So you think you're an "Outlier"?

[FullAuto]

I just finished reading the book, Outlier, by Malcolm Gladwell and I highly recommend it to anyone who wonders what it takes to be at the top of their game in IDPA, USPSA, or any other shooting sport. The book doesn't specifically address shooting sports but one item stood out to me and it was the "10,000 Hour Rule." This rule, which has been empirically verified, states that in order to be at the top of whatever game, profession, hobby, etc. one must put in at least 10,000 hours of contact/practice time.

In shooting that means that most if, not all, of the top competitors started when they were very young and/or have been shooting at a bare minimum of 5 years; though I think 10 years is more like it. And before someone tells me that the top competitors are imbued with overwhelming talent that it really only took them a relative short period of time, I will say the evidence says you are wrong. Certainly talent has something to do with it, but it seems the biggest differentiating factor is how much practice does one have under their belt.

Incidentally, here's Gladwell's definition of practice:
"....purposefully and single-mindedly playing their instrument with the intent to get better" (p.39; emphasis mine) Substitute playing instruments for the activity that you seek to master.

A question for Mas and Chris:
When do you think you crossed the 10,000 hour threshold in practice time in shooting? Or how long do you think it took you to reach that level? I think your answers will be very enlightening.....

-FullAuto

[Chris]

FullAuto,

I'm not certain that the 10,000 hour rule applies in all cases regarding shooting. I have seen some very talented shooters (Donnie Burton and Josh Lentz come to mind) who were still in their early 20s. They were able to accelerate their development through solid instruction, a good training regime and excellent equipment. It can be done.
I also can't argue with the 10,000 hour theory as it does apply to many top shooters. I'm certain I've passed that threshold, although I can't say for certain when. I was shooting competitively in International matches in 1972, and serving as a military instructor at the same time. I had been shooting for about six years at that point. In subsequent years there were break periods from competition, but not shooting.
When Mas dragged me into IDPA in 2005 I had never shot it before and had not shot any competitive matches in over a dozen years, although I was shooting regularly and had a range in my backyard.
Even with that, it took me a couple years worth of IDPA (and some USPSA) matches, and some equipment experimentation, to get totally comfortable with the "new" game. Interestingly enough, I'm using the same mag carriers and speedloader pouches I started with, so my previous experience appearently provided enough equipment knowledge in that area. It was just guns, holsters, sights and loads that changed. I suspect that is not uncommon.
Chris Christian

[FullAuto]

FullAuto,

I'm not certain that the 10,000 hour rule applies in all cases regarding shooting. I have seen some very talented shooters (Donnie Burton and Josh Lentz come to mind) who were still in their early 20s. They were able to accelerate their development through solid instruction, a good training regime and excellent equipment. It can be done.
I also can't argue with the 10,000 hour theory as it does apply to many top shooters. I'm certain I've passed that threshold, although I can't say for certain when. I was shooting competitively in International matches in 1972, and serving as a military instructor at the same time. I had been shooting for about six years at that point. In subsequent years there were break periods from competition, but not shooting.
When Mas dragged me into IDPA in 2005 I had never shot it before and had not shot any competitive matches in over a dozen years, although I was shooting regularly and had a range in my backyard.
Even with that, it took me a couple years worth of IDPA (and some USPSA) matches, and some equipment experimentation, to get totally comfortable with the "new" game. Interestingly enough, I'm using the same mag carriers and speedloader pouches I started with, so my previous experience appearently provided enough equipment knowledge in that area. It was just guns, holsters, sights and loads that changed. I suspect that is not uncommon.
Chris Christian

I'm lockstep agreement with you about instruction, training and equipment; don't get me wrong.

Gladwell argues in his book that talent certainly counts but not as much as most think. In fact, the more practice time accrued the less innate talent matters.

Gladwell also points out that our environment and culture play a big role too. I think about Rob Leatham's story where he mentioned after church on Sunday his father would take them to the range to shoot. He grew up in a part of the country (AZ) where the culture embraces firearms. He started competitive shooting in the early years of IPSC and had the time to refine and hone his skills in that arena. And then there's Mas who talks about shooting a 1911 when he was twelve years old. And we know how old Mas is, don't we? 


If you get a chance to pick up the book, I think you'll find it very fascinating; especially the story about the Korean pilots.

I have seen you and Mas shoot and it's always a treat to me to see you guys competing at a very high level while all of us whipper-snappers are just trying to keep up with you guys. I started concentrating on shooting three years ago and started shooting IDPA a little over a year ago. I have maybe 500 hours of contact time so by the time I'm 70 (I'm now 40) I should be where you were at in 1972...... But I'll like this stuff so I don't mind....

[mistertaco]

I read that book earlier this year and the concept really made an impression on me. At first, I had thought an outlier was someone exceptional and influential like John Browning in the firearm realm, Enos/Leatham for practical shooting, Mas for Criminology, Armstrong in Cycling ... and certainly they are. But I realized it extended to anyone who is at the top of their field.

And to those who have the timing, desire, resources and talent to be at the top of their field.

On the show, Penn and Teller's BULLSH!T, they covered Gladwell's idea too. It's neat to read Gladwell's thoughts on social economical issues of our time. His work really makes one think. Big fan of all of his books.

Me too, FullAuto; I'll be seventy by the time I put in ten thousand hours in. I'll enjoy the journey.

- Lee