Profiling Handgunners

[gunprofit]

After reading many threads here, it occurs to me, many calgunners have preconceived ideas as to how accurate most handgunners can shoot and at what distance.

I'm a old timer. I opened California's first Indoor Shooting Range that was open to the public back in the 1970's era. I sold it in 2001. I definitely was witness to many firearm transitions. Such as shooters being predominately revolver guys changing to semi-auto guys. Metal guns transitioning into plastic guns, etc.

One of my observations during many of these transitions was the closing of shooting distances. My range was 25 yards (75 feet). Back in the day, most guys shot at the maximum distance of 25 yards, and tried to shoot the smallest groups possible on bullseye style targets. By the time I sold my business, most shooters preferred to shoot at less than 7 yards at silhouette style targets and group size was not their intention, only hits.

I'm not implying that there is anything bad about this. I am merely presenting my observations of the transitioning from target shooting to combat shooting.

I shot competitively in many different types of handgun competition. I shot Bullseye, IPSC, USPSA, Silhouette, etc. I am very familiar with the different disciplines involved in each. And, of course, the different equipment required.

I would have to say that the predominate or preferred type of shooting I see on ranges today, does not involve much skill or discipline. The firearms are mostly semi-auto, plastic, striker fired type, chambered in 9mm and 40. The targets are very large and are shot at extremely close distance.

It is easy to profile shooter's skill and preferred type of shooting based on what they pull out of their shooting bag. I am not trying to insult anyone. The reason for the thread is, times have changed, equipment has changed, skill levels have changed, types of shooting have changed. And, all of this in what I consider a very short time period.

As with anything, there are exemptions to everything. There are shooters out there who are very skillful and proficient. I get a good feeling inside when I see guys who really make a gun sing, meaning perform well, making every shot count!

The next time you are at a public shooting range, take note of what equipment people have, and the type of shooting and skill level. It offers some interesting results. But, don't make the mistake of thinking you can profile handgun shooters and that all of them are incapable of shooting accurately. It's just their type of shooting they prefer.

[v.kevin]

I only have one pistol at the moment, a XDs 3.3" in 9mm. It's a concealed carry gun so I naturally practice at 7 yards and sometimes 10 yards. I've shot a few magazines from longer distances but it isn't likely that I would ever need to defend myself with my sub-compact at more than 10 yards.

I do shoot smaller targets more often than not. Out of about 1,500 or so practice rounds, I'd estimate less than 500 have been using silhouette targets due to the old adage, aim small miss small. I've found that I can hit a silhouette in the 8's to 10's without having to shoot slowly and deliberately.

I have a 1911 in jail right now and when I take it to the range, I'll practice more for bullseyes with it. Two different pistols, 2 different purposes. I know some people can conceal a full size 1911 but I doubt I could so there isn't much use in shooting at silhouettes at 7 yards.

[Kyle1886]

When I was younger, my marksmanship idea for revolver was as you described, 25+ yards at a black dot. Yes, I did transition to a pistol, but not because I grew tired of the revolver, but popping 38Spl/357 rounds downrange got expensive. (There was a time 38 and 357 was very scarce too).

Add to that the eyes started to go and arthritis in the hands and wrist became a factor. I still shoot for a small target, a 1" dot in the middle of a 3x3 Post-it, but at 11-15 yards.

Basically in my case, I transitioned because of physical/economical reasons and not based on the latest fad.

Actually the same applied to my rifle shooting. I had to give up the shotgun and larger caliber rifles because of bum shoulder. There was a time that I may have made a "gun sing", but those days are long past. Now it's to keep a perishable skill somewhat alive.

Respectfully,
Kyle

[[Variable]]

I just want a backyard like hickok45 Then maybe someday I can stop telling the chicks in lane 6 that the flyer was a warning shot.

[Click Boom]

I just find indoor ranges insufferably boring. I'd probably resort to mindlessly emptying cases at Yosemite Sam silhoette targets also. Gimme some gongs in the desert/forest and the ability to move around and do what I want. I haven't been to an indoor range in many many years.

[hunterb]

I have noticed this too. Whenever I go to an indoor range (very infrequently), I am usually the only one who pushes my target as far as it will go. (Usually 15 to 25 yards, not very far).
Also, I tend to notice most people don't shoot groups or know what groups are, and are just trigger slappers shooting their new plastic fantastic.
I think indoor ranges attract more new shooters. I like outdoor ranges that do not rent firearms--less new people that way.


The old guy who pulls out the custom 1911 always makes me smile because I know he's probably a shooter and not just a trigger slapper.

[highpower]

When I went to get my CCW here in Nevada, during the shooting portion of the class there was only two people in the entire class (me and the guy next to me) that could hold the ten ring on the targets. Most of the people were spraying their shots all over the place and two of the women couldn't qualify on the first try and had to shoot over again. I hope those that were having trouble hitting the center of the target were embarrassed by their lack of skill and decided to go and practice.

I have to admit that I have gotten a bit lackadaisical about my shooting and nowadays I much prefer the shoot reactive targets rather than bullseye. I find that shooting at paper targets to be as exciting as watching paint dry whereas I like the sound of lead hitting steel.

[castgold]

[jsigone]

I'm at the indoor ranges kinda on regular schedule every other week. Its what we have in the city so might as well use them rather than wait 7-8months to shoot in the desert.

I do see allot of things at the indoors. Some good, some bad. Make me wonder what people think of me or my small group when we're there.

Typically shoot 3" splatter targets at 10y with my HGs and 1"-3" orange dots at 25y with the ARs in different shooting positions. These drills, keeps ammo count low, and teaches me how to handle my guns in other positions and with weak hand. Also keeps it from getting boring.

this pic with SP01 and 97B. Center targets are double tap, reload, dbl tap drills with the SP01. Far right side is same drill with the 97b.

[Kyle1886]

As with most of you, outdoor is usually preferable, but the days of just going "out of town" to plink a few are long gone for me. However I can still challenge myself enough to enjoy, for the most part, indoor short range shooting.

Maybe that's why I like using Post-its for a target versus a silhouette type...besides I'm cheap.

It won't be too many more years before I may have to hang the ole "irons" up but until then, in or out, long or short range is fine with me.

Respectfully
Kyle

[CAGLS]

I mostly like to shoot at Burro's Canyon because there is no 1 shot per minute rule, it's close to me, and it's $12 as long as you want to shoot or run out of ammo. I can practice combat style Rapid fire (no slapping the trigger, double tap center mass and one to the head) shooting at a large silhouette target at the distance where they mostly occur @ 7yrds. But I do also like to set up shot glow targets for short range bullseye shooting mainly to practice trigger control, grip, and stance and occasionally zeroing in sights. Since they don't allow shooting from a holster at their public range I'm limited in my self defense training until I get into gun games. I may try to shoot at longer distances for fun otherwise my rifle will be in my hands. I don't judge other shooters but if a newbies asks me I'll offer my help.

[71MUSTY]

OP, these might bring back some memories for you.

[586L-Frame]

Nice write-up OP.

[gunprofit]

I'm with all of your in regards to preferring to shoot outdoors. Even though I owned my own indoor shooting range, it was not enough. Back in the early 1990's I was preparing myself to shoot the "Steel Challenge". Being a 3-gun match I needed room. I bought 20 acres way out of town in a secluded area. I slowly improved it, rented a cat and pushed up some berms, etc. Bought lots of steel targets, falling plate machines, pepper poppers, all that stuff. If was great for a long time. Eventually, someone found my range and stole every steel target I owned. They even took my porta potty! I welded my name into all the steel, but have never found out who or where my targets went. Now days I only keep a minimal amount of shooting supplies out there.

[gunprofit]

71MUSTY, that's a very nice selection of accurate equipment. I like most guns, but I do have an affection for quality revolvers.