What distance to practice at range ?

[ispcapt]

There's a reason most LE shootings are 7 yds or less. That's the normal conversation distance for people. It's not some magical distance. 7 yds or less is the distance people stand from each other to carry on a conversation in a normal voice. For those who have ever been stopped by a LEO think about it. Did the LEO stand back 25 yds and carry on a conversation? Or did the LEO approach your vehicle, get your license from your hand, be able to look inside your vehicle? WR Moore explained it well. The BG acts first. The BG knows when he's going to act and what actions he's going to take. He waits until the LEO is the closest for his own advantage.
25 yds isn't that far of a distance. If you can't justify a defensive shooting at 25 yds then you can't justify the same shooting situation at 2 yds. If you're taking incoming fire at 25 yds is that not a deadly force threat? If a person thinks 25 yds is too far for someone to effectively engage you at that distance then that person needs to spend more time at the range with a good trainer. 25 yds is well within deadly force threat zone. Usually when a person says "25 yds is not a threat" what they mean is they are not capable nor have the skills to be able to hit at 25 yds.
The old FBI qualification course had a phase at 60 yds. That distance had to be hit even if firing a 2" snub.

 

[novalty]

The distance for shooting self-defense is completely situational. If someone started shooting at me when I was out target practicing in field, I would certainly return fire at 25 yards and more if there were no way to escape. However, if I am in the mall or a public place, 25 yards seems excessive, where there is a chance of hitting innocent people between or beyond the shooter. First reaction would be to find cover for my family, and myself. Probably wrong in my thinking, but I've been wrong lots of times before.

 

[brucev]

At what distance would most people practice shooting your CC handgun ? I usally shoot at the 10 yard range but have seen people shooting much farther. Why would you want to shoot much farther then that, unless it was just to see if you could.
Just wondering....

For any possible SD/HD incident, I practice at distances ranging from 7 - 15 yds. Most of my practice takes place at 15 yds.

For recreational shooting, I will normally fire at distances ranging from 15 and 25 yds. out to 50 yds. If I have access to longer ranges, I will most certainly be firing at longer distances.

 

[Rick-F]

when practicing with my CCW gun it's between 5-10 yards. If the situation arises and I'm further away than that I'll be too busy running to shoot.

You got that right!! If someone is threating your life at 50 yards, you are for sure out gunned (with your CCW) and should be seeking cover . . .

 

[5906fan]

as poster #3. anything further and I'm going for a carbine or shotty.
sometimes I try my hand off a rest with my .357 at 25 yds.

 

[Ron H.]

At what distance would most people practice shooting your CC handgun ? I usally shoot at the 10 yard range but have seen people shooting much farther. Why would you want to shoot much farther then that, unless it was just to see if you could.
Just wondering....

Sir, one of the nice things about guns is the ability to apply force at a distance. IMHO, it makes no sense to throw away most of that capability by practicing only at very short ranges. 50 yards is well within the capabilities of a quality gun, and 100 or more is often "do-able" as well.

Certainly, fast work at shorter ranges is important, but it's also good to know you can make a longer shot if needed.

JMHO, FWIW.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

 

[4330Inroute]

3, 7, 15, 25 and 50 yards.
Many believe a handgun is strictly a short range (Under 25 yards) weapon. It is not. In the hands of a practiced individual longer shots can be made consistently and accurately.

As a demonstration we (the other Dept. range master and myself) would take new hires out to a range and demonstrate the capabilities of the Dept. issue handgun a 6 inch 686 with 125gr. Rem HPs. We would go through loading, unloading, cleaning procedure and the use of the dept. approved holsters. They would shoot a modified PPC course to qualify. We took 8 inch gongs and placed them at 50, 75 and 100 yards and would place 6 out of 6 on the gongs to the amazement of the new hires. This was to show that the .357 was accurate and lethal up to 100 yards and beyond. 100yard and farther driveways were common in our patrol areas. It was to show them that (with practice) if they were engaged at that distance they could return fire with accuracy and effectively protect themselves and others.

Carrying concealed you need to practice at longer distances because if that once in a lifetime need to shoot 25 yards or longer at the mall or at a service station etc. comes about you need to have confidence in yourself and in your choice of handgun that you can do this. You may be the one to make a difference in the situation.

Sorry for being long winded. I tend to reminisce and get carried away with myself.

 

[Capt Steve]

I try to get to the range, or the back side of the mountain, to practice at least once a month. Most of the time I shoot at 10 to 15 yards as that is where I expect to need the most accuracy. Inside of ten it is pretty much point and shoot and I do practice at 7 yards occasionally. I like to finish every session at 25 yards for all of the reasons listed above.

That's a long way for a snubbie in DA but SA is another story, another reason I like my 649 so much. The MP9C does very well at 25 yards and even the Bersa .380 gives respectable groups though 25 is not what that gun is for. Might as well practice any shot you can think of as you never know when you might need it again.

 

[PDL]

It seems like most of the posts fall into two categories of shooters, LE and non-LE. While most of the replies are geared to use of the weapon in a personal confrontation. I think the situations like LIRR, VA tech, Columbine, Ft. Hood etc. should also be kept in mind. While most of us would be carrying for personal defense, looking out for the other guy should also be considered. Being proficient with the weapon at any range available is my choice. I start concentrating on 7-10 yards, but don't stop there. Guns and Ammo a long time ago showed that 2" J frame .38 worked out at 50+ yards. Sure if you've got a choice a long gun works better. But sometimes you use what you got. And if you never practiced, you should have.
Pete.

 

[anot]

Thanks for all the different points of view. I think I'll start shooting a little farther out. Heck, you never know when you'll need that 50 or 75 yard shot. It may not be to save your life but it could save someone else.
See you on the range

 

[oldRoger]

I had my 640 at Bowen Classic to have their sights installed on it. They sight the gun at 20 yds. I asked why so
far, HB asked: “If someone starts shooting at you from 100 feet away, you will shoot back won’t you?”
If someone stood in my drive and fired toward the house it would be about 100 feet.

Ducking and running is on the menu, but may not be possible.

Since then I have changed my thinking about practice even with a DA only pistol like the 640. I routinely shoot the total distance at the indoor range; I wish they would allow me to practice from a prone position.

 

[pact40]

As far as LEOs, alot of encounters do take place at 7 yards or less. I was told by a range instructor that average house is located about 25 yards off the road and thats where the 25 yard mark comes into play during qualifcations.

 

[Tell Sackett]

This has just been mentioned but, the further shots might not be to save yourself, but others.

Scenarios, think of what COULD happen.

Your kid is in the barn 50 yards from the house, a bad guy is in another 50 yards further out. That makes it 100 yards from you. What are you going to do, not shoot because you can't say it's self defense?

Not me, that bad guy is going to be dodging bullets friend!

In our state, and you had better know what your state laws are on deadly force before you even THINK of carrying concealed, we can go to the aid of someone else and use deadly force.

At what distance? Who knows. I just want to be skilled enough to help.

 

[Boriqua]

This has just been mentioned but, the further shots might not be to save yourself, but others.

Scenarios, think of what COULD happen.

Your kid is in the barn 50 yards from the house, a bad guy is in another 50 yards further out. That makes it 100 yards from you. What are you going to do, not shoot because you can't say it's self defense?

Not me, that bad guy is going to be dodging bullets friend!

In our state, and you had better know what your state laws are on deadly force before you even THINK of carrying concealed, we can go to the aid of someone else and use deadly force.

At what distance? Who knows. I just want to be skilled enough to help.

Well I could run closer ...

Hmmm at middle age and the girth I have acquired .. I could run 10 yds .. bend over sucking air .. run another 10 lay on the floor wondering if this is the heart attack and maybe run a bit closer !!! Do a military style Belly crawl some more ... and oh man I hope my kid can dodge and duck!!

Good thing is by the time I get within 50 the bad guy should be out of ammo!

Honestly .. joking aside .. I aint taking a 100yd shot with my child downrange with a handgun.
Alex
The gun friendly state of Arizona

 

[GreySmoke]

In the Peoples Republic of Illinois, we can't carry. My SD practice is primarily for home protection. The furthest distance inside my house is around 25-30 feet from the top of my stairs to the outside back door in line of site distance. The majority of my practice is from 15-21' as most rooms are 15' at the furthest.

 

[Brokenbutnotdead]

For me I practice at approx. 25 yards which makes it easier at 7,10,15 when I qualify...

 

[Thicker]

For self defense 10 to 15 ft. (quick draw point and shoot)-------For pistol target practice 25 to 75 ft. (double tap and rapid fire) Just my personal training agenda......

 

[vytoland]

i practice, with my targets at 25 to 30 feet, left or right hand, single hand grip, DAO.

 

[jerseyshoreshot]

I always start at 25 yards while I’m fresh and work my way closer as I tire.

 

[Alien VFR]

I use stats, my wallet and common sense to dictate my practice routine.

We all know ammo isn't cheap. So I use about 60% of my ammo for sub 25 yard practice since this is what I'm most likely to encounter in a real life situation. Then at least all the money I spend on ammo isn't zipping passed the target at 100 yards.

25 yards plus is fun to practice, and while I may have this mid range encounter someday, it's less likely. But it's still a valuable skill to hit targets at this range, so using 30% of my ammo at this range doesn't sting my money-nerve every time I pull the trigger.

50 yards and beyond is 99% for fun, and I use about 10% of my ammo budget on it. I'm unlikely to be in a situation where a 100 yard shot is necessary, but anything is possible, so having at least a little practice is better than none. Besides, it feels good to hit a target at that range w/ a fixed sight carry pistol.

I agree with others who have suggested shooting one handed, off handed, prone, etc. When lead starts flying, you could be anywhere, doing anything, so you never know what you'll be faced with. Varied practice is essential to raise your chances of victory and survival when things go sideways.