TheWombat

Thanks everyone. I've been lucky enough that my employer is moving some roles from the north east to NC so it's a win-win. all the best TheWombat

I've not been very active on the forum or the range during the last 12 months due to the birth of our daughter however I'm checking in to say have a Happy New Year and also farewell. I've been offered a relocation to North Carolina that we're taking up as it is better for the family. On another positive note it also probably means I'll have my NC Concealed Carry License before the end of February I wanted to pass on my thanks to the forum, its members, sponsors and Maksim. As a newcomer to the USA you welcomed me ~4 years ago and helped guide me through my journey of becoming familiar with firearms, taking various training classes with Gun For Hire and competing in IDPA. All the best for 2015! TheWombat

Glad to hear that others had a more positive experience there. Part of my poor experience was down to the lead instructor who disappeared for the entire day (after the first 30 minutes) and left the junior/trainee instructors to look after the class. They tried their best but the lesser experience showed and when combined with the 'tired and claustraphobic' range really made it a very poor introduction to firearms. Personally comparing the class and range to Gun For Hire classes/Woodland Park Range is like night and day. I'm more than happy to pay the premium for the GFH classes and their location. TheWombat

Email and letter sent in. Good Luck!

Walther PPQ - best tupperware 9mm.... :-) TheWombat

There are similarities to dot drills, and I've posted a variety of dot drills previously. In my experience ome shooters may find them boring or repetitive. The idea of the Post It note challenge is the additional variety you can add.

The Wombat Post-It Note Challenge - Can you handle it! As there has been some interest in my Post-It Note training regime I thought the growing forum population might enjoy turning it into a fun challenge. We'll try this first one which will run through to the end of May, if there is sufficient interest then we can repeat with difference scenarios on a regular cycle. One of the things I've noticed at the range is many shooters with firearms that have DA/SA or safeties typically don't focus on repeating the 'first shot' scenario which includes the DA shot or switching the safety off (and then back on). The idea of this Wombat Post-It Note Challenge is to focus on those activities and then add a buzzer to increase the stress level slightly. The result should be an opportunity for a shooter to see whether these are areas of their technique to focus on further, and also to have a bit of FUN! Goal: To improve the consistency and technique of using a handgun for the initial draw and shoot. Equipment: Holster (preferred), Handgun (Semi-auto or revolver are both fine), Timer/Buzzer, 50 rounds (any caliber including .22LR), 3" square Post-It Notes and target/paper to attach them to. NOTES Timer/Buzzer: If you have a CED7000 or PAC timer then great, if not then search for 'shot timers' in the iOS App Store and Android Store and use one of these applications on your iPhone or Android phone. The Timer/Buzzer should be set with a random delay for the initial buzzer where possible. Holster: If your range does not allow you to draw from a holster then start from the LOW READY position with your finger OFF the trigger. If your range does allow you to draw from a holster then start with your hands relaxed by your side - do NOT grip the handgun. Safeties/Decockers: Your firearm should start with any external safety devices engaged, and if a DA/SA firearm then it should be in DA mode. At each Reset* you must re-engage the safety and switch back to DA mode if applicable. Target Distance: For this first challenge we will start at 7 yards. If you find this distance too easy then by all means move the target to 10 or 15 yards as an additional challenge once you have completed the 7 yard challenge. Common Sense: Don't try this challenge unless you feel comfortable to perform the actions in a safe manner. This challenge is NOT about shooting as quickly as possible or putting yourself or others in danger. TARGET The target should be at 7 yards with the Post-It notes attached as shown below. You do NOT need to number the Post-It notes, I have done so purely to help with explaining the sequence of fire. SCORING The score is based on the sum of the time (in seconds) you took to complete each sequence. Any misses are scored as 3 seconds for the first miss within a Sequence, 4 seconds for the second miss within a Sequence and 5 seconds for the third and all subsequent misses within a Sequence. A miss is counted as the target Post-It Note has not been struck by the bullet. If the bullet has clipped the edge of the Post-It note such that there is a visible edge of a hole on the Post-It note then that shot is classed as a hit. If you have a misfire then you CANNOT replace the round i.e. you can only start with 50 rounds for sequences 1 to 3. You can try to reshoot the round if it is safe to do so which can include ejecting and reloading that round. We're also testing how reliable your firearm and ammunition are :-) THE CHALLENGE Reset* means: Reset firearm i.e. put back to DA mode, re-engage external safeties, reholster firearm, record time for shot and whether hit correct target. You may also reload or top up magazines at this point. Sequence 1: 1. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note A1, Reset* 2. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note A2, Reset* 3. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note A3, Reset* 4. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note A4, Reset* 5. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note A5, Reset* 6. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note A5, Reset* 7. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note A4, Reset* 8. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note A3, Reset* 9. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note A2, Reset* 10. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note A1, Reset* Sequence 2: 1. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 2 shots at Post-It Note B1, Reset* 2. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 2 shots at Post-It Note B2, Reset* 3. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 2 shots at Post-It Note B3, Reset* 4. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 2 shots at Post-It Note B4, Reset* 5. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 2 shots at Post-It Note B5, Reset* 6. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 2 shots at Post-It Note B5, Reset* 7. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 2 shots at Post-It Note B4, Reset* 8. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 2 shots at Post-It Note B3, Reset* 9. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 2 shots at Post-It Note B2, Reset* 10. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 2 shots at Post-It Note B1, Reset* Sequence 3: 1. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note C1, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note C5, Reset* 2. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note C5, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note C1, Reset* 3. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note D1, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note D5, Reset* 4. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note D5, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note D1, Reset* 5. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note D1, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note C5, Reset* 6. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note D5, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note C1, Reset* 7. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note C5, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note D1, Reset* 8. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note C1, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note D5, Reset* 9. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note C1, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note C5, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note D1, fire 1 shot at Post-It Note D5, Reset* Sequence 4 (Optional): 1. Buzzer, Draw from holster, fire 10 shots in 10 Seconds at Post-It Note E, Reset* note: Sequence 4 is not about rapid firing. It is optional as it exceeds the 50 round count and it would put revolvers and certain semi-automatics at a disadvantage. The aim is to find a rhythmic cadence to shoot all 10 shots accurately within the 10 seconds. Some ranges may also not like a person firing 10 shots in 10 seconds and class it as rapid fire. If in doubt check with the Range Safety Officer (RSO) RESULTS: Post this section as a reply on this thread Firearm: Caliber: Holster or Low Ready: Optional: Include photo of the target Sequence 1: 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7: 8: 9: 10: Sequence 1 Total Misses: Sequence 1 Total Misses Penalty Time: Sequence 1 Total Time: Sequence 2: 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7: 8: 9: 10: Sequence 2 Total Misses: Sequence 2 Total Misses Penalty Time: Sequence 2 Total Time: Sequence 3: 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7: 8: 9: Sequence 3 Total Misses: Sequence 3 Total Misses Penalty Time: Sequence 3 Total Time: TOTAL Sequence 1,2,3 MISSES: TOTAL Sequence 1,2,3 PENALTY TIME: TOTAL Sequence 1,2,3 TIME: Sequence 4: (Optional) 1: Sequence 4 Total Misses: Sequence 4 Total Misses Penalty Time: Sequence 4 Total Time: Enjoy! TheWombat

I use a CED7000 timer, however I've tried the iphone app and not had any issues. Looking at the reviews of them on the iTunes store I've not seen any comments regarding the mic. Best to research if you have concerns, but I've seen nothing to suggest it would be an issue. TheWombat

Check my prior thread here: http://njgunforums.c...-8th-sept-2012/ The concept is to cover a larger target/cardboard/piece of paper with 10-20 Post-It Notes. You can vary the Post-It Notes by size (e.g. 3" square, 1 7/8" square), by color (red, green, blue, yellow etc) and by shape (square, rectangle, circle, star). I then set the target at anywhere between 7 and 15 yards depending on what drills I am doing (or up to 20-25 yards if I combine Post-It Notes to make a larger shape). I also have a buzzer/shot timer (CED 7000 - although you can download free shot timer apps for the iPhone/Android instead). I then set the buzzer and run through a number of scenarios - the idea is to improve accuracy and consistency with additional pressure of smaller target, moving between targets, drawing from holster etc. e.g. 1) buzzer, draw from holster, put 1 shot in a 3" Post-It Note at 5, 7, 10 or 15 yards in 1.5, 2.5, 3.0 or 3.5 seconds), reholster. You can adjust the distance and time based on your own level. 2) buzzer, draw from holster, put 1 shot in a blue 3" Post-It Note and 1 shot in a green 1 7/8" Post-It Note in 3 seconds at 'x' yards, reholster etc etc etc. If you have a Shot Timer you can play with random delays, multiple par times etc and start to time your draw to first shot and subsequent shots. I've listed some of the other scenarios I run through on the linked thread above. I enjoy this type of training as: a) It pushes me harder to focus on technique and adds stress. Most people can hit static paper shooting at their own pace b) I've noticed real improvements quickly c) I don't just go to the range and shoot 200-400 rounds - this way I shoot less rounds but get better results d) Every range session I can try different scenarios, e.g. weak hand, strong hand, move a step to the left/right, smaller post it notes etc e) If you are with someone then when the buzzer goes they can say a string of colors, shapes to shoot e.g. Blue, Blue, Green f) It's much cheaper than buying lots of targets! g) I can practise with my .22 conversion on my Sig, and if anyone looks at me and says .22 is for wimps I get them to try the exercises with their own weapon (or my Sig) - almost everyone struggles unless they have done similar things before. h) I am seeing the time it takes to draw from holster, aim and hit a Post-It note reducing i.e. I am improving and it is easy to measure and keep track of. In some of the Gun For Hire classes Joe/Chuck used Post-It notes, so I've taken the concept and expanded it to meet my needs. hth TheWombat

If you were the couple that was there at 8:15am then I saw you - although didn't realize you were a forum member. I was shooting in port 7 with the buzzer and post-it notes. Had a good session and it was nice and peaceful. TheWombat

Went to the range today, met Anthony, Rob and the team. Nice place and good to see that we now have more choice on ranges in terms of both location and budget. From what I saw and heard today it is clear that the clientele that the range is targeting are happy with the prices. Well done and good to see capitalism at work in a positive way! TheWombat

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For security reasons I won't post pictures of where my cameras are :-) However the actual cameras are easy to set-up so not sure why the endeavor is seen as expensive unless you are talking about a more sophisticated layered security etc where you probably want to consult with a professional. As we are primarily using the cameras as baby video monitors for now we have 2 cameras on top of book cases where the wire runs down the back of the book case so can't be seen at all, and the other camera screwed to a wall just above a window which allows the cable to run into the window space and behind the window blind so it can't be seen. If you Google "foscam 8910 installation" you can see pictures of people's installations and the cameras. If you look on YouTube and search on "Foscam" there are also a number of good videos. hth TheWombat

Nick, Ooops, my error - for some reason thought we were discussing PowerLine e.g. http://www.netgear.com/home/products/powerline-and-coax/high-performance/xavb5001.aspx#two. TheWombat

I am running the standard power adaptor that looks like the adaptor on this link: http://foscam.us/products/us-power-supply.html I haven't tried PoE specific cameras however I have tried PoE in our house and had to return it. Some considerations: How successful you are with PoE depends on how your house is wired. I tried a PoE setup for our home network from the 2nd floor to the ground floor (after having tried wifi) and couldn't get a consistent and good enough connection. note: this was for my home network to a HTPC. I found that I could get quite different results depending what socket I plugged into. Also unless you are in a standalone house you need to ensure your PoE signal doesn't get outside of your house if there is a shared electrical supply. For the standard camera like the 8910 you connect to the network via WiFi so the only cable is the power lead which is thin, is easy to extend with the 10ft Foscam extender ( http://foscam.us/products/black-extension.html ) For PoE the cables are thicker and unless you are somewhere where there is no or very weak WiFi signal I'm not sure that PoE is really going to give you much benefit over WiFi. You still need to be somewhat near a power socket in order to plug in. hth TheWombat

Re: setting up port forwarding, dynamic dns etc. This is only needed if you want to view your videos while away from your home. The cameras come with surprisingly good instructions which covers this as well. You can download the instruction manual here: http://foscam.com/down.aspx Installing the cameras etc is pretty straight forward and I'd say there isn't a need for professional installation (for indoor use). Foscam US does have a service where they will guide you through the configuration etc remotely for about $39 IIRC. It is listed on their website and available if you buy the camera through them. TheWombat

The Foscam 8910s are also good to use as video baby monitors (in addition to the standard movement/audio baby monitor). We've done this so I can see the little one when I am in the office. We went this route as it allows us to use the 8910s as security cameras as well when we are away and/or the little one is a bit older. The setup is pretty painless with the only real annoyance being the cameras having to reboot when you change a setting, and in order to set them up you need to change 5-10 settings. The have been some groupon and amazon sales on the 8910 in the last 3 weeks which has made them available for about $65 instead of the normal ~$85. At that price they are a bargain! It's worth checking you have the latest firmware and webui - you can obtain these from here: http://foscam.com/down3.aspx however make sure you check whether your current firmware is a 11.22.x.x or 11.37.x.x and update with the latest of that type. In terms of viewing the picture - you can get free apps and paid apps for the iphone/ipad/android as well as watch in your web browser. It is worth trying the free apps. For viewing outside of your home wi-fi you'll need to set up port forwarding on your router and I'd also suggest using a dynamic dns such as "no-ip" if you don't have a fixed WAN IP address. The only real downside of the 8910 is that it uses a fair bit of bandwidth so if you are not on an unlimited data plan for cellular be careful, and if you are also keep an eye on it. If you are looking to remote view on a frequent basis then consider the H264 cameras as these use less bandwidth. Foscam have fairly recently launched the 9821 which is similar to the 8910 but has H264. There were very poor reviews of it when it first launched however has recently had two new firmware releases which solve many of the initial bugs. You can read more about it on the Foscam forum. And remember to use appropriate security if the camera is connect via WiFi instead of ethernet otherwise you may find someone watching you :-) hth TheWombat

Agreed, well said. There are opportunities to learn skills that you can't just do at a normal range session. Instructors are great. TheWombat

I personally prefer the PPQ over the PPX although to be honest the PPX isn't a firearm I've held or fired. I like the striker fire feel of the PPQ and it suits my needs well. As for PPQ M1 vs M2 it really comes down to personally taste as to whether you like the paddle style magazine release. For a left hander the M1 is typically seen as a good option. For a right hander then depends what else you shoot. As I typically shoot a PPS and/or PPQ the paddle style release works well for me. Then again to confuse things I shoot a Sig P226 in IDPA. If I was to start all over again I would seriously consider the PPQ M2 so I could be more consistent on magazine release style. This would probably mean going for the M&P Shield as the carry gun, and then I'd have to question about having the M&P 9 (Pro/Core) instead of the PPQ... Sometimes it is best not to over think! The PPQ suits 9mm. I personally don't enjoy it so much in .40 however others do. Unless you are competing I would suggest to go with the standard length barrel since accuracy is more likely to be determined by technique, trigger control etc. The standard length barrel can be used for home defense, at the range and also carried without too much discomfort. As for PPQ vs G19, M&P, Caracal etc.. All comes down to personal perspective and feel - it is too subjective and you'll get a lot of different responses. Out of the box the PPQ is one of the best striker fired triggers, however the other firearms can have trigger jobs or replacement triggers that can bring them on par. It is more important to find a firearm that fits your grip well and that you shoot well from how it points in your hand etc. hth TheWombat

I bought a .22 conversion kit for my Sig P226. I had competition trigger work done to my Sig so I wanted to be able to practice with the same firearm/trigger using .22 LR. If I had a separate .22 firearm I wouldn't be able to. As to whether they are worth it, really comes down to how much you think you'll use it. Particularly with the current ammunition shortages I am shooting almost exclusively at the range and saving my 9mm for IDPA and formal training classes. hth TheWombat

I would say it's less about the number of rounds you shoot, and more about the improvement you make. e.g. If you have technique issues that you don't focus on then the 240 rounds just helps exacerbate the issue. Then again I usually will go through around 100-150 rounds in a one hour session (typically .22 LR on the Sig P226). My training is usually: 1) buzzer 2) draw from holster 3) fire 1,2 or 3 shots depending on what technique I am training 4) fire 1,2 or 3 shots depending on what technique I am training (if appropriate) 5) holster repeat, repeat etc If I am doing the above just to practice holster drawer and first shot time/accuracy my round count will be lower. TheWombat

I'm still here, just crazy busy work wise and preparing for impending fatherhood at home (~10 weeks to go). The PPQ is a good firearm, the M2 version will help increase their popularity in the USA as there are still many people that prefer the traditional button magazine release. Congrats to OP on purchasing a great firearm :-) TheWombat

Agree with Maksim, the PPQ is much better in 9mm. Take a look on the WaltherForums and there are many comments on PPQ in .40 vs 9mm TheWombat

I had a poor experience with NJ Firearms Academy. I have had many great experiences with Gun For Hire. However that is just my personal experience. When people ask me who I suggest, the answer is simple... Gun For Hire btw - you can read quite a few reviews from myself and others on the Training sub-forum. :-) TheWombat

I have a P226, my wife has the P228. The P226 is a bit longer, taller and has a rail. I compete with my P226 although prefer the P228. It is like comparing the G17 to the G19. Only possible downside of the P228 is no rail, which may be less ideal for home defense where you may want to have a weapon mounted light - in which case the P229 becomes an option. Regards TheWombat Sent using Tapatalk