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Old 11-30-2009, 04:05 PM
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Default What distance to practice at range ?

At what distance would most people practice shooting your CC handgun ? I usally shoot at the 10 yard range but have seen people shooting much farther. Why would you want to shoot much farther then that, unless it was just to see if you could.
Just wondering....
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Old 11-30-2009, 04:10 PM
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I practice at 7, 10, 15, 25, and 50 yards. Mainly because I like to shoot and shooting at one known distance gets boreing.
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Old 11-30-2009, 04:32 PM
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5,7, 10 yds...At times I use multiple silhouettes all depicting "mean dirt-bags" spread out in varying distances..
Good shooting to you...
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Old 11-30-2009, 04:51 PM
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10 feet, 20 feet and 30-50 feet. I also try up close double tap practice shooting from the hip area from 5-7 feet away. Think of life threatening scenarios you could be involved in for defensive purposes. Hopefully, the distance isn't going to be 75-100 feet away.
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Old 11-30-2009, 04:52 PM
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I rarely practice beyond 15 yards with my carry guns. When I was a LEO, we were required to qualify out to 25 yards, and occassionally would practice at 50 yards. At this point in my life, I want to be able to hit what I'm pointing at at fairly close ranges. Anything beyond that, I'm reaching for a long gun.
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Old 11-30-2009, 05:03 PM
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50 yards I like the most. 25%
25 yards I shoot the most. 60%
15 yards is for sighting in a gun, for practice is to short/boring.
10 yards just for fun/plinking or empty the rest in the ammobox in fast series.

Swissman
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Old 11-30-2009, 05:06 PM
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between 7-10 yards or a few more.
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Old 11-30-2009, 05:30 PM
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7-8 yards
10 yards
17 yards (roughly 50')
25 yards

sometimes I will put a shoot-n-see out at 50 yards and try to hit it with the open sight guns.
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Old 11-30-2009, 06:13 PM
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For my competition guns, I zero them for 50 yds and check them at 100 yds mainly to be sure the bullets are still going straight. Marginal stability shows up better at longer range, but causes accuracy problems closer in.

For a fixed-sight carry gun, I still check zero out to 50 yds, but do most practice from contact distance out to 25 yd. I use IDPA scenarios to practice gun handling and use of cover.
In my experience, too many people practice standing flat-footed at medium distances with no time limit. Mixing up the distances and working against a timer introduces some simulated stress.
There are three types of shooting to practice: no sights(point shooting), front sight(still fairly close), and both sights(further out).
Practice using cover and one-handed, also. If it gets too easy and boring, speed up.
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Old 11-30-2009, 06:26 PM
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Isn't there a statistic based on FBI studies of LE firearms encounters, where most incidents occur between 0 - 7 yards?

I practice self defense scenarios within those parameters, and yes, using a timer and various "bad guy" silhouette targets.

10, 15, 25 yards to zero a weapon and improve my skills. I figure if I can hit pop cans at 20 yards I will be effective in most self defense situations.
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Old 11-30-2009, 06:33 PM
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Almost always 7 and 10 yards. I practice a few shots out at 25 or so because they usually tell you a good story about how you are handling your gun and trigger control but most of my practice is in the 7-10

Im not a LEO and it would be hard for me to explain to a jury why I shot a guy at 25 yds in self defense !!
Alex
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Old 11-30-2009, 06:36 PM
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By far most of my practice shooting is at arm's length to 10 yards. And, it will mostly be draw-and-shoot, which is very likely what it will be if the worst ever comes to pass -- not going for blinding speed, mind you, just training the muscles through the motions. A lesser amount I'll do at around 50 feet. But at every session, I will do some shots from distances out to 43 yards, which is the longest range I can attain on my side-yard range. A true self-defense situation requiring a shot that long would be rare, but I like to know it can be done, just in case.
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Old 11-30-2009, 06:58 PM
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I will start @ 21 feet,move to 30,40,and 50 feet.I just enjoy shooting and pray I never have to shoot anyone ....God Bless.....Mike
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Old 11-30-2009, 07:02 PM
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For concealed cary I actually think 4 to 7 yards is more realistic and more better. I also think shooting one handed with both strong and weak hand, moving to shoot, turning 90 and 180 degrees, shooting while seated, kneeling and prone, multiple targets, shooting while moving, barricade, reloading (speed and tactical), shooting from cover and concealment, and low light with and without a flashlight, are way more important than keeping all your shots in 3 inches at 10-25 yards. And all from the holster you carry in, of course.

Add scenarios and this is a pretty good defensive pistol curriculum. My sage advice is not to move back to 10 yards until you can do all this confidently from 4 to 7.

If anything ever does happen it's likely gonna be up close and fast, and very likely nothing will be standing still (including me), so be realistic in your training.

/c
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Old 11-30-2009, 07:11 PM
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The FBI average armed encounter distance generally moves about a wee bit but seems to stay around 7 yards. After all these years I'm beginning to suspect this is due to category sorting.

However, at this range the good guys win about 50% of the time. As the range decreases, so does the winning percentage. At arms length, the other dude/dudette wins 90% or better. I haven't read the UCR in quite awhile, but it'd be interesting if there was an additional category noting who fired first. Probably not gonna happen.

This isn't due so much to performance issues as it is to not knowing that a gunfight is about to break out. If you get behind the decision loop (OODA-observe, orient, decide and act) there's simply no way you're going to come out on top when you're too close. At around 7 yards, it appears that basic fundamentals start to become the deciding factor.

If you're really into stats, NYPDs shooting stats are available on a website courtesy of the ACLU. They really make interesting reading with respect to how many rounds per incident get fired. IIRC, one officer fires 4.7 rounds per incident, if the other guy shoots back it about doubles. Two officers and it's 6.? and almost double if the other guy shoots back. And you say you carry a 5 shot snub and no spare ammo?

Massad Ayoob has an article in the newest American Handgunner about an incident at 70 yards. Civilians might have issues justifying something like this, but in an active shooter incident, could happen.

Whatever range, please do practice gun hand and support hand only shooting.
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Old 11-30-2009, 11:04 PM
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Arms length out to 10 yards (or there abouts)
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Old 11-30-2009, 11:21 PM
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Lately I've been concentrating on the 20 yard line steel plate rack at our shooting club. It a challange and I like the clang of steel falling. Only downside is that I can't really tell how I am grouping. But, I figure a plate down at 20 yards is pretty good practice for anything I would encounter at a shorter range.

Out West
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Old 12-01-2009, 01:14 AM
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when practicing with my CCW gun it's between 5-10 yards. If the situation arises and I'm further away than that I'll be too busy running to shoot.
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Old 12-01-2009, 02:32 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ab4ka View Post
when practicing with my CCW gun it's between 5-10 yards. If the situation arises and I'm further away than that I'll be too busy running to shoot.
+1, that is what I was brought up on. If I take a shot longer than this, it will be one of the saddest day(s) of this country... However, I am guilty of occasionally seeing how many out of a magazine I can put on the gong at 100 yards... It is usually about 4/8 on a 10" plate....

I too hope that I never have to use my weapon (especially on a person), but it goes with me everywhere just in case.
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Old 12-01-2009, 09:29 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boriqua View Post
Almost always 7 and 10 yards. I practice a few shots out at 25 or so because they usually tell you a good story about how you are handling your gun and trigger control but most of my practice is in the 7-10

Im not a LEO and it would be hard for me to explain to a jury why I shot a guy at 25 yds in self defense !!
Alex
+1 Couldn't have said it better myself.
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Old 12-01-2009, 09:51 AM
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There's a reason most LE shootings are 7 yds or less. That's the normal conversation distance for people. It's not some magical distance. 7 yds or less is the distance people stand from each other to carry on a conversation in a normal voice. For those who have ever been stopped by a LEO think about it. Did the LEO stand back 25 yds and carry on a conversation? Or did the LEO approach your vehicle, get your license from your hand, be able to look inside your vehicle? WR Moore explained it well. The BG acts first. The BG knows when he's going to act and what actions he's going to take. He waits until the LEO is the closest for his own advantage.
25 yds isn't that far of a distance. If you can't justify a defensive shooting at 25 yds then you can't justify the same shooting situation at 2 yds. If you're taking incoming fire at 25 yds is that not a deadly force threat? If a person thinks 25 yds is too far for someone to effectively engage you at that distance then that person needs to spend more time at the range with a good trainer. 25 yds is well within deadly force threat zone. Usually when a person says "25 yds is not a threat" what they mean is they are not capable nor have the skills to be able to hit at 25 yds.
The old FBI qualification course had a phase at 60 yds. That distance had to be hit even if firing a 2" snub.
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Old 12-01-2009, 10:22 AM
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The distance for shooting self-defense is completely situational. If someone started shooting at me when I was out target practicing in field, I would certainly return fire at 25 yards and more if there were no way to escape. However, if I am in the mall or a public place, 25 yards seems excessive, where there is a chance of hitting innocent people between or beyond the shooter. First reaction would be to find cover for my family, and myself. Probably wrong in my thinking, but I've been wrong lots of times before.
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Old 12-01-2009, 10:51 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by anot View Post
At what distance would most people practice shooting your CC handgun ? I usally shoot at the 10 yard range but have seen people shooting much farther. Why would you want to shoot much farther then that, unless it was just to see if you could.
Just wondering....
For any possible SD/HD incident, I practice at distances ranging from 7 - 15 yds. Most of my practice takes place at 15 yds.

For recreational shooting, I will normally fire at distances ranging from 15 and 25 yds. out to 50 yds. If I have access to longer ranges, I will most certainly be firing at longer distances.
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Old 12-01-2009, 12:00 PM
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Quote:
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when practicing with my CCW gun it's between 5-10 yards. If the situation arises and I'm further away than that I'll be too busy running to shoot.
You got that right!! If someone is threating your life at 50 yards, you are for sure out gunned (with your CCW) and should be seeking cover . . .
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Old 12-01-2009, 12:11 PM
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as poster #3. anything further and I'm going for a carbine or shotty.
sometimes I try my hand off a rest with my .357 at 25 yds.
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Old 12-01-2009, 01:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by anot View Post
At what distance would most people practice shooting your CC handgun ? I usally shoot at the 10 yard range but have seen people shooting much farther. Why would you want to shoot much farther then that, unless it was just to see if you could.
Just wondering....
Sir, one of the nice things about guns is the ability to apply force at a distance. IMHO, it makes no sense to throw away most of that capability by practicing only at very short ranges. 50 yards is well within the capabilities of a quality gun, and 100 or more is often "do-able" as well.

Certainly, fast work at shorter ranges is important, but it's also good to know you can make a longer shot if needed.

JMHO, FWIW.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

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Old 12-01-2009, 01:57 PM
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3, 7, 15, 25 and 50 yards.
Many believe a handgun is strictly a short range (Under 25 yards) weapon. It is not. In the hands of a practiced individual longer shots can be made consistently and accurately.

As a demonstration we (the other Dept. range master and myself) would take new hires out to a range and demonstrate the capabilities of the Dept. issue handgun a 6 inch 686 with 125gr. Rem HPs. We would go through loading, unloading, cleaning procedure and the use of the dept. approved holsters. They would shoot a modified PPC course to qualify. We took 8 inch gongs and placed them at 50, 75 and 100 yards and would place 6 out of 6 on the gongs to the amazement of the new hires. This was to show that the .357 was accurate and lethal up to 100 yards and beyond. 100yard and farther driveways were common in our patrol areas. It was to show them that (with practice) if they were engaged at that distance they could return fire with accuracy and effectively protect themselves and others.

Carrying concealed you need to practice at longer distances because if that once in a lifetime need to shoot 25 yards or longer at the mall or at a service station etc. comes about you need to have confidence in yourself and in your choice of handgun that you can do this. You may be the one to make a difference in the situation.

Sorry for being long winded. I tend to reminisce and get carried away with myself.
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Old 12-01-2009, 03:27 PM
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I try to get to the range, or the back side of the mountain, to practice at least once a month. Most of the time I shoot at 10 to 15 yards as that is where I expect to need the most accuracy. Inside of ten it is pretty much point and shoot and I do practice at 7 yards occasionally. I like to finish every session at 25 yards for all of the reasons listed above.

That's a long way for a snubbie in DA but SA is another story, another reason I like my 649 so much. The MP9C does very well at 25 yards and even the Bersa .380 gives respectable groups though 25 is not what that gun is for. Might as well practice any shot you can think of as you never know when you might need it again.
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Old 12-01-2009, 04:36 PM
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It seems like most of the posts fall into two categories of shooters, LE and non-LE. While most of the replies are geared to use of the weapon in a personal confrontation. I think the situations like LIRR, VA tech, Columbine, Ft. Hood etc. should also be kept in mind. While most of us would be carrying for personal defense, looking out for the other guy should also be considered. Being proficient with the weapon at any range available is my choice. I start concentrating on 7-10 yards, but don't stop there. Guns and Ammo a long time ago showed that 2" J frame .38 worked out at 50+ yards. Sure if you've got a choice a long gun works better. But sometimes you use what you got. And if you never practiced, you should have.
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Old 12-02-2009, 01:34 PM
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Thanks for all the different points of view. I think I'll start shooting a little farther out. Heck, you never know when you'll need that 50 or 75 yard shot. It may not be to save your life but it could save someone else.
See you on the range
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Old 12-02-2009, 02:19 PM
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I had my 640 at Bowen Classic to have their sights installed on it. They sight the gun at 20 yds. I asked why so
far, HB asked: “If someone starts shooting at you from 100 feet away, you will shoot back won’t you?”
If someone stood in my drive and fired toward the house it would be about 100 feet.

Ducking and running is on the menu, but may not be possible.

Since then I have changed my thinking about practice even with a DA only pistol like the 640. I routinely shoot the total distance at the indoor range; I wish they would allow me to practice from a prone position.
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Old 12-03-2009, 05:48 AM
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As far as LEOs, alot of encounters do take place at 7 yards or less. I was told by a range instructor that average house is located about 25 yards off the road and thats where the 25 yard mark comes into play during qualifcations.
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Old 12-03-2009, 07:17 AM
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This has just been mentioned but, the further shots might not be to save yourself, but others.

Scenarios, think of what COULD happen.

Your kid is in the barn 50 yards from the house, a bad guy is in another 50 yards further out. That makes it 100 yards from you. What are you going to do, not shoot because you can't say it's self defense?

Not me, that bad guy is going to be dodging bullets friend!

In our state, and you had better know what your state laws are on deadly force before you even THINK of carrying concealed, we can go to the aid of someone else and use deadly force.

At what distance? Who knows. I just want to be skilled enough to help.
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Old 12-03-2009, 08:21 PM
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This has just been mentioned but, the further shots might not be to save yourself, but others.

Scenarios, think of what COULD happen.

Your kid is in the barn 50 yards from the house, a bad guy is in another 50 yards further out. That makes it 100 yards from you. What are you going to do, not shoot because you can't say it's self defense?

Not me, that bad guy is going to be dodging bullets friend!

In our state, and you had better know what your state laws are on deadly force before you even THINK of carrying concealed, we can go to the aid of someone else and use deadly force.

At what distance? Who knows. I just want to be skilled enough to help.
Well I could run closer ...

Hmmm at middle age and the girth I have acquired .. I could run 10 yds .. bend over sucking air .. run another 10 lay on the floor wondering if this is the heart attack and maybe run a bit closer !!! Do a military style Belly crawl some more ... and oh man I hope my kid can dodge and duck!!

Good thing is by the time I get within 50 the bad guy should be out of ammo!

Honestly .. joking aside .. I aint taking a 100yd shot with my child downrange with a handgun.
Alex
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Old 12-04-2009, 12:42 PM
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In the Peoples Republic of Illinois, we can't carry. My SD practice is primarily for home protection. The furthest distance inside my house is around 25-30 feet from the top of my stairs to the outside back door in line of site distance. The majority of my practice is from 15-21' as most rooms are 15' at the furthest.
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Old 12-04-2009, 01:00 PM
Brokenbutnotdead Brokenbutnotdead is offline
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For me I practice at approx. 25 yards which makes it easier at 7,10,15 when I qualify...
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Old 12-06-2009, 03:25 PM
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For self defense 10 to 15 ft. (quick draw point and shoot)-------For pistol target practice 25 to 75 ft. (double tap and rapid fire) Just my personal training agenda......
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Old 12-06-2009, 11:49 PM
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i practice, with my targets at 25 to 30 feet, left or right hand, single hand grip, DAO.
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Old 12-07-2009, 08:30 AM
jerseyshoreshot jerseyshoreshot is offline
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I always start at 25 yards while I’m fresh and work my way closer as I tire.
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Old 12-07-2009, 07:14 PM
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I use stats, my wallet and common sense to dictate my practice routine.

We all know ammo isn't cheap. So I use about 60% of my ammo for sub 25 yard practice since this is what I'm most likely to encounter in a real life situation. Then at least all the money I spend on ammo isn't zipping passed the target at 100 yards.

25 yards plus is fun to practice, and while I may have this mid range encounter someday, it's less likely. But it's still a valuable skill to hit targets at this range, so using 30% of my ammo at this range doesn't sting my money-nerve every time I pull the trigger.

50 yards and beyond is 99% for fun, and I use about 10% of my ammo budget on it. I'm unlikely to be in a situation where a 100 yard shot is necessary, but anything is possible, so having at least a little practice is better than none. Besides, it feels good to hit a target at that range w/ a fixed sight carry pistol.

I agree with others who have suggested shooting one handed, off handed, prone, etc. When lead starts flying, you could be anywhere, doing anything, so you never know what you'll be faced with. Varied practice is essential to raise your chances of victory and survival when things go sideways.
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Old 12-07-2009, 10:18 PM
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I'm not a LEO officer and I started out a self-taught shooter around 1975. Shooting was done back in the woods, along RR tracks and levees.

To me, at about 18 years old, that meant shooting SA revolvers at 25 or so yards using pop cans, cigarette packs and shotgun hulls.

It also meant moving out to around twice that distance shooting at oil cans, quart beer bottles, and like items.

As I got better over the years, the targets got smaller but, the distances usually remained pretty much the same.

It wasn't until about ten years ago that freinds and aquaintances introduced me to some close quarter combat shooting methods.

Close up is a lot of fun but, I'm old school and still shoot mostly at 25 yards or so with both revolvers and pistols. I still shoot farther than that with revolvers.

I think that CC practice should include targets out to 25 yards.
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Old 02-01-2010, 01:59 AM
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The longest straight shot possible inside my house is from the master bedroom down the hall to the kitchen doorway. That's 10 yards, and that's what I shoot at the range. Pace off the longest shot you are ever likely to make, and shoot at that distance.
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Old 02-01-2010, 09:34 AM
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With cc in mind, I would think that most of your practice would need to be at the up close and personal range... say 5-7 yds., maybe even 10 yds. Use your own judgment giving consideration to the actual distances at which you can anticipate dealing with a threat. If such threats are primarily close range, focus your practice at that distance. If threats are also at a greater distance, you will need to factor that into your range time. Such practice would not be old school bullseye shooting but rather focus on drawing and firing effectively wearing the sort of clothing and holster one uses in cc. At least as important as accurately firing a cc revolver/pistol would be practice to learn how to best bring a ccw into use in the midst of normal activity. Some of the programming sponsored by Midway on the Outdoor Channel is of some use. Also take a look at some of the videos on YouTube. HTH. Sincerely. brucev.
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Old 02-03-2010, 09:19 AM
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21 feet or 7 yards is the distance that you sould be able to draw and clear your holster and fire if being attacked by a knife welding perp. This is from MANY different web sites that ask this same question.
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Old 02-03-2010, 12:13 PM
KurtC KurtC is offline
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You need to look at the course of fire for any credible defensive handgun training. They all require 25 yard engagement, and some even longer. Parking lots, lobbies, stores, driveways, etc. can easily have 25 yards of open space between the problem and the solution.

Don't believe everything happens up close and personal, and be sure to train with silhouettes instead of bullseyes. Don't draw during live fire until you have had proper training or you are being supervised by a professional.
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Old 02-04-2010, 09:10 PM
eod354 eod354 is offline
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Contact distance to usually about 5 yards or roughly average room distance.
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