Shooting Groups

[Doc Shapiro]

I think this is self explanitory.

I shoot groups regularly as part of my practice schedule.  If you can't shoot tight groups, then you'll never be able to shoot fast accurately. 

I shoot groups at 20 yards on paper.  I practice this so that my worst groups get better.  Not to improve my best groups.  This is actually a good goal for practice too.  To improve your worst runs.  As you improve your worst runs, your best runs will get better and you won't "crash and burn" as often on stages.

Doc

[Will Ketchum]

I'm a former bullseye shooter and shooting good groups is what I do.  I'll never be fast enough to win against a 2 handed shooter but I can shoot better roups than most.  I wish more clubs would have a bullseye type side match during their large annual shoots.

Will Ketchum

[Prof. Bullspit]

I used to shoot groups a lot, but that was 7 or 8 years ago. I moved from Arizona to Kansas, was in school and working full time so I didn't do any shooting to speak of until I moved to California and started shooting CAS.

Now I shoot only twice a month and that is only at the CAS range. I just haven't made time to go to a more target oriented range to do group shooting but I know I should.

I've (I think) located (on the Internet) a range called the West End Gun Club that is not too far away from me but I haven't been there yet. I do a little practice prior to the matches and I've done load testing group shooting to make sure that my loads are hitting point of aim.

Good advice! Thanks!

[Doc Shapiro]

Where in CA are you?  I'm up near Sacramento.

Doc

[Prof. Bullspit]

I'm down in Southern California near San Bernardino. I shoot with the Cajon Cowboys. I actually saw you at EOT this year but you were busy so I didn't bother you.

[SIR WILLIAM]

The only thing I group is my shotgun.  My other firearms are set up for accuracy.  My goal is 100% on a 6" plate at 50 yards.  The only interesting firearms are accurate ones.

[Doc Shapiro]

Prof, I'll be gettin close to you for a match in October.  The first monthly Western 3 Gun match will be at Piru the 2nd Sunday in October (10th I think).  I'm planning on heading on down for it.

Doc

[Prof. Bullspit]

I was intrigued by W3G when I first heard about it. I really considered driving over to watch the match but work and other issues got in the way. I heard about a monthly match but had forgotten about it.

I may have to think about driving over to check it out. While I'm not a top shooter by any means I think I would enjoy the additional challenge (including the accuracy component) of the format.  If I get over there I'll introduce myself properly to you.

[Doc Shapiro]

That would be great!

You don't have to be a "top shooter" (whatever that is) to participate.  W3G is just another shooting game that happens to use cowboy guns.  It's a little more like IPSC than SASS matches are.   I don't think you can really compare them, the differences are too great.  It is a lot of fun though!

There were a bunch of folks out at the recent match that weren't among the top.  Just folks out having fun shootin.

Doc

[Prof. Bullspit]

I shouldn't perpetuate the myth that W3G is for top shooters only. The format does seem to be for more proficient shooters though given the additional movement components. I also like to lower expectations!

[Doc Shapiro]

It's not for the casual shooter.  That's true.  However, it is a ton of fun!  You do need some reasonable gun handling skills, but many have those.

Doc

[Klondike]

Doc, you have made an excellent point on this thread. I can't tell you how many times I have had a shooter ask me to check their gun because it is not hitting targets, a lot of time there is shooter error. But a lot of times they have never put the gun on paper and have no idea where it is hitting, plus they are buying factory ammo and keep changing manufacturers because of availability or price. A gun has to be put on paper and grouped periodically and anytime loads are changed.
Plus as you said, shooting small groups at speed on paper at 20 yards, equates to hits on steel at closer ranges.

[Doc Shapiro]

Klondike, if you don't know where your guns shoot, then there is no way to develop any confidence in them.  Without confidence in your equipment, you can't get good at any shooting game.

Doc

[Klondike]

Doc,
next time you are at a monthly shoot, or even at a major, look around. It is a mazing how many untouched sights you will see.
I know several potentially  good shooters that have never printed their pistols, I just don't understand why not! If a shooter can't go to a range and use paper, use a steel one and use fresh paint, paint a small circle and zero them in. Many times I have gone to the CAS range with cans of spray paint just to check out sights. (we don't have stands or anything that will work well  for paper targets)
I have offered on several occasions (when we are home) if people would come to work day and work, bring their loads and pistols and I would set the sights free of charge for them (obviously a ploy to get workers) very few takers. I don't know if they don't want to work or don't care where their guns shoot.