Grip, stance, sight alignment/picture, trigger control . . .
Learning to shoot a revolver faster with accuracy
- Thread starter brianfede
- Start date
I say K frame 22 revolver and a couple cases of shells.
In the words of Ed McGivern when asked about his speed and accuracy, "Its easy after the first box car full of shells."
I am thinking that Jerry Miculek would agree with him.
Nothing beats actual practice.
I have a model 18 with a couple cases of 22 shells through it.and was once pretty a pretty fair hand with it. To many years , many with to low of round count. has taken the edge off considerably.
In the words of Ed McGivern when asked about his speed and accuracy, "Its easy after the first box car full of shells."
I am thinking that Jerry Miculek would agree with him.
Nothing beats actual practice.
I have a model 18 with a couple cases of 22 shells through it.and was once pretty a pretty fair hand with it. To many years , many with to low of round count. has taken the edge off considerably.
OLDSTER
Member
What do you think is your problem?
Stand in front of a mirror, gun empty, and slowly dry fire in double action while aiming at the same spot.... lipstick or a dot of toothpaste is the target.
Does the gun move?
As you speed up what happens?
Both eyes open.
I was better when using the lipstick from my six ex-wives.
LOL !! Did they each wear a different color ??
elpac3
Member
Speed in shooting is relative to the distance to the target. In shooting IDPA, when shooting really close in targets, sights may or may not be used and trigger pulls can be really fast. As the target move out further or get smaller, you will need to concentrate of sight picture and slow down a bit to score "0" down hits. When you get to the really small targets such as the 4" plates precision aim and trigger control are tops.
The basics such as dry firing are good as long as the practice technique is good. Using a red dot sight or laser can really help as you can see movement when firing.
Work into speed gradually and you will get there, it's all about trigger time and quality practice
The basics such as dry firing are good as long as the practice technique is good. Using a red dot sight or laser can really help as you can see movement when firing.
Work into speed gradually and you will get there, it's all about trigger time and quality practice
Murdock
Member
Lots of good advice above. My $.02:
A smooth DA trigger stroke is much more important than a light pull. Try not to stage the trigger.
The front sight must stay on the target during the entire stroke, in both dry and live fire. Concentrate and do the DA stroke as slowly as you need to to get it right. Speed will come automatically with steady, regular practice.
When you find that you are hitting the target with every shot, speed up, and/or increase distance. The sweet spot is 80% accuracy at whatever your top speed becomes. If you miss it's because you lost the front sight.
Always strive to do better than your last session. Quit for the day while you are still having fun, or until your concentration flags.
Buy a Model 17 or 18 and wear it out.
A smooth DA trigger stroke is much more important than a light pull. Try not to stage the trigger.
The front sight must stay on the target during the entire stroke, in both dry and live fire. Concentrate and do the DA stroke as slowly as you need to to get it right. Speed will come automatically with steady, regular practice.
When you find that you are hitting the target with every shot, speed up, and/or increase distance. The sweet spot is 80% accuracy at whatever your top speed becomes. If you miss it's because you lost the front sight.
Always strive to do better than your last session. Quit for the day while you are still having fun, or until your concentration flags.
Buy a Model 17 or 18 and wear it out.
EXCEPT when your shooting 100-200 yard targets! That's when you see how much the barrel moves when aiming and that means the difference between hitting the 4" clay target on the mound and hitting THE mound!
jcelect
UncleEd
Member
To add to my earlier post about
perhaps the N-frame is too big
for OP.
Perhaps he's also inconsistent
because he's jerking the trigger,
yanking it back and thinking that
translates to speed.
As others have said, a smooth
straight back stroke is what is
needed.
perhaps the N-frame is too big
for OP.
Perhaps he's also inconsistent
because he's jerking the trigger,
yanking it back and thinking that
translates to speed.
As others have said, a smooth
straight back stroke is what is
needed.
BigBill
Absent Comrade
Open up the side plate and put some moly on the sear. The trigger will have a smoother let off.
Any 22 cal revolvers the H&R 22 revolvers are affordable. The Taurus m94 are affordable too.
Any 22 cal revolvers the H&R 22 revolvers are affordable. The Taurus m94 are affordable too.
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Find a experienced and successful revolver competitor and have them watch you shoot. You’ll never fix your bad habits if you don’t identify them first. Take some classes or hire a shooting coach. Trust me this the fastest way to get on track to speed shooting. Invest in a timer and a log book. You need to keep track of you progress. Just don’t geuss record it. Then practice, practice, practice.
It ain’t like the movies where guy gets mad and goes on 24 hour campaign of murdering whiskey bottles and all of a sudden is an expert. I have owned and do own a bunch of DA revolvers. Now 99% S&W P&R era adj sight J-K& N frames all calibers including 22rf. I have not fired DA more than a few times with k22. I do however feel at SD ranges I would have no trouble. I don’t plan on competing either.
lppd4
Member
You obviously have the wrong gun. Send it to me and in return I'll send you a brand new Glock 17
On a more serious note I shot PPC for years and the stage where you fire 12 rounds in 20 seconds is where I picked up speed and accuracy. I practiced that stage until I could shoot all 10's with most of the shots in the X ring in the allotted time. In PPC that is the only stage where speed came into play for me
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NB4EST
Member
Keep in mind that some pretty efficient handgun men have adhered to the policy that holds, "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast."
Texas Star
US Veteran
Find and read:
Shoot a Handgun, by David W. Arnold. Best book I've seen for basics, although Keith's, Sixguns is also good.
No Second Place Winner, by Bill Jordan.
I knew all three authors and saw two shoot, Keith at 200 yards.
You must be able to score quick, lethal hits on men, bears, cougars, snakes before they get YOU.
Massad Ayoob has stressed watching the front sight, when you have time for sights. I like to lock my eyes like a laser on a human target's vital zone and let instinct take over.
Go to the zoo and study dangerous animals. See how they move and visualize where to aim to stop them. Skelton thought a snake may follow your muzzle with its head, making a shot easier. He meant coiled rattlers, not charging mambas...
You don't need a .22 revolver. Use .38 ammo in a K-frame .38 or .357. Cops did, and do. They get qualified much sooner than some here infer.
Commune with your gun. Let it be part of you.
Shoot a Handgun, by David W. Arnold. Best book I've seen for basics, although Keith's, Sixguns is also good.
No Second Place Winner, by Bill Jordan.
I knew all three authors and saw two shoot, Keith at 200 yards.
You must be able to score quick, lethal hits on men, bears, cougars, snakes before they get YOU.
Massad Ayoob has stressed watching the front sight, when you have time for sights. I like to lock my eyes like a laser on a human target's vital zone and let instinct take over.
Go to the zoo and study dangerous animals. See how they move and visualize where to aim to stop them. Skelton thought a snake may follow your muzzle with its head, making a shot easier. He meant coiled rattlers, not charging mambas...
You don't need a .22 revolver. Use .38 ammo in a K-frame .38 or .357. Cops did, and do. They get qualified much sooner than some here infer.
Commune with your gun. Let it be part of you.
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Ranger514
Member
Totally agree the above. Slow down until you master the basics before going for speed. Regardless, it's pretty difficult to critique or correct whatever issues you have without observing on site.
Grip is crucial in controlling muzzle flip. Smooth, even, consistant trigger pull is a big factor. Recoil anticipation, dropping the muzzle, or jerking the trigger are also common problems. My best advice is find a respected instructor in your area to help you achieve your goal, rather than guessing.
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1st grips that fit your hand properly.
2nd Trigger Control. Practice, Practice, Practice. We used to teach a Deputy Sheriff training program and one drill was to put a nickel on edge on the top rib of the revolver, and have them practice dry firing a full cylinder without letting the nickel fall off the gun.
3rd Once you have mastered the trigger practice the POA, dry firing when you reach the point of aim.
4th Once you have mastered all three, put live rounds in the gun and start all over.
2nd Trigger Control. Practice, Practice, Practice. We used to teach a Deputy Sheriff training program and one drill was to put a nickel on edge on the top rib of the revolver, and have them practice dry firing a full cylinder without letting the nickel fall off the gun.
3rd Once you have mastered the trigger practice the POA, dry firing when you reach the point of aim.
4th Once you have mastered all three, put live rounds in the gun and start all over.
gr7070
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Absolutely not. Staging, by definition, will only slow you down.
How old are you? At some point age will have a massive affect, though I don't think that will matter till at least 60. And unless you were previously fast, one can always improve, even at 70.
I'm a former state champion, even beaten Jerry Miculek in an individual stage before. I say that to brag ; ) but also to suggest I've had some ability.
Dry fire. Dry fire. Dry fire!
You'll have far more opportunity for trigger pulls in your living room than at the range. Just do it safely!
Pick out a mark on the wall, e.g. clock center. Hold steady and fire. Gradually increase trigger squeeze speed while still being able to hold sights on target.
Start slow and only increase speed as you consistently, successfully stay steady.
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Justamessenger
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Stepping back a bit- what is your definition of rapid fire?
Here’s one I found, 5 shots in 10 seconds. Wikipedia, NRA rules.
4 strings of rapid fire. Each string consists of 5 shots in 10 seconds at 25 yards at a NRA B8 target. The bullseye diameter is 5.5 inches
One step at a time. If you’re trying to shoot magnum load double taps, you’re not being realistic. Before shooting 5 in 10 seconds, you have to learn to shoot 4 in 10 seconds, and before shooting 4 in 10 seconds...
Here’s one I found, 5 shots in 10 seconds. Wikipedia, NRA rules.
4 strings of rapid fire. Each string consists of 5 shots in 10 seconds at 25 yards at a NRA B8 target. The bullseye diameter is 5.5 inches
One step at a time. If you’re trying to shoot magnum load double taps, you’re not being realistic. Before shooting 5 in 10 seconds, you have to learn to shoot 4 in 10 seconds, and before shooting 4 in 10 seconds...
I routinely shoot Metallic Silhouette from 50 to 200 meters, all double action. It's all about trigger control.
gr7070
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A couple more things, others have touched on many of these...
Good, rubber grips that fit your hands
Focus on the front sight, other than trigger finger speed is all about the front sight
Both eyes open
Comfortable, nearly square stance
I disagree with placing something on top of the barrel. You can accomplish same by focusing on your target. Plus I think this will unnecessarily slow one down. Keeping a nickel on the barrel is too restrictive. One can be fast and highly accurate without that.
I don't think anyone mentioned this, but how are you holding the gun? Two hands, quite tight. Web of strong hand just barely above top of the backstrap. Weak hand tightly wrapped around strong.
I'd suggest fast is at least sub-three seconds or faster on Smoke and Hope stage (5 shots) in steel challenge (low-ready, 22 lr)
Good, rubber grips that fit your hands
Focus on the front sight, other than trigger finger speed is all about the front sight
Both eyes open
Comfortable, nearly square stance
I disagree with placing something on top of the barrel. You can accomplish same by focusing on your target. Plus I think this will unnecessarily slow one down. Keeping a nickel on the barrel is too restrictive. One can be fast and highly accurate without that.
I don't think anyone mentioned this, but how are you holding the gun? Two hands, quite tight. Web of strong hand just barely above top of the backstrap. Weak hand tightly wrapped around strong.
I'd suggest fast is at least sub-three seconds or faster on Smoke and Hope stage (5 shots) in steel challenge (low-ready, 22 lr)
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What part of your index finger are you using to pull back the trigger? First pad of your finger on a wide serrated target trigger is fine for single action. However for fast DA work I always use (as per Massad Ayoob books) the distal joint between the first and second pads of the index finger. This is on a thinner trigger that is smooth rather than serrated.
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