Looking for input on training

[Ladyfox]

Hope this is the right forum area to post this in.

Over the July 4th weekend (on Friday the 3rd in fact) a co-worker and I went out shooting over at the Sunnyvale Rod & Gun club and to say I was disappointed in my accuracy would be understating matters. It had been quite some time, over a year I think, since I last put in any serious range time but my sub-par shooting really bothered me something fierce.

At a range of 25 yards I was shooting low and to the right so much so I pretty much destroyed the range frame. Being rather embarrassed I offered to the RO that was there to pay for the damage. Thankfully he was rather good natured about it and thanked me for the offer saying at least I offered and was not doing it on purpose.

I'm at a total loss as to what I'm doing wrong and would really like some kind of instruction to get rid of this problem. I did some digging around and came across these two places:

Bill Tidwell

http://www.train2besafe.com/

Bay Area Firearms Training Group

http://www.bayareafirearms.com/

Now the trick here is that I'm not really a newcomer to firearms in general so I'm wondering if the NRA Basic classes would be sufficient or would I be better suited to pay a bit more for personal training for a couple hours. Thoughts?

[jb7706]

Now the trick here is that I'm not really a newcomer to firearms in general so I'm wondering if the NRA Basic classes would be sufficient or would I be better suited to pay a bit more for personal training for a couple hours. Thoughts?

The Basic Pistol Class would not likely be geared to help you. If you talk with a certified instructor they my tailor something for you, but the course as taught from NRA lesson plans will not do what you want. The basic series of classes are really that- BASIC. They focus more on learning a firearm for the first time and understanding the essentials of safe shooting.

One of the classes you found would probably work better for you, or talk to an NRA certified Pistol Instructor (or Certified Coach) to get some private/custom assistance.

[1lostinspace]

learn how to hold the gun right aim with the front site and get your self about 5000 rounds and you will be great.

[PatriotnMore]

This may help you also.

[mocos]

1. first of all, I think 25 yards was too far to really determine your skill level.
2. a beginners class would not be out of the question to re-acquaint you with some of the the things you have forgotten.
3. the instructor of a beginners class will tell you where you are and what's next to further you skills.
4. go to chabotgunclub.com....they have a one day beginners class on saturdays that would get you started in the right direction... John Maunder is the instructor.

[randy]

Are you left handed?

[Ladyfox]

The Basic Pistol Class would not likely be geared to help you. If you talk with a certified instructor they my tailor something for you, but the course as taught from NRA lesson plans will not do what you want. The basic series of classes are really that- BASIC. They focus more on learning a firearm for the first time and understanding the essentials of safe shooting.

One of the classes you found would probably work better for you, or talk to an NRA certified Pistol Instructor (or Certified Coach) to get some private/custom assistance.

Good to keep in mind but I had to ask since it looked like some of the more advanced courses I was seeing required having the NRA cert to take them. After reading yours and other comments here I'm really leaning towards the private/custom route since it seems to be a better bang for the buck so to speak.

Thanks for the input!

[Ladyfox]

learn how to hold the gun right aim with the front site and get your self about 5000 rounds and you will be great.

My co-worker pretty much said the same thing when I started noticing I was having an issue. Problem was that I had him watch me from my 4 and 9-o'clock position and he could not see exactly what I was doing that was causing it. My sight picture was where it needed to be and my grip appeared to be okay but nothing I did to adjust seemed to help.

And before you ask I double-checked to make sure it was not a sight or mechanical fault with the pistols I was using so the issue is with what I'm doing. -_-

[Ladyfox]

This may help you also.

Nice!

Well, judging by the chart you shared it looks like I'm either doing too much squeezing or jerking the trigger. I find this odd since I felt I was doing things correctly but since I know the fault is mine this may be where I need to focus things along with some grip adjustment.

Thanks!

[Ladyfox]

Are you left handed?

Not at least for shooting I mainly shoot with my right. I tend to switch between both left and right hands for various tasks ever since I broke my left arm when I was younger.

[BillyBuell]

Accuracy

Come on out to Richmond Rod and Gun Club for an intro to competitive shooting. We will coach you on grip, stance and other intricacies of shooting. While you might not want to compete, it's a good all around course. We commonly shoot from point blank to 25 or 30 yards during competitions and grip, trigger squeeze and other mechanics will show you how to hit anything at most distances.

[rkt88edmo]

flinching? Milking the grip? Hard to tell. I'd just hit up bayprofs and see if you can get an hour with an instructor and not do a full blown class if that doesn't interest you. They can probably find someone who has the time.

[pinwheels]

Good to keep in mind but I had to ask since it looked like some of the more advanced courses I was seeing required having the NRA cert to take them. After reading yours and other comments here I'm really leaning towards the private/custom route since it seems to be a better bang for the buck so to speak.

Thanks for the input!

One-on-one with a good instructor is an excellent idea. I did this with one of Bullseye's instructors (Matt), and it helped me a lot! San Rafael is a bit of a ways from Sunnyvale, but might be worth it if you can't find a good one there. Then maybe do the Saturday morning IPSC practice sessioo at Richmond R&GC. Also a bit of a haul, but lots of shooting options, including plates and an IPSC stage setup.

Good luck!