Grouping.

We did an IDPA where you had a bag on your head and a target about 5 yards ahead of you. You had to fire six shots, IIRC. You would be surprised how many folks missed the target completely. You started with the gun pointed at the target and then were bagged.

With no offense, has the OP had any training in tactical shooting - that might be the solution to this nonproblem.
 
You know - and before I say much, I'm a rank newbie - I think I've seen large rectangular sheets with six targets on them, arranged two wide and three down...

Not sure what you'd search for to find them on the interweb, but I'm pretty sure I've seen them.
 
if you can shoot so accurate aim for the brain

Yxias,

First, thank you far making many of us feel inadequate:o (

Now seriously, if you are so good indeed at various ranges, then you shoud now take any type of target ( if for oe reason or another you object to using a human shaped target) and practice shooting at areas other than the center.

with enough practice, you can get to the point where you can put your shots wherever you want them to go. the next step will be to mask some of your target as a "nop shoot" area, which can simulate cover or a hostage, this will further improve your skills.

Once you can do this at various ranges ( I would say at least up to 10M for SD) then you will findthat you are able to hit anywhere you want.

and off course, if you are a medical practitioner, then you know that the top half ot he head is there the CNS is based...

Brgds,

Danny
 
The ability to define one's shot group while moving and under extreme stress would a joy to behold.

But the square range isn't the real world. I would ask again if the OP has tried this in more dynamic situations? If not, the point is moot.
 
Multiple bullets in the same hole does not magnify wound effectiveness.

You want your bullets to all hit different organs.

3 rounds of 9/40/45/357/44 in the heart (and actually hitting it) is no more effective than 1 or 2 in the same place.

However... a single round each in the heart, lung and spine will disable an attacker more quickly.
 
The easiest answer is:
Switch from pistol to shotgun. 00 buckshot.

As a practical problem, if you are hitting but not stopping the threat, your problem is lack of penetration. Thick clothes, dense target, you got the unlucky box of ammo, whatever. Multiple shots to the heart that don't drop a guy = some type of body armor. Multiple head shots that don't drop a guy = stop aiming at his motorcycle helmet.
 
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I'm curious as to what would make you think that your target is going to hold still so you could hit the same spot twice....

I'm no self defense expert but I do know one word that applies.... dynamic.
 
To answer the question asked of me, no I do not have any dynamic training (don't worry, I'll get some soon!) The point of the topic wasn't exactly just to learn of different ways to get bigger groups...but to also get information as to if shooting over more area of the body is recommended. I know the first post isn't worded in that way, but that's what I wished more to learn about.

The help so far has been greatly appreciated. I've tried speeding up my shots and that has spread out my groups somewhat. I wish I can find a moving target range near me...that would be really nice. Once again, thanks, and continue with more input!
 
The main reason that you don't have to worry about spreading out your shots is that all the things you want/need to hit are pretty well in one place:

anatomy_of_human_body.gif



as you can see, pretty well every major organ, vein and artery is in or passes through the center of the rib cage. Any bullet that hits a human being from (more or less) the bottom of the ribs on up is going to damage a major organ or artery. With the possible exception of "grazing" wounds.


Secondarily, your target is not going to be standing there getting shot, at least not after the first shot, so even if you are trying to hit the same exact spot you are unlikely to be successful.
 
You worry too much

If and when you do get in a life threatening shooting you won't have to worry about your group opening up. It will be difficult enough to get one on target.
There's several reasons for COM practice and training, not the least of which is at least getting a hit in an emergency even at 8-10 inches of error.
 
You don't want to speed up your shooting to increase group size.

Like I said - training is need in this case to appreciate speed/accuracy trade off as compared to theories out of the blue.
 
Government training: quick draw from the strong side hip. Three rapid shots center mass. Practice this at varying distances from 5 feet out to 15 yards. This is where most fire fights are going to happen. Longer range stuff is good to practice for your ego but not realistic in a gun battle as intended target(s) will probably not be standing still.
 
Glenn is correct.

Spreading out your group size is NOT a desirable goal for self defense shooting.

Accurately placing the bullet exactly where you intend for it to go is a valuable and important goal.

So is being able to do so quickly enough to make a difference. The best accuracy in the world doesn't count if it doesn't arrive on target in time to save your life.

pax
 
Shoot faster until your groups spread out and you have a speed/accuracy combination that you're comfortable with. There's no reason to be scared of not hitting on the second or third shots.... that's irrational. If you don't know if you could hit on the second or third shots, go TRY it. Then you'll know.
 
Sheeesh, if I could hold that kind of group, I'd at least run through a half of mag or more in case the thug had picked up some body armor on their last job. Once I felt I had punched through, then I’d scatter a few more around for effect… IF I could hold that kind of group :(.
And if frogs had wings...
Paint me green with envy. Interesting post though.
 
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