Most Advantageous 1911 practice distance?

[Matt_X]

I'm firmly in the longer distance camp.
You wrote you were interested in building confidence with the firearm and what you can do with it.



When we're trying to build a skill or our ability we need to push ourselves a bit. Since you are already comfortably hitting 10" circles at 50', then pick up some B-3 50' targets. That gives an appropriately sized bullseye to focus on, and a standard that can be compared. Another good standard is the B-8 (for 25 yards which also can be used closer).


Since these targets are used in competition, they can be used for a comparison with your scores even if you never intend to shoot bullseye matches.

 

[rockquarry]

I'm firmly in the longer distance camp.
You wrote you were interested in building confidence with the firearm and what you can do with it.



When we're trying to build a skill or our ability we need to push ourselves a bit. Since you are already comfortably hitting 10" circles at 50', then pick up some B-3 50' targets. That gives an appropriately sized bullseye to focus on, and a standard that can be compared. Another good standard is the B-8 (for 25 yards which also can be used closer).


Since these targets are used in competition, they can be used for a comparison with your scores even if you never intend to shoot bullseye matches.

Good information.

 

[AJ]

Combat ranges and Self Defense ranges are two different things.

 

[Imissedagain]

Someone running as fast as they can, along the 100 yard line, and you drop them, with only two rounds fired, you've got the basics down.
Two Air Force Colonels, who were P51 pilots, were some of my teachers in the 60s.

25 yards with sights and without, is how I practice, indoors.
Two favorite calibers, 380/45.

 

[SweetMK]

I have owned a Glock 17 since "trade-ins" cost $250,
The 17 has been flawless in my use,, never jammed,, I feel secure with it.

BUT, to maintain my capability with the Glock,, I really need to shoot a lot, to remember trigger control.

I can shoot rimfire, and that helps my trigger control as much as shooting the Glock.

I shoot several rimfires, almost 100% of my shooting is off a benchrest.

For me, any shooting helps with trigger control.
I find shooting off-hand to get boring QUICKLY,,
I prefer to bench rest shoot 75 to 125 yards,, off the bench.

I use three guns mostly for this activity,,
By far, this one is used the most.

It is a S&W 617 with a Leupold scope.
Sand bags, and pine cones or black walnuts at 100 yards is a challenge,,
When a walnut goes flying, it is fun,,
I can shoot 300 rounds, and not get bored.

For me to shoot 100 rounds at paper?? I can not do it.
I have swinging steel, That is sort of fun,, but FOR ME,, the longer distance is where my interes is.

After the 617, is a Ruger MKII with the same Leupold scope.

I got that gun for $250 brand new,, my sister got great discounts at a distributor, because of the large amount of fishing bait she bought,, That Ruger was my first ever new 22LR pistol.

The Ruger I have started to shoot more is a Volquartsen barreled MKII with a cheapo dot optic (I think the optic was $39 at a LGS)

This one REALLY bench shoots well, I think because the barrel is SOLID STEEL,, it is HEAVY!!
Whatever,, it shoots pine cones at 75 yards consistently.



I shoot these, then going back to the Glock 17 or a shotgun,, my trigger control is greatly improved,,

So, for me,, practice is whatever it takes to not get bored,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[AJ]

I have owned a Glock 17 since "trade-ins" cost $250,
The 17 has been flawless in my use,, never jammed,, I feel secure with it.

BUT, to maintain my capability with the Glock,, I really need to shoot a lot, to remember trigger control.

I can shoot rimfire, and that helps my trigger control as much as shooting the Glock.

I shoot several rimfires, almost 100% of my shooting is off a benchrest.

For me, any shooting helps with trigger control.
I find shooting off-hand to get boring QUICKLY,,
I prefer to bench rest shoot 75 to 125 yards,, off the bench.

I use three guns mostly for this activity,,
By far, this one is used the most.

It is a S&W 617 with a Leupold scope.
Sand bags, and pine cones or black walnuts at 100 yards is a challenge,,
When a walnut goes flying, it is fun,,
I can shoot 300 rounds, and not get bored.

For me to shoot 100 rounds at paper?? I can not do it.
I have swinging steel, That is sort of fun,, but FOR ME,, the longer distance is where my interes is.

After the 617, is a Ruger MKII with the same Leupold scope.

I got that gun for $250 brand new,, my sister got great discounts at a distributor, because of the large amount of fishing bait she bought,, That Ruger was my first ever new 22LR pistol.

The Ruger I have started to shoot more is a Volquartsen barreled MKII with a cheapo dot optic (I think the optic was $39 at a LGS)

This one REALLY bench shoots well, I think because the barrel is SOLID STEEL,, it is HEAVY!!
Whatever,, it shoots pine cones at 75 yards consistently.

View attachment 728036

I shoot these, then going back to the Glock 17 or a shotgun,, my trigger control is greatly improved,,

So, for me,, practice is whatever it takes to not get bored,,,,,,,,,,,,

Nice pieces, but not the M1911's that the OP was asking about.

From the bench is much easier for most folks. Standing on your hind legs and shooting unsupported off-hand is immensely a more difficult practice than benchrested. Yes, steel is more fun, but a lot of places do not have that option.