working for someone else’s goal will only frustrate you because your heart won’t truly be in it. You’ve got to ask yourself “why” you want it. What are you willing to pay? Once you decide on a goal write it down and look at it often. A good goal should be difficult, but realistic. Once you start setting small, achievable goals and making them, you feel the incredible satisfaction that comes from great performance behind a rifle. Another note on goals, never achieve a goal without setting a new one. Once you make a goal, immediately set a new one and keep on moving.
Become an expert on the rules. Champions are experts in the chosen sport. Knowing the rules keeps you calm and collected. Besides, as you progress in the shooting sports you’ll be expected to know the rules, people will ask you questions. Knowing the rules could win you a match since you will know how to challenge properly.
Training should be fun. If training isn’t fun, chances are you won’t train for very long and there will be little gained from the time spent. To keep training fun, use different techniques and events. Try to create as much pressure as possible by using small bets or shooting finals. Shooters who burn out are the ones who just shoot their course of fire every time they go to the range.
There is no substitute for smart and hard work. Have a purpose for the training and know what you’re going to work on before you get to the range. While remaining positive, identify areas to improve. I’ve personally found that my optimum amount of training is no less than three, but no more than five days a week. Also, I think that reading and thinking about good shooting counts as training.
Gadgets and Gimmicks don’t compensate for the fundamentals. No matter how “cool” that new piece of equipment is, you cannot “buy” points. Points are only earned through by hard work and training the fundamentals. Furthermore, what works for one shooter will not work for all. But, don’t be afraid to experiment with new ideas. Good shooters are always thinking about new ways to improve their performance. However, the smart shooter knows when to test, and when to stay with what works. Dedicate a specific time to experiment with new ideas; you may have identified something no one else has considered. But, be smart about it, never try it in a match for the first time.
Be mentally tough and positive always. Shooting is a mental sport. Maintaining a positive attitude is essential to solid performance. Negative shooters not only hurt themselves, but those around them. Refrain from talking to negative shooters. There is plenty of time to socialize after the match.
Most of shooters try too hard in matches. Matches are easy. There is nothing that physically changes when you shoot a match versus practice. The range is still exactly the same distance. The bullet still travels at the same speed. The only thing that changes is the gray matter between the shooters ears. At the same time, avoid overconfidence; never tell yourself you’ve won the match until it’s all over. You must keep working until the end.
Respect History but Embrace Change. There are many great traditions and stories surrounding the shooting sports. Invest the time to learn about them and how our sport evolved, you’ll be part of its history someday. As equipment improves and the sport grows, don’t be resistant to new rule changes. Their bound to occur, simply embrace them as an evolution in our sport and keep moving forward.
Etiquette. Most people who work at matches are volunteers. Always take the time to thank the volunteers, without them we’d have no matches. Try to be considerate of fellow shooters and respect their preparation time. It’s always a sign of a true champion to congratulate the winner even if it’s not you. When it’s your turn to be congratulated, remain modest when being congratulated, simply say thanks, don’t make excuses for winning.
Have Fun. Shooting 10’s is a lot of fun, otherwise, why do it? Your goal should be to shoot for a lifetime. What’s sad is that 95% of NCAA Shooters stop shooting after college. It’s like saying, “I’ve achieved success and now I don’t want to do it anymore.” How depressing. Don’t be afraid to try other disciplines later in life, like Highpower, Long Range, etc. There are many ways to enjoy the shooting sports.
Conclusion. While straight forward and basic, some of you may think these lessons learned simple common sense – you’re right, they are. Hopefully, you can gain one or two “take aways” that will assist you in your future performance. Again, if that is achieved, then I’ve accomplished my intent. Best wishes for continued shooting success.
About the Author. MAJ David T. Cloft is an active duty Army officer in Washington, DC who has shot three-position smallbore and air rifle since age 10 beginning in a NRA affiliated 4-H Rifle Club in Alpena, Michigan. He shot NCAA rifle for West Point, graduating in 1997. From 1998-2001 he lived in Germany and shot for the Buedingen Schutzengesselschaft. His air rifle record of 397/400 still stands as a Hessen league record. Dave is a multiple state Champion in Michigan and Virginia. In 2004 he was a member of three National Smallbore Championship Teams. In 2005 he transitioned to Highpower to shoot on the US Army Reserve Service Rifle Team and in 15 months earned his US Army Distinguished Badge and President’s Hundred Tab. In 2006 he set four National Records in Smallbore Conventional Three Position. In 2007 he finished 5th oveall in the President’s Match and 24th in the World for Long Range Palma shooting. His most memorable achievement was winning the 1999 Buedingen Schutzenfest, and being dubbed a the Pfingstritter, a Knight by Furst Wolfgang to Ysenburg and Buedingen, the first American to have the honor in the Club’s 646- year history.