Got Skills? Share them Please.....I need them

zebraben · 10-06-2005, 12:24 AM

So Heres the Deal, After the extremely long 10 day waiting period here in Ca. I finally picked up my USP .45

I was excited to take it out and give it a go.

I hit the range about 40 minutes later. :uzi: And quickly realized. I got no skills and have no idea on how to get skills.

The range master gave me a starting point. My groups went from being all over the target to hitting 4-5" groups by the time i ran out of ammo. Although this was due to moving the target close to me, I started way to far away 30 feet or so, The range master had me start at 10 ft.

What is a good system use to build my accuracy, timing and Speed. Any and All info is greatly appreciated.

Thanks
:target:

BigJake · 10-06-2005, 04:49 AM

Well Zebra, most gun fights take place within 20 to 25 feet for sure. The statistic is a much shorter distance than that, but I can't remember the exact measurement. You got a fine gun there. I am also a big 45acp fan, and it is my primary carry gun. When I switched up from 40 S&W to .45 I had problems getting my groups tight. One good thing though, a 5" circle will fit inside most peoples head. The more you shoot you will pick up on your mistakes and find what fits you best.

One thing I try to do is when I am shooting, I try to relax. It is not a Final Exam or a Tax Form. ( although a tax form would make a good target.) anyway. I am not the best shot in the group but definately not the worst. Most people that can shoot better than I can, Shoot more than I do. Practice. Something to try is focus on your front sight more than your rear. This is particularly helpful when trying to get a target aquasition in a hurry. But even though you arent in a hurry remember "Front sight". The other thing that has helped me at times is Squeeze the trigger, dont snap it or yank it. Try to feel all the creep and buildup that your trigger gives. (that is mainly for double action shots, which means that when you pull the trigger the hammer cocks back and then falls to fire the gun) Even with single action shots (this is when the hammer on the gun is already back and on most guns the trigger resistance is much less.) still take your time, Let the detonation of the bullet almost be a suprise. This will help you get a feel of how your gun shoots, and where the hammer will fall.

Hope that helps some Zebra, I am sure some of the real sharp shooters on this site will give you some helpful tips too. Post back and let us know how it is going.

oh and one Question? What kind of ammunition are you shooting?

NorCalAshnjikov · 10-06-2005, 05:17 AM

short intro
http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/ayoob85.html

more in depth
FM 23-35 Combat Training with Pistols and Revolvers
US Army Pistol Marksmanship Training Guide
http://www.bullseyepistol.com/
http://www.ipsc.org/psguide.htm

Ther's also an apparent classic, "shooting to live", thats worth checking out
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/087...83155&v=glance

All of these are floating on the interweb, just google

Despoiler · 10-07-2005, 12:16 AM

Really the only way to improve your shooting is to shoot, and then shoot some more and then shoot even more. Shooting is like everything else, the more you do it the better you will be at it.

zebraben · 10-07-2005, 12:23 AM

BigJake- Thanks for your input just after posting this I found a website but forgot to bookmark it before I had to go do some stuff around. When I came back it looks like a power failure or something...anyways, I lost that site. It was a great site and talk about starting close and not moving out until you can hit like20 rounds on this target they describe as, a vertical line on a sheet of paper. Anyways if I find it again I will post it.

Currently I have 10 rounds of Federal FMJ .45 230gr. I believe. Just one mags worth that I saved from my first outting to the range. I am dont want to spend a lot of money on ammunition until I can confidently shoot and hit my target where I want to, once I can do that, I will be using either one of the popular JHP or possibly an Expanding FMJ.But for now I will be using FMJ, I will probably try and pick up a bulk of it at the next gun show, :uzi: any suggestions on what to look for ?

NorCalAshnjikov- Thanks for the links I will definatley check them out.

Ctwo-I was doing the same thing, and with the assistance of the rangemaster at the range we corrected it, he shot 1 round to check the sights, and then suggesated two options that helped me drastically,

1. I was anticipating the recoil and pulling to the left. As Bigjake said "Let the detonation of the bullet almost be a suprise" .
2. Also having to do with "Let the detonation of the bullet almost be a suprise"
I was using to much finger on the trigger, and by the time the weapon fired I was pushing the gun down and left due to the natural roll of the hand... The suggestion made was to use the near tip of the finger and slow press the trigger and "Let the detonation of the bullet almost be a suprise" but then dont reset you finger...ease the trigger out until you feel it click over, then relax and settle your sights again, and start the whole process over. I went form hitting the outter ring of the target and all over the rest of the paper to hitting consistent blacks in about 30 rounds. I hope that helps.

zebraben · 10-07-2005, 12:24 AM

I agree Practice on anything will only make you better....that is unless someone gives you bad advice, then you are practicing the wrong way

. Most likely a range will be full of people who have been shooting a while and can give you some good pointers.

Despoiler · 10-07-2005, 12:33 AM

Zeb where in Ca are you?

SPOCAHP ANAR · 10-07-2005, 05:51 AM

I have mad skills that chicks dig like Nun chuck skills or computer hacking skills........

jerry · 10-09-2005, 04:54 PM

I learned to shoot before computers and forums were around. I found the writings of people like Jeff Cooper & Skeeter Skelton very interesting if not educational.

7mmag6 · 10-09-2005, 05:51 PM

the best way to learn to shoot is when some one is shooting back at you

Outriderdark · 10-09-2005, 06:26 PM

I also suggest confirming your eye dominance to anyone having trouble. I'm right handed with a left dominant eye and it can really screw you up. You end up shootin three feet over and can't figure out why.
10 days? Try buying a pistol in NJ. It takes you 3 months or more.

zebraben · 10-10-2005, 06:10 PM

AllenT-Im locate in San Rafael,Ca

Calvin · 10-10-2005, 07:56 PM

For an exercise at home, try this one. You'll need someone to help you with this one, but it works.
First, make ABSOLUTELY SURE THE WEAPON IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED AND EMPTY!!!
Thumb your hammer back and raise the weapon to a firing position and have the other person lay a quarter or nickel on top of the front sight. SQUEEZE the trigger. The object is to dry-fire the handgun w/o knocking the quarter or nickel off. It teaches trigger control and helps control your flinching. Flinching is the hardest thing to unlearn.

zebraben · 10-11-2005, 12:12 AM

Thats an intersting Suggestion, I will have to try that one Cal Thanks

Troy · 10-11-2005, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7mmag6

the best way to learn to shoot is when some one is shooting back at you

better hope your a quick learner.

zebraben · 10-11-2005, 11:42 PM

Yeah I have heard the same thing about dry firing, is it bad, what kind of damage does it cause what are alternatives to it besides the obvious goin to a range.

NorCalAshnjikov · 10-12-2005, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zebraben

Yeah I have heard the same thing about dry firing, is it bad, what kind of damage does it cause what are alternatives to it besides the obvious goin to a range.

You can damage the pin, either break it or warp it,
and conceivably you might pit your chamber.

In most centerfire firearms it won't do anything,
as it shouldn't hit anything during dry firing.

If you plan on doing a lot of dry firing (in the 1000s),
its not a bad idea to remove the pin

zebraben · 10-12-2005, 09:50 AM

Ah it makes sense...

Troy · 10-12-2005, 01:02 PM

snap caps are good, even a spent round is alright.

Johan Malan · 10-12-2005, 01:20 PM

One thing you might try to get to know you gun is to dry fire it infront of the mirror this allows you to see if you got the right posture etc.

10-06-2005, 12:24 AM	#1
zebraben Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: San Rafael,Ca Posts: 47	Got Skills? Share them Please.....I need them So Heres the Deal, After the extremely long 10 day waiting period here in Ca. I finally picked up my USP .45 I was excited to take it out and give it a go. I hit the range about 40 minutes later. :uzi: And quickly realized. I got no skills and have no idea on how to get skills. The range master gave me a starting point. My groups went from being all over the target to hitting 4-5" groups by the time i ran out of ammo. Although this was due to moving the target close to me, I started way to far away 30 feet or so, The range master had me start at 10 ft. What is a good system use to build my accuracy, timing and Speed. Any and All info is greatly appreciated. Thanks :target:

10-06-2005, 04:49 AM	#2
BigJake Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: South Posts: 184	Well Zebra, most gun fights take place within 20 to 25 feet for sure. The statistic is a much shorter distance than that, but I can't remember the exact measurement. You got a fine gun there. I am also a big 45acp fan, and it is my primary carry gun. When I switched up from 40 S&W to .45 I had problems getting my groups tight. One good thing though, a 5" circle will fit inside most peoples head. The more you shoot you will pick up on your mistakes and find what fits you best. One thing I try to do is when I am shooting, I try to relax. It is not a Final Exam or a Tax Form. ( although a tax form would make a good target.) anyway. I am not the best shot in the group but definately not the worst. Most people that can shoot better than I can, Shoot more than I do. Practice. Something to try is focus on your front sight more than your rear. This is particularly helpful when trying to get a target aquasition in a hurry. But even though you arent in a hurry remember "Front sight". The other thing that has helped me at times is Squeeze the trigger, dont snap it or yank it. Try to feel all the creep and buildup that your trigger gives. (that is mainly for double action shots, which means that when you pull the trigger the hammer cocks back and then falls to fire the gun) Even with single action shots (this is when the hammer on the gun is already back and on most guns the trigger resistance is much less.) still take your time, Let the detonation of the bullet almost be a suprise. This will help you get a feel of how your gun shoots, and where the hammer will fall. Hope that helps some Zebra, I am sure some of the real sharp shooters on this site will give you some helpful tips too. Post back and let us know how it is going. oh and one Question? What kind of ammunition are you shooting? __________________ Yo Ho Ho an-a bottle a Brass Monkey...

10-06-2005, 05:17 AM	#3
NorCalAshnjikov Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Southern California Posts: 688 Images: 1	short intro http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/ayoob85.html more in depth FM 23-35 Combat Training with Pistols and Revolvers US Army Pistol Marksmanship Training Guide http://www.bullseyepistol.com/ http://www.ipsc.org/psguide.htm Ther's also an apparent classic, "shooting to live", thats worth checking out http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/087...83155&v=glance All of these are floating on the interweb, just google Last edited by NorCalAshnjikov; 10-06-2005 at 05:29 AM.

10-07-2005, 12:24 AM	#6
zebraben Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: San Rafael,Ca Posts: 47	I agree Practice on anything will only make you better....that is unless someone gives you bad advice, then you are practicing the wrong way . Most likely a range will be full of people who have been shooting a while and can give you some good pointers. Last edited by zebraben; 10-07-2005 at 12:25 AM. Reason: spelling

10-07-2005, 05:51 AM	#8
SPOCAHP ANAR Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: SC-upstate Posts: 4,094 Images: 3 Blog Entries: 4	I have mad skills that chicks dig like Nun chuck skills or computer hacking skills........ __________________ Spocrest Out!..........

10-07-2005, 12:16 AM	#4
Despoiler Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: The Occupied Territory of California Posts: 2,232	Really the only way to improve your shooting is to shoot, and then shoot some more and then shoot even more. Shooting is like everything else, the more you do it the better you will be at it.

10-07-2005, 12:23 AM	#5
zebraben Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: San Rafael,Ca Posts: 47	BigJake- Thanks for your input just after posting this I found a website but forgot to bookmark it before I had to go do some stuff around. When I came back it looks like a power failure or something...anyways, I lost that site. It was a great site and talk about starting close and not moving out until you can hit like20 rounds on this target they describe as, a vertical line on a sheet of paper. Anyways if I find it again I will post it. Currently I have 10 rounds of Federal FMJ .45 230gr. I believe. Just one mags worth that I saved from my first outting to the range. I am dont want to spend a lot of money on ammunition until I can confidently shoot and hit my target where I want to, once I can do that, I will be using either one of the popular JHP or possibly an Expanding FMJ.But for now I will be using FMJ, I will probably try and pick up a bulk of it at the next gun show, :uzi: any suggestions on what to look for ? NorCalAshnjikov- Thanks for the links I will definatley check them out. Ctwo-I was doing the same thing, and with the assistance of the rangemaster at the range we corrected it, he shot 1 round to check the sights, and then suggesated two options that helped me drastically, 1. I was anticipating the recoil and pulling to the left. As Bigjake said "Let the detonation of the bullet almost be a suprise" . 2. Also having to do with "Let the detonation of the bullet almost be a suprise" I was using to much finger on the trigger, and by the time the weapon fired I was pushing the gun down and left due to the natural roll of the hand... The suggestion made was to use the near tip of the finger and slow press the trigger and "Let the detonation of the bullet almost be a suprise" but then dont reset you finger...ease the trigger out until you feel it click over, then relax and settle your sights again, and start the whole process over. I went form hitting the outter ring of the target and all over the rest of the paper to hitting consistent blacks in about 30 rounds. I hope that helps.

10-07-2005, 12:33 AM	#7
Despoiler Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: The Occupied Territory of California Posts: 2,232	Zeb where in Ca are you?

10-09-2005, 04:54 PM	#9
jerry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 10,882 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 1	I learned to shoot before computers and forums were around. I found the writings of people like Jeff Cooper & Skeeter Skelton very interesting if not educational. __________________ I'm a down home back woods redneck

10-09-2005, 05:51 PM	#10
7mmag6 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 337 Images: 1	the best way to learn to shoot is when some one is shooting back at you

10-09-2005, 06:26 PM	#11
Outriderdark Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 1,125	I also suggest confirming your eye dominance to anyone having trouble. I'm right handed with a left dominant eye and it can really screw you up. You end up shootin three feet over and can't figure out why. 10 days? Try buying a pistol in NJ. It takes you 3 months or more. __________________ "Would it make you feel better, little girl, if they was thrown outta windows?"-Archie Bunker

10-10-2005, 06:10 PM	#12
zebraben Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: San Rafael,Ca Posts: 47	AllenT-Im locate in San Rafael,Ca

10-10-2005, 07:56 PM	#13
Calvin Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 2,000	For an exercise at home, try this one. You'll need someone to help you with this one, but it works. First, make ABSOLUTELY SURE THE WEAPON IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED AND EMPTY!!! Thumb your hammer back and raise the weapon to a firing position and have the other person lay a quarter or nickel on top of the front sight. SQUEEZE the trigger. The object is to dry-fire the handgun w/o knocking the quarter or nickel off. It teaches trigger control and helps control your flinching. Flinching is the hardest thing to unlearn.

10-11-2005, 12:12 AM	#14
zebraben Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: San Rafael,Ca Posts: 47	Thats an intersting Suggestion, I will have to try that one Cal Thanks

10-11-2005, 11:42 PM	#16
zebraben Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: San Rafael,Ca Posts: 47	Yeah I have heard the same thing about dry firing, is it bad, what kind of damage does it cause what are alternatives to it besides the obvious goin to a range.

10-12-2005, 09:50 AM	#18
zebraben Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: San Rafael,Ca Posts: 47	Ah it makes sense...

10-12-2005, 01:02 PM	#19
Troy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Manitoba Canada Posts: 2,501 Images: 3	snap caps are good, even a spent round is alright.

10-12-2005, 01:20 PM	#20
Johan Malan Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Saskatchewan Canada Posts: 302	One thing you might try to get to know you gun is to dry fire it infront of the mirror this allows you to see if you got the right posture etc.