Snap-cap surprise

[thejackamo]

So I tried out the "have a buddy load a mag with a snap cap thrown in there" thing for the first time today -- WOW. It really sharpened my concentration considerably. At 10 yards:



Here's the first target with one snap cap -- you can see my first few shots are dead center, then the shots after the cap has been cleared get worse. I knew for a fact that there was only one cap in there, so after I cleared it, I guess I got sloppy. This is even more interesting, to me anyway; here's my target right after (with no caps whatsoever, still at 10 yards):



I was able to still maintain the same amount of concentration here as I did in the first target -- I suppose you're still in the same mental state, so you would be able to perform at the same level, even without any caps in there.

For comparison, I usually shoot 3-5 inch groups at 10 yards, so this kind of shooting is really a step up for me. I'm definitely going to be doing this exercise more often from now on!

[Vin496]

I took a class once and was shooting like you 5 inch groups at 10. The instructor told me, "let's practice with snap caps", and we did a few drills, then without telling me he switch to live ammo, and I couldn't believe how tight my groups got.

I guess you don't realize how much you flinch and blink when your shooting live ammo.

[swerv512]

i'm gonna try that next time out. i need some good handgun education...

[Sam]

I also find it very helpful to dry fire about a dozen times every 50 rounds or so. Gets the flinching out of the system.

[xxdabroxx]

thats when i like to switch to a 22 for a while then go back to the 45. Also double up on hearing protection. I wear plugs under muffs now.

[scott.cr]

It's easier with a revolver. Put in 3-4 rounds, spin the cylinder and plop it closed.

I worked out my flinching years ago with full-house .44 mags this way.

[FieldsofFire]

Interesting...I may need to try this out. I HATE that little flinch before the pin hits the bullet...

[odysseus]

It's easier with a revolver. Put in 3-4 rounds, spin the cylinder and plop it closed.

When I was a kid, that's how I was taught. I would be handed a partially loaded revolver, usually my favorite .357, on the line and watched. As I dropped on an empty chamber I either got praised or chided.
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