Excuses

[Centercut]

Why is it that almost all groups or target scores, no matter how good (or bad) seem to have an excuse added in to explain why they aren’t perfect? Just about every post I’ve seen over the past month starts out with “I was shooting in hurricane winds” or “the bench was so wobbly it would barely stand up” prior to or after the presentation of the group or targets.
Listing your shooting conditions is one thing, but phrasing it as some excuse for what you shot is something else.
Even some of the very best shooters do it - here’s this 100Y group 25 shots of 0.53 inch C2C, but it was swirling 15 to 20 mph winds and very cold….
Am I being too dramatic or picky?

 

[L.Leon]

I would simply say it’s “human nature” to find an excuse for something not being “perfect?” Because we know there is no such thing. But it keeps many humans striving forward, an unobtainable carrot… Ever forwards…

 

[madeintheuk]

My wife does the same with her cooking. Before anyone takes a bite, it’s an excuse on why it isn’t better than it is. I guess we have to do the same with our shooting. Lol

 

[Kgphotos]

I agree with L.Leon. I think maybe human nature demands a reason that something didn’t perform at 100% or some goal wasn’t completely achieved. Even if blaming one’s self; such as “I was tired”, or “too much coffee”, there is usually an excuse even if unintentional.

On the other hand that’s not always the case. Last evening I was doing a little pellet testing and the conditions became just about perfect. My two wind flags were as limp as can be and all was calm and right with the world. At my zero range of 42 yards I shot some of my best groups ever.

Now, if only I had brought my sorted pellets, and maybe cleaned my barrel, and worn by lucky socks just imagine how much better my groups might have been

Kenny

 

[Struckat]

I clearly am the accuracy problem with my guns.

 

[Gerry52]

Tout our accomplishments, diminish our failures, HUMAN NATURE! We're a messy species! I can put 'em all in the bullseye if it weren't for that pack of wild dogs that keep attacking while I'm trying to aim!

 

[Ricochet]

Why is it that almost all groups or target scores, no matter how good (or bad) seem to have an excuse added in to explain why they aren’t perfect? Just about every post I’ve seen over the past month starts out with “I was shooting in hurricane winds” or “the bench was so wobbly it would barely stand up” prior to or after the presentation of the group or targets.
Listing your shooting conditions is one thing, but phrasing it as some excuse for what you shot is something else.
Even some of the very best shooters do it - here’s this 100Y group 25 shots of 0.53 inch C2C, but it was swirling 15 to 20 mph winds and very cold….
Am I being too dramatic or picky?

Simple.... because in their minds, they can do better. In reality, it was the best they could do. I'm guilty of this.

 

[Beer Nap]

Excuses are to hide ones short comings while reasons describe conditions that are out of ones control. If I'm thinking too deep then excuse me.

 

[Smitty911]

People just want to hear the counter "Oh, those are great groups based on Table, Winds, heartbeats, etc. etc." Searching for acceptance. I think part of it is subconscious and that once pointed out should reduce or trigger some self reflection.

I didn't know dudes could have Daddy issues.

Smitty

 

[L.Leon]

I’ve shot some great groups in varying conditions. But still have many WTF moments… wind, fatigue, bad pellets, a mix of a lot of variables. Perfection in anything will never be the norm for me…

 

[SqrlHntr]

“Fundamentally, the marksman aims at himself.” -Suzuki

 

[Seeker]

I shoot indoors with a bipod and a rear bag. I have absolutely no excuse other than: it is a gun, not me. I record my shots.

 

[Joef]

Like stated it is a human thing and we all do it some just more. I have read plenty on this from the 100 yard matches, bad relay, wind coming over buildings, I'm at the ends by the berms, and the list goes on.

Those guys that can shoot consistently (key word) not one fluke half inch groups at 100 yards in those winds, I personally wouldn't want to shoot against them.

I just blame the bad air I just filled my tank with.

 

[Scotay42]

I clearly am the accuracy problem with my guns.

We all are.

 

[mercado]

That simple.. is a practice learned at youtube , from our reviewers , or product users if they coud make a excuse presenting the lastest $2,500+ toy then is valid for us in our crapy groups..

 

[nomojo65]

Shooter’s are very competitive and when we see exceptional groups or scores you want to equal or best those performances.

This pride sometimes overwhelms our objective reasoning. A common example if I shoot one 250 20x card out of 3,6 or 9 cards that doesn’t make me a 250 shooter! More in likely I am 240 shooter. (How do I know? Because I’ve kept every competitive card I’ve shot in the last 4yrs.) OBJECTIVE!

Now I can use every excuse there is but on the line every competitor on my relay had the same conditions. Except for lane 6 he had better flags!

 

[Nattboy]

My dog ate my score card.

 

[One-Man_Riot]

I'm not good at excuses...

 

[tor47]

See many reviewrs doing 5 shot groups, and have one flyer. Said the flyer was him, and not the gun,and measure only 4 holes. Why not shoot another group then?

 

[beerthief]

I always say i did not drain and refill with fresh air today . Stale air causes flyers !