but is it reasonable to expect the same performance from the automatic that he gets from a j frame?
Aye , that is the question.
but is it reasonable to expect the same performance from the automatic that he gets from a j frame?
I'm not familiar with your Walther, but I have used other small automatics. A big key may be weight, more so than barrel length. If the weight is equal to your Smith Model 60, I see no reason why with time and practice that you can't do just as well with the Walther.
450 rounds over four months isn't a lot. I'd be amazed if anyone could do that with the Model 60 with such a low round count, if they didn't have a backlog of experience from shooting something else.
You've proven that you're willing to take the time to learn, to pay your dues. If you're not satisfied with your rapid fire shooting doing the same thing over and over again isn't likely to change anything. You can't shoot better fast than you can shoot slow. I'd back off the speed and shoot slow fire until I had a group I liked. Then, I'd gradually pick up the pace. To be able to put a round a second in the target you're using at the distance you describe isn't an unreasonable expectation, but it is better than the vast majority of pistol shooters can do with a small gun.
You're way ahead in that you understand that the number of rounds you put downrange means nothing. Only the hits count.
In the world of trapshooting, it is acceptable to use the 'new gun excuse for 1000 rounds( ten 100's)...then you're expected to fall back on 'bug in my eye' or 'raised my head' etc.
Of course, I'm kidding....sort of.
The switch from a j frame to a semi auto is a big switch. Two very different guns.
Good luck with the P99.
Such guns are short-range guns, and the sight sits higher over the bore. Not much, but enough to change things.
It's best to wait for summer for the 'bug in my eye' excuse.So I have 500 left on the Ljutic. Good to know. I have a session with a Garmin Xero S1 set up in the near future. Bug in my eye, never tried that one.
Yesterday I did a comparison exercise. The target was a steel torso silhouette about 2/3 life size (approx 18x20"), the range 50 ft. At about 1 shot per second , unsupported , my hit rate with the pistol was about 65% , with the S&W m.60 J frame (da) 90% .
Yes , I am familiar with the "New York reload" practice , and occasionally go that route.And of course, if all your efforts to improve with the Walther lead you nowhere pleasant, you can always go and get a second revolver and thereby double the amount of ammo ready for good, precise handgun fire!
Agreed. That is why I still carry my 60 ; have not yet reached the point at which I can justify the switch.What if you run out of time before you run out of ammo?
Accuracy matters.
I gave up on alloy and polymer J frames a long time ago. I find a steel/ stainless J frame to be quite comfortable and manageable - with standard .38 sp loads , NOT .357 , or even +P.It ... is uncomfortable to shoot 100-200 rounds in a session. I gave up on J frames years ago.
That question has come up here and elsewhere often. At another risk of thread drift , I will respond. My 60 is quite suitable for some scenarios , such as : bad guy demands wallet and otherwise threatens in retail parking lot - close range , 5 rounds likely to resolve the situation or fail to do so without expending all ammo. General close quarters self defense in general , I am confident with that revolver.Do you really anticipate a defensive shot at 50+ feet?