Any real benefit from shooting M&P 22 for USPSA practice?

drmweaver2 · #1 07-08-2016, 04:09 PM

Relatively new shooter here.

I'm kinda curious, especially because of the costs of shooting 9mm ammo vs 22LR ammo whether I'll get any benefit from shooting my full size M&P 22 as far as preparing to shoot USPSA/IDPA matches? Eventually I want to shoot at least a few USPSA/IDPA matches with my SD9VE (I know, it's NOT a real competition level pistol, but it's what I have).

Right now, I'm still at the "get some rounds downrange/under my belt" stage. I'm definitely learning about eye dominance, sight picture/alignment and trigger control - but at a snail's pace and on indoor ranges shooting at paper targets. My SD9VE shooting shows similar results to my M&P 22 shooting - usually low left but I am mostly "controlling" the SD9VE's recoil (at least that is what a fellow shooter who has watched me shoot both pistols tells me).

The indoor range doesn't allow "rapid fire" (though that's the official position, I've heard numerous shooters doing double taps under 1sec), holster draws or movement. Some of that "practice deficit", I've read, can be overcome via dry fire at home. But, it's still not actual shooting.

I'm stuck buying my ammo commercially as I don't do re-loads for various reasons.

Thoughts? Wasting my time with the 22 as far as hoping for influence on when I might start shooting the 9mm competitively?

OKFC05 · #2 07-08-2016, 04:39 PM

As an instructor, I'll offer you 2 possible answers:
1. If you have no idea how to hold the gun and control the trigger, you need competent instruction and help so you get the feel of what you are supposed to be doing. Otherwise it does no good to bang away, repeating your mistakes.
2. If you have the idea of what you are supposed to be doing, but are working on putting it all together and eventually speeding up, then intelligent practice with any pistol is beneficial. I keep an M&P22 in the truck, and when I am at the range for any reason, try to take time out for 30-40 shots ringing the plates or whatever. Besides, shooting takes the edge off a hectic day.

P.S. I see a lot of new shooters trying to go fast before they learn to be smooth.

drmweaver2 · #3 07-08-2016, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OKFC05

As an instructor, I'll offer you 2 possible answers:...2. If you have the idea of what you are supposed to be doing, but are working on putting it all together and eventually speeding up, then intelligent practice with any pistol is beneficial.

This is what I am hoping will be true for me. The cost difference is substantial, as I'm sure you know. Being on a fixed income retirement, well, cost is a definite factor. I initially bought the SD9VE as a self-defense weapon (go figure) and then ran across some competition stuff on the Net that got my interest. But I found 9mm just a bit more than I can handle safely and accurately(at this time).

So I then found the 22 at a discount and have been steadily working with it. Youtube and a couple books are my current "instructors" - that and reviewing videos of my self shooting/my (lack of) technique, then making adjustments. Current biggest problems - consistency with my grip and focusing on the front sight.

As I'm improving, the "draw" of competing (not winning, just competing) is appealing. Hence, the question.

Appreciate the response.

OKFC05 · #4 07-08-2016, 06:00 PM

Mike Seeklander has some decent videos. Try to get a QUALIFIED instructor or competitor to look over your grip; sometimes its hard to diagnose yourself

mike seeklander new shooter video - Bing video

drmweaver2 · #5 07-08-2016, 06:34 PM

I hadn't seen THAT particular video.
I have watched and re-watched another Seeklander video about The Grip:

Different video, different day, slightly different emphasis.

Thanks for the link.

(couldn't figure out how to post Just the link....sorry)

Bkreutz · #6 07-08-2016, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drmweaver2

Relatively new shooter here.

I'm kinda curious, especially because of the costs of shooting 9mm ammo vs 22LR ammo whether I'll get any benefit from shooting my full size M&P 22 as far as preparing to shoot USPSA/IDPA matches? Eventually I want to shoot at least a few USPSA/IDPA matches with my SD9VE (I know, it's NOT a real competition level pistol, but it's what I have).

Right now, I'm still at the "get some rounds downrange/under my belt" stage. I'm definitely learning about eye dominance, sight picture/alignment and trigger control - but at a snail's pace and on indoor ranges shooting at paper targets. My SD9VE shooting shows similar results to my M&P 22 shooting - usually low left but I am mostly "controlling" the SD9VE's recoil (at least that is what a fellow shooter who has watched me shoot both pistols tells me).

The indoor range doesn't allow "rapid fire" (though that's the official position, I've heard numerous shooters doing double taps under 1sec), holster draws or movement. Some of that "practice deficit", I've read, can be overcome via dry fire at home. But, it's still not actual shooting.

I'm stuck buying my ammo commercially as I don't do re-loads for various reasons.

Thoughts? Wasting my time with the 22 as far as hoping for influence on when I might start shooting the 9mm competitively?

Any trigger time will help your shooting ability (if done correctly, if you are practicing incorrectly, it will only reinforce bad habits). If you're having problems getting improvements by dry firing your existing 9mm, then you're doing something wrong. That being said, shooting the .22 will be fun and cheaper and will probably contribute you your enjoyment of shooting. I don't think shooting the SD in USPSA would pointless, you would still have fun, being competitive might be more difficult, but as you said, that's not your primary aim. Get a good production holster, a good belt, a few extra mags, joint the USPSA, and contact the local club. Then be prepared to shoot away. Have fun. Welcome to the world of competitive shooting.