"My gun is a Tack Driver!"- Really???

[Rastoff]

On most of these gun forums, you'll hear this phrase "tack driver" when talking about accuracy. In case you couldn't tell, I think it's stupid and drives me crazy.

Recently someone posted that their M&P is a tack driver. Well, it's not. I don't need to even see a target because it's impossible. On it's best day, with the best barrel, fitted by the best gunsmith that ever lived, an M&P wouldn't put a bullet through the same hole every time. Sorry, it's just not happening. And, yes, that's what's required to drive a tack!

It's bad enough to hear the massive volume of guys that say, "I can shoot a 1" group, off hand, at 50 yards with my X." I'm not buying that either, but...oh never mind.

Pick another term because "tack driver" should only be used by Gale McMillan.

 

[BobC357]

A real tack driver
22 caliber nail driver...

The Powers P2201 .22 caliber single shot powder actuated gun drives 1/4" - 20 threaded studs, .300 head, 8mm head, and ballastic point drive pins from 1/2" to 3" in length. Uses .22 caliber single shot loads.

 

[CatSnipah]

Yeah I just let those types of statement roll on by. People over use them, and really don't understand what it means.

And as far as accuracy goes, some folks really can do some crazy stuff. But it's an Internet message board...anonymous, at that. People exaggerate. Or can't do math. Or both.

 

[Texas Star]

I have seen old movies where men drove nails with their gun butts. I'd never do that.

 

[moe smith]

I agree, 'tack driver' is a gross exaggeration. I don't understand why folks can't just be realistic. My M&P certainly isn't a tack driver by any stretch of the imagination. If it were, heck, I'd be shooting at tacks instead of the one inch targets I currently use.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Well, I own one of those

Drives tacks, nails, even railroad spikes. It weighs about 3.5#'s.

 

[kwselke]

How big is the tack and how far off is it?

 

[THE PILGRIM]

I have seen old movies where men drove nails with their gun butts. I'd never do that.

I have seen beat up Colt single actions that appeared to have used to drive staples. The ranch foreman would pass out staples, and if you saw a fence down it was your responsibility to nail it back up.

 

[venomballistics]

there are a few rifles that do fit the criteria of a "tack driver"
Not nearly as many as are claimed as such but the do exist.
Offhand 1" group at 50 ... yeah ... possible, its a fairly rare level of discipline though.

I think, between the two, were might be looking at a top 5% figure within the overall demographic.
since it is quantifiable, it must be accepted as possible .... that said .... I can easily give you the the 45% of the demographic that claim it without the ability to pony up the real goods.

those of us in the top 5%, however, do find it amusing when we occasionally squelch a member of that 45% with their own gun.

Hone your skills, it is attainable, and it is a blast to watch a blowhards pride crumble in the face of the real deal.

 

[deadin]

I wonder just how many of these 1 inch groups at 50 yards standing are really 20 or 30 shots where 3 or 4 have made a 1 inch "grouping".

 

[Alpo]

"Tack-driver" don't bother me. This, however, bugs me to no end.

"My M&P" yada yada yada.

Which M&P?

The K-frame 38 revolver? The plastic-fantastic 9/40/45 bottom-feeder? Or the AR15 clone?

Be. More. Specific.

 

[litenlarry]

Some of my 22 cal pistols, wear a rugged dime sized hole in the target..As close to driving a tack as I will come..Distance 25 plus yards, free handed.. Using a 1x red dot...

 

[GKC]

It's hyperbole...I seriously doubt that anyone actually expects others to take it literally. It's just shorthand for saying "My gun is very accurate." Even that is a subjective statement, because while a given gun is capable of a certain degree of accuracy if all conditions are ideal, there are far too many variables that can affect actual performance.

When I read that expression, I don't take it literally.

 

[Bekeart]

No Tack Driving - Hit Roofing Nail Three Shots In A Row at 50 Feet

Never drove a tack. But did hit a roofing nail three shots in a row at 50 feet with a low price boy's bolt action 22 rifle.

Many years ago when I lives in NW Arkansas I was asked to help with accuracy of a 22 rifle belonging to a friend's son.

Group was terrible. Barrel showed rub lines from the stock.
Bedding problem! Free floated the barrel. Reasonable group. Started adjusting the scope.

When satisfied with scope settings I hit the roofing nail holding target at 50 feet three shot in a row.
No bragging rights for my Anschutz, but pretty good for a low price single shot bolt action 22.
The little owner then shot a nice group and was very happy.

Bekeart

 

[ralph7]

When I read that expression, I don't take it literally.

Exactly, just like a good looking woman isn't actually a "Goddess" any more than a fast car runs like a "raped ape".
I take that stuff with a grain of salt.

On the other hand I don't like seeing the spelling "Boolits".
Now that sticks in my craw a little.

 

[Rastoff]

"Tack-driver" don't bother me. This, however, bugs me to no end.

"My M&P" yada yada yada.

Which M&P?

The K-frame 38 revolver? The plastic-fantastic 9/40/45 bottom-feeder? Or the AR15 clone?

Be. More. Specific.

Why? None of them are "tack drivers".

Using a 1x red dot...

I'm hijacking my own thread...What kind of red dot do you have? I'd like to put one on my Mark III.

 

[UncleEd]

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

You boys don't believe in tack drivers. Ha!

Got a few 1911s that can hit a pin head at 60 yards while I'm running and jumping.

You boys just need more practice.

 

[Pete99004]

You guys always get a bit touchy when it rains in southern CA.

Don't worry it will clear up again.

Pete

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Eh... I bet that half the people who shoot at a 50ft indoor range probably think they are shooting at 50yrds. No idea whatsoever. Tack driver is just their way of saying they might have hit the paper target once before it caught fire from muzzle flash.

 

[300xc]

One of my friends has a 10/22 with a Volquartsen barrel, and THAT will put 5 rounds in a single hole all day long. M&P15? Don't think so.