A sad realization...

[pullnshoot25]

So I took out my Ruger Single Six today (magnum cylinder, lost the .22LR cylinder, need to get another) and Ruger MKII to do some handgun practice and after 45min or so, I walked away completely frustrated. Where I could hit an object with the Single Six at a pretty far distance not too long ago, I now cannot hit a 3" Shoot-N-C at 25yds. I tried adjusting the sights and I couldn't figure out where I was shooting. My MKII was no better, I couldn't hit the broad side of the barn even if I could see the wood grain. It seems to be shooting REALLY high and I need to figure out what needs to be filed or if I can even get replacement sights for it (it is a fixed -sight model). I also cannot figure out the lateral movements to determine if I am twitching (highly doubt it), I need a firmer grip (maybe) or the gun hates the ammo (probably not)

Do you guys have any suggestions for practicing? I am on a dry spell for killing vermin and I need to get back in the game. I also need to practice for shooting the Tracker.

I hate being a crappy shot, but I guess the first step in solving a problem is admitting you actually have one.... CRAP!

[wildcard]

Sounds like you need to bring that target in by about 20 yds and then work your way back up to get into the groove of things.

[cactus]

Shooting is like everything else in life sometimes you have an off day. On the other token practice make perfect. I have a great friend I shoot with and I remember the days he first started he was lucky to get on paper. He now shoots a minimum of twice a week got profesional training and he makes me look like an amateur now. Check your grip clean your guns and go have some fun.

[Spaceghost]

+1 Don't beat yourself up, start close (5-7 yards) and work your way back again.

I prolly couldn't even see a small target like that at 25 yards, so you are way ahead of me. 25 yards is rifle range for this near sighted south paw.

Sounds like you need to bring that target in by about 20 yds and then work your way back up to get into the groove of things.

[BigBamBoo]

......................

[Sutcliffe]

Are you using the same ammo?

It can make a big difference. .22 chambers can be all over the map and what works well in one won't do anything at all in another.

[maxicon]

Here's what to do.

Start out at 7 - 10 yards.
Shoot from a rest - use your range bag, a towel, whatever, and rest the gun on it so it's stable and solid. You're liable to get powder marks on it, so take that into account - my range bag's covered with them.
Line up the sights on your target.
Squeeze slowly, don't pay attention to where the shot goes, and put 5 rounds into the target.

That'll give you a good idea of what the gun's capable of, and how well it's zeroed. Either gun should give you a group smaller than 2", even with mediocre ammo, shooting from a rest at that range.

Once you've got repeatable groups, adjust your sights to get the 5 round groups roughly centered, start shooting how you usually do - standing with 2 hand support, whatever. If you're not still centered, but with bigger groups, you need to work on your technique.

If you're shooting well there, start moving the target further back, re-zeroing as you go, until you're at the distance you want to be zeroed at.

I never adjust my sights until I've shot it from a rest.