Trouble with accuracy

[makomyday]

I usually go to our local indoor range (On Target) a couple of times per month. My FNP 9mm has about 2000 rounds through it and this is as accurate as I can get.
27 feet, 10 shots with a spread of about 3 inches. I use a rangefinder to get the accurate distance.

I constantly see guys that post here about 75 foot distance groups this good. I think I need my eyes checked, or some sort of supervision to even see that far.
Is it just more shooting that is required? Could it be my wal mart ammo? Do I need better sights?
Good times though.

[Casual_Shooter]

Perhaps you could have someone at the range shoot your gun and/ or watch you shoot to see if they can pinpoint areas for improvement.

[maxicon]

I've seen lots worse groups at the range, but they could be better. Usually, it's practice that helps, but you have to figure out how accurate your gun and ammo combo is first.

Also, if you practice bad habits, it doesn't help, so a bit of help from an experienced shooter or a class may be good. Likewise, a smooth, light trigger can make a huge difference, so if that's part of the problem, a 'smith or a different gun could help.

Anyway, here's where to start. This is the standard set of tests I do on a new gun:

- Shoot from a rest (I use my range bag), with a slow, steady trigger pull - 3-5 seconds from beginning of squeeze to firing. Don't look where your shots are hitting or shift your grip, just keep the sights on the target, your eyes on the front sight, and slowly and carefully line up the sights and empty the mag. This should give you groups approaching the mechanical accuracy limit of the gun with your chosen ammo. You won't be able to shoot any smaller groups than this without changing the ammo or tweaking the gun.

- Shoot with a 2 handed grip, standing, but leaning against the divider wall for steadiness. This helps isolate your hand/arm steadiness from your stance steadiness. Due to the angle, if you're shooting at 7 or 10 yards and your neighbor is at 25 yards, you can punch holes in his paper, or hit the wall if you're in one of the end lanes, so be aware of where you're aiming behind the target.

- Shoot with a 2 handed grip, standing, unsupported. This adds in the unsteadiness of your stance.

- Shoot with a 1 handed strong hand grip, unsupported.

- Shoot with a 1 handed weak hand grip, unsupported. These last two will help identify weak spots in grip, arm strength, trigger technique, etc.

Through all of these, you should be squeezing slow and steady. One of the hardest things to train yourself out of is anticipating recoil and/or jerking the trigger. By shooting slow and steady, you can work these out, then work on speeding up your squeeze.

[makomyday]

Thank you guys for the responses!
I have the same grouping with my 44mag smith and wesson 4" wheel gun at the same distance. Does that give any more clues?

Thanks again. I'll take a video next time out and post it.

[Olav]

If I were to guess judging by the one example target, I would say that you are not focusing on your front sight when the shot breaks.

I'm saying that because all your hits are distributed pretty evenly around your intended target (green center).

As the target gets farther away the spread increases.

Just a guess on my part though...

[Pthfndr]

I constantly see guys that post here about 75 foot distance groups this good.

Lots of people lie. It is the internet after all.

Technique makes a big difference. Ammo makes a big difference.

Nothing wrong with that grouping. Just keep practicing and focus on the front sight.