[spittinfire]

Alright guys, after my trip to the range today I need some help. I have 6" 357 and an 8 3/8" 44 mag. I would like to hunt with both of them but right now I can't shoot a consistant group at 25 yards. Give me a 2" 357 @ 10 yds and I'm fine. I know the longer barrel will require more follow thru but what else am I missing. I'm finally taking the plunge of longer range pistol shooting and since I started, I suck. The recoil doesn't bother me, I'm just having trouble controlling it.
I shoot mainly a 1911 but an XD as well. I'm trying to keep my grip high and behind the cylinder but it didn't help much. I'm also considering some shooting gloves to help me get a better grip. Thoughts?

[gadrooning]

Are you shooting from a rest or from a shooting stick? Iron sights? Scope? Red dot. I have 8 3/8" smith 357 that shoots 1 1/2" group out to 50 yrds from bench with iron sights. I would imagine the 44 should do as well. Are you shooting single action?? I guess I would bench it and try to elimate any variables and see how it shoots. I went threw almost an entire box of mags before I found out that my rear sights were frozen. I now have a mueller red dot mounted on the 586 with no magnification. I found this works extremely well for quick acquisition and less eye fatique. I also shoot with a shooting stick. The long barrel just has to much sway after a few seconds.

[gadrooning]

Oh one more thing. If you are shooting offhand, personally, I drop the gun down if I cannot get a shot off in less then 6 to 7 seconds. With such a long barrel in higher calibers, fatique sets in quick and it is better to rest for a short second and bring the barrel up fo another shot. Hope this helps.

[spittinfire]

I shoot them better offhand then I do from a rest. I tried my first shot at rest shooting them today. I was hoping my groups would get tighter but the opposite happen.

[danf_fl]

I have a couple of bad habits (well, maybe more than a couple). When I shoot magnums, I anticipate recoil and noise. Both eyes close at the time of hammer release and groups open up. Toss about 4 empty casings in the cylinder randomly. On an empty, if the sight picture moves, then you can correct the problem.
This does not happen when I shoot other calibers.
Good luck

[Txhillbilly]

Spitty,It takes alot of practice.I usually practice off sandbags on a bench,and use shooting sticks or a tree to help stabilize my stance in the field.
I usually practice with lighter loads to help my technique,and then after everything is working good,shoot my hunting loads.

[masterPsmith]

I started handgun hunting and long range handgun back in the early 70s as rifle shooting was no longer a challenge to me. All I can say is practice, practice, practice. In the field, use any support you can find and in any conditions. That first shot has to go where you want it to in any condition or situation, as you probably won't get a second shot. Keep your practice within 50 yards until you become proficient and then slowly move it out to 100 yards. When handgun hunting, depending on the terrain you hunt in, shots will usually occur within 50 yards or less, unless you hunt in open country. If you have any problems with "buck feaver" while hunting with a rifle, it will be magnified 10 fold when using a handgun. Practice, practice, practice, and try to never take that all important shot unsuported. Remember, it is not SD or combat shooting, it is very precise shooting usually in an uncomfortable environment............


Jim............

[robocop10mm]

Ball and dummy. Load one or two rounds, close your eyes, spin the cylinder and close. Carefully squeeze off the six "shots". Your mistakes will be very apparent on an empty chamber.

[IGETEVEN]

Originally Posted by robocop10mm

Ball and dummy. Load one or two rounds, close your eyes, spin the cylinder and close. Carefully squeeze off the six "shots". Your mistakes will be very apparent on an empty chamber.

What Robo said.

Use one of these for stability and distance accuracy to target in the field with a long barreled handgun. I carry one, both for pistol and rifle shooting, portable, lightweight, quiet and doubles as a walking stick.



Stoney Point Expedition Monopod - Bipods and Shooting Sticks - Bipods, Sticks, & Rests - Gamaliel Shooting Supply

Prices may vary when searching, but they rande from $25-$35. YMMV

[gadrooning]

How do you do shooting 38's out of the 6" 357?