For civilians, is 25 yd. accuracy important?

I find one bullet placed where I wanted to place it enough to protect me or my family.

But it seems to take thousands of practice rounds to put that one bullet in place. :)
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by J. Parker:
I lived in a state where civilians shot at 25 yards and "LE only" got to shoot at 7 yards.[/quote]

Can you elaborate on this? By law, you weren't allowed to set your target any closer?
 
Watchman <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by J. Parker:
The point is why is shooting at extended ranges with a handgun necessary? For fun? I'll buy that. I've shot at steel plates out to 100 yards and when there're hit it is very satisfying. I'm not a cop and I don't handgun hunt so what's the point? :) Best, J. Parker [/quote]

There really is only ONE point to shooting right ?


I shoot short(0-50), medium,(50-100), long (100-600)and extrememly long(600-1000).

Of course, I enjoy doing it all immensly.

But the REAL reason is to be able to shoot any SOB that thinks it's his duty to collect my guns "for the safety of society" , for "our children" , or any other BS reason that a politician can come up with.
;)
 
Jeff; I lived in the SF Bay area for 20 years. The two ranges I went to would only let civilians shoot at the 25 yd. targets. One time I was double tapping down range and the range master came down to my position and looked at my pistols like I had something illegal or was shooting something illegal. NOT my idea of fun! When I could get away from work I would go to the Elderado National Forest, set up a silhouette and blast away till my hearts content. The only fun I had was in the woods so I guess shooting at "ranges" just left a bad taste in my mouth. Best, J. Parker
 
IMHO, accuracy is accuracy at any range. Shooting at longer ranges just lets you refine your target skills. If your main interest is shooting at paper, that's great.

For a personal defense weapon, encounters will be lots closer than 25 yards, and will involve quick engagement from leather or from ready position, plus follow-up shots and multiple aggressor scenarios. Practice for concealed carry or home defense is a lot different from target shooting. Of course, no one says you can't do both.
 
Depends on exactly what you are trying to accomplish with a pistol. 25 yd and out shooting is a definite challenge and requires certain skills to do well. They are not the same skills as are needed for real world self-defense, where 7 yards is 'long range'. It has long been established that the vast majority of armed encounters occur within 5 yds and down to contact range, in dim light and are over 2-3 seconds. Fantastic marksmanship is not required but coolness, promptness and determination are. 'Target shoot' if you must but be aware that it may inhibit the exact skills that save lives in the real world. Most law enforcement courses now reflect this.

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How about usin full size bad guy target at 7yds, put a strip of 2" duct tape from just above the bridge of nose down to bout 4" below belly button. Now when you do your drills count only the shots that hit the tape as "stoppers" Better yet, put an old shirt or dress over the target so you can't see the tape till you are ready to score the target. Or put the tape on the back.

Sam
 
Shooting at random yardages also teaches you to better differentiate a targets distance, to make the necessary adjustments. I shoot at 7,10,15, 20 and 25 yards when I can.(Randomly) And like the others say, when you work at long yardage it helps to improve your short range work too.

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***Torpedo***
It's a good life if you can survive it!
 
If you can hit at distance - fast - you should be able to hit up close - fast.

As to defensive shootings, the operative word regarding them and the distances they occure at is most. As in "most" shootings occur at 7 yards or less. You can not just prepare for "most" you also have to train, at least some, for the exception. Think of that practice as you would your life insurance. "Most" people will live to an old age but buy life insurance to assure their families will be cared for if they are the exception to that "most".

YMMV VWP NWEI LS/MFT

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Ne Conjuge Nobiscum
"If there be treachery, let there be jehad!"

[This message has been edited by Jim V (edited August 17, 2000).]
 
Yes it is! You may never need to make shots at 25 yards, but if you ever really need to do it you may need to do it very badly.
 
Thanks everyone for your replies. Ya know those silhouettes with the bad guy holding the gal around the neck? I like those. It's challenging to try and hit the BG without hitin' the hostage. It's somethin' I do at 7 and 10 yards. Haven't done it at 25 yards. Now that would be a challenge. Thanks again, J. Parker
 
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