How tight a group is 'average'?
- Thread starter DarkRayz
- Start date
average
Based on purely observational experience of shooters at a variety of ranges over the years, if you can consistently shoot 4" groups at 35 feet, you are better than most.
Circumstances, though, dictate what is good. Many shooters that I have seen may not have been trying to shoot for a small group. Then there is timing. How much are you taking? That slow fire at two seconds a shot mentioned earlier would be rapid fire in a Bullseye match.
Here's a picture of a slow fire target fired by a member of this forum (not me, I can only wish). It was shot in international/sectional competition - 10 shots in ten minutes, one hand hold, 25 yards, iron sights. He came in second...but not because of this target.
Based on purely observational experience of shooters at a variety of ranges over the years, if you can consistently shoot 4" groups at 35 feet, you are better than most.
Circumstances, though, dictate what is good. Many shooters that I have seen may not have been trying to shoot for a small group. Then there is timing. How much are you taking? That slow fire at two seconds a shot mentioned earlier would be rapid fire in a Bullseye match.
Here's a picture of a slow fire target fired by a member of this forum (not me, I can only wish). It was shot in international/sectional competition - 10 shots in ten minutes, one hand hold, 25 yards, iron sights. He came in second...but not because of this target.
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inSight-NEO
New member
Of course, I am of the belief that tight groups (at POA), fired at a target 30+ yards away (most likely slow fire), is not necessarily indicative of "useful" accuracy...at least in terms of personal defense.
After all, if you find that hitting "tight" POA groups during rapid fire, say at 7 to 10 yards, proves difficult, then how useful is the longer range stuff, unless you plan on competing or joining your local PD?
But I will admit, this is a fairly specific issue and thus, not necessarily geared toward the masses.
Regardless, I generally do not pay much attention to what is considered "average." Rather, I pay much more attention to what is considered effective, useful and possibly "necessary," given my particular needs (along with the caliber/weapon used to meet such needs). Anything beyond this, personally speaking, would be more about "personal best" and/or "bragging rights."
After all, if I may use a guitar analogy, simply because you are adept at playing "rhythm," does not necessarily mean you will be adept at playing "lead."
After all, if you find that hitting "tight" POA groups during rapid fire, say at 7 to 10 yards, proves difficult, then how useful is the longer range stuff, unless you plan on competing or joining your local PD?
But I will admit, this is a fairly specific issue and thus, not necessarily geared toward the masses.
Regardless, I generally do not pay much attention to what is considered "average." Rather, I pay much more attention to what is considered effective, useful and possibly "necessary," given my particular needs (along with the caliber/weapon used to meet such needs). Anything beyond this, personally speaking, would be more about "personal best" and/or "bragging rights."
After all, if I may use a guitar analogy, simply because you are adept at playing "rhythm," does not necessarily mean you will be adept at playing "lead."
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My experience is that a good shooter with a good revolver can expect about 2-3" at 25 yards and a good shot with a good pistol will be from 3-4" at the same yardage. This is slow fire. If you are an expert with either type of arm you can shave an inch or so off of that.
I agree with the others that target shooting is different for each shooter. Some have more experience and some have better guns. If you spend a lot of time shooting, you will keep improving and your accuracy will be better.
Most of the claims by firearm manufacturers cannot be equaled by the average shooter and I would just consider it as marketing. I have been shooting for many years and probably could not match their claims.
I agree with the others that target shooting is different for each shooter. Some have more experience and some have better guns. If you spend a lot of time shooting, you will keep improving and your accuracy will be better.
Most of the claims by firearm manufacturers cannot be equaled by the average shooter and I would just consider it as marketing. I have been shooting for many years and probably could not match their claims.
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cougar gt-e
New member
No quibble with that statement!