Is there a learning curve with revolvers?

[YamaLink]

Long-time semi auto shooter. Both 9 and 45. Three weeks ago purchased a 625 JM. Have been dry firing and working on grip and stance.

Have not bench tested nor decided on a gaming round; all I have to reload now is 230gr fmj rn and I plan to use 200gr rn. Having said all that, my accuracy and groups with a revolver is horrific! Even without finalizing my reload specs I should be able to do half as well as my semiautos.

Is there a learning curve? I've adjusted the rear sight and once in a while I can get close to the Zero or A Zone (basically the 10 ring in laymans terms) but when I speed it up the holes are there, here, over there, way over here.

Same ammo works perfect in my 1911. Again, what's the learning curve like for a new revolver shooter?

 

[pawncop]

I think so. At least there was certainly a learning curve when we went from revolvers to self loading sidearms.

There is a difference in the trigger pull. The longer double action pull can be a real issue that needs to be practiced. It will also be different with different brands.

One of the never ending discussions and debates regards the Smith and Wesson feel versus the Colt feel versus etc, etc,etc.

Best of luck, with lots of dry firing in your future.

 

[Will Carry]

For me there was a learning curve in shooting revolvers. I had to start leaving my semi-autos at the house and just shooting the wheel guns.
I not only got better, but I had a ball shooting them. You will get better but you got to leave the 1911 at the house. Good luck, enjoy your revolver.

 

[CB54]

I've never noticed a learning curve and I've got several of both. The only thing I've noticed is my hot .357 revolver reloads tend to go high, the shorter the distance, compared to off the shelf ammo.

This doesn't take into account trigger pull or anything like that. This is just my POV of shooting right out of the box and getting it sighted in. Depending on the gun caliber and weight, you may have more recoil in a revolver than a pistol because of the slide. I've got a .357 686 snubbie and a 327 NG snubbie, both 2.5 inch and the recoil on the 327 is greater and takes a little more effort to get it back on target when shooting fast.

I hope this helps ya a little, cause I'm not an expert shooter, but having 40 acres, I do get to burn a lot of ammo. To me it's just see the ball, hit the ball logic and I don't try to over think it.

CB

 

[Ron H.]

Sir, there's a definite learning curve in terms of trigger control in double-action. One upside of this is that once you get your DA trigger control under control (so to speak), you'll probably see an improvement in your 1911 shooting as well.

Also, your handloads may need a little tweaking; what's good for the 1911 is not necessarily good for the sixgun.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

 

[haggis]

Probably. It's hard to say since it's a very individual thing. If you have been shooting single action autos, there's a big difference in trigger pull for DA revolvers.

Don't try to stage the trigger to get an absolutely precise break the way autos feel. Start the trigger moving back at a steady speed. Try to keep your sights aligned through the pull, but don't change speeds - it breaks when it breaks. You will learn to divorce your trigger finger from the rest of your hand.

How you grip the gun is important. Place the pad (not joint) of your trigger finger centered on the trigger. Then wrap your strong hand around the butt with the web of your hand right at the frame break above the stocks. This high grip will reduce felt recoil. Then wrap your weak hand about your strong hand with your weak thumb either overlapping your strong thumb or pointing forward like it does when you shoot an auto. The former is more stable, but you will need larger hands (or a smaller revo). If you continue shooting autos, the latter technique will keep you from losing a chunk of thumb if you happen to forget what gun you're shooting.

There's a set of shooting videos by Jerry Miculek on S&W's website that I highly recommend that will help you improve your revo shooting.

Buck

 

[Chuck Jones]

Yeah, I think so.

I was weaned on 1911s and when I had to make the transition to double action revolvers I wasn't shooting nearly as well in the beginning.

Not that I've ever been a serious competitor, but with enough practice you'll even out.

/c

 

[YamaLink]

Thanks for all the good input.

Went back out and this time focused on the grip and trigger finger placement.

And my reload was a smaller charge. Last time it was 4.3 grain of WST and this time it was 3.9 grain. The 3.9 is what I used the first week. I changed it to 4.3 because I was shooting the 1911 at the same time and didn't think it'd operate the slide. So then the newbie revolver shooter (me) was wailing away with a charge slightly too heavy. The 3.9 took it back to a pretty decent group freehand.

Can't wait til the 200gr gets here. In the meantime.....dry fire!

 

[gr7070]

There was/is for me. The DA pull takes some getting used to.

I especially notice the difference in accuracy going for speed. While both a 1911 and a revolver can get worse trying to go faster, the long DA pull, for me, moves the hits around more so than it does with the short SA.

I've gotten much better at it over a few months, but I don't think I'm nearly as good with the Smith trigger as I am with the 1911. Granted, that's not a lot of rounds in a few months, but I've definitely gotten better at it.

 

[Nightowl]

Now for a little difference of opinion. I use the first joint of my trigger finger and teach students to do it that way. I have seen other folks also advocate that. You have much more strength and control using the joint on the trigger in double action shooting. Jerry Miculak uses the pad, but he is very strong and has been doing it forever. Use a straight through smooth, stroke, front to back, without stopping and starting, not too show and not too fast. A lot of new shooters will find their sight picture, then slam the shot double action. Rather, refine the sight picture while pulling the trigger. Not separate steps, but rather one process. Follow through is very important. Do not anticipate the shot. Have fun. When you are dry firing, make sure that the sight picture is undisturbed all the way through the stroke of the trigger. Good luck. It really helps to have someone that know what they are doing watch your trigger pull.

 

[Pisgah]

haggis, you wrote my post for me! When I first began seriously trying to learn DA shooting, I was "staging" the trigger -- and having horrible results. By luck, I was at the range one day shooting next to a retired cop/competition shooter who took the time to give me a lesson in how it's REALLY done. Since then, I have passed his lesson along to a number of greenhorns, with excellent results in every case.

Mastering DA revolver shooting makes you a better handgun shot, regardless of what you shoot from then on.

 

[Chuck Jones]

Count me with Richard on that. There's no way I can shoot double action with only the pad of my trigger finger.

Jerry Miculek might not do it that way, but in case you haven't seeen him shoot I'm pretty sure he's just not human.

/c

 

[bk43]

Place the pad (not joint) of your trigger finger centered on the trigger.

Lots of good advice. I also find I've got to be careful about placing the finger because it really seems to make a big difference with how I shoot.

Bob

 

[borntoraisehogs]

Keep at it. Chicks dig DA men

You sound like shooter of some discipline. I am sure you already knew the answer.


Anthing worth while is going to be difficult. I'll bet your efforts have already made you a better DA hand than the folks you know shoot with.
Please keep track of your progress and report back after a while. Comparing your before and afters will be inspirational.

 

[haggis]

My reasoning for using the pad of my trigger finger is due to my own experimentation. I have medium sized hands, and if I use the first knuckle, I tend to push my shots to the left. People with bigger hands or longer fingers may be able to pull straight back without moving the gun.

Using a high hold is much more important, especially for fast follow-up shots common in USPSA/IDPA competition. I have no trouble with fast DA shooting with a Colt New Service, a model whose DA trigger is the source of many complaints. People moving from a semi-auto to a revolver tend to grip the gun too low, resulting in more muzzle flip. A low grip also makes the trigger reach longer with the attendant problems of smoothly pulling the trigger. Get a high hold and go "grip it and rip it!"

Buck

 

[Ron H.]

Count me with Richard on that. There's no way I can shoot double action with only the pad of my trigger finger.

Jerry Miculek might not do it that way, but in case you haven't seeen him shoot I'm pretty sure he's just not human.

/c

Sir, FWIW, I use the pad of my trigger finger, not to emulate Mr. Miculek, but because I have short fingers.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

 

[jcelect]

What is your game?

Sir, you did not mention your game! Is it speed or accuracy? Is it short or long distsance? I shoot bowling pins which is speed and accuracy but at 26 feet. I also deer hunt which is accuracy out to 100 yds+, but slow! The one item which is the same for both types of shooting is trigger control, both DA and SA! The three major concerns with trigger control are parctice, practice and more practice! Your 625 is not an auto and it will not shoot like an auto! I shoot wheel guns and when I pick up a bottom feeder I can't hit a barn, standing inside!
jcelect SWCA#LM723

 

[AzShooter]

There is a definate difference between shooting an automatic and a revolver. Especially if you shoot them in competition. It's much easier for the auto shooter to take up the slack in the trigger, get their sight picture and get off a perfect shot with a good follow through than it is to take up that 1 inch trigger take up, confirm the sight picture, fire the gun and follow through.

For years I shot both types of guns during matches. When I was shooting my best I had a Glock and my S&W 625. The triggers were closser to being alike.

Now I shoot only revolvers in competition.

 

[BoDog]

Un-less you are super human there is a learning curve on every gun there is always a transition time, the more you have shot the shorter the time. I went from a fine revolver to Colt1911 many wears ago and had a range master (old target shooter) tell me if he didn't teach me how to shoot the auto he was doomed to a life of building target frames. He cured the problem.
My next gun was a Smith 29, the transition wasn't bad. I could shoot revolvers fairly well and was fair with the 1911.
Went to a Clint Smith (now Thunder Ranch) class and was transitioned into a fair self defence shooter.
Three years ago I had a back problem and had to go to a lighter carry gun the Combat Commander was uncomfortable at that time and I figured if could do well with a revolver, a Glock 27 40 wouldn't be a problem, you guessed it transition time again.
That is in a short capsule of 40+ years of shooting. I wonder what is next?

 

[bbgun]

I THINK YOU WOULD APPERICATE ED McGIVERNS BOOK OF FAST & FANCY REVOLVER SHOOTING.THE BOOK EXPLAINS TRIGGER CONTROL AS RIDING THE TRIGGER,WHEN I PRATISCED THIS FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS IT REALLY IMPROVED MY SPEED & HITS.

 

[bmcgilvray]

"I have no trouble with fast DA shooting with a Colt New Service, a model whose DA trigger is the source of many complaints."

Haggis;

You're tough and that is all there is to it. I'm one who can't do effective work with a New Service much beyond 10 yards.

 

[ellioga]

In the 70s,I grew up firing S&W and Colt revolvers single action for their accuracy. Then I fell under the spell of the 1911. Sleek, sexy, and so fast.... Now that I am a lot more mature, nothing gives me that warm fuzzy feeling like wrapping my hands around the graceful curve of the wooden grips of a good double action revolver. They are all like beautiful ladies, you have to take the time to really get to know them. Find out what kind of ammo they like, and make them something special, just for them. Get some speed loaders/moon clips and some snap caps so you can go fast without hurting them. Then it is all about spending time with them. My 625JM likes 200 grain plated SWCs, and 5.1 grains of W231 loaded out to 1.310 OAL with Wilson moon clips. Give her what she likes and she will put a big ol smile on your face, and keep you off of your knees picking up emptys.

 

[haggis]

Haggis;

You're tough and that is all there is to it.

Bryan,

Keep in mind that I'm talking 4"-6" at 10-15 yards, not 1" groups at 25 yards. If I take a 25 yard shot with a NS in USPSA, it's with a staged trigger or SA.

Buck

 

[scooter123]

Now for a little difference of opinion. I use the first joint of my trigger finger and teach students to do it that way. I have seen other folks also advocate that. You have much more strength and control using the joint on the trigger in double action shooting. Jerry Miculak uses the pad, but he is very strong and has been doing it forever. Use a straight through smooth, stroke, front to back, without stopping and starting, not too show and not too fast. A lot of new shooters will find their sight picture, then slam the shot double action. Rather, refine the sight picture while pulling the trigger. Not separate steps, but rather one process. Follow through is very important. Do not anticipate the shot. Have fun. When you are dry firing, make sure that the sight picture is undisturbed all the way through the stroke of the trigger. Good luck. It really helps to have someone that know what they are doing watch your trigger pull.

This is superb advice and something that I had to figure out on my own when I started shooting revolvers. It took me about 2 months of weekly range sessions to get proficient with the DA trigger on my first revolver but after that time I found that I'd also gained in accuracy with my semi automatics. To put it simply, yes there is a learning curve but it's well worth the effort because it will improve your ability with any gun you use.

 

[stantheman86]

If you can shoot a S&W well in DA, it will improve your shooting with any pistol. When I was an armed guard years back, all I had to train with was my Dad's 2.5" 66 and my 67-1. I wanted to shoot expert with the Glock 22 I used at work, but I didn't have my own Glock. I shot those S&W's in DA out to 25 yards.......and sure enough, I shot a perfect score the next time I qualified with that Glock.

I noticed most people who grew up with or shoot autoloading pistols exclusively will have a harder time with a DA revolver. People who are good with a DA revolver usually transition better to auto pistols. Single Action shooting is fine for plinking unless you're a Cowboy Action pistolero.......but I feel any real "training" with a DA revolver should be Double Action only. Save the thumb cocking for "fun time", it has no place for serious practice. Better yet, pick up one of those $250 DAO Model 64's so there's no SA action at all and thus no "crutch" to fall back on if you're having an off day. I used to find that when the shots weren't falling my way in DA shooting at the range, I would start thumb cocking that hammer and shooting SA trying to raise my confidence a little.....

Now I have the ULTIMATE "training" revolver, it's a Ruger Security Six with about 10 stages in the DA pull and the pull almost varies throughout the trigger stroke. I swear it even feels different on each chamber......if you can get good with THAT than you can shoot anything!

Better yet pick up a Nagant revolver, with it's 20+ lb. DA pull if you can shoot a group with that in DA then you're off to a good start.

 

[airman]

I've been pulling DA triggers for six months. It sure made my hand stronger. When I first stroked my 642 I had to use the first joint of my finger. It's getting easier to use the pad but not yet easy, maybe never.
Yes, continuous pull all the way through is better IMHO. I learned from old hands on the forum. Thanks, guys.

 

[stevieboy]

There definitely was a learning curve for me. I had to learn where to put my finger on the trigger for maximum stability and control and how to hold the gun steady through the entire double action pull. The longer pull of a revolver trigger increases the likelihood of extraneous movement and scattered shots, it's that simple.

In my case I learned that I had maximum control by putting the trigger on the crease of my finger behind the first joint. I also discovered that there is such a thing as pulling too slowly. Keeping a moderate rate of pull that is consistent is my personal key to accuracy.

I practiced dry firing for hours. A good learning tool is to put a coin (a dime is ideal) flat on the top of the barrel just behind the front sight. See if you can pull the trigger six times without the dime falling off. If you can do that you know you're holding the gun steady.

 

[vytoland]

there is a learning curve with everything. be patient with your self, practice and enjoy your new revolver.

if things dont seem to be going like you think they should, then come back here to the forum, explain it and there will be help.

good luck.

 

[ColColt]

I discovered I cant take a revolver and an auto to the range as I tend to do well with the first one shot but things go downhill with whichever one is next in line. So, I take two autos or two revolvers at one time. That's not to say I can't shoot both, just not as well if mixed. There was definitely a transition for me as well from auto to revolver.

 

[PLINKING.40]

me 2

I just got a new 625PC .45acp, and haven't shot a Revo for 25yrs, and took it to a IDPA classifier, Never even shot it yet"",and on the 1st stage, bang.! "wheres the hole, Bang.! "come on.!, Bang."What.?.no hole...I was pulling the gun when i was shooting, and everyone behind me said the same thing..I was so many points down I just stood there and Laughed at my self, And by the way, Their is only 6 of the "brass looking things that go BANG in the cylinder.!..that was funny too...BANG.Click.!..I did start gripping the gun tighter to try to stop from flinching and pulling the gun to the left..I was a little better on the next stage, aleast i hit the "Blinking".!! Cardboard...WHow..big change from a 1911, But I am going to Concure this Revo..Period.!
Thanks for Ya'll Hints.