I think I've had it wrong all these years

[stephen426]

It sounds like you had a worthwhile trip to the range. I also agree that rapid fire practice is very important. You want to learn to manage the recoil. I also suggest varying the number of shots in the shot string, making each string 2 to 5 or 6 shots with some speed reloads thrown in to keep the gun in action if you run dry during a string.

You might also want to invest in a shot timer so that you can see how fast you're shooting and get a better idea of the balance between speed and accuracy. As Jeff Cooper used to say, "Shoot as quickly as you can, but no quicker."

Well done.

Thanks for the advice. I was actually looking at getting a shot timer. I still hope to find time to join IPSC/IDPA/ PPC type shooting competitions. I'm not sure what the differences are, but I want to use my carry guns. When you get into the tricked out race guns, it becomes more sport rather than practical self defense. Some skills will still carry over, but who the heck walks around with speed holsters and half a dozen mags. Besides, I imagine a fully tricked out race gun would be a bit hard to conceal.

 

[Frank Ettin]

Competition can be a good extension of training and practice. It's not a place to learn self defense and tactics. Especially IPSC (USPSA in the U. S.) and IDPA are excellent ways to learn and practice skills like safe gun handling, moving safely with a loaded weapon, shooting from unconventional postures, target acquisition, shooting fast and accurately, reloading, etc., all under the stress of competition.

To get an idea of the differences, you may want to do a little searching on the Internet. Both USPSA and IDPA have websites, and either of them will probably offer more of the kind of shooting you may be looking for. PPC, as I understand it, places more emphasis on accuracy and less on time pressure. And in PPC, the course of fire is standardized, so USPSA and IDPA provide more variation. And you would be able to use your carry gun in either USPSA or IDPA.