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**sweeper22** · 08-11-2010, 03:59 AM

I'm curious what type of groups some of you more seasoned shooters manage to keep at 15-20yds with centerfire handguns. I'd like to know what a more experienced shooter typically expects of themselves.

I'm pretty new to shooting (1 yr) and brand new to indoor range shooting. I had my first indoor range session this evening with the lanes set at 50ft, and shooting at an "official" 20yd NRA slow fire pistol target (10.5"x12" paper, 9" target, 3.75" inner target)...sorry, the digicam is on the fritz.

Here's where I'm at, don't laugh too hard...

CZ 75b 9mm: 100% on the paper, 90+% within the 9" circle, no further significant grouping.
XDM 45acp: not quite 100% on paper, about 80% within 9" circle, no further significant grouping.

So I guess at this range I'll have to claim bowling ball sized groups. Plinking at 4-6" targets at similar ranges seems easy enough to me, but when I go for grouping my lack of discipline and fundamentals becomes pretty evident. I guess more trigger time is needed.

Rick1967 · 08-11-2010, 04:17 AM

There are shooters here that are better than myself. But, I went to the range on Saturday afternoon. With my 1911 at about 15 yards i was able to put one big hole in the center of my ISPC silouette. I put nine rounds in it. I guess they were all touching each other. The hole was about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

**sweeper22** · 08-11-2010, 04:39 AM

Nice. I'd be happy enough to work my way to softball sized groups. I'd say I'm only maybe 40% inside the black (3.75" center) at this point. I'm not sure why I find it more difficult to try and hit the same spot over and over again. Any idea why engaging 4-6" steel knockdowns at similar ranges would be so much easier for me?

**danf_fl** · 08-11-2010, 05:07 AM

Range shooting is supposed to be fun. Over concentration is one of the reasons I don't group that well at times. I tense up, things shake, grouping goes to heck.
Relaxing, working on basics, making it fun again seems to work for me.

**Flat4sti** · 08-11-2010, 06:03 PM

I am still pretty green when it comes to pistols. I have been shooting at our local outdoor range and the nearest is 15 yards. I Expect to put all my shots into a 8" shot n see. but i will every once in a while send one into lower left field. Every time i go i get better and better and feel more comfortable with the gun. At 25 yards I go with the 12" sticky and even then it is more like who hits it the most between me and my friends.

NGIB · 08-11-2010, 06:20 PM

If I could see the target at 50 feet I'd probably do OK. I don't delude myself and keep all my pistol shooting 10-12 yards and in. At 25 feet I can cut the center out of a target without much trouble...

pumpkinball · 08-11-2010, 07:01 PM

The closest range around here is free thats why I go there. But its also an outdoor range and the shortest one is 50 yds. So at 150 ft I use a 12x12 plain jane target. My goal at that distance isn't to group my shots but to simply make a hole anywhere on the paper. If I can get 7/8 on the 12x12 at 50yds Im as happy as I can be. From time to time though I do move in closer if Im there and no other folks are on it. When I get the opportunity I take advantage of the situation. If I walk down to anything less than 15 yds I make sure I plant 100% within the smallest ring which is 3.5". At 25yds I have to have all shots in the next ring which is 5". If I can't do it, I keep on until I do it or I run out of ammo. This helps me be that much more prepared for the time that I hope never comes when I have to use it. Of course I also go to longer ranges with the long guns, but this is where I go with handguns. I personally feel like as long as I'm hitting the target pretty good at 50yds, then I shouldn't have any trouble with a self defence situation, which is almost always within 21ft. But I'm no competition shooter either, Im sure a pro would make me look like a real ammeture. Just keep practicing no matter how you do it. Good luck.

freefall · 08-12-2010, 02:50 AM

If you want to shoot small groups, it's my belief that you should shoot at the smallest target you can see at the range you want to shoot at. Aim small, miss small. (If I'm not perverting the expression.)
I realize that for self-defense type shooting you need to practice close and quick. But my most common use for a pistol is spruce grouse, and their heads are small.

gatopardo · 08-12-2010, 03:07 AM

If I really mean it 3-5" it's OK, I space my delivery, manage my breathing ( pull the trigger when I'm exhaling), count in my head, reacquire target often ( lower your gun slightly, count one, raise your gun to acquire target, count two, put finger on trigger, count three, fire)
For me to keep my mind busy with the task, and avoid any flinching is one and the same