So I guess my real question is this,,,
What benchmark of accuracy should be their goal?
NRA Basic Pistol Instructor course you need to get 16 of 20 rounds in a 6" group at 15 yards. Most important is the group. If they are creating a scatter gram its hard to help the shooter. With a group you can move that easily.
I have them start with a T/C on a bipod with a scope. Hitting the bulls-eye early is an advantage to the instructor and exciting to the new shooter. A few shots with that and I can correct the trigger pull then move on to all of the other mechanics.
I don't really care where on the target they hit after that, we just concentrate on the group concept. Keep the same point of aim don't try to move the bullet to the center of the target. Just keep drilling the group and they will improve quickly then adjust the sights according to the group created.
I also try to keep them on the long sight radius pistols so 4" is short. 5" or greater gives the new shooter a better chance. I have a few long barrel pistols. 8" 357 and 44 mag, 7" 22, 6" 1911 and the T/C is 14".
For combat accuracy it's a torso target at 5 yards. Again the group is the critical item.
rtpzwms
NRA Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun Instructor