Sad days at the range forces me to change EDC

[Grimjaws]

Been a revolver shooter for 35 years and my EDC is a 442 or 36 no dash if I’m feeling nostalgic. Went to the range and had my usual cheap paper plate targets at 7 and 10 yards and I was awful.

I’m normally able to group the j frames in a palm sized group at 7 yards and hand sized at 10 which isn’t too bad.

You would have thought I was using a shotgun based upon how all over the place I was. Even single action with the 36 was off.

Truth be told had a hard time seeing the front sights. They both have a dab of orange to help my older eyes.

So after several cylinders of 158 and 130 grain .38 I decided to try the M&P Shield 2.0 in 9mm. I’d only fired it a few times as I’m not a fan of semi autos but it was a good deal and I needed something the shoot my stash of 9mm.

Well that white dot front sight was easy to see and I did pretty good. I kept all shots on the plates and started out low left. Remembered some advice from a law enforcement range officer I met a few months ago who was nice enough to give the old man some pointers. The groups tightened up nicely.

So sad to say with my eyesight being what it is I’m gonna retire the j frames and carry my Shield more.

Thinking it was a fluke I went back a few days later and same results.

I’ll still bring the snubs to the range but man that was a confidence killer for sure and a nice surprise for how I did with the Shield even though I prefer revolvers

Luckily my k frame 18 and 19-3 4” duo did great even ringing the gong at 50 yards on the nearby combat range. I grew up shooting a 4” k frame so that is like an old friend and I know it will do it’s part if I do mine. Plus the red ramp white outline on the 19-3 is easy to see.

Sucks getting old.

Hmmm, maybe a snub k frame is something to hunt for? But it has to have adjustable sights.

 

[Krogen]

But look at it this way: You identified a problem and dealt with it. You didn't hang on to the same old method and hope for different results. You fixed it. I like that.

 

[CA Escapee]

Yes, it does suck getting old, aren't we all, but it beats the alternative.

I have a Ruger SP101, which has an interchangeable front sight. I bought the gun used and it came with an XS Big Dot front sight and a spring kit already installed. It's a very smooth shooting revolver with an easy to see front sight.

I just checked the XS Sights website and they do make replacement sights for Smith & Wesson revolvers with removable sights. Aftermarket Smith and Wesson Revolver Sights | Tritium Sights

You may have to buy a Smith where you can change the sight(s), but this may be a solution that allows you to keep shooting what you like.

 

[murphydog]

A 2” model 15 is a nice gun.

 

[robertrwalsh]

I am 73 and have had to make allowances for my eyes getting older. Getting old is unpleasant but it beats the available alternative.

 

[Breakaway500]

Most of my handguns have a dab of white paint on front sight.

 

[biku324]

My wife has arthritis; one day we went out to shoot and she simply could not pull the trigger double action on our M49 without pain. For a few years, she changed to our Ruger Security Six; when that became too uncomfortable to shoot accurately, we got her a Shield 2.0 in 40. No troubles at all now.

 

[mikerjf]

I’m 70, vision is ok but recoil gets a little harder to handle. Got a G26 so more ammo on board, quicker reloads, and significantly less perceived recoil. There’s a lot to be said for autos, much as I like the little wheelguns.

 

[Bald1]

Not sure what you consider an old man but if it makes you feel batter I had to retire my model 36 at age 52 for the same reason. I EDC a P365 now.I’m guessing 52 is younger than you.

 

[Grimjaws]

Well that makes me feel better

Not sure what you consider an old man but if it makes you feel batter I had to retire my model 36 at age 52 for the same reason. I EDC a P365 now.I’m guessing 52 is younger than you.

Im a few years older than you so at least i’m in the same age range that it happened to others

 

[rays44]

I'm 67 and a revolver junkie. I need glasses to see the sights which of course, puts the target out of focus. I can still shoot well enough at the range, and shoot revolvers much better than semi's. I hopelessly old school and love it. I don't carry much here in NJ because of all the mind numbing restrictions. However, I do practice point shooting which I feel is the most likely defense tactic.

 

[JFthunder]

Just turned 75… I’ve had poor eyesight since I was a child and age isn’t helping. Finding the front sight on my M38 or my P290 is becoming more challenging. Was watching the auction board for a super inexpensive one of those CPX pistols with the factory supplied red dots just to try. My son sent me a gift card to Bud’s and insisted I just get a new one as my bd present. The little CPX isn’t a Smith or Sig but it works… the red dot is wonderful! For my eyes it makes all the difference in the world. Sight and target acquisition are quick and recoil recovery much easier. The dot is a little “fuzzy” but bright and quick. Now I need to inquire about someone to assist me installing one on… well maybe my 3953? ( I am a DAO kinda guy).

 

[rwsmith]

Single action anything.....

...is good for the range.

 

[sigp220.45]

I just did my LEOSA annual shoot. Of the 12 geezers on the line, I (age 64) was the only one with a red dot, and it showed. Why the people who could most benefit from technology are the least likely to accept it is beyond me.

There was one revolver on the line, a 637. Even though the course of fire only required 5 rounds at a time he still held up the show fumbling to reload. Two 1911s, both of which malfunctioned. At least half the guns were 365s, at least one of which held us up when the shooter dropped the loaded mag out of the gun when he fired the first shot. I’m sure most of the old timers there had not fired a round since the last qual.

Red dots are a godsend for older shooters.

 

[CScott]

For practice, I always take a few shots while just looking at the target. At 15 yards or less you can get to be fairly effective.

 

[AJ]

Been a revolver shooter for 35 years and my EDC is a 442 or 36 no dash if I’m feeling nostalgic. Went to the range and had my usual cheap paper plate targets at 7 and 10 yards and I was awful.

I’m normally able to group the j frames in a palm sized group at 7 yards and hand sized at 10 which isn’t too bad.

You would have thought I was using a shotgun based upon how all over the place I was. Even single action with the 36 was off.

Truth be told had a hard time seeing the front sights. They both have a dab of orange to help my older eyes.

So after several cylinders of 158 and 130 grain .38 I decided to try the M&P Shield 2.0 in 9mm. I’d only fired it a few times as I’m not a fan of semi autos but it was a good deal and I needed something the shoot my stash of 9mm.

Well that white dot front sight was easy to see and I did pretty good. I kept all shots on the plates and started out low left. Remembered some advice from a law enforcement range officer I met a few months ago who was nice enough to give the old man some pointers. The groups tightened up nicely.

So sad to say with my eyesight being what it is I’m gonna retire the j frames and carry my Shield more.

Thinking it was a fluke I went back a few days later and same results.

I’ll still bring the snubs to the range but man that was a confidence killer for sure and a nice surprise for how I did with the Shield even though I prefer revolvers

Luckily my k frame 18 and 19-3 4” duo did great even ringing the gong at 50 yards on the nearby combat range. I grew up shooting a 4” k frame so that is like an old friend and I know it will do it’s part if I do mine. Plus the red ramp white outline on the 19-3 is easy to see.

Sucks getting old.

Hmmm, maybe a snub k frame is something to hunt for? But it has to have adjustable sights.

Sights are nice for the range and I do pretty much like most folks and aim when I am on the range. For up close and personal work (self defense) I have learned not to look at the sights. I bring the gun up to shoulder height and look over the top of the barrel. This will get me to "Minute OF Chest" in a hurry. I practice this for at least one cylinder full each range session. When I taught Combat Pistol in the Corps, my adage was "practice like it is for real". When things get sticky you tend to fall back on your rote training.

 

[Grimjaws]

Given me some hope

So being stubborn i’ve decided to give it another go with the j frames

First up I have replaced the stock boot grip with a Pachmayr Compac grip I had in the parts bin. While the grip is bigger it gives me a purchase for my pinky and fills the hand pretty darn good. It’s a little bulky for pocket carry but maybe a full grip could help.

I’m also going to try some point shooting as suggested. That avoids having to squint at the tiny front sights.

I’m also considering getting the shield slide with optics cut and trying a green dot. I shot one down in Raleigh when I went to visit my Marine son and did really well. Green is easier for me to see versus a red dot.

So not ready to sell the farm yet but let’s try a few minor adjustments and see if it improves

I know service stocks on my k frame don’t fill my hand the way my Herrett smooth Trooper grips do and those make a world of difference when I’m shooting.

I’ll post an update for my third session.

Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions

 

[AJ]

So being stubborn i’ve decided to give it another go with the j frames

First up I have replaced the stock boot grip with a Pachmayr Compac grip I had in the parts bin. While the grip is bigger it gives me a purchase for my pinky and fills the hand pretty darn good. It’s a little bulky for pocket carry but maybe a full grip could help.

I’m also going to try some point shooting as suggested. That avoids having to squint at the tiny front sights.

I’m also considering getting the shield slide with optics cut and trying a green dot. I shot one down in Raleigh when I went to visit my Marine son and did really well. Green is easier for me to see versus a red dot.

So not ready to sell the farm yet but let’s try a few minor adjustments and see if it improves

I know service stocks on my k frame don’t fill my hand the way my Herrett smooth Trooper grips do and those make a world of difference when I’m shooting.

I’ll post an update for my third session.

Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions

I too, have replaced my J-Frame grips. I like the Hogue grips as they give me something to wrap my whole hand around.

Good luck!

AJ

 

[Brian Parrish]

I have developed a technique that works for me. I figure the front sight focus works for reasons that have nothing to do with the clarity of focus that I get from corrective lenses. I focus on the front sight as if I could see it, and I practice going back and forth between shooting with spectacles and without. There is certainly for me much more precision and accuracy when I use reading glasses to see the front sight. Driving glasses cause the groups open up a little, but the score is the same. Without glasses you can tell on the target that I am shooting without my glasses but again it does not show in the score, certainly not enough to flunk a qual.

I know front sight works, but WHY does it work??

 

[AJ]

I have developed a technique that works for me. I figure the front sight focus works for reasons that have nothing to do with the clarity of focus that I get from corrective lenses. I focus on the front sight as if I could see it, and I practice going back and forth between shooting with spectacles and without. There is certainly for me much more precision and accuracy when I use reading glasses to see the front sight. Driving glasses cause the groups open up a little, but the score is the same. Without glasses you can tell on the target that I am shooting without my glasses but again it does not show in the score, certainly not enough to flunk a qual.

I know front sight works, but WHY does it work??

We were taught that capturing the front sight works well out to about 15 yards for hand guns. You can do the same with a rifle out to about 25 yards. This works for me when shooting steel pepper poppers at those ranges. What I described before in my other post is for real close in self defense.

AJ