Hi Twostroke, I'd like to throw my 2 cents in. Check out this chart. It will show you how your trigger squeeze, finger position, etc., affect where your bullet hits. There are a ton of these all over the internet, so if this one is too small, larger is readily available. Good luck!
How to be more accurate ?
- Thread starter twostrokeking13
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Backlighting
Member
Just a suggestion: Start with a .22 cal. If you can, get both a semi auto and a revolver...For a semi-auto Browning's Buckmark Camper or Ruger's SR22 & Mark lll come to mind (there are plenty of others) S&W and Ruger have a nice selection of quality revolvers. I would go further and say to get the revolver with a single & double action mode of fire. Get proficient firing in both modes, especially double-action, if you intend on using a revolver for self-defense.
Once you become reasonably proficient firing .22lr handguns you could make the switch, if you want, to a more potent caliber in a semi-auto or revolver...& it will be more enjoyable.
Final advice: There's a wealth of information on this site from some very knowledgeable individuals. Visit often. Ask questions.
You're in friendly territory.
Once you become reasonably proficient firing .22lr handguns you could make the switch, if you want, to a more potent caliber in a semi-auto or revolver...& it will be more enjoyable.
Final advice: There's a wealth of information on this site from some very knowledgeable individuals. Visit often. Ask questions.
You're in friendly territory.
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Follow most of the tips already discussed to learn the fundamentals and good trigger control. And after you've gotten better, get a few boxes of different brands of range (FMJ) ammo to try. Sit the gun on a bag rest to shoot 5 shot groups, and compare results.
I have seen results (not with a Shield) vary from 3" groups at 25 yards to 18" groups just by changing brands (and I am talking the big 4 or 5 names) or bullet weights. And it is not as simple as just shoot Brand X in every gun. I've seen Brand X be the most accurate and Brand Y be the least accurate in one hand gun and reversed in another. Or one bullet weight of brand Y be the worst and a different bullet weight of brand Y be one of the best.
You will find what works for accuracy. It may be specific for your gun, not just what a buddy shoots in the same gun. If it is like my experience, I usually find 1 that is really horrible accuracy, a number of brands that are ok to pretty good, and 1 or 2 that my gun seems to prefer from an accuracy standpoint. Had similar experience with self defense hollow points too, although SD ammo is usually more accurate than FMJ's all around.
I have seen results (not with a Shield) vary from 3" groups at 25 yards to 18" groups just by changing brands (and I am talking the big 4 or 5 names) or bullet weights. And it is not as simple as just shoot Brand X in every gun. I've seen Brand X be the most accurate and Brand Y be the least accurate in one hand gun and reversed in another. Or one bullet weight of brand Y be the worst and a different bullet weight of brand Y be one of the best.
You will find what works for accuracy. It may be specific for your gun, not just what a buddy shoots in the same gun. If it is like my experience, I usually find 1 that is really horrible accuracy, a number of brands that are ok to pretty good, and 1 or 2 that my gun seems to prefer from an accuracy standpoint. Had similar experience with self defense hollow points too, although SD ammo is usually more accurate than FMJ's all around.
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rsrocket1
Member
I agree with those who say that the Shield is not a gun to use to test your accuracy. Yes, some (not me) can shoot a 3" group at 25 yards, but honestly, the gun was made to defend yourself at self defense ranges of of 7-10 yards with a center of mass sized target. If you can do that, you are good to go.
You should get a full(er) sided pistol to hone your handgun skills. I would recommend a 1911, 38/357 DA Revolver or a mid to full size 9mm like a G17/19, M&P 9, Beretta 92, CZ-75. Why do I not recommend a 22LR pistol? No recoil will spoil you and you'll have to relearn everything all over again when you move up and develop a flinch. When I shoot my SW 22A, it feels like I am shooting a 10/22. I simply squeeze the trigger and I never have to reacquire the target because the gun does not move.
To give you an example, here are some test groups with a Shield 9 at 10 yards. Not spectacular, but I would be comfortable saying that this gun can be used to defend me.
The little groups on the left are from the SW22A-1 22LR offhand at the same range. Shooting this feels like using a staple gun. Pull the trigger, punch a hole, repeat.
The other challenge with a handgun is that I have to shoot regularly to keep my skills up. Once I shoot a rifle, picking it up again a year later is no big deal. With a handgun I can really tell if I've been out shooting at least once a week or if it has been a month since I last shot.
Good luck and welcome.
You should get a full(er) sided pistol to hone your handgun skills. I would recommend a 1911, 38/357 DA Revolver or a mid to full size 9mm like a G17/19, M&P 9, Beretta 92, CZ-75. Why do I not recommend a 22LR pistol? No recoil will spoil you and you'll have to relearn everything all over again when you move up and develop a flinch. When I shoot my SW 22A, it feels like I am shooting a 10/22. I simply squeeze the trigger and I never have to reacquire the target because the gun does not move.
To give you an example, here are some test groups with a Shield 9 at 10 yards. Not spectacular, but I would be comfortable saying that this gun can be used to defend me.
The little groups on the left are from the SW22A-1 22LR offhand at the same range. Shooting this feels like using a staple gun. Pull the trigger, punch a hole, repeat.
The other challenge with a handgun is that I have to shoot regularly to keep my skills up. Once I shoot a rifle, picking it up again a year later is no big deal. With a handgun I can really tell if I've been out shooting at least once a week or if it has been a month since I last shot.
Good luck and welcome.
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