Handgun Accuracy - Should I be happy with 6" groups at 25 yds?

[Jim K]

"...resting the pistol on sandbags on a bench..."

I am not sure how you are resting the pistol, but don't. Having the pistol, barrel or butt, touch the bags or the bench will cause it to bounce in an unpredictable way every shot.

Put the sand bag(s) on the bench and rest YOUR WRISTS on them, not allowing any part of your hands or the gun to touch the bags or the bench.

That being noted, 6" at 25 yards could be acceptable for a short range defense pistol; it would certainly not be acceptable in target competition at any time.

Jim

[Narwhal]

I rest the bottom of the pistol's grip, the base of the magazine, if you will, on top of a large sandbag. The sandbag is sitting on a bench.

My problem was resolved in post #48 above after S&W replaced the barrel in said pistol. It now averages 3" 5 shot groups at 25 yards.

[Sauer Grapes]

I think you did fine. Especially if your using factory ammo and a stock trigger.
The only way to take shooter error out of it is with a ransom rest. From what I see, I think your right there, unless your some kind of master class shooter.

I just tested some loads in my 40S&W pro series yesterday that I handloaded. It took awhile to get the right load and still make major power factor for USPSA.
My best group was just under 2'', my worst was 3''@ 25yds. I also have done some trigger work on mine.

Let's face it, these guns aren't 1911s. For what they are, I'd be pretty happy with your targets.

[marv]

You should Never be satisfied with your group size.

[Arbo]

Originally Posted by Narwhal

Hi,

I was wondering what people consider acceptable accuracy from a handgun.

Today was the first time I really tried to to test the accuracy of one of mine, a S&W M&P 40 pro series with night sights & Federal HST 180gr ammo.

I was a little bit disappointed that after firing 100 shots in 20 5 shot groups, I was only averaging 6". The smallest group was 4.5" and the largest was 8", but the average was right around 6".

This was with resting the pistol on sandbags on a bench, sitting in a chair, and really taking my time while making sure I had the exact same point of aim on every shot.

One interesting thing in my goups is that often the first shot in every string was the outlier, about 5" low, then the next 4 shots would usally be within 2" of each other right around the bullseye.

I'm not the best shooter in the world of course but I'm wondering if this is OK accuracy for a $600, duty-type pistol in most people's eyes?

I know there have been loads of replies about 'benchrest' and 'scope' and 'match ammo' and other stuff. I guess if you are shooting for competition, all that matters.

From my POV, if it is self defense, odd's are they will be closer than 25 yards, which means a 6" group at 25 yards would probably translate into a dead attacker. Sounds like that's the whole point.

[9mmepiphany]

Originally Posted by marv

You should Never be satisfied with your group size.

This is exactly the correct mindset in shooting...that's how you keep getting better

You start by learning to shoot 1" groups at 3 yards and than start moving back to 7, 10, 15 and 20 yards. The technique of grip, sight alignment and trigger control is exactly the same.

When you become satisfied with your ability is when you stop pushing

[9mmepiphany]

Originally Posted by Arbo

From my POV, if it is self defense, odd's are they will be closer than 25 yards, which means a 6" group at 25 yards would probably translate into a dead attacker. Sounds like that's the whole point.

It isn't...or at least shouldn't be.

Common wisdom is that your performance will degrade by a factor of two under stress...so you really should be trying too keep all your shots inside 4"

It is like folks who are happy getting a couple of shots off, within 4", in a second when standing, at 5-7 yards, and having their gun already pointed at the target. I attended a recent class where we drew a holstered gun, while moving off-line and putting two shots within 4" in .7 sec

[Blackstone]

Originally Posted by Jim K

"...resting the pistol on sandbags on a bench..."

I am not sure how you are resting the pistol, but don't. Having the pistol, barrel or butt, touch the bags or the bench will cause it to bounce in an unpredictable way every shot.

Put the sand bag(s) on the bench and rest YOUR WRISTS on them, not allowing any part of your hands or the gun to touch the bags or the bench.

That being noted, 6" at 25 yards could be acceptable for a short range defense pistol; it would certainly not be acceptable in target competition at any time.

Jim

I always wondered about this. What about when you're shooting prone? Should you rest the gun against the ground?

[HB]

I hate the sights on most "combat" pistols. I have been trying to wring out the accuracy of my glock 17 with night sights and have been disappointed. I think a switch to adjustable iron sights would be ideal. I prefer accuracy over tacticool. A front blade with gold insert would be nice.

HB

[murf]

doesn't matter your shooting position, never rest the butt of the pistol on anything solid. if you want to rest the gun on a sandbag or solid rest, make sure it is the frame, or your forearms that touch the bag, not the barrel or butt.

murf

[sanman513]

I would probably try shooting from a vise to really find out. I wouldn't bug out about it though. If you're hitting consistent tight groups (1.5-2.5in) at 15yds, that's good enough. It's a pistol! lol :beer:

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[Beentown]

Yeah it is also tough to shoot a 20 round group. Take a 5 shot, 1moa rifle and shoot it 10 times for group...

[vujade]

thank you for updating this thread with your current status.

I love S&W's warranty/customer service.

I too have a SW but in 1911 45ACP. When I got it, it would shoot 6-8 inch groups with handloads (25 yards, 5 shot strings).

It did take 2 trips to S&W but they finally changed the barrel.

My normal groups are now 2-3 inches; once in a while, I'll get a sub 2 incher. I'm 'testing accuracy' by resting my arms on a towel/bench. At 13 yards, they are essentially 1 ragged hole. (although shooting accurate with a handgun is MUCH harder than a rifle. Like another post said, it looks easy but it's really takes some effort. It takes a very small immeasurable angle to totally double a group's size at that distance)

It's great to hear stories like yours. Happy shooting!

[Potatohead]

Oh, I strongly disagree. I know some retired SEALs and Delta guys who’d laugh at that kind of accuracy standard. Even little ‘ol me shooting DA at 25 yds can beat that any day.

i think youre supposed to hit the middle