Accuracy vs Precision

[dandechino]

When people ask how accurate a gun is shouldn't we always respond with asking how accurate the shooter is? The really interesting question is how precise the firearm is.





If I had an accurate gun with groups like that I'd puke.

So let's change the vernacular and be more precise with our language.

[Merc1138]

Obviously the problem is that people need to shoot 20 round groups to prove it's the shooter being precise, because with just a 10 round group the 11th might have been a flyer.

[voiceofreason]

Incorrect.

Need to shoot a 30 round group to prove it's the shooter being precise.

Because with just the 20 round group, the 21st might have been a flyer.

[USMC 82-86]

Incorrect again most guns are accurate and some are precision instruments. Most shooters are neither accurate or precise. Some shooters are pretty accurate and fewer are precise, and almost no shooter is as accurate or as precise as the gun they shoot.

[Fjold]

Incorect, you need a 100 round group to prove it's the shooter being precise. Because with just 30 round group, the 31st might be a flyer.

[Noobert]

Paging ar15barrels

[Noobert]

Oh wait....

[RandyD]

Incorect, you need a 100 round group to prove it's the shooter being precise. Because with just 30 round group, the 31st might be a flyer.

We should error on the side of accuracy, shoot a 110 round group to prove the shooter is precise. With a 100 round group, the 101st might be a flyer.

[wilit]

I like to shoot 1 round groups. Always accurate and precise that way.

[dotalchemy]

I like to shoot 1 round groups. Always accurate and precise that way.

Only if you were actually aiming for that point.

[Peter W Bush]

Only if you were actually aiming for that point.

"yaaa.. that's where I meant to put the hole! "

[wilit]

"yaaa.. that's where I meant to put the hole! "

Exactly!

[mayo 111]

so based on this, I am very precise. just not very accurate?

[USMC 82-86]

I made a post here earlier in the thread but in fairness some have both abilities, precision fire is more along the lines of target shooting and I do that from time to time. The bottom left target is more along the lines of defensive shooting as this usually occurs for me when I pick up the pace. Center mass slightly high or low and left or right is still center mass. I would say the second target I mentioned represents about 90% of the shooting that I do when I practice. My G19 is a very good gun for quick shots and it groups well but if I shoot it next to my 1911 and shoot for precision groups I will always shoot better with the 1911. I can't shoot as well as either gun is capable of shooting. Some guns are built for precision and others are built for work which to me means more than accurate enough for the job and can be precise when needed. I can get head shots to touch with either gun at 7-10 yards accurate and precise but same guns same shooter at 25 yards it is a different story still accurate with the G19 but much more precise with the 1911. Maybe a combination of better sight picture because of sight radius on the 1911 and definitely the trigger. Different task requires different shooting styles.

[Merc1138]

The bottom left target is more along the lines of defensive shooting as this usually occurs for me when I pick up the pace.

I thought the bottom left target had 5 flyers.